Originally Posted by
Duragrouch
That old advice about your leg being "slightly bent" at the bottom of stroke, I've found is not optimum. Having my legs straighter has worked better for me. But maybe that's just me. Try it, see how it feels.
In my experience having a straight leg is not ideal for a faster cadence, which is more efficient than a slower one.
I've made the transition from straight leg lower cadence to slightly bent leg higher cadence over that past couple of years and wouldn't go back.
I no longer get out of the saddle, ever. I just spin away and it's so much easier.