Solving Toe overlap

belgiangoth

I've got a rather nice track bike, which unfortunately has a few cm of toe overlap (and no option to simply coast with my foot at the right angle, for obvious reasons).
I've had a quick think about it, and am considering running a smaller front wheel. The issue would be longer drop on the front brake and whether I could reduce the overlap enough. I noticed about 5mm difference when dropping from 25mm clinchers to 22mm tubs, I reckon 650B/C would do the trick.

Any thoughts/suggestions?

Smokin Joe

Toe overlap is a feature of all race geometry frames. I can understand that it may appear dangerous with a fixed wheel, but I have ridden a fixed bike like that in the past and I am sure others have too, it is only a potential issue if you are weaving through traffic at walking pace.

Fitting a 650 front wheel would tilt the whole bike down at the front, unless you can find some longer forks.

Doobz

sorry for jumping on this but what exactly is "toe overlap" ?

cheers

andrewgturnbull

Hi there.

[Toe overlap: when your front wheel catches the tip of your toe if you've got the pedal all the way forward and the wheel turned sharply]

I don't see the problem... Every track bike I've ridden has got toe overlap, it's a feature of the tight geometry as smokin joe said. Fortunately there are no corners on tracks, only bends...

From a day to day basis I never find it a problem riding on the road either, it's very, very rare that I'd ever turn the wheel that sharply. Something to watch out for when trackstanding, but that soon becomes second nature.

Have you got very big feet?

Cheers, Andy

dennisn

I don't see it as a problem because it happens on my road bike(tight geometry).
Moving your cleats further forward on your shoe may help but might screw up your pedaling motion(might not). Most trackies have the ball of their foot slightly back from
the pedal axel. Unlike roadies who are more likely to have the ball of their foot either
right at the axel or slightly in front of it(myself). The more you move your foot forward
the more overlap you can have. Of course, using a shorter crank length will help "prevent" it, if it needs preventing.

Dennis Noward

Mystique

Have you considered removing your first two toes on each foot? - Problem solved :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

Smokin Joe

Mystique wrote:

Have you considered removing your first two toes on each foot? - Problem solved :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

That's the brilliant thing about this forum - whatever your problem, somebody will always have the perfect solution

ajb

I wasn't comfortable with toe overlap, primarily because I do seem to spend too much time weaving through the traffic at walking pace. Swapping the forks was necessary anyway as there was little room to drill for a brake, but have also managed to get an extra cm+ of trail.
Coupled with getting the cleats a bit further forward, problem now solved

peanut

this is what ya need

andrewgturnbull

Mystique wrote:

Have you considered removing your first two toes on each foot? - Problem solved :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

It worked for Rene Vietto and his lackey Apo Lazarides...

redvee

150mm cranks???

dennisn

redvee wrote:

150mm cranks???

Now you're getting the idea.

Dennis Noward

always_tyred

Try not turning the bars sharply to the left when your right foot is fully forward. :oops: