Pedal stroke class are starting

The class will be broken down into two 4 week segments, the first 4 weeks cover the basic movements, the second 4 weeks are drills to reinforce the use of the right muscle groups at the right time.

Prerequisites: 

Bike fit

Correct use of muscles depends on the relationship between saddle to pedal, it’s impossible to teach this class without getting that relationship right.   I both fit bikes and teach pedal stroke based on center of gravity over the pedals, which is often a very different result from many fitting systems. I am available at Belmont Wheelworks, you can reach my schedule via the wheelworks website (wheelworks.com => services => fitting).  I will also make time available via zoom to check bike & camera set-up and check fit.

Bike & camera set-up

Camera set-up is as much for the students own feedback as it is for the teacher to be able to see the class. I created a video to show what is needed.

Trainer

Trainers can be broken down into two categories, smart trainers (controlled by electronics) and dumb trainers.  The first 4 weeks put very little emphasis on effort of power, the resistance must be controllable and steady.  I feel that old style magnetic dumb trainers work best for this as they offer steady resistance even at very low levels. Smart trainers can be used, but I will be of no assistance in getting the trainer to offer the correct resistance. If you are using a smart trainer, you are expected to know how to control it.   The class involves a lot of single leg isolation, which means the other foot needs somewhere to rest. On wheel-on trainers this is not a problem. On wheel-off trainers you will need something on the sides of the bike to rest the other foot. One gallon paint cans work well - you decide on color.