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#176 | Truth in Cycling | Jim Martin PhD

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Jim Martin – The Cycling Scientist

Dr. Jim Martin is a life-long competitive cyclist and well-known professor and researcher in exercise science whose work has had a strong impact on understanding cycling biomechanics and pedaling mechanics. He’s especially recognized for applying scientific methods to questions that many cyclists and coaches debate — like crank length, cadence, pedal stroke, and how muscles produce power on a bike.

Topics Discussed?

  • Crank length (mechanical advantage?  Same crank length on all bikes for neuromuscular optimization?
  • Cadence (higher cadence allows faster response to attacks vs. standing up to accelerate which reduces muscular endurance).  Faster cadence reduces variation in power generated during pedal stroke which preserves muscle endurance
  • Quad vs. glute power dominance / pedaling technique:  unweight hands.
  • Pedaling technique: perfect circles like a mountain bike rider, mashing (like when standing up), pulling up to “unweight” the pedal coming up, and “scraping mud off shoe” (LeMond)
  • Any training recommendations?  Single leg training?  Why?  How?  Eccentric or muscle lengthening training?  How to train it?

Papers

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The ever curious athlete who demands answers.
About the Author
Curious athlete who demands answers. Husband to Susan (moxiemoms.com). Father of 3 daughters. Athletic pursuits over time, in reverse order: cycling, skiing, mountaineering, rock climbing, triathlon, golf, tennis, football.

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