pedaling technique with clip-in pedals?

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2012-06-30 6:45 AM

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St. George, UT
Subject: pedaling technique with clip-in pedals?

I am new to clip-in pedals. I always hear how they are much more efficient etc, but I still pedal like I would with my old egg beaters, Right down, left down, back and forth. Is this correct? Are there people out there that are pedaling down AND up with each foot? Seems crazy to me but I was just curious if I was missing out on a secret technique to riding correctly with clip-ins

2012-06-30 7:47 AM
in reply to: #4287966

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Veteran
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Central France
Subject: RE: pedaling technique with clip-in pedals?

I'm no cycling expert, however, you should feel something of a difference. To me it's not so much a push down-pull up effort but more of a circular effort.

I've found that if I workout on the hometrainer or the spin bikes at my club that I can work on my pedaling skills and get a good feel for what pedaling in a circle feels like. I'm more able to repeat the movement on the road. Before I started using clip ins only my quads would ache after a ride. Now my quads and my hamstrings will be tired.

2012-06-30 10:15 AM
in reply to: #4287966

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Subject: RE: pedaling technique with clip-in pedals?
You can't generate much force on the upstroke, but it will smooth out the circle. Concentrate on spinning and staying smooth, everything else will follow.
2012-06-30 11:20 AM
in reply to: #4288093

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Westfield, IN
Subject: RE: pedaling technique with clip-in pedals?

audiojan - 2012-06-30 11:15 AM You can't generate much force on the upstroke, but it will smooth out the circle. Concentrate on spinning and staying smooth, everything else will follow.

Very good advice. If you want to learn the mechanics of it, check this out http://www.bikesplit.com/bsa4.htm

2012-06-30 12:18 PM
in reply to: #4287966

New user
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St. George, UT
Subject: RE: pedaling technique with clip-in pedals?
Thanks for the awesome info you guys
2012-06-30 1:01 PM
in reply to: #4287966

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Kirkland, WA
Subject: RE: pedaling technique with clip-in pedals?
I didn't notice much at first either, but found when I went back to a set of non basket style pedals I kept lifting my foot off the pedal...anyone else had this happen?

2012-06-30 1:24 PM
in reply to: #4288259

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Subject: RE: pedaling technique with clip-in pedals?

Sail15 - 2012-06-30 11:01 AM I didn't notice much at first either, but found when I went back to a set of non basket style pedals I kept lifting my foot off the pedal...anyone else had this happen?

I had the same sensation.  It's especially noticeable when you get out of the saddle.  Studies have shown that at normal pedaling cadences, pro don't pull up but they do unweight the pedal (so the leg on the downstroke doesn't have to lift the other leg as much).

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