A physics question

[PaulH]

Imagine a standard bicycle, with a full range of gears but pedals where you can 'clip in', ie attach your shoes.

Does pulling up on the opposite crank during the downstroke of your lead foot create more torque about the axle? Does it vary for different cadences? Is it possible to create a greater torque than all your bodyweight on one pedal?

[Rasmus]

Well, I think that it is posible to create more torque about the axle with the using of two foots. My motivations are that it is posible to turn the axle even if I don't weigh anything, only by using my muscles. I'm not sure about creating greater torque than all your bodyweight on one pedal. But with a clip in I don't see why not, if the pedal are in a 90 degrees position and you are standing with your whole bodyweight on it and at the same time lift with the other foot with the help of the 'clip in'. I mean if I stand on a scale with one foot and lift something else with my other foot I weigh more. But I don't think I will preserve any energy by doing this..

Is this a trick question?

[PaulH]

No, not at all lol. Is often discussed on cycling forums.

[Paul Stevens]

Is often discussed on cycling forums

I was about to say "By idiots". But I retract that....
and replace it with "by the uneducated in the simple
laws of physics." I suppose people still discuss whether
the earth goes around the sun. (Actually they would
go around each other were it not for Jupiter, et. al.)

[PaulH]

Maybe the majority. But we have some extremely well educated people who frequent the forums.

Oh road cyclists, yes I agree. Luckily the mountain bikers can communicate and discuss issues without trying to prove they are the best at everything.

[Rasmus]

I was about to say "By idiots".

Well that made me feel better making that made such a long discussion of it