Dinant Kistemaker, Knoek van Soest and Maarten Bobbert have together received a grant (€895,287) to redesign handbike and bicycle components by focusing on the human musculoskeletal system rather than traditional engineering principles. Using advanced muscle research and computer models, they aim to optimize performance by better leveraging human muscle potential. The redesigned equipment will be tested by elite cyclists and daily handcyclists.
About the project: In handcycling and bicycling, speed depends on the functional capacity and fitness of the rider, and on equipment design. Traditionally, engineering considerations have governed equipment design. For example, chainrings are circular just because of engineering considerations. In contrast, we seek to redesign handcycle and bicycle components, taking the human musculoskeletal system as a starting point. Using new empirical research on muscles and advanced computer models we redesign equipment to better exploit the potential of human muscles. Equipment will be tested by elite professional cyclist and daily-user handcyclists.
Our aim: empower riders to achieve unmatched performance in handcycles and bicycles.
Read more about the project here:
- VU website and .
- NWO site.