Safety & Comfort
Pedaling & Shifting
Access to Power
Human power is synonymous with pedalling. Whether foot- or hand-cycled for the physically-challenged, pedals are the human-machine interface to nearly every bicycle and human-powered vehicle. So its important to learn how to generate more power per rotation using an effective pedal technique
Not only how you pedal but how and when you shift gears is important to a comfortable cycling experience now and many years 'down the road'. Innovations in bicycle drivetrain technology and components mean that a modern city or folding bike pedals, shifts and rides a lot smoother than a bicycle from just ten years ago.
Foot-Flex Technique
Extra power: the foot flex pedaling technique (Graphic: jung-volke.de)
Its important to learn how to generate more power per rotation using an effective pedal technique. The average "in-shape" cyclist can produce about 3 watts/kg for more than an hour (e.g., around 200 watts for a 70 kg rider), with top amateurs producing 5 watts/kg and elite athletes achieving 6 watts/kg for similar lengths of time.
Cyclists of all skill levels can boost their power output by improving their pedal technique. By pressing down with the foot when the pedal is at the 3 o'clock position instead of keeping sole of the foot parallel to the ground, more power can be created as compared with pushing down with the upper leg (thigh and knee). This technique has the added benefit of working the calf muscles.
To monitor the actual power in wattage produced by pedaling, a power meter or cadence monitor can be added to your bicycle, the latter is available as a feature in many bike computers.
You'll find improving your pedal technique will improve your cycling experience.
![[top]](../images/top.gif)
Internal Gear Hubs
Shifty Neighbourhood: an internal gear hub enables you to shift without pedaling (Photo: hansdorsch on flickr)
Not very good at shifting gears? Always forget to shift before coming to a stop at an intersection? Consider getting a bike with an internal gear hub, enabling you to shift gears while standing still, for example, at a stop light. 3-speed hubs have been around since 1903 with and generally require little or no maintenance compared with derailleur-based gear systems.
Over the years, millions of bicycles were sold with 3-speed hubs including the Torpedo Dreigang (the German word for 'three speed') from F&S (later Sachs and now SRAM) and models from Sturmey Archer. Internal hubs lost popularity in North America from the 1970s onwards but in recent years have made a comeback due to their practicality for utility cycling, especially all-weather cycling.
Today, you'll find 3-, 7-, 8- and 9-speed internal gear hubs commonly available on city bikes, Child Carriers and cargo cycles from manufacturers like Shimano, SRAM and Sturmey Archer as well as speciality hubs including the Nuvinci CVP, a continuously variable transmission from Fallbrook and the Speedhub 500/14, a 14-speed hub from Rohloff at the high end of the market.
Internal hubs make fully-enclosed chains possible on city bikes and are also the preferred transmission for power assisted bicycles (known as pedelecs)
Belt Drive Systems
Greaseless Chain: a belt drive does away with greasy chains and fussy derailleurs (Photo: richardmasoner on flickr)
While this website strives to avoid a lot of technical drivel, belt drive systems are an innovation in bicycle manufacturing not to be overlooked when buying a new bicycle, especially a city bike to be used for commuting. A belt drive made from polyurethane replaces the greasy, often dirt-clogged chain that have been used on bicycles since their inception over a century ago. Coupled to most any internal hub and and a purpose-built chainring, a belt drive system significantly lowers a bike's maintenance requirements while keeping your everyday clothes clean.
New compact folding bike designs are incorporating belt drive systems. Critically, belts have been known to slip when pressure was applied going up hills.
Note that a belt drive requires a split or opening in the bicycle's frame so it usually cannot be retro-fitted to an older bike.
Keywords
mobility, human power, pedals, pedal technique, system pedals, pedal clips, increase power, prevent injuries, dead center, top, bottom, pull back, kick over, average power, maximum power, speed, internal hub, gripshifter, thumbshifter, continuously variable transmission, belt drive,
