Bike Faster and Farther - How to Maximize Your Pedal Power

When many of us get on a new bicycle for the first time, we adjust the seat so that our feet are flat on the ground so that we can hold ourselves upright when not moving on the bike.  For those bike enthusiasts that take their biking seriously...  this is the WRONG answer!

Incorrect leg position (or seat height) on bicycle.  Note the severe bend in the leg at the bottom of the down stroke.

Adjusting your bicycle seat so your feet are flat on the ground when sitting is great, but when you are actually pedaling the bike, chances are your legs are at a severely bent angle when your foot reaches the bottom of the pedal stroke.  This means that you are not getting the full power out of your leg muscles when pushing the pedal on the down stroke.


Maximize your cycling horse power by adjusting your seat so that when your foot is on the very bottom of the pedal down stroke, your leg is only slightly bent.  When sitting on the bike, you may be only be able to touch the ground with your toes, or with only one foot, or have to move forward and straddle the cross bar, but when you are actually pedaling the bike, you are almost fully extending your leg which allows you to put more power in each down stroke.  You will be able to ride faster and/or farther than before.

Correct leg position (or seat height) on bicycle.  Note the slight bend in the leg at the bottom of the down stroke.

I learned this tip from a pro rider.  I was riding a closed road trail one day and I was struggling going up a huge hill.  As I neared he top, I heard a voice from behind say "You're seat is too low".  Surprised, as he pulled up beside me I replied with a puzzled "What?".  So he showed me.  I have a quick release lock on my seat so I was able adjust it right there on the spot.   He was correct.  What a difference!  From that day on, I was able to take that hill much easier than before and ride farther than before because I was not over working my legs so much.  They were more efficiently powering the bike.  When I stop, I have to lean the bike to one side to be able to touch the ground fully with one foot, but it is well worth the compromise.  

Try it out!  You may find that you take your cycling to a much higher level.