General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Annoying bounce Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2015-01-12 8:05 PM

User image

New user
58
2525
Subject: Annoying bounce
Hello BT's I have a question for you experts. Im starting on my training after years of false starts over & over, on my cycling portion I cant control this annoying bounce when riding high cadence, I look like a the easter rabbit on a bike!!! Any suggestions, Some info, Im 40, 180 lbs, riding a Giant tcr aero (no aero bar)

Thanks in advance!!!!!!


2015-01-13 1:03 AM
in reply to: torombolo

User image

Veteran
176
100252525
North Bay Area, CA
Subject: RE: Annoying bounce
How is your bike fit? Your seat height may need to be adjusted.
2015-01-13 4:28 AM
in reply to: torombolo

User image

Member
325
10010010025
Groningen, Netherlands
Subject: RE: Annoying bounce
How high of a cadence are we talking about here? Too high with too little resistance and you'll naturally bounce around, you'll either need to put it in a little harder gear or spin a little less.
2015-01-13 6:51 AM
in reply to: Snaaijer

Master
1946
100050010010010010025
Memphis, TN
Subject: RE: Annoying bounce
engage your core and abs more when you do this to keep it under control. How high is the cadence?
2015-01-13 7:43 AM
in reply to: torombolo

User image

New user
58
2525
Subject: RE: Annoying bounce
That is were the flaming begins, I was told by a seasonal cyclist to do drill on the biggest ring (short sprints) at my highest cadence to gain resistance. (probably bull) thats were the bounce began, not I can notice it more often when exerting high cadence for me like 100 - 110 rpm.

Does this make any sense?
2015-01-13 8:03 AM
in reply to: torombolo

User image

Extreme Veteran
1986
1000500100100100100252525
Cypress, TX
Subject: RE: Annoying bounce

It could be saddle height but the most likely culprit is an inefficient pedal stroke at high RPMs.  Everyone will bounce at a certain high cadence because you won't be able to efficiently spin in circles.

You're pushing and pulling on the pedals at imprecise times at a high cadence as opposed to spinning in a more "perfect" circle.

1. Concentrate on spinning in a circle.

2. Why are you worried so much about high cadence riding?



2015-01-13 8:03 AM
in reply to: torombolo

User image

Pro
15655
5000500050005001002525
Subject: RE: Annoying bounce

Originally posted by torombolo That is were the flaming begins, I was told by a seasonal cyclist to do drill on the biggest ring (short sprints) at my highest cadence to gain resistance. (probably bull) thats were the bounce began, not I can notice it more often when exerting high cadence for me like 100 - 110 rpm. Does this make any sense?

Yeah, it makes sense, mostly because your bike fit is bad.  100-110 isn't that high of a cadence.  You should easily be able to do that with little resistance on a trainer. 

2015-01-13 8:57 AM
in reply to: torombolo

User image

Champion
10668
500050005001002525
Tacoma, Washington
Subject: RE: Annoying bounce

Try relaxing the calves. Think of moving your ankles in little circles. Don't ever think "pedal harder", think "pedal faster". And engaging the core, as already suggested.

2015-01-13 9:26 AM
in reply to: torombolo

User image

New user
58
2525
Subject: RE: Annoying bounce
Thanks for your reply's, It makes a lot of sencse, the ineficient pedaling and bike fit, Im 100% sure my pedaling is bad, will take those tips and follow, also bike fit since I have been back and forth between bike that might be way off.

2015-01-13 9:33 AM
in reply to: torombolo

User image

Veteran
1900
1000500100100100100
Southampton, Ontario
Subject: RE: Annoying bounce
If you add in some one legged drills you will really be able to see if you have issues. When i first started doing them I was amazed at how herky jerky my pedal stroke was. I have gotten a little better since then.
2015-01-13 9:59 AM
in reply to: 0

User image

New user
58
2525
Subject: RE: Annoying bounce
good one, I can find pedaling technique videos in youtube right

Edited by torombolo 2015-01-13 10:09 AM


2015-01-13 4:03 PM
in reply to: torombolo

User image

Extreme Veteran
701
500100100
Raleigh, North Carolina
Subject: RE: Annoying bounce

You also might try just a touch more resistance as well.  If I have a bit of bounce with the higher cadence, adding a bit more load seems to smooth this out for me.

