Date Approved

2005

Degree Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department or School

Health Promotion and Human Performance

Committee Member

Stephen McGregor, PhD, Chair

Committee Member

W. Jeffrey Armstrong, PhD

Committee Member

Anthony Moreno, MS

Abstract

Triathlon is the combined sport of swimming, cycling, and running. Cycling is normally the longest portion of the race. Therefore, maintenance of comfort and efficiency while maintaining high power output is essential for success in the cycling portion. Several methods are currently used for determination of height for road cyclists. It has yet to be determined if these methods are applicable to triathletes. Because of the different geometry of a triathlon bicycle, the question remains whether road-saddle fitting techniques can be an applied and work for the triathlon bicycle.

This thesis evaluated the participant’s current saddle height in addition to four different road-cycling fitting methods with regard to oxygen consumption while in an aerodynamic position on a triathlon-specific bicycle. It was determined that there was no statistically significant difference between the recreational male and female triathletes’ current saddle heights or those of the four different methods.

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