Originally Posted by
X-LinkedRider
Incorrect. The notion isn't that crete more power, it's that you create more accurate consistent power as you can only achieve power in the up stroke while clipped/strapped in. Any quark, powertap, power meter can clarify and show this to you with real numbers. Creating power on surges as you would with platforms is not nearly as efficient (Entire pedal stroke) as being clipped in.
Incorrect? Some people still believe in the Tooth Fairy too. Eventually most people come to grips with reality, which isn't all that terrible anyway!
This topic's been studied at length for years in the never ending effort to shave a couple thousands of a second off the times of some of the worlds best cyclists. It doesn't happen. The muscles that are used on the 'upstroke' are the weakest, metabolically inefficient muscles on the leg and using them for anything other them what nature intended - lifting the weight of the leg in preparation for the next extension - just leads to premature fatigue.
If you can post meaningful numbers or references that indicate anything otherwise - I'm quite sure a lot of people would like to see them.
Now if you want to believe the upstroke provides any significant advantage - feel free! Personally I think red bikes are faster myself!