Effects of different saddle heights on oxygen consumption and economy of national elite cyclists

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of saddle height changes on oxygen consumption and economy of cycling in national elite cyclists. Respiratory gases data were collected from 15 men cyclists. Saddle heights were determined based on knee angle values (25°, 30° and 35°). The oxygen consumption and pulmonary ventilation were measured using Metamax gas analyzer and cycling economy was determined by calculating the oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES). Two-way analysis of variance with repeated-measurements was used to analysis the data. The results showed that changes in the saddle height could alter the sum of oxygen consumption while no significant effects were found on the OUES and pulmonary ventilation. In the present study, cycling at the saddle height of 30 degree showed less oxygen consumption, thus it could be considered an optimal saddle height position.