General Cycling Discussion - What's a good pedal technique?

I've been riding now for about seven months and have recently found an alternative technique to my typical downstroke motion.

I'm using standard pedals without any clips, but I have found that when a foot is between the 10 to 2 o'clock position you can get enough grip to produce an increase in the powerstroke. Basically instead of just pushing down at each half-cycle you can push forward and down.

I'm not for a minute suggesting that what I'm saying is in anyway original, I was just wondering if anyone else does this.

What I really want to know is, are there more efficient/effective techniques than the one described. Although please bear in mind that I'm using standard 'platform' pedals. I understand that with clips or clipless pedals you could probably have a powerstroke for almost the complete cycle of each leg, i.e you can get power from pulling the leg up as well as the traditional push.

So, what is your technique and why is it efficient/effective. Also what is the preferred technique of the pro riders? Thanks in advance, Portent.

I suggest clipless pedal. You will never be able to "pull" on the up stroke without them. Being able to pedal in a complete circle is the most efficient form.

Adding toe clips, for £10 will totally change your pedalling style. You will be able to spin the pedals in circles, stand on the pedals with confidence, and your feet will not fly off the pedals over a bump.
A clipless system will add even more efficiency, and will cost over £100, but I would only recomend it for more experienced riders. Most riders experience some "failure to unclip" crashes at first, which can be dangerous in London traffic. They are really sporting items.
If you are nervous of attatching yourself to the pedal you can get mini toe-clips without the straps. They just position your feet correctly.

With toe-clips, never cinch the straps tight to get extra efficiency, this is dangerous. Most people who criticise clips and straps refer to them being cinched tight (as racing cyclists used to do decades ago), and how you have to reach down to losen them. They are simply never used this way in the real world.

I'm thinking i wouldnt try my new clipless pedals for the first time in london traffic.I've been clipless for 5 years and fell over last night for the first time.Luckly i was at a stop and was in heavy dirt that 700X23's dont work vert well in.LOL

you are using standard pedals without any locking device to your foot. simply relying on friction alone and pushing forward is, i think, risky -- you might slip and end up crashing on the asphalt..

if you are uncomfortable with a clip or clipless pedal, you can lighten you foot on your upstroke, permitting your other foot(on the downstroke more power.. this saves your legs since you are using different muscles.. Actually, it is almost the same technique when using clips/clipless pedals..

Or, give these a try. Power Grips You get action very similar to clipless with the additional benefit of being able to wear any shoes you like.

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=&subcategory=&brand=&sku=1269&storetype=&estoreid=

i'm with bean counter...