Wheel Diameter Affects Vibration Transmission but Not Performance During Uphill and Downhill Mountain Biking over Rough Terrain

Mountain biking over rough terrain exposes riders to vibrations that may affect comfort, health, bicycle control, and performance. This study analyzed the effect of wheel diameter on vibration transmission and performance during a short uphill and downhill test over rocky terrain. Forty-nine highly trained male mountain bikers completed repeated trials using two equivalent hardtail mountain bikes with 26- and 29-inch wheels. Vibrations were recorded with eight triaxial accelerometers placed on the bicycle and rider, and performance was assessed using an electronic photocell timing system. Both wheel sizes showed a similar vibration pattern, with lower root mean square (RMS) acceleration values at the helmet and coccyx and higher values at the wrists and ankles. However, wheel diameter significantly influenced vibration transmission. During the uphill test, the 26-inch bicycle produced higher accelerations at the coccyx and rear hub, whereas during the downhill test, the 29-inch bicycle transmitted greater vibrations to the rider’s wrists and ankles. No significant differences were observed between wheel sizes in the time required to complete either the uphill or downhill tests. These findings suggest that, in short and highly irregular uphill and downhill sections, 29-inch wheels do not necessarily improve performance over 26-inch wheels, although they modify the distribution of vibrations transmitted to the rider.