Road Cycling - Clipless Pedals

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hotch
05-11-04, 08:36 PM
Although I switched to clipless pedals a year ago, it seems like I use them similar to the old ones. I realize the theory of pedaling through the entire circle or oval, but how do you change theory into practice. Trying to pull up sure gets you tired fast. Any suggestions!

timmhaan
05-11-04, 08:56 PM
Although I switched to clipless pedals a year ago, it seems like I use them similar to the old ones. I realize the theory of pedaling through the entire circle or oval, but how do you change theory into practice. Trying to pull up sure gets you tired fast. Any suggestions!

you should try to push through the top of the stroke and pull back at the bottom (not up). on the up stroke the foot should be pointed down at about 45 degrees. it should be a fluid motion and should not feel like pulling and jerking on the pedals. try to spin a high cadence and take some of the focus off the downstroke while maintaining speed. hopefully you'll begin to pedal all the way through.
ewitz
05-11-04, 09:04 PM
Only way to really get where you want is one legged spins on the trainer.

Start at intervals of 30 seconds per leg. Use an easy gear so you do not blow out your knees.

After you get used to that duration you should be able to increase it slowly.

Just a tip, find something to rest your foot on while not in use, makes it easier than having it just hang there.

RobotSonic
05-12-04, 10:05 AM
Trying to pull up sure gets you tired fast. Any suggestions!

just keep doing it. do it in intervals. when i first started it i couldnt do it more than a km or so. now i can keep it up for most of my ride. it will be really frustrating at first because you will hurt so much from such a short distance but its totally worth it.
Stinger9oh
05-12-04, 10:27 AM
A while back, when I had a professional fitting, the fitter observed my pedal stroke. He said that I should feel as though I am kicking forward in my stroke. I did that and it gave me a lot more power with efficient energy use. It also made it easier to pull back with the movement that Greg LeMond compares to a dog scraping the ground after it does you know what. Good Luck.

Rich