Originally Posted by NoRacer
I use all types of 'styles'--toe down, toe level, heel pushing while on the back of the saddle for hills, hip tilted forward/riding saddle nose, pulling up with the hams,... It all depends on what muscles are fatigued and which are not, the speed I'm trying to maintain, the levelness of the roads, and wind direction/speed.
+1
Train yourself in all styles, so you can launch into them
when needed to rest other muscle groups during a ride.
I use high rpm ankling on some climbs and low grinding toe-down on others...
and everything in-between. in all cases though, the rest of my
body goes with what my legs and feet are doing and saving energy.
I can generate the most wattage though by 100% flat-footed ankling,
but 'most watts' is not what I use on a ride. I use the 'smartest watts'
and change up style often so the muscles don't get fried
whatever is comfortable...go with it. there are no 'rules'... just power,
and whether it is wasted or not, and sustainable.