pedalling technique and leg muscles

[Alex Simmons/RST]

First order of business is upgrade to pedal system that you can apply power on the full crank rotation or as near as possible, not just the down stroke. Without the proper equipment it will be impossible to develop proper technique. If you can't power on the up stroke using your calves, hamstrings and glutes you're using less than half your leg and that's why your quads hurt.

Oh dear.

Indeed. Here is an analysis of pedal forces applied around a pedal stroke by each leg. Not a lot of pulling up going on there.
This is an average of 14 trained cyclists by they way.



Data can be found here:
http://isbweb.org/data/kautz/index.html

[JV911]

Indeed. Here is an analysis of pedal forces applied around a pedal stroke by each leg. Not a lot of pulling up going on there.
This is an average of 14 trained cyclists by they way.

is that with or without power cranks?

[jasimon]

Indeed. Here is an analysis of pedal forces applied around a pedal stroke by each leg. Not a lot of pulling up going on there.
This is an average of 14 trained cyclists by they way.

How does this graph compare to trained cyclists using platforms/toe clips? Regardless of whether any pulling up is going on, are more muscles used, more efficiently or is there an extension of the range over which power is applied with clipless? While I'm happy to go with the just do it approach, I am curious as to why everyone gets all mushy at the mention of clipless pedals if platforms would allow the same outcome.

[Nobody]

Another opinion:
http://www.rivbike.com/article/clothing/the_shoes_ruse

[Alex Simmons/RST]

Indeed. Here is an analysis of pedal forces applied around a pedal stroke by each leg. Not a lot of pulling up going on there.
This is an average of 14 trained cyclists by they way.

How does this graph compare to trained cyclists using platforms/toe clips? Regardless of whether any pulling up is going on, are more muscles used, more efficiently or is there an extension of the range over which power is applied with clipless? While I'm happy to go with the just do it approach, I am curious as to why everyone gets all mushy at the mention of clipless pedals if platforms would allow the same outcome.

I'm not aware of data from non-secured shoes.

The primary advantage is having your foot-pedal interface not move/slip from an ideal location. Then there are the shoes which are made with soles suitable for transferring the forces effectively. And in sprinting of course where the benefits are pretty obvious (at least to anyone that's tried to sprint without having their foot secured to pedal, or has pulled a foot from a pedal).

[USM TOM]

i think i use my right leg more then i use my left

did intervals yesterday and my right leg is fatigued but my left feels great
is this a normal n00b thing as i am right footed so its naturaly stronger

[toolonglegs]

i think i use my right leg more then i use my left

did intervals yesterday and my right leg is fatigued but my left feels great
is this a normal n00b thing as i am right footed so its naturaly stronger

I know my right leg is stronger than my left...I have twisted hips...I also have my seat 1 degree to the left to straighten me up a bit.
Structural problems with cyclists are pretty common...fix it if you can but don't worry too much if it is causing problems.Never bother LA too much .

I meant don't worry too much if not causing problems

[USM TOM]

glad im not the only one

i know my right leg is stronger then my left as it kicks a shovel into the ground at work while the left just tags along
today is the first time i noticed it while riding which is probably due to doing intervals

[ruscook]

Tom my right leg is also "naturally" stronger. When I'm just riding along I often concentrate on even power from each leg to try and "train" them to do it by themselves. It helps for load sharing as you get tired.

Russ