Foot position question

[ace]

Could someone explain to me whether your foot is supposed to be angled up(heel above ball of foot) on the downstroke, and then up (with the ball above the heel) on the upstroke? I'm just not getting how I'm supposed to be using my foot position to get around the circle. Someone explained this to me, but I just didn't get it.

Thanks!

[RoadRaven]

I use my toe to describe a circle, pointing down as I move my foot forward and down and as my foot lifts up it comes back to horizontal...


This is really hard to describe - do you ride with someonw who can show you?

[Kalidurga]

Could someone explain to me whether your foot is supposed to be angled up(heel above ball of foot) on the downstroke, and then up (with the ball above the heel) on the upstroke?

I think it would ideally be the other way around: Drop your heel as you come around the top of the stroke (1-5 o'clock), then drop your toe as you come around the bottom of the stroke (6-10 o'clock).

I was reading something about this the other day that included a diagram, but I can't remember where I saw it. (I think that's a sign that I'm reading way too much stuff about cycling...) The article/website/whatever also mentioned that that's the recommended way to pedal, but that pedaling is a very individual thing. It went on to mention the different styles used by various pros that contradict what's commonly considered ideal.

[kerrybelle]

I just did a quick Google search. Here's two of the articles that came up with diagrams:


http://www.bicycling.com/article/1,6610,s1-4-41-15647-1,00.html

http://www.bikesplit.com/bsa4.htm

Hope it helps.

Kerry

[aicabsolut]

Depends on how much heel drop you naturally do...some are more heels down riders than others. But at any rate, if you drop your heel, it'll be on the downstroke, near or through the bottom, then lift heel to start upstroke. Neutral foot position on a bike should be slightly toes down.

How much "ankling" you do or whatever depends on your personal style..which is why the same seat position doesn't work for everyone with the same leg length.

Cleat position is also a factor.

[ace]

Thank you. That does help.

[Kalidurga]

Thanks, kerrybelle, the Bicycling.com link is the one I had seen! Now I still have to remember where I read the bit about the ankling techniques of various pros...

[han-grrl]

Don't over think the pedal stroke too much

many people have their own "style" so to speak, because of their own body shape.

Some things to ensure is that the pedal is on the right spot under the foot (under the ball not the toes)

Everyone will naturally pedal the right way. When you over think things you can start doing silly things. I know someone who took a spin class, and the instructor kept telling the class to drop their heels. so she did. then she ended up with heel problems because she was dropping her heels below parallel to the floor. (ie toes up).

the moral - be comfortable, make sure the bike is set up properly and the rest will follow.

Smile
Han