Originally Posted by
Dean V
You can theorise about pedalling technique all day but is there actually any data to prove that using anything other than what comes naturally has improved a riders performance?
You could even just do an FTP test and then a few days later repeat using some of these point your toes here, push here, pull here ideas and see how much higher your FTP is due to all the extra efficiency and muscle recruitment
You put your finger right on the problem: it takes many months, perhaps years, to perfect the unthinking neuromuscular coordination and the conditioning of all the pedaling muscles in new ranges of motion. That's why the subject is interesting. It it was easy to figure out, everyone would know the answer. And of course there's that issue of talent which is also involved with power production of the various muscles in various ranges of motion due to tendon placement, natural muscular adaptions, etc. So maybe there isn't an answer.