Saddle Slang is sponsored by Rehook. Check out our tools, bike care and apparel

PED-el REE-lease

Noun, Verb

The act of releasing pressure on the pedals of a bicycle to coast or slow down.

Example usage: I used pedal-release to coast down the hill.

Most used in: Mountain biking and BMX.

Most used by: Experienced cyclists who are familiar with the terrain.

Popularity: 8/10

Comedy Value: 2/10

Also see: Cadence, Pedaling, Crank-spinning, Clipping-out,

.

What is Pedal-Release Cycling?

Pedal-release cycling is a type of cycling technique that uses the release of the pedals to generate additional power and speed. This technique is used in both mountain biking and road cycling and involves the cyclist releasing their feet from the pedals at the top of the pedal stroke and allowing the momentum generated from the downward stroke to continue. This technique is used to generate more power and speed than can be achieved through a regular pedal stroke.

Pedal-release cycling is a relatively new form of cycling and is becoming increasingly popular with cyclists looking to increase their performance. This technique is especially beneficial for mountain bikers, as it allows them to generate more speed and power when climbing hills or tackling technical terrain. According to a study by the University of Utah, riders who use pedal-release cycling can generate up to 30% more power than those who use regular pedal strokes.

Using pedal-release cycling can also help reduce fatigue. By releasing the pedals at the top of the stroke, the cyclist can rest their feet for a brief moment, allowing them to conserve energy and maintain their performance for longer. This technique also helps improve the cyclist’s technique, as it encourages them to use their whole body to generate power.

Pedal-release cycling is an effective technique for both mountain bikers and road cyclists looking to increase their performance and reduce fatigue. This technique can help cyclists generate more power and speed, as well as improve their overall technique.

.

Pedal-Release: The Early Days of Cycling

The term 'pedal-release' entered the cycling lexicon in the early 1870s. It was used to describe a new type of bicycle that allowed the rider to disengage the pedals from the wheel while in motion. This enabled the rider to coast without having to press down on the pedals.

The first pedal-release bicycles were developed in England and France in the late 1860s and early 1870s. The earliest models were primitive compared to modern bicycles, but they allowed riders to coast more easily. By the 1880s, pedal-releases were becoming popular in the United States, and the design was refined over the next decade.

Today, pedal-release bicycles are still popular, though the design has changed significantly. Modern pedal-releases are designed to provide a smoother ride and more efficient pedaling motion. The term 'pedal-release' is still used to describe the feature of a bicycle that allows the rider to disengage the pedals from the wheel while in motion.

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

Saddle Slang

Find definitions for all of the technical terms, slang, and acronyms used in cycling. From the different types of bikes and their components, to training techniques, racing terminology and put downs, this dictionary has it all.

Talk the Talk
1 of 3

EXCLUSIVE OFFERS AND THE LATEST UPDATES BY EMAIL

FOLLOW THE NEWSLETTER