Unequal leg length - shims?
samsbike
Posts: 942
My length leg appears to be 1cm longer on one side.
So I would like to use something on the other foot - to balance out the leg length.
What am I supposed to use to do this, I think I need to raise the cleat but am not sure how.
thanks
So I would like to use something on the other foot - to balance out the leg length.
What am I supposed to use to do this, I think I need to raise the cleat but am not sure how.
thanks
0
Posts
https://www.i-ride.co.uk/Leg-Length-Shi ... k-Keo.aspx
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Df17mQAtfYM
But it might be worthwhile getting checked out for a good bike fit, I think shims are Ok if the tibia is shorter rather than the femur but I'm not 100% on that.
If not, then I suggest you first do some 'test walking' in a shopping plaza that has space for a long walk on a flat surface. Walk normally, but pay attention to how the heal of your shoes contact the floor, and any unbalanced 'rocking' of your hips, or unusual leg movements.
If the leg length imbalance is small, it might be corrected by a simple foam or leather insole in one of the shoes.
Then try simple pedaling tests such as using the shoe heal on the pedal, and being aware of hip rocking, or need to reach further with 1 leg.
If needed, a shim (plastic?) can be used between the cleat and bottom of the cycling shoe - perhaps using slightly longer mounting screws.
Jay Kosta
Endwell NY USA
On their advice put pads under my heels in my shoes for walking and cycling.
Just could not get on with them.......... Reverted to normal and it felt right straight away.
I guess that all my life my legs have not been of equal length......
As it was the first time my legs had there relative lengths compared can't guarantee that.
So ask yourself the question do I need anything in my shoes.............
On their advice put pads under my heels in my shoes for walking and cycling.
Just could not get on with them.......... Reverted to normal and it felt right straight away.
I guess that all my life my legs have not been of equal length......
As it was the first time my legs had there relative lengths compared can't guarantee that.
So ask yourself the question do I need anything in my shoes.............
A good observer might be able to see if you have any uneven motion or 'tilt' of your hips and pelvis.
Perhaps you have always had some amount of leg length difference and have 'adjusted yourself' so that it feels OK. This might work fine as long as your musculature is strong enough to compensate for misalignment stresses, but later in life it might become troublesome.
Jay Kosta
Endwell NY USA
A friend of mine had a 4 cm difference following an accident and simply put his saddle down.
Not so much in the legs but my right shoulder and neck are killing me and stiff after a hours riding.
Bars are higher and its only on the right side, which means I am not sitting on the saddle properly
Even people with legs same length have a stronger side, or don't square on the saddle. If its a problem i would go for a gait anaylsis and get orthtics via that route. I am bit wary of bike fits to be honest - if you know anything about cycling your position is unlikely to be that far out - and with a 1cm leg discrepancy a bog standard fit may not be for the best. Id tweak things yourself.
If you are getting pain in the knee from the shorter leg, you could adjust your saddle height to ensure the shorter leg isn't over stretching - prob best to see a good fitter for this as they may well shim your shoe properly.
I suffered from a pain on the inside facing part of my knee. Discovered I had a leg length discrepancy and now have 3mm shim infer my cleat. Pain gone, both knees track the same path and, whilst my cycling hasn't noticeable improved, it's good to be able to feel both legs working in harmony and one not clearly over stretching.
Every case is different but there is mine. Good luck with sorting the issue out.
I think I better get a bike fit.