Physical effort and pace of MTB and eMTB bicycles on mountain trails - a case study

Abstract

This scientific article presents the intriguing results of a comparative study on the performance and effort parameters in mountain biking (MTB) and electric mountain biking (eMTB). The study meticulously involved a 51-year-old male participant boasting a normal BMI and excellent aerobic fitness. Both MTB and eMTB were subjected to rigorous testing, with designated mountain trails chosen for the rides. Heart rate monitoring, facilitated by specialized equipment like the Garmin Edge 1030 bike computer and the Garmin HRM Pro chest strap, meticulously recorded effort parameters. All the gathered data was securely stored and subjected to meticulous analysis in the Garmin Connect cloud.The comprehensive findings disclosed that the total riding time on the mountain trail was remarkably 45.3% longer on the traditional MTB compared to the eMTB. However, the eMTB demonstrated a noteworthy 31% higher average speed, particularly evident during challenging uphill sections and minor inclines. This discovery implies that eMTB riding provides a time-saving advantage while delivering a thrilling and faster-paced experience.Interestingly, despite the significant disparity in average speed, no statistically significant differences were observed in maximum speed between the two bike types. This suggests that both MTB and eMTB are capable of reaching similar peak speeds, ensuring exhilarating moments for riders irrespective of their chosen bike.When examining the effort parameters measured through heart rate, it was found that the average heart rate (HRAVG) during MTB riding was approximately 11% higher than during eMTB riding. This highlights that traditional MTB demands more intense cardiovascular effort and physical exertion.Similarly, the maximum heart rate (HRMAX) during MTB riding was slightly higher, though the difference was not statistically significant compared to eMTB riding. This suggests that both forms of biking can push participants to similar maximum heart rates despite the varying average heart rates.In conclusion, this insightful study adds valuable evidence to the ongoing discourse around MTB and eMTB riding. The results underscore the advantages of eMTB riding, offering faster speeds and higher average speeds compared to traditional MTB. Moreover, the study brings to light the comparable maximum speeds between the two forms of biking. The heart rate-based findings are crucial for mountain biking enthusiasts as they contemplate the best-fit option between a traditional mountain bike and an electric mountain bike, based on their preferences, physical capabilities, and desired riding experience.