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

[Archeress]

As you might guess from my screen name I fling a few arrows through the air too. With archery my best shooting is done when completely relaxed and thinking about nothing in particular. I don't even really think about the target, but my attention is focussed on it. As soon as I start to think about my shooting my shooting goes to pot.

I guess once you're proficient enough at cycling the same applies, keep relaxed, focus on finishing the ride, don't think about muscle groups etc.

The only thing that I would point out is that pro cyclists are well muscled and toned all over.

When younger and cycling more I would use an awful lot of muscles when climbing steep hills in Devon. In fact where my parents live, in Tiverton, I would have to turn tight off the main drag immediately onto a hill that would tire you even if you were walking up it. I would stand in the pedals, use the drops and be pulling up on the bar which was on the same side as I would be pushing down on with my foot. Hope that makes sense.

So I would say it depends on the cycling you are doing, whether it is on a hill or on the flat, on road, well made track or off road, the geometry of the bike, your body shape.

Hugs
Archeress x

 

[Crackle]

Heh. I had a little go at this today just to give you some feedback. Don't thank me, I'm all heart

Basically several things occurred. Yes, concentrating on one muscle group makes you use it more which result in one or more things, a strange pedalling style, extra strain on the knees, or the muscle group you are concentrating on beginning to feel tired more quickly.

Personally after this experiment and OK, a few years of cycling experience as well, I won't lie. I reckon you are far better off concentrating on a fluid pedalling style and keeping your upper body as still as possible. Concentrating on being fluid uses all the muscles anyhow. Best method of being fluid, gear choice and cadence, you need to find the right combination of both to stay fluid. Exceptions to fluidity generally come into play where hills are concerned. Even then, the fluider the better but we all pedal a bit squarer and use our bodyweight on hills or honk or stand.

In conclusion: Individual muscle groups for karate and fluidity for cycling

 

[Cyclopathic]

That's not the one - if I remember correctly people were actually stating their thigh measurements

Doesn't seem to matter how much cycling I do, my thighs never seem to get any longer.

 

[araapatlio]

As you might guess from my screen name I fling a few arrows through the air too. With archery my best shooting is done when completely relaxed and thinking about nothing in particular. I don't even really think about the target, but my attention is focussed on it. As soon as I start to think about my shooting my shooting goes to pot.

I guess once you're proficient enough at cycling the same applies, keep relaxed, focus on finishing the ride, don't think about muscle groups etc.

Very good point, I used to have to think to consciously use my back shoulder (rather than the bicep) for drawing, but now it is automatic.

The only thing that I would point out is that pro cyclists are well muscled and toned all over.

When younger and cycling more I would use an awful lot of muscles when climbing steep hills in Devon. In fact where my parents live, in Tiverton, I would have to turn tight off the main drag immediately onto a hill that would tire you even if you were walking up it. I would stand in the pedals, use the drops and be pulling up on the bar which was on the same side as I would be pushing down on with my foot. Hope that makes sense.

So I would say it depends on the cycling you are doing, whether it is on a hill or on the flat, on road, well made track or off road, the geometry of the bike, your body shape.

Hugs
Archeress x

That does make sense, thanks I noticed today that it did vary depending on the gradient

 

[araapatlio]

Heh. I had a little go at this today just to give you some feedback. Don't thank me, I'm all heart

Basically several things occurred. Yes, concentrating on one muscle group makes you use it more which result in one or more things, a strange pedalling style, extra strain on the knees, or the muscle group you are concentrating on beginning to feel tired more quickly.

Personally after this experiment and OK, a few years of cycling experience as well, I won't lie. I reckon you are far better off concentrating on a fluid pedalling style and keeping your upper body as still as possible. Concentrating on being fluid uses all the muscles anyhow. Best method of being fluid, gear choice and cadence, you need to find the right combination of both to stay fluid. Exceptions to fluidity generally come into play where hills are concerned. Even then, the fluider the better but we all pedal a bit squarer and use our bodyweight on hills or honk or stand.

In conclusion: Individual muscle groups for karate and fluidity for cycling

Thanks! ()

That makes a lot of sense.

When you say squarer, you mean a bit jerkier, "push, wait for the other leg to catch up... push, wait for the other leg to catch up... push"?

 

[Cyclopathic]

Toes...Mostly I use my toes. Head, shoulders, knees but mostly toes.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

Toes...Mostly I use my toes. Head, shoulders, knees but mostly toes.

Ah, but with me the fall of my boot is on the ball of my foot.

 

[Crackle]

Thanks! ()

That makes a lot of sense.

When you say squarer, you mean a bit jerkier, "push, wait for the other leg to catch up... push, wait for the other leg to catch up... push"?

Yeah, basically you're pushing hard on the downstroke, you may even be rocking your body in rhythm to the stroke.

 

[sheffgirl]

I'm in Sheffield too, I cycle from Norton down into abbeydale and up to the hospitals daily. Can't understand why I haven't got thighs like Beyonce, but ho hum!

I am pretty skinny, but I definitely have more definition in my thighs since cycling regularly Even without tensing my muscles I can tell they're there. I've just started doing squats and lunges at the gym though, and the first time it bloody hurt afterwards, I never realised there were so many different thigh muscles

 

[vickster]

If doing squats and lunges, get a trainer to show you how to do them properly. There is a fairly high risk of knee issues if form is consistently poor

 

[Andrew_Culture]

On the way to the pub I tend to use most of my muscles for speed. On the way back from the pub I don't seem to use many muscles at all, least of all for balance.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

Anyhow, I decided that my feet should always be trying to be further round the full pedal cycle than they both already are. It made sense to me. So I went out this evening to try it out and I do believe I went faster than usual. On the other hand, I only went 6 miles. I'll see whether I can walk tomorrow...

 

[Arjimlad]

I asked Mother Brown and you'll never guess what she said !

 

[TheJDog]

[QUOTE 2570347, member: 30090"]Technique is important. Pedal correctly and you utilize the more powerful hamstring and glute muscles - especially when standing up.[/quote]

Sitting, I think you'll use quads from 10-4 ish, glutes from 12-6, hamstrings from 4-10, and hip flexors (?) from 6-12 - all to get more of a spinning movement. And it strongly depends if you're spinning or stamping it out.
Standing, I think it's much more up and down, quads & glutes (and calves) on the downstroke, hamstrings and hip flexors (and the fronts of your calf) on the upstroke.

 

[Licramite]

saw an intersting thing on the net , cycling as normal your one leg can apply about 40lbs pressure, but if you use both legs (as in a rowing machine type action) you can apply 120lbs pressure.
I admit the idea of use both your legs to push together sounds odd and as the current action is more natural as its a walking/running action and how it would effect your balance and control -
(but murphys first law - if its stupid but it works - it aint stupid.)
I shall have to try it out.