The primary muscles involved in cycling include the glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings and calves. These muscles work together to propel the bike forward, and an imbalance between the muscles can lead to inflexibility and muscle strain, according to the World of Sports Science website. Cycling also engages the shoulders, arms and upper back as you push and pull against the handlebars, but the impact of these muscle groups is secondary to the impact of the legs.
Quads and Hamstrings
The two main muscle groups of your thigh, your quadriceps and hamstrings forcefully engage to push and pull your legs as they pedal on an exercise bike. As you press down on the pedal, your quadriceps engage to push and extend your leg, and as you pull the pedal upward, your hamstrings engage to perform the movement.
Gastrocnemius and Soleus
The two large muscles of your calves, your gastrocnemius and soleus work together with your thighs to push and pull the pedals of the bike in a rotational manner. When you pedal a bike, you'll notice you press the ball of your foot down onto the pedal, slightly extending your foot, then you flex your foot as you pull the pedal upward. These motions, in addition to the flexion and extension of the knee, are propelled by your calf muscles.
Glutes
As you sit on the saddle of the bike, your glutes work together with your hamstrings and quads to extend the hip and rotate the pedal. Your glutes are the largest muscle group in your body, and their engagement will become more and more evident as you increase the bike's resistance. When it becomes more difficult to rotate the pedals, you will naturally recruit the powerful muscles of your buttocks to help you with the motion.
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