Pedal/foot problem, thoughts welcome.

[johnnyh]

Well I finally had a little ride out on this Carerra Virtuoso, naturally oblivious to all the people pointing and laughing on the numpty riding a Halfords bike

At the moment it has the pedals/toe clip/straps that it came with, and here is where my problem lies and something hopefully someone might have an idea about.

Two years back I broke both bones in my right leg at the ankle (for the third time - careless eh!), a spiral fracture which meant the end of my footy and now all healed the reason for taking to cycling.

My problem is that my right foot is set now at a slight angle - indeed if you imagine my left points to 12 O'Clock, my right point to just after 1.15.

Now on my MTB this isnt a problem, flat pedals with an edge that grip into trainers and all is well despite the angle of my foot. But on this bike it isnt going to work since my toes point to the right of the toeclip and escape out the side - I cant really force it straight as this would mean twisting in from the knee or hip.

I am guessing clipless will only work with the shoe pointing straight ahead, and not with the angle that is now natural to my foot, or am I wrong and can they be adjusted for an offset?

Failing that, I would really be indebted to anyone who can suggest a solution.

(As an aside, for the first time riding the bike - cheap as it was, is great fun and I completed a little local 7 mile loop in 25 mins - only 16.8 mph on average I know, but some of that was me struggling to get my foot to stay on the pedal in this clip. And what fun to achieve 24mph on the flat and 34mph on a little down slope. Just need to set up the limit of the front derailleur... I did miss my MTB Granny ring though )

 

[Twenty Inch]

Can't quite see where your right foot points to as you seem to be using the digital clock. Do you mean somewhere between 1 and 2?

Most clipless pedals can be adjusted for tightness, which gives a degree of float in the foot angle. You may be ok, but probably worth doing some more research before buying.

If you can't use clipless, you'll get very good improvements by using proper stiff-soled cycling shoes with your rat-catcher pedals, instead of trainers, so another option for you perhaps.

BTW, good on you for your loops and efforts. Now watch the time come down.

 

[johnnyh]

yes, sorry by 1.15 I meant just after 1 on the clock and not as far as 1.30 So the big hand is at 7 mins past the hour.

I did wonder, if all else fails, about buying some decent pedals/clips and then getting a local machine shop to remake the clip part to incorporate an offset, but that would be if all else fails.

Thanks for the reply though, I am sure there has to be a solution without resorting to welding kit

 

[spence]

Hi, I have a similar offset on my right foot and have not had a problem with clipless (spd's) on my MTB's over the years. Except that is my heel can rub the stays (depending on the frame) sometimes. I've just bunged a pair of 520's on the new road bike and seems fine.

When you set up the cleat there is enough adjustment to compensate. ie set the cleat on the plate so it's facing straight but the shoe is in your natural plane. There is usually (depending on the pedle) some float in the engagement mechanisium which will also help.

 

[Oldlegs]

My right foot is at about 2.00 - no problem with clipless (SPD or road). You adjust the cleat so your foot is at it's natural angle. They are built to allow lots of room for adjustement - much better than toeclips (opinion).

 

[Randochap]

I naturally pedal with my right heel in -- it often rubs the crank.

Most cleats can be adjusted accordingly, but all systems but one want to re-centre you with spring tension ... except Speedplay. That's what I use. They are the only system with unlimited float.

 

[johnnyh]

thanks for that chaps, I did have a problem in the excercise bike when I went through the rehab of my heel hitting the crank - very painful when it happens.

So it sounds like clipless might be the way to go, with adjustment. I'll pop to the local LBS and take a look at how it adjusts.

Many thanks

Johnny

 

[ASC1951]

naturally oblivious to all the people pointing and laughing on the numpty riding a Halfords bike

(I completed a little local 7 mile loop in 25 mins - only 16.8 mph on average I know)

I'm not oblivious to them - I laugh at them as they waddle to the pub and back via the chippie. There again, I have more time because I don't go tearing up the tarmac at 16.8 mph any more. Once you have mastered riding clipless in stiff shoes and using both legs on your numpty bike, you won't be able to see pedestrians because they will be too blurred.

 

[johnnyh]

hehehe cheers Asc. A friend in Londinium is sending me down a spare pair of clipless SPD pedals, so I need to go try some footwear on when they arrive