Researchers at Massey University hope to finally answer the age old question of whether it is better to sit or stand when cycling up a hill.
Philip Fink, of the university's school of sport and exercise, will carry out the research using a pair of state-of-the-art $40,000 cycle cranks which have been fitted to a road bike.
"These cranks are able to collect data that will tell us exactly what force is exerted on the pedals," Dr Fink said.
Cyclists disagreed over the best way to climb hills, with some preferring to stay seated and others preferred to stand, he said.
"Not a lot is known about the bio-mechanics involved, so we're looking to pinpoint where the power comes from."
The research would also look into other aspects of riding such as what impact the height of the saddle has on power and performance.
