As a coach and educator, the issue of pedaling technique comes up quite a bit. I’ve been participating in a number of forums of cycling enthusiasts, instructors and sports scientists and the topic of “proper” or “efficient” pedal stoke is still being heavily debated. What I’ve found is that most of what is being presented is correct. Even when there are opposing arguments. How can this be? There are the physiologists, the biomechanists, cycling coaches, indoor cycling instructors and strength and conditioning coaches all contributing to the theories and referring to various research. After a number of weeks of frustration, attempting to participate and sift through the myriad of seeming controversy, I stumbled on the issue. The variables and applications surrounding pedal stoke are so plentiful that it is difficult to explain all of the aspects of the technique in a simple statement or even a short paragraph. I found myself plunging into verbose responses trying to explain and simplify the concepts. The short, simple responses given by others would be correct within a single application, but would be incorrect when attempted to define the entire realm of pedaling biomechanics.
As the saying goes “More often, the simpler we make a complex topic, the more incorrect we become”.
So where do we go from here? The goal of this multi-part article is to present the numerous issues and applications of pedaling dynamics in context. Hopefully, this will allow us to understand ALL of the elements that contribute to this vast topic. We will also put some definition to various terms so we are all speaking the same language. As coaches, instructors and cyclists, we will be able to confidently approach our training and teaching with a well-rounded (pun not intended), holistic approach to the topic.
Here is what we will cover:
- Part 1: Efficiency? The Metabolic and Mechanical Considerations
- Part 2: Which Muscles and When are they Effective
- Part 3: What are these variables you speak of?
- Part 4: In Context – Does this only apply for Racers?
- Part 5: In Context – Climbing (Seated and Standing)
- Part 6: In Context – Explosive & Sustained Power
- Part 7: In Context – Special Applications (e.g. Track Cycling)
- Part 8: From the Lab: Over-use Injuries and Rehabilitation
- Part 9: Is There a Benefit to Developing Pedal Technique and Leg Speed
- Part 10: Finally, What Should We Teach?
Our goal is to present this complex topic in small, digestible chunks. Considering the need for this information and the confusion surrounding the topic, we will attempt to post all of the parts of this article within the next 2-3 weeks. That is the goal anyway. Please feel free to contact us if you have questions or comments. These are deeply appreciated.
