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

[TheJDog]

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.

You mean you're going to take your left crank off and re-attach it 180 degrees off?

Let us know how that goes. And take a video. I need a laugh.

 

[Archeress]

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.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIaQxdcGcEI&feature=youtube_gdata_player

 

[smutchin]

If you want to analyse your own pedalling technique, think of your legs as the moving internal parts of an engine - your lower legs are like pistons, your upper legs are the levers that move those pistons up and down. Think about what muscles you need to use to move your legs in this way.

Most coaches would say you should keep your feet in a set position while pedalling, though some people advocate "ankling" (using your feet as an extra lever).

Try not to think about it too much though.

 

[Licramite]

I wonder what the speed advantage is ?
row row row your bike gently up the road?

 

[smutchin]

I wonder what the speed advantage is ?

I can't imagine there is one. For a start, it's a very upright riding position, so any extra power will probably be used up to overcome wind resistance. Then you've got to consider the fact that it's a very intermittent power output.

Also I bet it's rubbish going up hills.

 

[Rob3rt]

Are the pedals being pushed round? Can you push them round any harder?

Analysis over!

 

[Licramite]

I would assume the more pressure you can apply 120lbs as opposed to 40lbs would allow a bigger chainring which is ultimately the secret to more speed. as the bigger chainring the greater pedal resistance.
I agree its not an aerodynamic layout as they have it , and as you said its intermittant.

If I try it I think I will try it on rollers first as it's going to take some getting used to.

 

[Rob3rt]

Cycling is cycling. Rowing is rowing. The two are not comparable. This 120lbs vs 40lbs is irrelevant when taken in context.

 

[smutchin]

would allow a bigger chainring which is ultimately the secret to more speed. as the bigger chainring the greater pedal resistance

Er, yeah, up to a point, Lord Copper.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

Cycling is cycling. Rowing is rowing. The two are not comparable. This 120lbs vs 40lbs is irrelevant when taken in context.

It would still be an interesting experiment though, just to see the effect. Handcycle pedals usually work together and this is closer to a rowing technique. Obviously, rowing power comes from a pull rather than from a push downward, as on a bike. But on the rare occasions I manage to get up out of this armchair, I tend to use both legs together to get me up, so it's not as though using both feet to do the same thing at the same time is completely alien to land-based activities.

However, I'd guess parallel pedalling is going to get you moving backwards and forwards on the saddle so much that chafing will soon become unbearable.

 

[Archie_tect]

A rowing bike? ...what a ridiculous 'Heath Robinson' disaster that would be!

 

[classic33]

Nay, that can't be the reason. I got Thunder Thighs without ever standing up

New name! Sorry couldn't resist it.
Could be down to your heavy bike as well.

 

[fossyant]

My thoughts are..

bike ride.

Off saddle, on saddle.. Works.

No gear rubbish to worry about.

LOL

 

[Mugshot]

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

You have much to learn young grasshopper.



I know it's not karate but nevermind

 

[Licramite]

A rowing bike? ...what a ridiculous 'Heath Robinson' disaster that would be!

check out reply 48 , strange vid of rowing bikes, I will try and get film of me on a conventional bike using both legs together - should be a hoot !