New bike, toe clips hit front wheel!

[jamin100]

I got my new boardman cx on Thursday and today started to transfer my accessories from my old bike. One of those was my plastic toe clips.

They are zefal ones that don't have straps. I've put them on the new bike but now when I turn the front wheel at certain places the front of the toe clip will come in contact with the wheel.

So, I'm guessing I need smaller pedals or smaller toe clips?

Can anyone recommend any?
I don't want spd's or anything that attaches my feet to the bike

 

[ufkacbln]

Don't worry... It is not an uncommon problem, and it is simply a case of getting used to it.


Google "Toe overlap" for further info.

 

[potsy]

Usually only happens on very sharp but low speed turns, not a great problem for 99% of the time.
SPD's are the way to go though

 

[jamin100]

So I should be ok with it then?
Ok, I'll go out tomorrow for a test run.

I just don't like the idea of being attached to the bike with spd's

 

[HovR]

My toe clips can hit the front wheel when cornering slowly and tightly, although I can't seem to recreate it when the bike is on the stand (strange that). As Cunobelin said, it's something you learn to avoid, and it most likely won't affect 90% of your riding, only slow speed tight maneuvering.

 

[Crackedheadset]

So I should be ok with it then?
Ok, I'll go out tomorrow for a test run.

I just don't like the idea of being attached to the bike with spd's

Why don't you like the idea?

Whilst your predicament with SPD's is well shared and versed by others new to coming to clipless they are a joy to ride with.

Might I suggest buying some pedals with the maximun float allowed, and then adjusting them to the loosest setting?

That way you really won't feel 'attached' to the bike, put the bike up against a wall and practise clipping and unclipping and off you go.

If you don't want to do this then fair enough. As for your origianl query I'd stick with the same set up. What you describe only happens at slow speeds making sharp turns. At speed you should be leaning with the bike and as such no turn the wheel as much.

Either way, I hope it goes alright with your new bike.

 

[Ian H]

I've never found it a problem, even on fixed. However, some people think it is, including Chris Juden, so consider your options carefully.

 

[HLaB]

Its common (Toe Overlap as said) but you have to be turning tight and slow in those circumstances an it isn't a problem.

I just don't like the idea of being attached to the bike with spd's

And whilst that may be the case just now down the line

 

[TonyEnjoyD]

I had a similar problem with my half traps befor going clueless.
A slight mod (steel frame peds) and I brought them inside the cage.
Was enough to stop them catching.

Still 1000% better when I went clip less - sod and now sod-sl

Tont

 

[G-Zero]

So I should be ok with it then?
Ok, I'll go out tomorrow for a test run.

I just don't like the idea of being attached to the bike with spd's

They really are a breeze and it's just a matter of getting used to them. I've never regretted changing from toe clips many years ago.

May not solve your 'toe overlap' problem though as I had my first experience of this when I recently moved from my MTB to a Crosser, both on SPDs, but occasionally on tighter turns, my toes would catch the front guard on the new bike. I'd never had that problem on the MTB due to the clearance and lack of full front guard, but it was simply a matter of adapting my riding style and correctly timing the pedal stroke around the tight turns.

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

if it becomes a hassle and you don't want to go to clipless (tho they will try to bully you into it) change the crank length, it's easy to do and 165mm length ones are plentiful and cheap enough.

 

[screenman]

Just use your head, if you have to do a tight turn the have your pedals top and bottom, simple as that. Knocking 5 or 7 mm off the crack length as advised above is unlikely to help in a lot of instances.

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

Just use your head, if you have to do a tight turn the have your pedals top and bottom, simple as that. Knocking 5 or 7 mm off the crack length as advised above is unlikely to help in a lot of instances.

i did say if it becomes a hassle and it's probably more like 10mm. going clipless may not work either tho to be fair.

 

[potsy]

And you have no guards fitted yet, it'll be worse then.