sahft-pee-duh-ling
verb, gerund
Pedaling a bike with minimal effort.
Example usage: I was soft-pedaling the entire way home.
Most used in: Cycling communities in North America and Europe.
Most used by: Recreational cyclists and commuters.
Popularity: 8
Comedy Value: 4
Also see: spinning, cadence, freewheeling, coasting,
What is Soft-Pedaling in Cycling?
Soft-pedaling is a cycling term used to refer to the act of pedaling at a much lower intensity than normal. It's a technique that can be used to improve the rider's performance and prevent fatigue during long rides. Soft-pedaling can be used to maintain a steady cadence, reduce muscle fatigue, and conserve energy.
Soft-pedaling is also known as spinning, as it involves maintaining a fast cadence while applying less pressure to the pedals. This technique is often used by professional cyclists as it allows them to maintain a consistent speed without expending too much energy. Studies have shown that soft-pedaling can improve a cyclist's performance by up to 10%, making it a valuable technique for competitive cyclists.
Soft-pedaling is also beneficial for recreational cyclists, as it allows them to ride for longer distances without getting fatigued. It's a great way to conserve energy and stay comfortable during long rides. Learning the technique of soft-pedaling is easy and can be done with a few practice rides.
.Pedaling Softly: The Origins of the Term
The term 'soft-pedaling' is a phrase commonly used in cycling to describe a rider who is not pedaling with full force. The exact origin of the term is unclear, but it is believed to have first been used in the late 1800s in the United States.
At the time, the phrase was used to describe a cyclist who was pedaling with a less intense effort. It was most likely derived from the phrase 'pedaling softly' which was used to describe the same action. This phrase was likely used to differentiate between cyclists who were pedaling with a full effort and those who were not.
In the early 1900s, the phrase began to be used more widely in the cycling community. It was often used to describe cyclists who were not pedaling with a full effort in order to conserve energy or to avoid injury. Over time, the phrase became more widely used and today it is a commonly used term in the cycling world.
The term 'soft-pedaling' has been used in the cycling world for over a century and remains a popular phrase today. It is used to describe a cyclist who is pedaling with less effort than normal in order to conserve energy or avoid injury.
