Originally posted by rkohler
Gotcha. So do you have any idea as to how you would ankle if you were going to do it? Maybe someone else can chime in too and let us know how to do it properly.
Thanks!
You can define "ankling" in any way you want, but the style as described in the ancient texts is animated here:
http://www.cranklength.info/animation/ankling.htm
Note that the devout anklers were to be found mainly in Anglo Saxonia. In Gaul there is no record of this doctrine.
The technique is thought to have been developed in order to allow a fuller power stroke in a time before cleats and straps. Since the advent of these innovations it affords no advantage in this.
Whether this archaic flap has any relevance to todays racers boils down to a question of whether it is good for the calf to output power or whether calf activity can be relegated to a supporting role - a necessary evil because natural selection has not yet eliminated the unnecessary foot lever.
In most riders styles the calf seems to be used in isometric contraction (or even excentric contraction) and does negligible work, except perhaps for a small flip near BDC.
You could defend traditional ankling in a max power situation since you are involving more muscle mass, and possibly from a fatigue reduction POV (more muscles to spread the work over).
From an aerobic power output point of view the argument is the same as that over Power Cranks - can more muscle work be fuelled when more muscle groups get involved?
I look forward to reading the definitive post on that one.
AFAIK there is no good evidence to support the idea that technique plays a role in cycling performance.
In some circles it is very unfashionable to suggest there is any skill whatsoever to pedalling but coaches still get good milage out of it.
Looking at, say, Ullrich, Armstrong and Pantani you could certainly be forgiven for thinking that anything goes.
