| Keywords |
Body mapping ; Cycling wear ; Sweat ; Thermal sensation ; Consumer survey |
| Abstract |
In the energy-conservation era, cycling is receiving worldwide attention and enjoying increased popularity. However, comprehensive studies related to subjective and objective thermophysiological responses for cycling wear are lacking. This study was conducted to investigate subjectively the thermal burden, sweat perception, and thermal comfort of various body parts during cycling. The questionnaire consisted of questions on perceived thermal feeling, sweating sensation, and consequent discomfort of different body parts while cycling during different seasons. Korean bicyclists (n = 285) participated to the survey. The results were as follows. The respondents reported sweat management as the most uncomfortable aspect of cycling wear. The discomfort due to sweating was dominant even in winter and indicated that clothing for the back, buttocks/crotch, axilla, and chest should be improved for better comfort. For winter wear, the results suggested the need for improved back ventilation and chest insulation. The findings provide practical insight into novel product designs and the development of high-performance cycling wear for better thermophysiological comfort and sweat management. |