Cleat positioning article - 'Power to the pedal'

Zoomer37

doyler78 posted a link to Steve Hoggs site in another part of the forum and just having read the following article id like to know peoples thoughts on it

Power to the pedal http://www.stevehoggbikefitting.com/blo ... -position/

I've always positioned my cleats with the usual 'ball over axle' method, but his theory makes complete sence to me.

Make yourself a cuppa and have a read. Its quite a long article, but very interesting..

manxshred

I've read that too and moved my cleats accordingly. So far no problems to report really and I find it comfortable.

White Line

Guess I know what I'll be doing tomorrow ...

GiantMike

The 'mid-sole' cleat 'revolution' is interesting. Track cyclists were doing it 25 years ago and since then somebody has done some research and patented the concept. I don't understand how you can patent the position of something when it has already been done before.

As a result of the patent, there will be a slow take-up of the new craze because it adds to the cost of shoes. Manufactureres either pay a royalty to the patent holder to use the technology or consumers pay through the nose because the current producer has a monopoly.

Also, with my cleats in the 'usual' position I have very little space between my toe and the back of the front wheel (toe overlap). A mid cleat position would push my foot far forward enough that I would get a lot of toe overlap on all my bikes.

GiantMike

Keirin track shoe.

nicknick

What shoes and cleats are you guys using?

I have felt my cleats are too far forward for a long time but they are as far back as i can get them. I'm using specialized shoes and shimano cleats.

meanredspider

I tried moving the cleat back almost as far as my Shimano shoe would let it. Didn't feel good - felt really "flat-footed" and my quads took a beating up the hills.

Zoomer37

meanredspider wrote:

I tried moving the cleat back almost as far as my Shimano shoe would let it. Didn't feel good - felt really "flat-footed" and my quads took a beating up the hills.

I tried 'Method 1' and put my cleats about 10mm further back for a couple of days and on the flat it was quite comfortable, but on hills it did feel like my quads were doing way to much work on their own . My normal postion always the heel to drop lower and I use my glutes more which works better for me.

Think his methods could work really well for some riders, but its not for me.

meanredspider

Zoomer37 wrote:

meanredspider wrote:

I tried moving the cleat back almost as far as my Shimano shoe would let it. Didn't feel good - felt really "flat-footed" and my quads took a beating up the hills.

I tried 'Method 1' and put my cleats about 10mm further back for a couple of days and on the flat it was quite comfortable, but on hills it did feel like my quads were doing way to much work on their own . My normal postion always the heel to drop lower and I use my glutes more which works better for me.

Think his methods could work really well for some riders, but its not for me.

Mine wasn't even 10mm - probably 5 or 6mm

GiantMike

Zoomer37 wrote:

Think his methods could work really well for some riders, but its not for me.

Sensible approach and analysis to what could be an "Emperor's New Clothes' debate. The original research pointed to some specific benefits for certain scenarios.

However, I have found a way around the patent!

secretsqizz

humbug (definitely for road riding)
just looked again at a photo of Fausto cycling... guess where he had the balls of his feet....well no need to guess and what was good enough for him....

manxshred

Well thats good news since all of our physiologies are exactly the same so we should all do as one particular pro did. :?:

I find it more annoying that there is any type of "dogma" out there relating to fitting. I enjoy reading widely and Steve has some good ideas, but once again, you need to find what works well for you and all info and knowledge to help find a good riding position is positive.