Pedaling technique

[cyberknight]

There is no evidence that higher cadence produces more power than any other technique. Here's a clip of Eddie Dawkins riding a sub 10 F200 - cadence is actually low, but pushing a big gear obviously.


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=472KioY35pM

Wasnt the whole high cadence thing a way to move stress from the legs to the juiced up cardio system of the EPO gang ? I just rewatched the Lance Documentary and that was the reason he did it at the behest of a certain Italian "doctor "

 

[TheJDog]

There is no evidence that higher cadence produces more power than any other technique. Here's a clip of Eddie Dawkins riding a sub 10 F200 - cadence is actually low, but pushing a big gear obviously.


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=472KioY35pM

I didn't say a higher cadence was more powerful, I said it was more efficient to produce the same power at a higher cadence than a lower cadence. I can probably produce more power at a lower cadence but I can't keep it up for long.

Wasnt the whole high cadence thing a way to move stress from the legs to the juiced up cardio system of the EPO gang ? I just rewatched the Lance Documentary and that was the reason he did it at the behest of a certain Italian "doctor "

I think a higher cadence pushes stress off the legs and into the cardiovascular system no matter if you are juiced or not.

I can't back any of these statements up with fact, I just seem to remember reading something about it once upon a time.

 

[Citius]

I didn't say a higher cadence was more powerful, I said it was more efficient to produce the same power at a higher cadence than a lower cadence.

Lower cadences are generally more efficient than higher cadences.

 

[TheJDog]

Lower cadences are generally more efficient than higher cadences.

Well now you're just trying to confuse me.

 

[the_craig]

spinning=winning.

I like this. I'm going to try it as my cycling mantra.

 

[raleighnut]

+1 for the 'scraping poo off your shoes' technique, helps to maintain a good steady action.

 

[Citius]

I like this. I'm going to try it as my cycling mantra.

A more relevant one would be "more power = winning", although unfortunately it doesn't have the same kind of elementary rhyme to it...

 

[the_craig]

A more relevant one would be "more power = winning", although unfortunately it doesn't have the same kind of elementary rhyme to it...

Tbf, I'm not too fussed about winning (just now )

I'll settle for arriving in one piece.

 

[Citius]

Tbf, I'm not too fussed about winning (just now )

In which case, don't worry about spinning either...

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

A technique I sometimes try, especially when I am on fixed in a time trial, is a technique handed down to me from my dad who used to time trial pre war.

Basically it's 1-2-3 push ; 1-2-3 push on the other leg. Start by pushing down hard on one side, then soft pedal for three revs, then push hard down on the other side. I find it quite effective to get up to cruising speed and also when you are flying on fixed, an extra bit of push on the third or fifth Rev, alternating left to right gives you a tiny bit of extra speed.

Hard to do for too long as it takes quite a bit of concentration.

Has anybody heard of this or tried it?

Keith

Funnily, yes, I've tried this and I found it works well when using a high cadence. I approached it with a musical feel, keeping it rhythmical. Though I did grow up playing the double bass in orchestras and I'd spend so much time counting rest bars (1-2-3, 2-2-3, 3-2-3, 4-2-3) that it's become almost unconscious.

A little room in the shoes also seems to lift the pressure off the soles of the feet. I suffer in the cold on the bike and I feel lifting the foot lightly helps the circulation in that it mimics the effect of walking. And walking does keep the feet warmer for me.