bitemail
05-23-04, 10:22 AM
WHat are some of the pros/cons of ankling...ie heels down on the down stroke as opposed to just staight pedaling?
Road Cycling - Pedaling technique
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nutbag
05-23-04, 11:31 AM
You might enjoy this discussion from a short while ago :)
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=33289
The person starting the thread refers to a technique he/she calls "heels down", but the discussion soon gets to 'ankling'.....50 replies!!
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=33289
The person starting the thread refers to a technique he/she calls "heels down", but the discussion soon gets to 'ankling'.....50 replies!!
ncr
05-23-04, 12:06 PM
WHat are some of the pros/cons of ankling...ie heels down on the down stroke as opposed to just staight pedaling?
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Do a YAHOO search for "ankling" and take a look at an animated version of ankling.
It is ok at lower cadence but as it means making use of a greater amount of muscles, as cadence
increases you do not have time for all these extra power generating movements.
===============================================================================
Do a YAHOO search for "ankling" and take a look at an animated version of ankling.
It is ok at lower cadence but as it means making use of a greater amount of muscles, as cadence
increases you do not have time for all these extra power generating movements.
Fugazi Dave
05-23-04, 01:13 PM
Foot position aside, the best thing you can do to improve your pedaling is to learn to spin. Or if you already spin, learn to do it better. Build or borrow a fixie if you can - as has been noted many times, riding fixed will make your spin crazy good.
Thylacine
05-23-04, 07:19 PM
In my experience, pedalling slightly heels down in the downstroke feels like your calfs are doing less work, so I guess this means that your upper legs must be doing more work. My intuition tells me that this 'ankling' technique simply uses a wider variety of muscles and would therefore draw on more 'stores' of power throughout the entire pedal stroke.
It's very similar to what I know a lot of people do during long rides - varying the pedalling style subtlely to use diferent muscle groups and give certain muscle groups a rest/stretch.
I agree with Dave about learning how to spin. This is very important. People think mashing a big gear will make them faster, better whatever. The bottom line is, sure, you have to be able to push the big gears, but LEG SPEED is what you need to be able to effectively accellerate. Spinning also teaches you to spread power transfer thoughout the pedal stroke, not just on the downstroke. Therefore, concentrating on pedalling in circles will make you faster and more efficient.
Also, everyone has a 'natural cadence', so don't be too hung up on your mates yelling at you "You MUST spin at exactly 92rpm!". Just find a point that is comfortable, and work on pushing that point higher.
I think getting professionally fitted by someone with a lot of experience is ultimately the way to go, but in the interim, the best thing you can do is not think to much, pedal naturally, and develop your spin.
It's very similar to what I know a lot of people do during long rides - varying the pedalling style subtlely to use diferent muscle groups and give certain muscle groups a rest/stretch.
I agree with Dave about learning how to spin. This is very important. People think mashing a big gear will make them faster, better whatever. The bottom line is, sure, you have to be able to push the big gears, but LEG SPEED is what you need to be able to effectively accellerate. Spinning also teaches you to spread power transfer thoughout the pedal stroke, not just on the downstroke. Therefore, concentrating on pedalling in circles will make you faster and more efficient.
Also, everyone has a 'natural cadence', so don't be too hung up on your mates yelling at you "You MUST spin at exactly 92rpm!". Just find a point that is comfortable, and work on pushing that point higher.
I think getting professionally fitted by someone with a lot of experience is ultimately the way to go, but in the interim, the best thing you can do is not think to much, pedal naturally, and develop your spin.
astonv0l
05-23-04, 07:26 PM
I use the "Greg LeMond pedaling technique" which is basicaly, pulling "back" on your stroke. It has a lot to it but I would be happy to scan it in and PM it to you if you would like. It is kinda old, but I use it and it works great. Let me know if you need it