I’m a cyclist and need to build power in my legs. I’m not sure the best way to do this. If I push heavy weights (like doing squats) will my legs get bulky?

The two best ways to develop power is by doing plyometrics (speed drills) and by heavy lifting involving 4-8 repetitions before the muscles fatigue. 

Plyometrics are moves that generally involve jumping.  This builds significant dynamic power or strength that lasts over time. Plyometrics and heavy lifting develop the ligaments and tendons around the joints. This makes your legs like coiled springs which will give you power and allows joints and ligaments to withstand more stress. This also helps to strengthen the muscles and increase bone density. Lifting to fatigue slightly tears down the muscle tissue. This is what produces some soreness in the muscle tissue. During recovery (resting the muscles), the muscles “heal up” but produce a slightly stronger, denser muscle. Your muscles will develop and become bigger and shapelier but you will not bulk up like the models on body building magazines.

Our son lifts between 400-500 lbs free standing. He has toned legs but they are not out of proportion to his body.  When he bikes with us, he is miles ahead without effort because his legs are very powerful.