Warning: Learning These Skills Could Increase Your Cycling Efficiency

There are many things to learn when it comes to the sports of cycling. But you have to ask yourself these few questions first. Do you know about cycling efficiency? Do you also know that wearing 'clipless' and toe-clips pedals can recycle your energy for pedaling?

Experts have said that an important factor in keeping your pedaling movements smoothly with the most power is to apply pedaling power throughout the whole pedaling circle.

The pedaling circle can be divided into two strokes, namely the 'downstroke' and upstroke. Then there are further terms that coin the circle, the bottom and top.

Most beginners make the mistake of pulling their feet upwards vertically. In fact, cycling experts have stated that you should instead pull back your feet and only slightly up for the best effect. This translates into the feet making a more natural arc that powers your pedaling.

'Downstroke' is the most powerful stroke of all. It is most responsible for all your pedaling efforts to rotate the gear trains and then the wheels.

As for the bottom part, new cyclists often jerk when their legs extend with their feet at the bottom of the stroke circle. This can easily be solved by adjusting the proper saddle or seat height beforehand.

Experts also say that the top part of the pedaling stroke is a stop point. In order to smooth the transition, you have to imagine yourself as if you are stepping onto a staircase step and raising your foot.

If done right, your cycling stroke will resemble the professionals. It often takes time to practice the individual segments of proper pedaling.

Another technique in smoothing your pedaling stroke is called the 'ankling'. This means at the bottom of your stroke, your heel will be slightly upwards and during the 'downstroke', your heel is supposed to be downwards a little.

Experienced riders also do not make unnecessary movements. If you observe them in cycling tournaments, their hips and shoulders do not rock. It is as if only their legs are moving like pistons. This enables them to ride in a straighter line or path of action. There is absolutely no jerky movements whatsoever in this case. This habit raises efficiency.

All the techniques cannot be perfected without getting the right pedals to do the job for you. Every cyclists who are serious into transforming their cycling performance should wear 'clipless' or toe-clip pedals. It is the basis that makes efficient pedaling possible. Some people worry about wearing these special pedal types for safety reasons. However, once learned, the benefits are aplenty.