bicycle efficiency
bicycle efficiency
Most beginners to the sport of cycling suppose you just have to push hard on the pedals to be effective, but they are misinformed. What are the results of this is what I would call the "duck waddle," pushing down left right to move forward. In fact, they have only about one quarter of the race developed.
Without being too technical, For maximum effectiveness, you must apply a force perpendicular to the crank (the piece of metal connecting the pedal to the gear) through the circle formed by the pedal. Try to do this perfectly requires much practice and could drive your crazy, but break the circle into quarters makes it easier to manage. All you have to do is develop motion and practice.
We are going from the 3 o'clock position. This is where you want to push it down, which is a simple movement that most people have a lot of practice with.
Then the 6 o'clock position, when your leg is extended as far. While approaching this position, you must use the image of "scraping mud from the bottom of your shoe." This will bring you to pull the pedal to the back wheel.
Now, we are at the 9 o'clock when you "pull" the pedal up. I use the quotes for this because drawing is not exactly necessary to accomplish good circular course. Simply lift the weight of your leg on the upstroke to allow your other leg is pushing to be more effective. Do not take the weight of your foot makes your leg down have to push your other leg up.
Finish off your circular motion is 12 hours where you want to push your knee into the handlebars.
So while your bike, you want to briefly think, "push down", "scratch mud shoes, pull his leg in the air, push knee into the handlebars. "
To practice good shape, you want to reduce your speed (on your pedaling speed) at about 60 revolutions per minute, so your movements are slower and easier to manage. You want to focus first on one leg at a time, and then finally both legs together.
Doing this for the first five minutes of your journey to improve your technique and efficiency.
Jeffrey Abbott is a proud editor of the Science of Cycling website. They have many articles relating to the science behind the sport of cycling. Articles relating to technique and equipment
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