Pedaling in Circles

[Lazarus]

Did not want to hijack the thread. Split off from another thread about cycling efficiency on the pedal stroke and applying power through out the stroke.

A couple of good links.

Velo news.

Finally, Martin’s studies of pedaling technique indicated that regional cyclists had “better” pedaling mechanics than elite cyclists. It indicated that elite riders pull up less on the pedals on the backstroke and push down harder on the downstroke.

Triathlon Resource.

At steady riding speeds, even the world’s best riders don’t create power on the upstroke. The difference is that they do not create negative power, while most beginning and intermediate riders do. The goal of the upstroke is to unload the pedal, lifting the weight of the leg, foot, and shoe off the pedal. This allows all of the power generated by the opposite leg’s downstroke to be delivered to the rear wheel and provide propulsion

[Bicycle Bob]

I had an interesting experience with a recumbent pedal boat. A small looseness in the system signaled if the prop was pushing or dragging. Without using shoe clips, I couldn't maintain positive thrust going through the dead centers, even at slow speed and concentrating on just that. Recumbents need heel support for reasonable efficiency.