Development of Racing Track Cycle for Elite Players Considered Stiffness and Aerodynamic Effects

To improve cycling performance, the power output of the rider and the sources of resistance (e.g., air resistance, frame stiffness, and cycle mass) must be considered. From a mechanical viewpoint, we consider how the bike frame performance can be increased while decreasing the resistance. First, to improve the competitive ability of a racing track cycle, we should consider the stiffness of the bike frame including the pedal loading and aerodynamic effects when riding. Therefore, we obtained the cross-sectional area of each part of the bike frame and then aimed to minimize the drag force through an aerodynamic parametric study. In addition, the frame should remain safe under the loading applied by the rider. Under the guidelines of the UCI (union Cycliste Internationale) regulations, the bike frame has been evaluated under the proposed loading condition, and we developed a racing track cycle for elite cyclists.