Advice needed on setting cleats

[abo]

Can someone please help me out, or point me to a resource? I need a little help getting the cleats right on my shoes.

\I'd been riding them Monday and Tuesday but only short journeys to get used to them, so I didn't relly notice. But on Wednesday I wore them to a spinning class...

It sort of felt like I was starting to cramp in the outside of my foot, as if the foot was rolling outwards. Could this be down to cleat position, or the pedal tension being too slack? It did feel like I was gonna come unclipped at a couple of points in the class, the instructor being happy for me to adjust the tension which I'll remember next time...

 

[Blue]

Is this the first time you have used cleats?

Are the shoes new as well?

 

[abo]

Yes, and yes

 

[Blue]

Sit on a table with your feet dangling. Note the direction in which each each foot points. Fit the cleats in a position which will place your feet in their natural position (how they point when dangling freely from the table) when fixed to the pedal. This will help to ensure your feet aren't being pulled into an unnatural position when fixed to the pedal. Some trial and error will be required as you try them.


The pain you describe can be caused by tight fitting shoes. Feet swell during use and can hurt in a narrow shoe. Try slacking off a little when putting the shoes on.

The problem can have many causes, but these two points may be worth noting.


Good luck

 

[ianrauk]

This topic has been moved to Know How by the admin team.

 

[abo]

Thanks Blue. Hmm, my LBS advised me to wear the shoes tight? Maybe poor advice... I'll have a fiddle as you suggest

 

[Blue]

Thanks Blue. Hmm, my LBS advised me to wear the shoes tight? Maybe poor advice... I'll have a fiddle as you suggest

It's fair to say that a shoe needs to be a good fit - esp around the heel, where any slipping up and down will cost in relation to power transfer and may cause soreness. However, too tight around the forefoot and it may cut circulation and cause pain.

 

[abo]

Hmm definately no slippage at the back. I believe they are a good fit, just tightened too much :/

 

[amaferanga]

They only need to be really tight when you're contesting the sprint! At all other times snug will do, but remember that your feet will swell as they warm up. Good fitting shoes should almost be wearable with the straps loose (mine are).

 

[fossyant]

Make sure the ball of your foot is over the pedal axel first. Adjust if you need to. Modern clipless are easier to set up because of the float, but you need to bear in mind, not too much float towards the crank or ankle strike.