A question for cyclists.

[Tilly2]

I have recently bought a bicycle. I haven't ridden a bicycle for years.
This may seem like a daft question

My question is, do you put the ball of your foot on the pedals or do you put the middle of your foot on the pedals, so that the pedal is resting on your heel?

My husband says the ball but I feel more comfortable with the middle of my foot. Does it really make any difference to how much my knees ache?

[tamborine]

Ball of foot has most power.

[joggerjayne]

Khandro ... JEJames Cycles should pay us a marketing commission !!

:0)

[Tilly2]

Maybe my knees hurt because of my age!

[joggerjayne]

Tilly ... your saddle is way too low.

[emmie]

maybe it is, but any decent bike shop can adjust the saddle to the correct position for your height. Having both feet on ground is safer than not, as in the event of a quick stop.

[tonyav]

It could be your knees hurt because you are using muscles that you haven't used for years, but if that is the case then the more you cycle then the easier it will become imo.

[emmie]

it can also be because the bike saddle isn't at the right height

[ChuckFickens]

I don't think Tilly is planning on riding the tour de France (probably doesn't take enough drugs for a start!) or taking part in a sprint event at the olympics.

For casual riding ball in front of pedal is fine (and it often the recommended way for long distance riders)

[Tilly2]

Correct Chuck. Bradley Wiggins, I aint!

[Nevilleauk]

Should really be the ball of your foot. If you are a keen cyclist then you will know about cycling shoes with cleats attached to the soles? They clip into special pedals so your feet do not move when you peal. They always place the ball of your foot on the pedals. Your legs will cease to ache when you do more cycling, try a bit every day and try to do further each time. I know I am a re-born cyclist aged 78 and I know the feeling. I think i am in my 20's but when I get to a steep hill my body tells me otherwise!

[Tilly2]

You started cycling again at seventy eight, Nevilleauk?

Good for you. That's given me a bit of impetus to keep going.

[JonnyBoy12]

You could come to my area which is so wet you would be doing cycling and swimming at the same time, Tilly.

Good idea, eh?

[Tilly2]

I'm not going anywhere on my bike today J.B. Far too wet and windy.