Comments on: Do Big Calves Make You a Faster Cyclist?

By: Darryl is Loving the Bike

Darryl is Loving the Bike — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 14:49:00 +0000

Thanks Paul, when I used to be more of a lifting weights kind of guy….I would do calf raises in three different positions. I’d do them with toes pointed in, pointed out, and parallel. However, if you’re clipped into your pedals it’s a little difficult to switch it up.

By: Paul Olsen

Paul Olsen — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 01:11:00 +0000

I’ve noticed that when I’m going uphill I tend to point my toes downward, which feels like it activates the calves more…. kinda like using a stepper at a gym…. keeping your feet flatter forces the load onto the quads and glutes more.

By: Cycling training

Cycling training — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 01:49:00 +0000

Maybe it does but I still believe that a good training is the best strategy to win a race.Though those strong calves might help.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 04:45:00 +0000

I was born with a right club food which has reduced my range of motion of the right ankle. My right calf has always been smaller than the left. Now that I’m taking cycle training more serious I feel that I actually have more strength in my right let. When doing leg curls and extensions at the gym I note that the left leg fatigues quicker when working them independently. I guess it is possible that the right leg has more strength to offset the difference of structure between the two. So, in regards to calf strength, it may be that the overall leg strength is what should be considered over an isolated muscle group.

By: Darryl is Loving the Bike

Darryl is Loving the Bike — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 03:03:00 +0000

Yeah, it’s hard not to believe they do when you’re riding behind someone like that. Thanks for your comment.

By: Huffygirl

Huffygirl — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 02:26:00 +0000

When I’m riding behind my husband admiring his shapely calves, and having a hard time keeping up, I think big calves DO make a difference!

By: Darryl is Loving the Bike

Darryl is Loving the Bike — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 17:38:00 +0000

That’s a great question, Kalle. I would say that they shift is moved slightly when standing on the pedals as opposed to sitting down, but I don’t have any scientific data to back that up.

You are totally right about it sometimes being a mind game and looking strong can totally make you perform stronger out there. Thanks for leaving your comments.

By: Kalle

Kalle — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 08:59:00 +0000

Do you use the same muscles when standing up on you bike as when you sit down? Thats just what rolled through my mind as i read this article.

I feel like cycling is all in my head. Seeing how the shape och my calves evolves makes me think that I am a stronger rider than yesterday and this ultimately makes me a stronger rider. So shave those legs, work on that bike-tan and build those dream-calves.

By: Darryl is Loving the Bike

Darryl is Loving the Bike — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 21:39:00 +0000

You’re welcome and thanks for bringing your excitement and enthusiasm like you always do. Those calves of yours are the reward for putting on all those miles on the bike. Keep up the great job….and congratulations on the continued growth of Austin Cycling Meet up.

By: Allison Peacock

Allison Peacock — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 19:54:00 +0000

This is really interesting and I love seeing the mechanics! It actually makes me feel better about my calves getting so wide. I always thought that cycling would give me ropey, lean leg muscles but that’s not what is developing. Since losing so much weight this spring the muscles are a lot more visible and yet there is still the sheer width of that part of my leg that stands out now. I will secretly take solace from your idea that wider equals stronger and call it a good thing! XXOO for the inspiration, my friend!