Pedaling Technique: Which part of the leg do you use?

[araapatlio]

This may be a silly question... but what part of your leg do you consciously move when you are on your bike?

I find that when I focus on different parts of my leg during pedaling, I get a very different feel and different effects on the bike, but as I don't have a Garmin I can't see the actual differences in speed/power etc.
- I've noticed the same thing in both karate and archery, that by mentally focusing on certain muscles during a technique, it will change the way in which the body delivers it.

When I am on the bike, forcing the knee down or focusing on moving my feet down/around seems to provide greater speed and power, but I'm worried that it will damage my joints.

When I focus on my thighs, the pedaling seems smoother, more effortless and a better rhythm - but I feel I am losing some thrust. A similar thing happens when I focus on bringing my knee up (possibly because it involves the same muscles).

I've had a look for some pedaling technique articles on-line but none seem to address what I'm talking about. Is there as specific term for what I'm talking about? (So was I asking looking for the answer in the wrong way?)

So I guess I'm asking three questions:
a) Does this make sense to you?
b) If so, what do you focus on in your pedal stroke?
c) Is there a "right" way to pedal?

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

I think I'm only really conscious of my thighs during the downstroke for much of the time, principally because my thighs shout ''ouch!'' I do make a deliberate effort to keep my pedalling smooth and even from time to time - lifting on the upstroke and consciously moving my feet in circles. This of course uses a combination of muscles - pushing forward at the top, pulling back at the bottom, lifting on the upstroke, and so on.

 

[Rob3rt]

Is there as specific term for what I'm talking about?

Yes, procrastination

 

[vickster]

If it interests you so much, why not invest in some coaching, and get some instruction on technique

With me, tends to be my thighs as these are the main bit of the leg I can see!

 

[MontyVeda]

i rotate the pedals using my legs... i cannot be any more specific than that.

 

[GrasB]

So I guess I'm asking three questions:
a) Does this make sense to you?

Not really

b) If so, what do you focus on in your pedal stroke?

Producing power for the least effort... pedal motion smoothness is a possible byproduct of this but it's not a requirement.

c) Is there a "right" way to pedal?

Anyway you can without injuring your self.

PS. you pedal with your feet... or equivalent replacements.

 

[ianrauk]

My technique.

Put feet onto/into pedals
turn pedals.

That's it.

 

[slowmotion]

My calves seem to be even more magnificent than my thighs at the end of a long ride..... My uninformed guess is that my puny calves do most of the minor workload. I hardly ever get out of the saddle though.

 

[biggs682]

sorry but like others hop on bike then pedal using pale things coming out of my shorts

 

[numbnuts]

My lungs move quicker than my legs if that helps

 

[Hill Wimp]

You are definatly concentrating far too hard. Look and the lovely views around you and smell the cow poo .... bliss

 

[Licramite]

I think I notice my knees and my feet when pushing down or pulling up, I occasionally manage that circular motion of push pull , but loose it as I never seam to cycle on the flat so constantly varie my pace and pedal action.
i know what you mean as it was a karate technice I tried to learn.
I normally notice the bit that hurts the most. (normally my bum)

 

[mark st1]

My technique.

Put cow pat piss covered feet onto/into pedals
turn pedals.

That's it.

FTFY

 

[mark st1]

Just the same as everyone else just turn and burn never really thought about it.