Training & Nutrition - Can you possibly train on a hybrid bicycle?

I commute 14 miles every day on a Trek 7500 (pic below.) I was wondering if these bikes have a different frame geometry that works different muscles, because i seem to have massive quads and no calves( or at least not very defined)! Or am I simply not applying the correct pedaling technique?

Thanks for your help!

http://www.petesbikeshop.ch/bikes/bike_pics/trek_7500_klein.jpg

I'm no expert, but I doubt if it's the bike. Maybe you need a higher cadence...I don't know. I'm interested in what others will say.

You can train on any bicycle.

As for your calves, if you want to build your calves, put on your heavy winter boots and go for long walks in the snow. No, I'm not kidding. I did that all one winter and had calves like steel!

i doubted it was the bike too. darn, there goes my excuse to buy a road bike!

anyway, i am perfectly content with my performance as a commuter, i was just wondering.

thanks!

i have much the same problem, my quads are so big they make me look as though i have childbearing hips while my calves are tiny. i've been thinking of working them out individually.

...i seem to have massive quads and no calves( or at least not very defined)! Or am I simply not applying the correct pedaling technique?

Cycling doesn't work calf muscles much at all. As opposed to quads, glutes, and hamstrings (somewhat). They get plenty of work.

It's hard to build muscle mass on a bicycle. The forces just aren't high enough. If you want big muscles, you need to hit the weights.

I ride a Trek 790 (a distant older cousin of the 7500) and my calves are pretty big. But, then, I've done over 8700 km this year...

I was wondering if these bikes have a different frame geometry that works different muscles, because i seem to have massive quads and no calves( or at least not very defined)! Or am I simply not applying the correct pedaling technique?Right, you will not prepare all your muscles for road-bike riding by using a hybrid-style bike.

And, as you mention, you may develop some muscles quite a bit more than others. Generally, pedal style is developed by thoughtfully "spinning" the pedals and alternately pedaling with resistance. Good Luck.

You didn't mention what you were training for? I joined a club two years ago and only had a hybrid, they all had road bikes. I managed to keep up on the no drop days but had to apply significantly more force than them to stay in the game. I bought a road bike this spring and wow what a difference, mashing to keep up on the hybrid made me a lot stronger, but now I can "hang" with the faster riders a bit more. :)

Are your calves weak.. or are they just small? I'll tell you what, my calves are small, but strong as hell. Its just genetics man. Some people get big quads, some big biceps, some big calves... We all will build up differently, but honestly calves are one of those muscles where people either got'em or they don't... and if you dont got em, you probably wont get em.