New bike issue or not

[Toptec]

Just treated myself to a Genesis CDA20 (2015) & loverly she is too. Frame size 52cm, here's the issue. On taking it out for a spin the front tires caught my toes on a sharp turn left or right, ok I was excited & jumped on it in my work shoes.....
So back to base, cliplesss pedals fitted, cleats adjusted so as to give my foot the most furthest back position. Test ride again, in very extreme circumstances I can just feel the tire ever so slightly. So here's my quandry, I'm 5'6" with a size 44 shoe. If I was to return it for a 54cm (not in stock) accorrding to the specs I wouldn't gain much, see below.
52cm = wheelbase 1013 = crank arm 170mm
54cm = wheelbase 1018 = crank arm 172.5mm
It has got big tires on it (Continental Speed Ride) 700 x 42c, there's only 70mm of seat tube showing above the seat tube also. I don't feel cramped on it what so ever, & it rides like a dream.
Thoughts any one?
thanks in advance.

 

[HarryTheDog]

Hi another shorty here, when I first started riding 700c wheels years ago I used to sometimes clip my toes with the wheel due to short wheelbase. I just learnt to have my left pedal back when turning sharp right and vica versa. Becomes second nature after a while. In normal riding it should not happen only at really low speed should you have to turn the wheel sharply. Just persist with it and think ahead like using clipless pedals.

 

[roadrash]

Have a quick google or use the search facility on this forum for..toe overlap.., its only an issue at low speed and something you should quickly adjust to

 

[Racing roadkill]

Toe overlap is a common problem. Move your cleats back as far as you can. And be aware that you may catch the wheel with your toes.

 

[Venod]

I have had several bikes with overlap especially with mudguards fitted, never found it a problem and never think about it while riding,

 

[Toptec]

Thanks peeps,
Glad to hear it's not just me.......
As indicated by all, it's only very low speed & acute turns
Suppose I could always cut me toe nails

 

[Mobytek]

Or get the 54 but that you want 165 / 170 cranks. wheelbase gives you the extra 5mm depending how much overlap you have.

But really, you shouldt be hafing flat feet when turning in any case surely.

 

[mrandmrspoves]

Get used to the overlap and DON'T move your cleats forward too far!
Optimal position for cleats (on an upwrong as us bent cyclists refer to standard bicycles) is roughly where they secure your foot onto the pedal so that the widest part of your foot is directly above the pedal spindle.

 

[bpsmith]

Quality post saying to move your cleats as far back as you can.

Firstly, the shoes then end up further forward.

Secondly, it will ruin your efficiency by having your feet too far back from the sweet spot.

As above, widest part of feet lines up with the spindle. Toe overlap is initially surprising, but you never think about it again.

 

[Smokin Joe]

I can't remember the last bike I had without toe overlap, probably some old clunker back in the sixties. All race geometry frames will have it.

 

[lpretro1]

get your cleat position wrong and you will hurt yourself in the knee department at least
Toe overlap is one of those things you have to live with

 

[boydj]

Short term, it's not hard to learn to live with a bit of toe overlap. Longer term, think about upgrading to shorter cranks.

 

[Deleted member 1258]

I'm a short arse, 5' 6" with a 29" leg, I don't think I've had a bike without toe overlap, on the geared bike its no problem, on the fixed low speed turns need a little bit of planning, as others have said you'll get used to it, just take a bit of care with low speed turns.

 

[ayceejay]

This is not uncommon especially with stonking great tyres. The solution is in technique. It can be a problem with fixed wheel riding but at slow speed maneuvering your bike you will learn to adjust the position of your feet so that they are not in the way of the wheel/tyre.

 

[Toptec]

Thanks, one 'n' all, forgot about it already......
Much appreciated