Pedal Position Tips Pedal position relates to the circular path of the pedals in relation to the frame of the bike and your leg extension – for example, the right pedal is at the bottom of the downstroke if your right leg is fully extended. Likewise, the left pedal is at the top of the stroke at this instant. An even, or neutral, position would be with both legs evenly extended so that the crank arms are parallel to the ground and your weight is evenly balanced on the pedals. *When descending or coasting and pedaling is not needed, keep your pedals in the neutral position, whether you are in or out of the saddle. This will give you the best ground clearance, and keep your weight even over the bike. You may want to modify this accordingly if you are on a side slope and need to keep the uphill pedal closer to the top of the stroke as it may otherwise hit the ground if the side slope is steep enough. *Coasting around corners and tight turns downhill may also require proper pedal position, and if the turn is tight, keep the uphill pedal higher, otherwise it will be closer to the ground and may suffer unexpected contact. *Often it is necessary to weight one pedal fully – like around a bank turn where you weight the outside pedal and your inside leg may come off the pedal and can be used to skid or stabilize a slide . Sometimes to reduce fatigue and change riding position, while coasting and standing you can take the weight off one side of your body by weighting the opposite pedal. This allows you to sort of stretch one side and reduce fatigue for a few moments if on a long ride. *Pedal ground clearance requirements depend on the style of pedal, terrain, and your bike’s clearance. Elevated chainstays and shorter crank arms, with low profile pedals offer the most ground clearance. Often you may have to co-ordinate your pedaling, or backstroke a bit, in order to avoid smashing an obstacle on the downstroke. For example, when riding on a rock garden or uneven terrain with roots or extreme contour, make sure you “time” your downstroke to avoid hitting the bottom of the pedals on the terrain while pedaling or coasting. *Sidehill terrain requires excellent balance and well timed pedal strokes – the main concern here is to avoid contact with your uphill pedal with the ground during your pedal stroke. Always coast on side terrain with the downhill pedal at the stroke bottom, but keep your weight into the hill in case you wipeout to avoid going over the high side!! *Neutral coasting position can also be used as a safety or defensive position if you are unsure of what is coming ahead. For example, if you are on unfamiliar or difficult terrain, or visibility is restricted, assume this position as you will then be ready for anything. In the neutral position, you would be going downhill, out of the saddle, and your feet even on the pedals. Most riders instinctively will use this technique, and shift their weight back on the bike the steeper the descent and change the angle of force on the pedals as it tilts back a bit to accommodate their more rearward position. |
