The Science of a Better Pedal – Unlock Your Full Potential with the Catalyst Pedal
For years, cyclists have been told that the best way to pedal is by pushing through the ball of the foot—because that’s how we run, jump, and sprint.
But here’s the problem: cycling isn’t running.
When you run or jump, your foot leaves the ground, meaning you need to push through the front of your foot to generate force and propulsion.
But when you pedal, your foot never leaves the pedal—which means your body is actually designed to push through the entire foot, much like when squatting or deadlifting in the gym.
This is where traditional pedals fall short.
Standard-sized pedals only support a small portion of your foot, forcing you into a suboptimal, unbalanced position.
The Catalyst Pedal changes the game by providing the only platform that fully supports your foot’s natural biomechanics, allowing for maximum power, efficiency, and comfort.
The Science Behind the Mid-Foot Position
1. Engaging the Right Muscles for More Power
Most cycling shoes and pedals are designed to place the ball of the foot over the pedal axle.
The problem? This approach overloads the calves and Achilles tendon, forcing the smaller, weaker muscles of the lower leg to take on a job that should primarily be handled by the larger, stronger muscles of the hips and thighs.
Studies by Elmer, Barratt, Korff, and Martin (2011) in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise have shown that the glutes and hamstrings—not the quads—are the primary drivers of the pedal stroke at all intensity levels.
However, when the ball of the foot is placed over the axle, it reduces hip activation and shifts stress onto the knees and calves.
By contrast, a mid-foot position allows the hips—the strongest and most fatigue-resistant muscles in your lower body—to take over.
This creates a more powerful and sustainable pedal stroke without unnecessary strain on the smaller joints and muscles.
2. The Foot as an Arch: Stability & Efficiency
Your foot is naturally designed as an arch—one of the strongest load-bearing structures in nature.
But an arch only works when both ends are supported.
When you push through the ball of your foot with standard pedals, only the front of the arch is supported, causing instability and excessive flex in the foot.
This forces compensatory tension in the lower legs, which can lead to fatigue, numbness, and overuse injuries over time.
The Catalyst Pedal is the only pedal long enough to support both ends of the arch, creating a stable platform that allows force to be transferred directly into the drivetrain without unnecessary energy loss.
Less energy wasted = more power to the pedals.
A 2007 study by Van Sickle and Hull in the Journal of Biomechanics tested the efficiency of mid-foot pedaling.
The results? No difference in power output or efficiency compared to a ball-of-foot position.
However, the mid-foot position reduced strain on the calf and Achilles while shifting the workload to the stronger hips and glutes.
3. Improved Balance & Control on the Bike
Cycling isn’t just about pedaling—it’s about handling your bike, maneuvering through technical terrain, and staying in control, especially when descending.
When your foot is placed in a mid-foot position, you naturally have:
Better weight distribution – Your center of gravity is lower, improving stability
Increased foot security – You stay connected to the pedals without excessive tension
Less fatigue – Your feet aren’t working overtime to stay planted
Many riders report that switching to the Catalyst Pedal immediately improves their ability to ride technical terrain with more confidence because they feel more grounded and connected to the bike.
Real Riders, Real Results
Thousands of riders have already discovered the benefits of switching to the Catalyst Pedal:
Sid Mathai was on the verge of surgery for chronic Achilles tendinosis caused by clipless pedals. After switching to the Catalyst Pedal, his pain disappeared overnight, and he’s now setting PRs on hill climbs without any calf strain.
Chris Mottola found that the support of the Catalyst Pedal was so effective, he could even ride in sandals and still feel powerful and secure.
Peter Epp, a 59-year-old mountain biker, said that riding Catalyst Pedals made him feel like he was riding an eBike—because of the instant power increase on climbs and the improved balance on descents.
Experience the Catalyst Difference for Yourself
The Catalyst Pedal isn’t just another oversized flat pedal—it’s a scientifically designed tool to improve your biomechanics, efficiency, and overall riding experience.
If you’re ready to:
Ride with more power
Reduce foot, knee, and lower back pain
Gain better stability and control
Then it’s time to ditch outdated pedal designs and experience the difference of a truly biomechanically sound pedal.
Transform the way you ride today:
Ride Strong,
James Wilson
Pedaling Innovations