From the article: Mashing the Pedals: a definition
There's two main styles of pedaling: spinning and mashing. Spinning is turning the pedals fast but without too much force. Mashing means to pound down hard on the pedals, usually turning the cranks more slowly but with lots of power. Which style do you use? Tell us why. Share your story
Select a gear
- I guess the answer is somwhere in between. I often see spinners (I live near to Girona in Spain) and I seem to remember that mashers used to be called "tuggers" in the UK but my memory may not be correct! I have a Peugeot steel-framed road bike and I hardly ever use more than 6 gears but I'm rather old-fashioned! Steve
- —Steve.Meza
Other Pedal Types
- My bike pedals were made by someone who apparently didn't understand the finer points of gravity. It only has a grip on one side, the other side is rounded. The grippy side is heavier, hence it is always upside-down, so in rainy conditions my foot is liable to slip off if I hit the wrong side of the pedal.
- —Guest Squirrel
Injury rates
- Is there any research on injury rates or severity for spinning vs mashing? I finally got into spinning because I was recovering from a knee injury and didn't want to push as hard. I'd be interested to know if there is statistical evidence on one side or the other.
- —Guest A Spinner
