Pedalling bike efficiently brings many benefits over pedalling just well enough to get by. I am aware of that. That is also what I have been reading lately. I am supposed to get the most out of the available mechanical advantage in order to maximize my results. What is your best pedalling advice?
You have to analyze, (or have someone done it for you) your pedal stroke. Identifying the weak spots is crucial. If you manage to correct those weak spots you will be able to get the most out of your cycling. There are three vital points of the pedal stroke where you can make improvement and maximize your energy output. They are: pushing forward over the top, pulling back at the bottom and lifting the weight of your leg when it moves up to the top. Modifying these movements is not easy but if you manage to improve them you will be able to gain speed without pushing harder or faster. With the same energy output you will be able to go faster.