Where you getting those shots from?
Obree, I read heels down as past the axle like the Evans pics.
In relation to the leg it'll adjust as you move back and forth on the saddle.
Bike Forum
roadies - pedaling technique question
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Posted 9 months ago #
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I'll post a picture of me pointing my toes down in the lycra if you like?
Posted 9 months ago # -
Posted 9 months ago # -
I wouldn't say I'm ever conscious of deliberately "ankling", in fact I'd never heard it referred to as such, but I've started to think about it a bit more since I started taking a mountain biker out on road bikes.
I rode roadbikes long before mountain biking, so have a natural, fluent pedaling style, whereas this other rider had never ridden clipped in, and whilst a fairly experienced and skillful mountain biker, his pedaling looked very awkward on the roadbike.
Personally, I think if you're making good circular rotations rather than mashing, a slight heel-down technique is a perfectly natural result in the lower part of the stroke (assuming good ankle flexibility).
The only time I consciously think about my pedal technique is when I'm grinding on the flat when I'll try to put more power down throughout the pedal stroke. When climbing, my ankle does whatever it wants to do, however my toes point down as I make a more exaggerated pull up on the back of the stroke.
I'm a fairly high-cadence pedaler too, no idea what difference this makes if any.
I might see what toe-pointing does next time I ride, although I suspect it might be a short cut to tendonitis!
Posted 9 months ago # -
Photos from time trials aren't really representative though as you have a different set-up and tend to sit right on the nose of the saddle in order to produce more power.
I tend to pedal toes down except if I'm putting in a big effort while staying seated, in which case it is a more of a flat footed effort.
Posted 9 months ago # -
whatnobeer - Member
Photos from time trials aren't really representative though as you have a different set-up and tend to sit right on the nose of the saddle in order to produce more power.
Of course it's representative. You just have to consider the heel position in relation to the leg, rather than the horizontal.
Posted 9 months ago # -
You ever used a Wattbike? As well as measuring power, cadence, HR, all the usual stuff, it can measure how that force is applied and show it as a curve on a graph.
Have a look at this and play the video on that page too.
If you can find a video of Jamie Staff on it, then play that cos the man is awesome! He was at a exhibition show with one of these things, a come and try it where the general public can have a go on it for 30 seconds. Jamie (riding in jeans and trainers) comfortably smashed even the best club cyclists in all their lycra and cycling shoes.
The ankling diagram I posted earlier is actually a) quite old and b) a bit of an exaggeration to show the effect and it will vary a lot with gear choice, cadence, power output and whether you're climbing or riding on the flat (or cornering).
Posted 9 months ago # -
Most modern pro riders don't have a huge change in the joint angle at the ankle through the entire pedal stroke. With greater technological ability to analyze pedaling comes great awareness of good and bad technique. Most recreational riders base their style on something they read in cycling weekly 10 years ago. Or something their mate told them once.
Photos of riders in corners, on steep hills, during time trials etc don't tell the full story.
Posted 9 months ago # -
It's representative of how people ride in TT, but not in normal road race or club runs. Thats all.
Posted 9 months ago # -
Most modern pro riders don't have a huge change in the joint angle at the ankle through the entire pedal stroke.
That seems to suggest to me that 'ankling' or the scraping idea is not particularly important?
Posted 9 months ago # -
Probably not relevant to use a movie actor to illustrate an argument about pedalling technique..!
The real Mr Obree:
Nice selection of different foot angles to argue over there.
Posted 9 months ago # -
TBH I have never given a chuff about it, that's just how I ride. I'll shuffle about if needs be as long as the numbers on the speedo keep going up.
We've got a copuple of Wattbikes coming our way, apparently they'll find out where youre going right or wrong.
Posted 9 months ago # -
Ha ha. Silence is golden!
Posted 9 months ago # -
I've noticed when pushing a big gear, that I get a feeling of putting my heels through it, long drags mainly, rest of the time, turning smooth circles seems best.
Posted 9 months ago # -
I don't ride toes down
My foot action is neutral, with the slightest touch of heels down at the top of the pedal stroke.@Shibboleth
Posted 9 months ago # -
By bringing your ankle up and forward (dropping your toes) you will be able to compensate for having your foot too far back on the pedal (The conventional wisdom of ball of foot over pedal spindle, does not suit everyone).
http://www.stevehoggbikefitting.com/blog/2011/04/power-to-the-pedal-cleat-position/Being able to drop your heels relys on good flexibility.
But pedaling for exteneded periods of time relys a great deal on the muscles in the legs above the knees, rather than the smaller muscles below the knees (ankling)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNpvASJDpmsPosted 9 months ago # -
I did a 70 miler the other week, with my saddle raised and trying to use my ankles more - it nearly destroyed my right knee and I couldn't walk the next day.
Back to mashing big gears for me!Posted 9 months ago # -
Brilliant explanation on pedaling technique here
http://www.perfectcondition.ltd.uk/Articles/Pedalling/LFC%20ideas/LFC%20Notes.htmSome of you have got the wrong idea of ankling, its all about keeping your ankles low throughout the stroke.
and it is not meant to be a solitary technique used throughout the ride, but as a style used occasionally to ease pressure on muscles for periods of time.Posted 9 months ago # -
Brilliant explanation on pedaling technique here
http://www.perfectcondition.ltd.uk/Articles/Pedalling/LFC%20ideas/LFC%20Notes.htmSome of you have got the wrong idea of ankling, its all about keeping your ankles low throughout the stroke.
and it is not meant to be a solitary technique used throughout the ride, but as a style used occasionally to ease pressure on muscles for periods of time.The problem with that website is that, despite the apparently scientific approach taken, its still all his opinion without anything much to back it up.
Without wishing to denigrate Lemond and Delgado, I’ve yet to see anyone with a ‘toes up’ style of pedalling look as smooth or powerful, especially under pressure, as a good ‘toes down’ pedaller.
Until prize money is paid out for pedalling style, there is no reason to attempt to look smooth or powerful.... It's about getting there first, not getting there stylishly.
In my opinion there is a overanalysis of pedalling style; just press on to go faster...
Posted 9 months ago #
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