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Conference noted::bicycle

Title:	Bicycling
Notice:	Bicycling for Fun
Moderator:	JAMIN::WASSER

Created:	Mon Apr 14 1986
Last Modified:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:	3214
Total number of notes:	31946

977.0. "ANKLING" by USCTR1::PJOHNSON () Wed Jan 25 1989 14:02

    A few days ago I had my wife video tape me while I was riding on
    my rollers.  I think my technique is o.k. but I noticed that I
    pedal very flatfooted.  Is it better to have some ankling in
    one's pedal stroke?  Does ankling give a little more power in
    some of the dead spots of the pedal stroke?  Does ankling use
    more energy?  I've noticed that other guys I ride with seem to 
    ankle a little more than I.  Is this strictly a matter of style,
    or is one technique superior to the other?
    
    Phil

T.R	Title	User	Personal Name	Date	Lines
977.1		TALOS4::JD	JD Doyle	`Wed Jan 25 1989 14:34`	11
	I've seen alot of pro and con ankling info lately. The "pro" seems to be more power in the pedal stroke, and the "con" is potential increase in fatigue in the muscles that are doing the ankling. Since the muscles of the calf and lower leg are generally smaller and less developed, they could fatigue and cramp earlier. I think if it comes naturally, then all the better. I'm not sure it's worth trying to develop. I'd be interested in any current info. JD
977.2		TALOS4::JD	JD Doyle	`Thu Jan 26 1989 13:24`	14
	I checked a reference from "The Phisiology and Biomechanics of Cycling" It says that for sprinting and races of 25m or less, the trained cyclist can endure the fatigue, and thus will benefit from ankling. For efficiency and longer riding, the natural motion of the foot is best. Exaggerating the motion of the foot creates premature fatigue becuase it shortens the recovery phase (hence the added power). It also causes constriction in the muscles of the foot, which can restrict blood flow, adding to fatigue. FWIW... JD
977.3	Correct me if I'm wrong. . .	WITNES::HANNULA	Round Up the Usual Suspects	`Thu Jan 26 1989 14:09`	5
	I'm thinking that your ease of ankling is either related to the length of your crankarms, or the height of your seat, or maybe a combination of both? Can anyone shed some light on this?
977.4	I'm flat, are you ?	OGWV50::YOSHIKURA		`Fri Jan 27 1989 05:28`	6
	Whichever is better, the way you pedal smoother is the better and natiral style for you. I read Hinault is an ankler and LeMond is a flat footer. As you know, they both have won the Tour, so ... Tak It is much better to ride than think.