wise athletes podcast #176 | Truth in Cycling | Jim Martin PhD
Jan 17, 2026
01:06:10
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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? Eccentric or muscle lengthening training? How to train it?
Papers
Related episodes & links:
- Episode 106 | Pain Free Cycling | Kevin Schmidt PT MSPT-CMP
- Episode 98 | Myvelofit Professional-Quality Bike Fit from Home | Jesse Jarjour
- Episode 87 | The Bike: Fun & Fitness Part 2 | Hunter Allen
- Episode 86 | The Bike: Fun & Fitness Part 1 | Hunter Allen
- Episode 9 | How to Pedal | Glen Winkel PhD, Masters World Champion
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