Climbing Technique / Feet flat or Toes down?

guado78

Hi all,

Just a question i would like to pose to all regarding climbing whilst standing; both sprinting or more laboured.

The question primarily is Feet flat or Toes down? Does this vary depending on speed, cadence, incline, length of climb or other variables such as hand position on the bars?

Is there a proven technique which is better than the other or do people find they have a personal preference and positives/negatives are dependent on person?

Thanks

danlikesbikes

Proven you'll probably find several mini studies that contradict each other somewhat.

As your out of the saddle guess it depend on do you stand up straight, in which case naturally you'll find your feet naturally flatter. Or are you forward over/nearer the bars in which case you'll find your toes aiming downwards.

It can depend as I find my cadence & pedalling action are effected when more tired. It all depends I guess on your natural style and what you feel comfortable doing.

keef66

Never really thought about it; I'll have a look next time. I suspect flat.

seanorawe

With you toes pointed your calf muscles will work very hard. As for flat, im not sure.

Monty Dog

There was the results of a recent study that suggested 'ankling' doesn't make much difference, much the same as pulling upwards on the return - mainly because the main 'power' muscles such as the quads and glutes generate so much of the power and the other muscles significantly less. It would also depend on whether you are seated or climbing too - I'm definitely toes down when out the saddle and much less so seated

Brian B

Better tell Dave Harmon about this as he is always going on about riders 'showing a clean pair of heels' when they take off up the road. :P

guado78

Thanks for the responses guys, interesting to see some of your comments. I can certainly concur with seanorawe regarding working your calves;

seanorawe wrote:

With you toes pointed your calf muscles will work very hard. As for flat, im not sure.

The latter part of Monty Dog sounds like myself i.e Toes down out of the saddle;

Monty Dog wrote:

There was the results of a recent study that suggested 'ankling' doesn't make much difference, much the same as pulling upwards on the return - mainly because the main 'power' muscles such as the quads and glutes generate so much of the power and the other muscles significantly less. It would also depend on whether you are seated or climbing too - I'm definitely toes down when out the saddle and much less so seated

Thanks again.