Comparison of the Effects of Resistance Exercise Training Versus Bike Fitting on Cycling Performance in Recreational Cyclists

Background: In cycling, performance can change with the adaptation of the bicycle to the individual, as well as the physiological characteristics of the individual. Aim The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of exercise training and bike fitting on cycling performance in recreational cyclists. Methods A total of 16 recreational cyclists were included in the present study. Individuals were divided into 2 groups as intervention and control groups with a simple random method. To the intervention group, exercise training for 3 days a week for 8 weeks and bike fitting was applied with video analysis method. On the other hand, to the control group, only bike fitting was applied with video analysis method. Cycling performance was evaluated with Functional Threshold Power Test (FTP), Lactate Threshold Heart Rate (LTHR), 10 Mile Time Trial Test (10 Mile TT), and critical powertest. Evaluations were made twice, before and after the training. Results After 8 weeks of training, significant differences were found in FTP (p = 0.008), LTHR (p = 0.044), 10 Mile TT (p = 0.038), and critical power (p = 0.008) tests in intervention group, and in FTP (p = 0.028) in control group. When the cycling performances of the groups were compared, only LTHR results were found to decrease in favor of intervention group (p = 0.017). Conclusion The exercise program developed for recreational cyclists and individual adaptations for bicycle ergonomics are important in terms of increasing cycling performance. We believe that strength training provided along with bike fittng in cyclists will be beneficial particularly in reducing fatigue.