While I'm aware there is little evidence to support powering through the circle being better than mashing, I was on a computrainer tonight.

I "raced" an older diabetic gal. On a numbers scale, mine were bigger by twice. However, during our "competition", I watched the gap between us and where it fluctuated.

Hills. She could close on the hills despite putting out less power. At one point on a 12.5 grade, I darn near stalled in first gear going pump-pump-pump-pump with my legs. Talk about ugly. She was so much smoother. Sooooo much. I'm quite convinced, all things being equal, a smoother pedal motion will win the day.

Flame politely, now.