Question about pedaling

scally56

Hi

Got a question about pedaling. I've got some SPDs and i'm fine with cycling with them in after the first few falls. What i want to know is how to get the most out of them? Do you push and pull with the same leg through out the revolution or do you tend to push and when it tires start pulling?

If you push and pull during the same revolution how do you do it, as i find it extremely strange?

Thanks

Simon

tobyker

Don't push and pull up and down: move the pedal round in a circle. Try at first to complete the bottom part of the circle, dragging the pedal back until it rises - then you can try pushing it forward as it gets to the top. Your leg doesn't work like a car piston and sonnecting rod or like a double-acting steam emgine . It can do more than just push and pull up and down. Use your ankles. I find it easiest to practice when I get to a small rise in the road - instead of changing down a gear, try to keep the power going all the way round. Or something.

mapei

To get the feel of it, unclip one foot while riding along steadily, and lift it off to the side, out of the way of the pedal. That way you can pedal with just the one other leg.

You'll be amazed how soon the leg that's still pedaling gets weak when trying to lift up the pedal to make it go round. Once you get used to the sensation, do it with both legs lifting and moving their pedals in a circle, like tobyker says. You'll find yourself going twice a fast 'cos you're applying power all the way round, not just pushing.

mapei

To get the feel of it, unclip one foot while riding along steadily, and lift it off to the side, out of the way of the pedal. That way you can pedal with just the one other leg.

You'll be amazed how soon the leg that's still pedaling gets weak when trying to lift up the pedal to make it go round. Once you get used to the sensation, do it with both legs lifting and moving their pedals in a circle, like tobyker says. You'll find yourself going twice a fast 'cos you're applying power all the way round, not just pushing.

FCE2007

Yep, pedal in circles.
Souplesse is your aim unless you are racing then just stamp down hard :twisted:

oldwelshman

Yes, pedal one legged to get the feel for it. It becomes natural in time, especially when putting in efforts, and on climbs.
It does not wuite equate to twice as fast though so dont expect to half your 10m tt times