how to pedal better
Thread started by
dayone at 11.27.08 - 4:44 pm
does anyone know how to train or what the proper way to pedal.... i read fixed gear bikes are a good way to train but i did not find what is the form to pedal more efficient.... any tips...
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Riding fixed works to improve your stroke for sure. Get a fixed bike, tighten the chain, and then buy some clipless shoes. Once you're locked in you'll stroke smoothly.
The foot motion has been described as "wiping shit off your shoes", or as I say "dancing chopsticks". Meaning that your legs should be straight, raise the seat to extend your legs fully, and on the down stroke act as if you're wiping something off your shoe to power through the part of the stroke you don't have access to if you're not riding with clipless shoes. It's hard to describe. If you see me at a ride I'll show you what I mean, but everyone has a different opinion.
Mohicano11.27.08 - 5:18 pm
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i read that ur foot should be a little bit bent when you're at the lowest point
aksendz11.27.08 - 5:34 pm
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I was able to find alot of info just googling "efficient pedal stroke"
Take a look and read up on the hits is the best advice I can give you. Looks like evanscoaching has a bunch of videos on youtube too.
User111.27.08 - 7:15 pm
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Just riding a track bike around town is not going to do shit. First thing to do is read up on the subject of training. There's far more to know and consider than pedaling. That's just a fraction of the puzzle. If you want to become a strong rider join us for training rides with Team Midnight Ridazz. You'll be able to pick all the brains you want and go on fun rides that will make you stronger. To answer your specfic question is to remember that your pedal stroke goal is a retain the correct and consistent cadence regardless of incline. So get yourself a bike computer with cadense monitor on a geared road bike. You'll need a road bike to climb the mountains to put strength into your legs. If you want to train on fixed do that but do it on a velodrome where you can do it right.
indigis11.27.08 - 9:57 pm
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Check out some articles on Arc Drills. Just Google sheldon brown and arc training.
stillline11.27.08 - 10:07 pm
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"Riding fixed works to improve your stroke for sure."
Ive been riding fixed since I started riding a bike. I am not old or whatever but I know that when I got my first geared bike recently, I found that my pedal stroke was better then most people who ride bikes. Whichever you decide there are alot of opinions I am sure that you will read, I say keep at it.
I like riding fixed better than gears but that is just me.
onemorefixie11.27.08 - 10:13 pm
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SYOMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
hahahahahahahahahahahaha!
bondink11.27.08 - 10:18 pm
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www.doeverythingbetter.forums.blogspot.com/fuckincerealasshit
HANDBONE11.27.08 - 10:35 pm
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SYOMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
hahahahahahahahahahahaha!
bondink11.27.08 - 10:36 pm
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Well, to revamp my gym-regimen, I was thinking of throwing spin-classes into the mix.
Some hearty, 30-60 minute sessions per day ought to get me up to better speeds in a month.
In addition to the 2 hours I try to put in every other day.
bentstrider11.28.08 - 1:57 am
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http://www.ultracycling.com/training/flexibility.html
stillline11.28.08 - 2:18 am
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My Tips:
1. Don't drink so goddamn much beer.
2. Push down on the pedals with your feet in a forward rotating manner.
3. Make sure you are on your bike first.
4. Are we there yet?
5. If you're still confused, just do what everybody else is doing. Blend in!
Joe Borfo11.28.08 - 2:29 am
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Would quitting chain smoking improve my pedaling form?
mullingitover11.28.08 - 2:44 am
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Aside from the above options, I feel my pedaling technique is fine as it is.
bentstrider11.28.08 - 2:45 am
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I went out tonight, and i thought of the post that said,
"pedal as though you were wiping shit off your shoe"
so i tried it.
and i gotta say, i just about doubled my pace instantly.
but it was working new muscles in my thigh.
wow, im a believer.
Candy Cane11.28.08 - 2:46 am
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I'm also going to try the shit wiping technique.
Joe Borfo11.28.08 - 2:48 am
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Shit...........Wiping..................Tech....................Nique.
Scatological nutjobs!!!!
bentstrider11.28.08 - 3:11 am
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in reading the above post i need to express my shock and utter disbelief that it is already 11.28.08.
indigis11.28.08 - 7:55 am
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Is it better to put your toes on your pedals or the center of your foot? And...ok, what do I need to do to not hit my ankle on my crankarm anymore? cages? (that shit hurts.)
kryxtanicole11.28.08 - 12:58 pm
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From the sounds of your problem, it looks like we both need cages.
imachynna11.28.08 - 12:58 pm
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when i put on my gloves and slide my feet into my cages, i feel like a super hero!
CAGES!!!!!!
bondink11.28.08 - 1:02 pm
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the ball of your foot should be on the center of your pedal. sounds like your are twisting your heel inwards as you pedal if your ankle hits. try moving your foot towards the outside of the pedal and pay more attention to what your feet are doing.
la duderina11.28.08 - 1:22 pm
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I personally like not having cages or clips. It requires me to focus more on my feet and it helps me be more in-tune with my bike. cages/clips are necessary only if you're trying to haul ass or I guess if you're ridin fixed, too.
la duderina11.28.08 - 1:24 pm
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Thanks duderina. I'm going to try that before I go to cages. If I hit it one more time, cages are happening.
kryxtanicole11.28.08 - 1:58 pm
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