Bini, Hume and Croft (2011) study states that incorrect bicycle configuration may predispose athletes to injury and reduce cyclist their cycling performance. This study summarises research on methods for the determining bicycle saddle height and the effects of bicycle saddle height on the measure of cycling performance and lower limb injury risk. There is limited information on the effects of saddle height on cyclist lower limbs injury risk. If the saddle height is increased it can cause increase shorting on the vastii muscle group and no change in hamstring.
Evidence suggested that 5% change in saddle height affected knee joint kinematics by 23% and moments by 16% however change of less then 4% in trochanteric length do not seem to affect injury risk or performance. One the basis of the evidence on the effects of saddle height change on performance and lower limb injury risk in cycling. The study suggest that height may be set using the knee flexion angle method (25-30*) to reduce the risk of knee injuries and to minimize oxygen uptake.
