Originally Posted by
smashndash
I will also say that this effect is much more apparent on fixed gear bikes. I started riding on a fixie with 3000+g 50mm deep alloy wheels. When I switched to a road bike, my legs would literally stop (not exaggerating) at the top of the pedal stroke because I was so used to the pedals carrying my feet through the deadzone.
I get confused when people say riding a fixie gives you a better pedal stroke LOL
Ride with some slack in your chain and go down fast hills (keeping the top run of the chain tight). Also ride up seated as much as possible. And use some discipline. The vets in my club told me to ride fixed 45 years ago. I've never regretted it. When my pedal stroke needs work, I get back on it. (But I've never ridden heavy wheels outside of big tired gravel.)