Clipless Pedals FAQ

[Kevin Airey]

Right where to start with an answer...

You really need that side to side movement, been 100% locked in without any movement would likely damage most people's knees and ligaments. The movement gives some flex for the pedal stroke as none of us have a perfect action, you should be able to feel a central point between the left and right movement, this should be your foots natural neutral position.

If you feel on your toes it may be that you are just not used to the correct position, or indeed you may be too far back. I had a bike fit recently and the recommendation is that the pedal axle passes midway between you big toes knuckle and you little toe knuckle.

My feet were marked up and then inserted into the shoes, then with the tongue of the shoe out they mark the outside of the shoe, so you can then see the correct position.

If you ever get a chance get a bike fit they will also set up your shoes, mine have wedges to help my knee action and it has made a huge difference for me....

 

[Nomadski]

Its not really a left / right flat motion, its some degree of 'turning' the front of the foot inwards and outwards, if that makes sense.

Thanks for the reply, I think I need to get a proper fitting anyway next payday, have seen Specialized have a concept store in Kingston that does a full one for £120 that looks good.

 

[Kevin Airey]

I think it's just normal motion, a small bit at the pedal is quite a lot at the heel and may feel more like the foot is turning over a little.

Get quite a few miles in on them, like anything it takes time to get your body used to the new set up and positioning. Don't rush in making too many changes unless something is really wrong...

Bike fit best thing money can buy, seems a bit much to begin with but in the long run saves messing about reading conflicting opinions on the web :-)

 

[Nomadski]

I think it's just normal motion, a small bit at the pedal is quite a lot at the heel and may feel more like the foot is turning over a little.

Get quite a few miles in on them, like anything it takes time to get your body used to the new set up and positioning. Don't rush in making too many changes unless something is really wrong...

Bike fit best thing money can buy, seems a bit much to begin with but in the long run saves messing about reading conflicting opinions on the web :-)

Some good advice again. I am just wondering though if I should try the rear holes though, I was under the impression the cleat should be under the ball of the foot, which indicated to me the front two holes but I am wondering.

Like you say, it just may take some getting used to.

 

[Kevin Airey]

The correct position should be between the ball of your foot and the ball of the little toe, so it's just sits behind the "traditional" position.

Reason for this is when climbing people tend to sit back in the saddle and pedal with a more heel down action, bringing the cleat back a little ensures correct positioning when climbing.

 

[Kevin Airey]

View: http://vimeo.com/9589645

 

[Nomadski]

Thinking it may be correct then. Al the pics of cleat positioning seem to match my feeling of 'tippy toeing' the pedal. Going to book a bike fit for next month.

 

[Kevin Airey]

Going to book a bike fit for next month.

Good idea, saddle too far back can also exaggerate the feeling of been tip-toed...

Get some miles in :-)

 

[Nomadski]

Good idea, saddle too far back can also exaggerate the feeling of been tip-toed...

Get some miles in :-)

I did move the saddle back prior to the ride just to try something different! Will try moving forward again next time.

 

[Louch]

Had two falls ( with scars on me, bikes safe) as my left cleat won't loosen without a massive effort. Any suggestions on cause? Been on bike less than two weeks

 

[deadpool7]

Had two falls ( with scars on me, bikes safe) as my left cleat won't loosen without a massive effort. Any suggestions on cause? Been on bike less than two weeks

First two things I would check/do are:
1. Loosen up your left pedal tension as much as possible.
2. Ensure that the cleat is secure on your shoe. If it's loose, it can shift, making it harder to unclip.

 

[Louch]

Yeah checked the first one after I fell first time, on lowest setting. Cleat seemed fine on shoe, going to refit tomorrow to be 100%

 

[deadpool7]

Yeah checked the first one after I fell first time, on lowest setting. Cleat seemed fine on shoe, going to refit tomorrow to be 100%

In the meantime, unclip one foot well before a stop. This will ensure you have plenty of time and don't land on your keester.

 

[Louch]

I switched to that, but don't seem to land well on my right . Hopefully will be ale to sort today

 

[Basil.B]

I had trouble like that to start with. I now try and relax my foot and twist my ankle sharply.
Usually manage to unclip on the first or second attempt!