Pedalling Technique

[elduderino]

Right, I've never really paid attention to my pedalling style, I guess I would be a stomper; I just mash the pedal's without any thought really. But I've been for a ride today and I accidentally took a small (ish) hill in a higher gear than usual and for some reason I pedalled in a completely different style. Instead of mashing the pedal's, I sort of effortlessly glided up the hill and it felt like the bike was doing the work and not me, for a change. Poetry in motion it was.

Anyhoo, I experimented with this for the rest of the ride and found that with the new found technique, in slightly higher gears than I would usually choose I could effortlessly cruise along at 18-22mph, but after a few minutes I would revert back to stomping the pedal's and dropping down a few gears.

I know practice makes perfect, but are there any other tip's I should be aware of to make the transition to efficient pedalling slightly easier.

Thanks

 

[montage]

Are you wearing SPDs/toeclips?

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Congratulations on your breakthrough. I believe that this kind of experimentation is the key to help and comfortable cycling.

As a rule of thumb, having the ball of the foot on the pedals in usually the optimal position. Try to avoid the heal being turned out or in too much.. When descending try tilting your heels towards the ground slightly (especially is off road). SPDs will help with the fluidity of movement and stop the stomping as well.

 

[elduderino]

Cheers, yeah I've been using SPD's for a while now but old habits die hard and I don't think I've been getting the most out of them. I don't pull up as often as I probably should either. I'll do some more experimenting tomorrow.

 

[psmiffy]

You dont really need to pull up with the spds its more of an unweighting that keeps the thing smooth

 

[Over The Hill]

With the pedal like a clock face if you just push DOWN you can only do this from say 2 oclock to about 5 oclock,
Instead from about 11 oclock to 3 push down and forward and then from 5 through to 7 down and back.
You will use more muscles in doing this and get a push out of about double the pedal turn (although the power is not so strong on the last bits).

Think about is as you do it until it becomes natural.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

A good way to realise the full potential of SPD' is to pedal one legged. Within a few revolutions your body will figure out the optimal form. Great strength training as well

With the pedal like a clock face if you just push DOWN you can only do this from say 2 oclock to about 5 oclock,
Instead from about 11 oclock to 3 push down and forward and then from 5 through to 7 down and back.
You will use more muscles in doing this and get a push out of about double the pedal turn (although the power is not so strong on the last bits).

Think about is as you do it until it becomes natural.