Pedaling Mechanics question

[Chris aka Killer]

Ok, when you pedal where should your toes point?

Typically my foot is angle down at about a 30 degree angle when I am coming around the front of my stroke.

However I have noticed when I am climbing in a big gear, I dip my heal so that my toes are pointing up. Is this bad form. I am thinking I am dropping my heal in an attempt to straighten my leg to get more power without getting out of the saddle. Maybe I should just raise my seat?

Opinions? Where do your toes point?

[Jeff]

The style you mention where your heel lowers in the big ring is called ankling. This is acceptable style,however I've read that this can lead to discomfort and injuries. Personally I'm of the school of effeciency. Least amount of movement anywhere and everywhere leaves more energy , oxygen longer endurance.

I also read somewhere that your calves act as a sort of second and third heart pushing blood faster through the system giving better vo2 max (the bodies ability to send o2 where it needs to go) lending to the belief that ankling would be better.
I know this goes both directions but more information may help us find the answer.
As for the toes pointing in a particular direction. Everyone is built different. i.e. crow footed , pigeon-toed....
No one rule would apply to all here . In theory.
As a guess I would say straight forward as you can go . But then some of us have bad knees.
Again sorry if I only lend to the confusion .
Heres more . Do you stand or sit. I feel as though when I stand if I dip the heel I get better pull with the calve and glutes. However if I sit it's mostly all quads. Mix 'em up according to the pros , acheiving rest for different muscle groups while acquiring the same goal. Something like 15 second standing 25 sit. Depending as always. :confused: :confused: :confused:

[Chris aka Killer]

looks like I inverse ankle on the tough climbs.

pedeling techniques (http://www.thankstomycranks.com/animation/monty.htm)

[Jeff]

I suppose I'm an ankler wannabe. No calves that is.

[carlos]

jeff's got it.