Where is the best place to put your foot on the pedal?

jetsonx

On my last long tour - this question occured to me.

Seeing that most people's feet are just delicate bones and skin and all the leg-power is channelled through them, using the correct part of your foot has to be pretty important. (esp if its a 1000 km ride and the last thing you want it an injury)

But, where is the correct place for your foot / feet to touch the pedals and apply pressure? (without incuring injury)

The Ball of the Foot ?
The Arch of the Foot ?
The Heel of the Foot ?


answers on a post card...

AndyGates

Ball of the foot over the pedal axle, which is why all clipless systems and all toeclips put your foot there.

Whether it is exactly over, or a little forward or back, is persoal preference, but it's definitely not the others. The heel means you loose the power from the calf; the arch means your power is absorbed by the foot's built-in suspension.

jetsonx

thanks for that concise answer Andy.