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The Best Way to Pedal?

Glen wants to know the best and most efficient method of pedaling with clipless or clip on pedals. This is very important for all cyclists as the most efficient pedaling motion will make you go faster or save your energy and help you ride further more comfortably.

Question:
what is the most efficient way top pedal with either regular or clip on pedals?

Hi Glen,  If you feet are solidly clipped to the pedal then the best and most efficient method of pedaling is to push down on the pedals and pull up, so that your feet are doing a circle with you using different muscles for the pedaling motion.

With this method you are using all the muscles in your legs, especially the calf muscles as you push down with the leverage of your foot and then pulling up again. The thigh muscles are obviously very important, when you ride feel how the different muscles do different things, when you push down on the pedals this uses one set of muscles and then when you pull up this uses another set.

If you have normal pedals without clip on’s or clips and straps then you will only be pushing down on the pedals and not using all your muscles, you can make it easier and more efficient by taking the weight off the pedals on the up stroke, your not pulling up on the pedal, but you are not making it harder for the other leg.

Concentrate on making circles with your feet; this is the best way to pedal with all kinds of pedal systems. Practice on a home trainer for a smooth pedal style.

Written by Sam · Filed Under Training