Abstract
Pedaling is a typical example of the problem of man-machine interaction. The design of machines and bicycles that makes full use of human capabilities is an old but still challenging engineering problem. This paper describles the optimal design of a bicycle from several viewpoints such as kinematics, statics, dynamics, and physiology. The efficacy of a new mechanism called “magic crank” that realizes an unconventional non-circular pedaling trajectory is also discussed.
