#176 | Truth in Cycling | Jim Martin PhD
From wise athletes podcast by wise athletes podcast
January 17, 2026 · 1h 6m · Season 6 · Episode 176
About this episode
Dr. Jim Martin discusses cycling biomechanics and training techniques for cyclists.
Professional Supplements for Wise Athletes (click to see the "always on" discount) Jim Martin – The Cycling Scientist Dr. Jim Martin is a life-long competitive cyclist and well-known professor and researcher in exercise science whose work has had a strong impact on understanding cycling biomechanics and pedaling mechanics. He’s especially recognized for applying scientific methods to questions that many cyclists and coaches debate — like crank length, cadence, pedal stroke, and how muscles produce power on a bike. Topics Discussed? Crank length (mechanical advantage? Same crank length on all bikes for neuromuscular optimization? Cadence (higher cadence allows faster response to attacks vs. standing up to accelerate which reduces muscular endurance). Faster cadence reduces variation in power generated during pedal stroke which preserves muscle endurance Quad vs. glute power dominance / pedaling technique: unweight hands. Pedaling technique: perfect circles like a mountain bike rider, mashing (like when standing up), pulling up to “unweight” the pedal coming up, and “scraping mud off shoe” (LeMond) Any training recommendations? Single leg training? Why? How…
People in this episode
Guest: Jim Martin
Topics covered
- cycling biomechanics
- pedaling mechanics
- crank length
- cadence
- muscle power
- training recommendations
Keywords
- cycling
- biomechanics
- cadence
- training
- muscle power
- pedaling technique
- crank length
Sponsors
Professional Supplements for Wise Athletes
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Determinants of Metabolic Cost JAP, Determinants of Maximal Cycling Power, Crank Length and Submaximal Biomechanics
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