Measurement of dynamic comfort in cycling using wireless acceleration sensors

Comfort in cycling is related to the level of vibration of the bicycle: more vibration results in less comfort for the rider. In this study, the level of vibration is measured in real time using wireless inertial acceleration sensors mounted at four places on the bike: front wheel axel, rear wheel axel, stem and seatpost. In this way, we measure both the input and output of the frame and fork, and consequently establish the transfer function of the frame and front fork. Besides the transfer of vibrations through the frame, we also investigate the input to the frame and fork. Moreover, we determine the effect of the road surface, speed, wheels and tire pressure on the vibrations induced to the frame and fork. Our analysis shows that road surface, speed and the tire pressure have a significant influence on the induced vibrations. On the contrary different wheelsets have no significant influence. Additionally, the vibrations propagate through the frame within a duration of 5 ms.