Originally Posted by
kenji666
You can't compare pedaling a bicycle to doing 400 lb leg presses, since you're not pushing against a padded steel frame. The only reaction force that allows you to push against the cranks is the force produced by your arms pulling against the handlebars plus your body weight. Most do not have the upper body strength to pull up with that much force.
Chris Hoy standing start on a track bike. A cool video.