Research
After several years of research in association with the University of Bordeaux, the Décathlon Création research centre was able to highlight pedalling characteristics and the interaction between a cyclist and his bike. These interactions concern three pressure zones (saddle, handlebar, and the pedals). Our research showed that the position of the cyclist's legs could optimise pedalling effort, and the position of the upper body influenced comfort and handling.
Furthermore, these studies also showed that position depends on use. Which means that, for each discipline, there is a corresponding "ideal" position, balancing comfort, performance, and handling. Depending on this compromise, and on the cyclist's stature, the optimum cycling position is found from the configuration of these three pressure zones.