Toe Overlap - How much is too much?

Plundertaker

I have recently purchased a new bike from my LBS after several test rides & detailed discussions. In the end I opted for a Cannondale CAAD12 Ultegra 2017 in a frame size 54cm. After having my riding position assessed and having ridden a variety of frame sizes the 54cm was the one which felt the best in terms of reach, stack and overall comfort.

Now that I have been out for a few longer runs to get used to the new machine it feels really responsive compared to my previous bike which was a Genesis Volant in a size 56cm frame. Although there is little between the two frames in terms of geometry I have noticed some toe overlap when I am stationary and rotate the handlebars to the side.

I am aware that this is perfectly normal on smaller frames with racier geometry but was just wondering if this is an issue that others have noticed & if so has this had any impact on your ability to ride around tight bends on steep uphill roads? I have yet to experience any toe overlap when actually out for a ride but the thought of catching the front wheel on a steep ascent is lingering at the back of my mind.

cld531c

Mine has quite a bit over overlap (49cm frame with race geometry) and never had a problem. Its also handy to be able to rest the front wheel against your foot when stopped :-)

sloppyschleckonds

Toe overlap isn't the end of the world, unless you fall off and die. Then it is.

Just dip your toe when navigating slowly or cornering

benjamess

Happens to me all the time, I've never even noticed it while riding but it definitely happens while moving as every pair of shoes i own has scuffs all over the toes, don't worry about it. Just stick to black shoes and you'll be fine

fat daddy

I have toe overlap on the CAAD10 if its running with mudguards, or on Tricross ALL the time .. and on the tricross its a pretty big overlap

Its only ever an issue when doing really sharp turns say from a bike lane that's perpendicular to the main road and you are doing a 90deg turn .. or doing a U-turn on a narrow road .... or trying to navigate between lanes of stationary traffic.

Basically any sharp turn that is between 0-2mph and takes the bike around 45-90deg ... its thrown me once, fortunately my feet wrenched out the SPDs and I caught myself

when moving though at any normal speed I haven't found a corner sharp enough to rub, its just not an issue when riding riding .....

mercia_man

Fat daddy sums it up. My last bike - Orbea Orca - had toe overlap. Never a problem in ordinary riding but I had to be careful when turning right or left from a standstill at a T junction or doing a U turn in a narrow space. I prefer not to have overlap but it's not a major problem. I did specify no overlap, however, when I ordered my current custom frame and I'm glad I did so.

Moonbiker

54cm frame shouldn't have that much toe overlap surely but 49cm will....

One of the reasons 650b wheels make more sense for smaller bike frames.