No, I don't mean the local cops. What I mean is instead of using the approved method of putting the ball of the foot on the pedals, put the pedal more towards the heel so that the centre part of the foot is pushing downwards.
It all started when digging the garden and I realised that I was placing the top of the spade just forwards of my shoe's heel.
Anyway, observation of cyclists in Holland on u-tube, whilst not clear, suggests that many of them pedal flat footed.
So, this afternoon, on my ride, I became more observant. Nearly all young children pedal flat footed as do many women. Most men used the ball of their foot, just the same as I always have.
Being a lifelong contrarian, I now question exactly why the recommended method is to use the ball of the foot. After all, simple leverage shows that it puts more strain on the ankles. Does it truly have any advantages?
I say this because the early part of the 20th Century was full of self-opinionated people who airily stated things that became de rigeur overnight. I recall being told to chew each mouthful 40 times, to take deep breaths and only breathe 8 times a minute. That the milkman carrying an extra bottle under his arm was carrying a 'Lazy Man's load'
Red and green should not be seen. A woman's gloves, handbag and shoes should all be matching etc. etc. Certain cigarettes were advertised as 'Correct for any occasion' as though to pull out a Woodbine in certain company would be beyond the pale.
There was a load of this turgid bosh and it was never questioned at the time.
So, this afternoon, I went for 5 miles flat pedalling. At first it felt odd, but as I got used to it, I realised that I could push harder with less strain. Now, I am 69 years old, not very fit and slightly arthritic, so perhaps my experience would not be typical for most, but I would like to hear others opinions
It all started when digging the garden and I realised that I was placing the top of the spade just forwards of my shoe's heel.
Anyway, observation of cyclists in Holland on u-tube, whilst not clear, suggests that many of them pedal flat footed.
So, this afternoon, on my ride, I became more observant. Nearly all young children pedal flat footed as do many women. Most men used the ball of their foot, just the same as I always have.
Being a lifelong contrarian, I now question exactly why the recommended method is to use the ball of the foot. After all, simple leverage shows that it puts more strain on the ankles. Does it truly have any advantages?
I say this because the early part of the 20th Century was full of self-opinionated people who airily stated things that became de rigeur overnight. I recall being told to chew each mouthful 40 times, to take deep breaths and only breathe 8 times a minute. That the milkman carrying an extra bottle under his arm was carrying a 'Lazy Man's load'
Red and green should not be seen. A woman's gloves, handbag and shoes should all be matching etc. etc. Certain cigarettes were advertised as 'Correct for any occasion' as though to pull out a Woodbine in certain company would be beyond the pale.
There was a load of this turgid bosh and it was never questioned at the time.
So, this afternoon, I went for 5 miles flat pedalling. At first it felt odd, but as I got used to it, I realised that I could push harder with less strain. Now, I am 69 years old, not very fit and slightly arthritic, so perhaps my experience would not be typical for most, but I would like to hear others opinions
