Keeping track of precise bike settings for elite cyclists has never been easier with the development of new web database technology by AIS Biomechanics and Performance Analysis and the Australian National University School of Software Engineering.

The system, known as ‘My Bike Set Up’, collects and records vital information about cyclists’ anthropometry (height, body proportions and type).

This data is fed into My Bike Set Up and then used to adjust, fit and tune the measurements and settings of their high-tech road or track bikes for optimum performance.

AIS biomechanist Ami Drory said the development of the My Bike Set Up software represents a major improvement in capturing data about cyclists’ (of all disciplines — road, track, mountain bike and BMX) anthropometry in relation to their bike settings.

‘It will give Australian cyclists confidence in knowing that their bikes have been sized and set up to their right measurements based on current profiles of their anthropometry,’ Drory said. ‘In fact it will create a world-first data set that will enable biomechanists to optimise the algorithm used to calculate cyclists’ bike set-up based on their body proportions.

‘It means that coaches and mechanics, when adjusting and fine tuning the bike settings, can remotely use hand-held devices to tap into a range of historical data about any changes to cyclists’ anthropometry.

‘Previously there was no real way to remotely record and access ongoing historical data about cyclists’ body size and shape in relation to bike settings.’

AIS athletes and coaches will trial My Bike Set Up software in preparation for the Santos Tour Down Under road cycling race in Adelaide from 17 to 24 January 2010.