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Probably not relevant to use a movie actor to illustrate an argument about pedalling technique..!
The real Mr Obree:
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Nice selection of different foot angles to argue over there.
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.
Ha ha. Silence is golden!
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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.
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.
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=j2ZrbnR-0dI&feature=related
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!
Brilliant explanation on pedaling technique here
http://www.perfectcondition.ltd.uk/Articles/Pedalling/LFC%20ideas/LFC%20Notes.htm
Some 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.
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.
[i]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.[/i]
Until prize money is paid out for pedalling style, there is no reason to attempt to [i]look smooth or powerful[/i].... 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...