View Poll Results: Answer as many as fits your situation.
Choose all that apply. 1. Pedaling Technique, what's that? I just hop on and go.
14
17.95%
I am a masher.
9
11.54%
I have thought about pedaling technique, but have never tried one.
8
10.26%
I use my clipless or toe clips to "wipe" the bottom of my stroke,
43
55.13%
I use my clipless or toe clips to pull up on the opposite pedal.
40
51.28%
I use some other technique described below.
8
10.26%
My pedaling technique (if any) has changed as I got older.
10
12.82%
My pedaling technique (if any) has always been the same over the years.
16
20.51%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 78. You may not vote on this poll
50+ Pedaling Technique
06-15-07, 12:52 PM
#26
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Originally Posted by stonecrd
Circle with wiping motion, although I have not been able to master this 100% of the time. When I do get it right I can quickly tell by increased power and a more fluid motion. Hard to maintain when you are tired and I just have not been able to create the muscle memory to do this consistently without thinking about it.
This topic is discussed among the bloodthirsty Turks all the time. I think the consensus, as much as can be formed about items related to biking, is that it really doesn't make any difference.
That's my story and I'm sticking with it.
06-15-07, 02:11 PM
#27
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Originally Posted by BluesDawg
Circles. I started to vote for wipe and pull up, but though it includes those, the real emphasis is to think about turning full circles with the pedals. The technique follows without a lot of analysis.
06-15-07, 02:22 PM
#28
Don't mince words
I tend to pull more when climbing a hill seated, but otherwise I think perfect circles. Anything else throws off my rhythm.
I used to ride in the biggest possible gear I could (back in my 20's when I could get away with knee-abuse) but now find that I'm able to spin better, so I use the gear best suited to keeping my cadence fairly quick.
The tandem, however, is a different animal.
I used to ride in the biggest possible gear I could (back in my 20's when I could get away with knee-abuse) but now find that I'm able to spin better, so I use the gear best suited to keeping my cadence fairly quick.
The tandem, however, is a different animal.
06-15-07, 03:02 PM
#29
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Originally Posted by stonecrd
Circle with wiping motion, although I have not been able to master this 100% of the time. When I do get it right I can quickly tell by increased power and a more fluid motion. Hard to maintain when you are tired and I just have not been able to create the muscle memory to do this consistently without thinking about it.
06-15-07, 03:17 PM
#30
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When I came back to biking ~5 years ago I became anal about
spinning and feel like klaxons are going off below 90 rpm. As a
consequence (that's my excuse) I am terrible out of the saddle.
I enjoy working to get better at other aspects of cycling but
getting better at standing gives me no pleasure.
spinning and feel like klaxons are going off below 90 rpm. As a
consequence (that's my excuse) I am terrible out of the saddle.
I enjoy working to get better at other aspects of cycling but
getting better at standing gives me no pleasure.
06-15-07, 07:31 PM
#31
Senior Member
Originally Posted by europa
I was reading an article earlier today, now lost thanks to the miracle of modern forgetfullness (didn't bookmark the thing), but this codger was saying that few people actually apply much upwards pressure on the pedals, even when pedalling in circles - it's more a case that they are getting the foot out of the way of the rising pedal. Suits me.
Richard
Richard
WELL SAID !!!!!!
06-15-07, 07:41 PM
#32
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Originally Posted by DnvrFox
And I am supposed to be responsile for the pedaling technique of the Turks in the roadie forum? 
06-16-07, 06:46 AM
#34
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Originally Posted by SteveE
Yep! After all, you're the one that wanted to know "Is 50+ pedaling technique different than <50 technique?"
06-16-07, 08:07 AM
#35
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Originally Posted by head_wind
When I came back to biking ~5 years ago I became anal about
spinning and feel like klaxons are going off below 90 rpm. As a
consequence (that's my excuse) I am terrible out of the saddle.
I enjoy working to get better at other aspects of cycling but
getting better at standing gives me no pleasure.
spinning and feel like klaxons are going off below 90 rpm. As a
consequence (that's my excuse) I am terrible out of the saddle.
I enjoy working to get better at other aspects of cycling but
getting better at standing gives me no pleasure.
06-16-07, 08:21 AM
#36
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Originally Posted by DnvrFox
I think that the 50+'rs on this forum (all of whom used to be, without exception, <50), can tell us adequately about any changes in their pedaling technique that may or may not have occurred. No need to bother the Turks with the concerns of the 50+ forum. Most of them think we are decrepit, dead or riding comfort bikes, anyway! Certainly they think anyone over 50 is OLD.
)
06-17-07, 08:18 PM
#37
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I don't lift my pedals, but I do pull my knee forward as my rising foot nears the top of the stroke.
Road Fan
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06-17-07, 09:17 PM
#38
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Being a newbie I hope I am understanding the question. If I have a technique, I guess it's trying to remember to keep the ball of my foot on the pedal.
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06-18-07, 12:24 AM
#39
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Originally Posted by dbg
... if your rhythm of breathing and stride caused your exhale and foot strike to always be on the same side, you could be asking for skeletal mechanics problems. I developed breathing cadences that caused the exhale to alternate sides on foot strike and my problems disappeared immediately. I also noticed that such conscious attention to breathing cadences seemed to help my performance. It's probably less of an issue for skeletal problems with biking, BUT ..I think I still get some performance benefit by conciously matching my breathing cadence with my cycle stroke cadence in various patterns. Just something to play with on your next workout ride.
As for pedaling technique, I think it's always improving. Riding a fixed gear for a significant part of the year really helps. Nothing like having to spin at crazy rpm's down a long hill.
- L.
