Originally Posted by
Tunnelrat81
On a similar note, I used to think I was good a 'spinning,' because I typically rode at a high cadence. After spending lots of time on resistance rollers and doing one leg drills, it became clear to me that I was not a good 'spinner,' but I was just a high cadence masher. This may be a confusing concept to those who think slow = masher, fast = spinner...but I believe the definitions are more nuanced. Spinning at any speed involves pedaling circles, actively utilizing all parts of the pedal stroke for power. Mashing can be defined as simply pushing down on the pedals (riding with quads only). Although in practice these definitions overlap with the slow vs fast analogy, I think differentiating is important.
-Jeremy
Good insight. Sometimes when I am out riding and considering my output for the conditions I reflect on my pedal stroke. Exactly what you say. If I am putting in too much effort for what I am getting out of the bike for the conditions, it is many times my pedaling form i.e. I am pushing down on the pedals more than I am pedaling in circles which is more effortless for the amount of power I get out of the bike. I am pretty good about keeping my cadence high because that is how I ride...good cardio and no masher....but 'how' you pedal at a given cadence is key.
Well articulated and nuanced as you say.
PS: the only one legged drills I do is when I am riding the bike on the road and I need to keep one foot clipped out in traffic in anticipation of a sudden stop.
...but yes, pedaling with one leg programs the muscle memory to use the entire circle to propel the bike which recruits additional leg muscles than just mashing i.e. pushing down.
On a last note, one poster mentioned spinning class. I will share my experience as a guy who hates to ride indoors. One day last summer a riding buddy mentioned he was going to invite his spinning instructor out to join us on our weekend ride which was typically about 60 miles. So he showed up...fit guy with a six pack and looked like he maybe a good rider. The guy was a dog on the bike. He had no form and was washed up after about 25 miles. Nothing in the tank. He rode downright slow at the end of the ride in fact because he was so out of gas. To me, there is no substitute for riding out on the road. Spinning class does not equal good road performance. I admit surprise for a guy who had a rep as such a good spinning instructor with his brutal workouts that he had no real speed or endurance on the bike. Also, my friend who takes his spinning class religiously and also has a personal trainer, isn't a strong rider either. Both guys would be better served with more performance riding on the road and less time in the gym.