2015-01-14 7:15 AM
in reply to: Dorm57

User image

Extreme Veteran
1986
1000500100100100100252525
Cypress, TX
Subject: RE: Annoying bounce

Adding resistance just slows down the cadence and that's why the bouncing starts to disappear.

2015-01-14 8:02 AM
in reply to: DaveL

User image

Expert
1203
1000100100
Subject: RE: Annoying bounce
Originally posted by DaveL

If you add in some one legged drills you will really be able to see if you have issues. When i first started doing them I was amazed at how herky jerky my pedal stroke was. I have gotten a little better since then.


X2, I started doing some intermittent one leg drills and it helped. Amazed at how quickly it will identify your deficiencies. I usually practiced this in spin classes so I could rest my unclipped foot in the middle and spin for 2 minutes with each foot. I am sure there is a plan that would provide an actual methodology but this was easy and I could just opt to practice at any point during a spin class.
2015-01-14 8:18 AM
in reply to: torombolo

User image

Champion
10668
500050005001002525
Tacoma, Washington
Subject: RE: Annoying bounce

The whole reason for the bounce is that your leg is still pushing down when your pedal is at the bottom of the stroke -- since the pedal can't go any further down, your body goes up. It's a direct result of your muscles wanting to mash the pedals rather than moving your feet in a circle. It's not an automatic thing, it takes time. Working on it directly (one-legged drills, working on relaxation of the lower leg, building cadence slowly) will lessen that time, but it will still take time.

2015-01-14 8:56 AM
in reply to: 0

User image

New user
58
2525
Subject: RE: Annoying bounce
Thank you, I will start this drills and different approach to my pedaling, it sound right on target that mash the pedal, also adding some resistance while I work on my pedaling.

Almost forgot, I NEED to get this bike fitted

Thank s again

Edited by torombolo 2015-01-14 8:57 AM


2015-01-14 7:05 PM
in reply to: #5082796

User image

New user
58
2525
Subject: RE: Annoying bounce
went out today on a 20 mile ride and focusing on my pedaling the circular motion and not just pushing, also better gear management and did notice how it could get bette with LOTS of work. I notice is really hard to focus on correct pedaling and not just trowing my feet around
2015-01-15 12:27 AM
in reply to: torombolo

User image

Extreme Veteran
1332
100010010010025
Subject: RE: Annoying bounce
It gets much better with practice!
2015-01-15 8:12 AM
in reply to: torombolo

User image

Not a Coach
11473
5000500010001001001001002525
Media, PA
Subject: RE: Annoying bounce

Originally posted by torombolo went out today on a 20 mile ride and focusing on my pedaling the circular motion and not just pushing, also better gear management and did notice how it could get bette with LOTS of work. I notice is really hard to focus on correct pedaling and not just trowing my feet around

If you just keep riding a lot, and varying your cadence as you ride, you really shouldn't have to think about it too much.  It will become natural as you 'just push'.  Because your feet are 'locked in', they are going to move in the 'correct' fashion.  Eventually, the muscles in your legs will learn to fire in a more efficient pattern to allow this to happen without 'bouncing' (assuming your seat is not too high/low, etc.).

2015-01-15 9:09 AM
in reply to: JohnnyKay

User image

New user
58
2525
Subject: RE: Annoying bounce
I have another newb question, I did notice some numbness on my toes, but only on my right foot. Is this normal while getting use to exercise
2015-01-15 9:38 AM
in reply to: torombolo

User image

Extreme Veteran
1986
1000500100100100100252525
Cypress, TX
Subject: RE: Annoying bounce

Originally posted by torombolo I have another newb question, I did notice some numbness on my toes, but only on my right foot. Is this normal while getting use to exercise

Cycling???

Three things potentially at play here:

1) The shoes are too tight or are strapped too tight

2) Cleat position isn't where it should be

3) You might have some imbalance on that side that may need a varus/valgus adjustment (shim) to the shoe or cleat

 



2015-01-15 8:30 PM
in reply to: GMAN 19030


1055
10002525
Subject: RE: Annoying bounce
I know a guy on a serious little 500 team. They spend a ton of time learning to spin at insane cadences, north of 130+, simply because they race fixed gear bikes and the faster you pedal, the faster you go. It takes practice. The more you do it, the less you will bounce.
New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Annoying bounce Rss Feed