Abstract
Ergonomic considerations are important for a well-designed bicycle. The aim of our research is to evaluate the influence of seat height on the rider's physical factors, including anthropometry of the human body and joint angles, as well as psychological responses and subjective sensations. A questionnaire utilizing both Borg's scale and the Likert scale were used to determine riders' subjective opinions regarding preferable riding condition. The relationship between preferable riding condition and seat height was then established from the regression curve of the riders' subjective sensations with respect to the seat height. Using the regression curve, one can determine the preferable seat height for a comfortable riding posture. The results of this study can be used to develop a riding simulation model on a computer, which may benefit bicycle designers and manufacturers who are looking to improve the ergonomic design of their products. Research using CAD systems requires standard parameters of bicycle construction to set up a computer-simulated riding model. After creating a data bank of riders' physical factors and psychological responses, one can analyze the parameters of the preferable riding model with computer simulation, including seat height and height of handlebars.
