By Gabe Mirkin, M.D. Many bicycle shops are now selling motor-driven electric bicycles (e-bikes), which can be an ideal solution for a person who is out of shape or just not strong enough to ride a regular bike. Motor-driven bicycles make it possible for just about anyone to gain the benefits of an exercise program,…
Question: My Achilles tendon gets aggravated, apparently by my pedaling style. If I pedal with my heel just slightly lower than normal on the power part of the stroke, it doesn’t hurt. Can you suggest how to keep my heel at this “ideal” pain-free level? — Jim L. Coach Fred Matheny Replies: I suppose you could use…
By Coach Fred Matheny I’ll never forget the rider approaching me near Boulder, Colorado, some years ago. Roadies are common in that cycling-mad town but this guy stood out, even at a distance, for the smoothness and fluidity of his pedaling motion. He sat rock steady on the saddle and his legs flowed underneath him. I…
Question: I’m a “masher” when I pedal. I push down hard. My riding friends say I need to develop a smoother pedal stroke. Why? — Bill B. Coach Fred Matheny Replies: The short answer is, “Mashers” waste energy. According to biomechanist Jeff Broker, Ph.D, there’s a great deal of oscillation in the pedal stroke. A…
Brought to you by RBR’s video partner Cycling Secrets.
