Originally Posted by
TJHOO
Looking to improve pedal stroke efficiency.
For road training a friend had recommended Power Cranks which let each leg pedal independently:
https://shop.sunrisecyclery.com/item/12959
LBS had recommended instead trying a fixed gear bike (without freewheel).
Would probably be using indoors on trainer year round, and possibly on flat bike trail in off season.
Anybody here tried both and able to compare?
Yes but while I can try and describe it until the cows come home you'll never really iknow until you actually try Powercranks.
Fixed gear = 95% of the way there. For most people, it'll teach you to completely relax on the return stroke and allow your front foot to push your rear foot up and over. Some people never get it and end up bouncing in the saddle no matter how hard they try. Fixed gear doesn't teach co-ordination and doesn't completely cure imbalance though.
Powercranks = no way to rest on the return stroke. All your energy goes into driving the bike forward and none is lost on the return stroke. Teaches perfect co-ordination, i.e., even the most bouncy fixed gear riders will smooth their pedalling, and cures imbalance in everyone from the lazy leg to the people with permamnent nerve damage. At first, you're limited by the weak leg and as that gets stronger and your co-ordination improves then within 2weeks to 3months (depending on how fast you adapt) you'll be riding Powercranks as if they were completely normal.
Finally, get outside. Riding Powercranks outdoors is significantly easier than on the trainer and, because of the clutch, you'll even be able to coast on your fixie.
http://www.powercranks.com/
http://www.powercranks.com/v4pages/videos-list.htm - see the Belgian track cyclists' videos
Edit: Buy them used on E-basy or craigslist if you can. You'll save a bunch of money as there are a few people who, after buying and using Powercranks for the first couple of rides, realise that they uncoordinated, can't pedal in circles and they're a lot weaker than they assumed they were.
Be warned though Powercranks take some serious grit and determination to use (You'll need a backbone/moral fibre/spine/courage) so don't just assume that you'll find it easy.