Foot Position

wheelbuckler

I have been quite happy in my riding for a few months now but last time I was out a more experienced rider made a comment about my foot position on my pedals, he told me that I had the pedal in the wrong place on my foot.

Up until now I didn't think it really mattered as long as it felt comfortable but this has got me thinking, Is there an optimum position for your feet on the pedal.

I use flat pedals at the minute, and position them so the pedal is pretty much under the arch of my foot, but I was told I need to move them so the pedal sits further forward on my feet. I've looked at the clipped pedals and they would seem to follow that theory but does it really matter that much?

Any help?

supersonic

Everyone seems to be different in this respect - I ride with the pedal quite far back too.

nicklouse

the ball of the foot should be over that axle of the pedal.

allthegearnoidea

as nick louse said, should be the ball of your foot onthe pedals, but ride how you feel most comfortable! sounds like you have a more bmx style pedal position, if you pud on clipless pedals then you'll find that they clip in so that the balls of your feet are on the pedal!

Anonymous

im with ss here, i ride with my foot pretty central on the pedal. i have tried to ride with it in the "correct" position (ball of the foot on the middle of the pedal) and find it uncomfortable.

that said, clipless pedals all place your foot with the ball of the foot over the pedal so maybe there is something more in its favour, maybe it is more efficient.

KonaMike

I have always ridden with the ball of my foot over the pedal axle but a few of my mates ride with their feet further back,I suppose its a mix of maximum efficiency and comfort so ride however you feel natural.

dunker

just to be odd mine are somewhere in-between the arch and ball here, it's just what i find comfy. also ride with my toes slighlty out and knees in i must look like a right mentalist to proper clipped in people that fly by me sometimes hehe

batch78

Ball of foot over axle for more efficiency, sometimes move foot further forward on really rough stuff, used to have a mate that cycled with the heel of his foot, he was crap everywhere!

To be honest though, if your not getting any foot pain and your happy with your speed and control ride with your foot wherever's best for you.

doobie919

It's up to personal preference. Personally i'm the ball of my foot on the middle of the peds, but I keep my seat pretty high up if i'm on my road or mtb bike, so that makes it so I can reach and give the most power.

I think it also comes down to the bend of the knee. When your stretched your knee should be just slightly bent while sitting on the seat and having the ball of the foot on the pedal is supposed to give the most power or something. I'm no psysicist but it works well for me.

Dan_xz

it's down to bone structure. Bone is the stiffest part of your body make up and therefore best for transmitting power. The two areas where the bone reaches the bottom of the foot are the ball and the heel. With the foot extended (pointed down) the ball lines up with the shin giving the most rigid and direct possible power transfer from the leg muscles to the pedal.

Have to admit though, on my flat pedals i have them just slightly back for better balance and ability to shift around a bit on the bike..but then, i don't race - just ride for fun.