Hesiod wrote:
Ok. Those are big differences. But I think I’d be working really hard to get 170’s around to the power phase at 90rpms. Is there a way of taking into account that we all mash through the power phase...even when we are trying to be smooth? I feel like I’m coming around quicker and easier on short cranks and getting to the mash with less work. Idk. I have no science to the madness...but I am conscious of applying power for a little spurt. I get a smooth rhythm. Short cranks feel like less work overall...
How does that fit with the numbers? Does not applying equal pressure change the overall efficiency?
I suspect you are right that you would have difficulty turning 170's at 90 rpm as most people naturally have lower rpm as crank length get's longer because I think most people apply close to the same force to the pedals when they change crank length - rpm adjusts to keep power the same. Sorta.
To do the analysis on "mashing" vs. perfect circular pedaling would take more time than I want to put into it - probably could do a simulation in engineering equation solver or something. It might change your metabolic efficiency (i don't know) but it will not change mechanical efficiency. Pedaling style can also affect how many muscles are used, at what % of their maximum force they are being used and therefore affect muscle fatigue while aerobic cost remains the same.
But even with mashing, the relative difference in pedal force will be the same.
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Ed O'Malley
www.VeloVetta.com
Founder of VeloVetta Cycling Shoes
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