It’s not surprising that studies have found elite mountain bikers pedal more efficiently than elite road riders. To maintain power and traction on a steep, loose climb constant pedal pressure is essential. If you ever had your back tire start to skip around behind you as you powered up a climb only to be followed by a bobble and walk to the top, then you’ve experienced jerky pedaling and a loss of traction.
Think of your crown when pedaling, a perfect circle. The analogy to wiping mud off of the bottom of your shoe is often used when teaching proper pedaling. Pressure is most often lost at the transition from pulling back to the drive of the knee forward towards the handlebars. You need to continue pulling back with your foot longer than is initially comfortable before switching to the forward movement.
A great drill to feel any dead spots in your circle is pedaling with one foot. This can be done outside or on the trainer indoors. Unclip one foot; hold it out to the side clear of the rotating pedal and circle with the other foot. Any uneven clunking you feel is where pedal pressure is being lost. My pedaling mantra is “heels down pedal round.” Keep practicing, you’ll get it and will soon be spinning like a Queen.
You’ll notice that this drill is only going to work if you have clipless pedals. Next time…Should I Go Clipless to the Regal Cycling Ball?
