Originally Posted by
Eric F
I'm still trying to wrap my head around how planing (if it's actually a thing) can possibly add more power to propel a bicycle down the road. If energy loaded into the frame is returned by spring action, how can it be more than the additional energy input? If we assume that energy loaded into the frame during the pedal stroke actually is returned to help propel the bike, wouldn't a stiffer frame just increase the quickness of the return?
That's not the claim.
The idea is that the redistribution of power over time allows some people to make greater power for longer periods, because they don't strain against the peak torque load. (It appears that pros are not those people, and can push through peak load with no issues.)
It is only a little different than what Biopace is supposed to do - lower the peaks and lengthen the power phase.
A stiffer frame doesn't flex, so it isn't doing anything to modify the power output graph. And because it doesn't flex, some riders are going to be fatigued by the peak load that the bike does nothing to buffer.