RESUMO
The basic Monark bicycle ergometer was machined into twelve pieces which allowed it to be transported in backpacks to high altitudes. The machining, reassembly and calibration of the adapted ergometer are discussed. To determine whether the functional characteristics of the bicycle ergometer had been affected by the modifications, 18 subjects randomly pedalled a standard bicycle ergometer or the modified model at workloads of 300, 600 and 900 kpm at 50 rpm for 6 minutes at each level, while their heart rates and oxygen uptake values were collected. Subsequent analysis revealed no significant differences between bicycles for either heart rate or oxygen uptake. This adapted ergometer proved to be very functional for carrying out high altitude investigations in which a controlled work load is required.