Got any training routines for the above for dedicated competitive cyclist.
Century with hills 4:52:02
2006-09-11 19:50:39 · 7 answers · asked by plank 2 in Sports ➔ Cycling
It improves your pedaling skills. Most cyclist don't know how to pedal a bicycle correctly, most have flat spots in there pedaling stroke thus the invention of Rotor Cranks.
The benefit to single leg pedaling is to help you pedal in a circles and that will improve your pedaling stroke, decreasing the flat spots and increasing the power with which you ride. It's alot harder to achieve than you might think.
All in all it will make you a more effective cyclist
2006-09-12 00:52:31 · answer #1 · answered by Ric 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
As several have already mentioned, the primary benefit is to teach the leg muscles to maintain a complete pedal stroke in a circular motion. By only using one leg, you force the leg to pull through the stroke to maintain momentum.
BTW, if you are averaging almost 21 MPH for a century with hills, you no doubt already knew the answer. ;)
2006-09-12 14:52:52 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The obvious benefit is to equalize leg strength and to learn to make circles when you're pedaling. Too many people use their legs like pistons and miss the benefits of making circles.
2006-09-12 11:50:16 · answer #3 · answered by frieburger 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
One leg usually is stronger than the other. So it will also compensate for the other leg. Single leg pedal practice will help develop strength and muscle endurance. This also works great in the gym. Single leg squats, extensions, curls and calve raises. Getting your muscles independently strong will make them a force when worked together for your century.
2006-09-12 03:57:23 · answer #4 · answered by txnmtnbkr 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
All of the above are great answers. I spend about five minutes of every warm-up doing them - especially through the winter after lifting.
If you have a powermeter you'll see that immediately after doing them you output more power with a lower heart rate.
A caution, though. I worked on the bottom, back and top of the stroke so much that I neglected to power part - the downstroke.
2006-09-12 13:16:02 · answer #5 · answered by Jeff 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yup, round pedal stroke. Leg strength comes from other workouts.
2006-09-12 18:36:31 · answer #6 · answered by doggiebike 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It helps you learn how to pedal in a circle, rather than up and down.
2006-09-12 12:22:39 · answer #7 · answered by kalaka 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