FrankDay said:Ugh, that data involves gross and delta efficiency which includes the drop in efficiency between the muscle and the wheel. Since the current discussion solely about the drop in efficiency between the muscle and the pedal it really doesn't add anything to the discussion. Whatever the starting point of the muscle efficiency the question I am trying to discuss here is how can we minimize the drop in efficiency between the muscle and the pedal to maximize the performance of the cyclist.
This study certainly removes a big part of your claim. If cyclists are 18-26% efficient (exactly the numbers stated in this study) they claim a significant portion of that difference is from muscle fibre ratios (from 30-70% type 1/2). They also explicitly state that pedal force testing shows now difference in pedalling technique contributed to the cycling economy differences seen.
So, a big part of your claim is explained in that study. You can't just change the question every time someone counters your assumptions.