Drag from asymmetric pedaling
Has anyone seen cases of binding, disc brake interference or other drag resulting from a rider with leg length discrepancies?
My wife has two very high-end bikes with thru axles, disc brakes and electronic shifting, that have a similar mystery drag while climbing or under heavy load Her perception is confirmed by power numbers that are 20-30 watts higher than they should be.
Over many trips to multiple bike shops we have not discovered the source of the drag. We’ve checked out the brake rotors, brake pads, brake pistons, derailleurs, cassettes, bottom brackets, and wheel bearings. One thing that seems to make a temporary improvement is removing and reinstalling the thru axle.
She has an uneven pedal stroke due to difference in leg length.