Power at the pedal

Every cyclist dreams of going faster – occasional riders, weekend riders, everyday riders and professionals all chase this goal.  Probikefit helps make these dreams a reality. 

Not every rider is the same, there is no single bike setup for all.  Probikefit uses each rider’s individual range of motion while considering any injury-induced limitations to adapt the bicycle to fit each rider. 

Gary from Probikefit has been in the cycling industry for 19 years and has now been fitting people to their bicycle using the Retul fitting system for 10 years, achieving a Masters Retul certification in 2013.

All levels of cyclist, from professional to weekend warrior, can benefit from Gary’s experience and knowledge. 

 

“Set yourself a challenge, and then let me help you achieve it” Gary Probikefit 2019 

The Pedal Stroke for a road cyclist mostly happens between the 12 o’clock and 5 o’clock position of the pedal stroke. This is when a majority of the primary muscles are activated, primary muscles (Gluteus, Quadriceps and Hip Flexors) movements of a pedal stroke. Between the 6 and 12 o’clock position in the pedal revolution, there is some knee flexion to help bring the pedal back to the top but helping that flexion is the greater downward force being placed on the opposite pedal, by the opposite leg.  The muscles that help return the foot to the top range from the hamstrings and calves at the bottom of the stroke, pulling the foot backwards, to the quadriceps at the top, lifting the foot and knee back to the 12 o’clock position.

 

The power phase happens while the hip and knee extends, pressing downward on the pedal. This action starts with a combination of the gluteus and quadriceps muscles, but then is joined by the hamstrings and calf muscles a quarter ways through the revolution. This shows the need for equally strong hamstrings, hips, and quadriceps. These groups of muscle make up the largest volume of muscles used in a pedal revolution.