How to peddle on platform pedals?
05-10-09 | 08:54 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 549
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From: Peoria, Illinois
How to peddle on platform pedals?
in another thread somebody said this:
I should point out an old-school technique called "ankleing" when using platform pedals.
The idea is to rotate your foot/ankle as you pedal. This technique gives the rider about 210 degrees of pedal force as opposed to less than 180 degrees without ankleing.
It also encourages the use of the powerful calf muscle that is often under-used by most bicyclists.
If you are good at this technique, the advantage of toe-clips or clipless pedals is not quite as great as if you don't use the technique
can anybody elaborate more on this, is there a website or video that shows it?
The idea is to rotate your foot/ankle as you pedal. This technique gives the rider about 210 degrees of pedal force as opposed to less than 180 degrees without ankleing.
It also encourages the use of the powerful calf muscle that is often under-used by most bicyclists.
If you are good at this technique, the advantage of toe-clips or clipless pedals is not quite as great as if you don't use the technique
05-10-09 | 09:16 PM
#2
Senior Member
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Here's what Sheldon Brown has to say on ankling: https://sheldonbrown.com/gloss_an-z.html#ankling
Here's what Jobst Brandt has to say on ankling: https://www.sheldonbrown.com/brandt/ankling.html
I don't personally do it, as per Sheldon's advice.
Here's what Jobst Brandt has to say on ankling: https://www.sheldonbrown.com/brandt/ankling.html
I don't personally do it, as per Sheldon's advice.
05-10-09 | 09:26 PM
#3
L T X B O M P F A N S R
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,334
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From: Malden, MA
Bikes: Bianchi Volpe, Bianchi San Jose, Redline 925
I seem to have a natural ankling motion in the way I pedal. I don't try to do it; it's just there. I also place my cleats as far forward as possible on my shoes (yeah, I know this thread is about platforms...) I've been told this is unusual, but really if I could put them even further forward, I would.
When riding on platforms, I really just have my toes on the pedal. When I see people with their feet much farther forward, I can't imagine how they do it (though I think I'm the oddball here, not them).
My point is that everyone has a unique motion in their pedaling. It's probably best not to worry about it too much. Just ride lots and lots of miles, and you'll figure out what's best for you.
When riding on platforms, I really just have my toes on the pedal. When I see people with their feet much farther forward, I can't imagine how they do it (though I think I'm the oddball here, not them).
My point is that everyone has a unique motion in their pedaling. It's probably best not to worry about it too much. Just ride lots and lots of miles, and you'll figure out what's best for you.
05-10-09 | 09:39 PM
#5
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From: K.F., Orygun
Bikes: 08 Giant Boulder, 08 Scattante XLR
Ankling is good for accelerating, like up a hill to a fast-changing light on one intersection I go through at least twice a day. I imagine if you tried to do it all the time though you'd wind up with some screwed up joints.
05-10-09 | 09:43 PM
#6
Surf Bum
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From: Pacifica, CA
Bikes: Lapierre Pulsium 500 FdJ, Ritchey breakaway cyclocross, vintage trek mtb.
05-11-09 | 06:26 AM
#7
stringbreaker
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: wa. State
Bikes: specialized crossroads hybrid 2006 Raleigh Cadent 2 1971 Schwinn Varsity, 1972 Schwinn Continental, 1977 Schwinn Volare (frame)
Just get on it and ride. Its supposed to be fun. I'm to the thought that if I have to think about something other than how much fun I'm having on the bike then I shouldn't be on it. Maybe those guys on the roadie forum will be able to tell you more
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(Life is too short to play crappy guitars) 2006 Raleigh Cadent 3.0, 1977 Schwinn Volare, 2010 Windsor tourist. ( I didn't fall , I attacked the floor)
(Life is too short to play crappy guitars) 2006 Raleigh Cadent 3.0, 1977 Schwinn Volare, 2010 Windsor tourist. ( I didn't fall , I attacked the floor)
05-11-09 | 06:43 AM
#8
Older than dirt
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From: Winchester, VA
Bikes: Too darn many.. latest count is 11
