Just about to trawl the net, but if you can save me time I'd appriciate it.
I can't seem to get the axle/foot position uite right.
What's the problem, and what pedal system are you using?
I had trouble in the past using DMT shoes; couldn't seem to get the cleat far enough forwards on the shoe, gave the shoes away in the end.
Adidas (who have stopped bloody doing cycling shoes, of course) used to be very good in terms of getting the cleats right for me, and I also like Northwave.
If you're really struggling, you could try something like a Shimano A520 pedal and an MTB/touring type shoe (Specialized Sonoma comes to mind). That would give you a fair degree of front/back cleat placement.
I'm going to have a fettle ride soon. It feels like I've got the axle under my toes but in fact I've got the cleats right back as far as they'll go. Although it seems wrong I am going to move them forward and try that.
Idealy where should the axle line be in relation to the foot?
I feel realy foolish asking this after nearly four decades of road racing, but I'm fed up of the discomfort now.
No such problems with the MTB shoes and Eggbeaters. And I'm using LOOKs btw on road.
I thought big toe ball was the ideal guide, but listening to a lecture from Andy Pruitt would suggest that further back on the shoe doesn't impact pedalling performance a great deal.
My mtb position is a little rearward from big toe.. I think this helps me to reduce calf cramping on longer races.
I've even seen some roadies blogging about mid foot cleat positions.
Anyway, I'd definately recommend looking into Pruitts thoughts on cleats.
Axle should lie under the ball of your foot, to start with....
Look cleats have a line on the side which corresponds to the midline ofthe axle; stick that under the ball of your foot.
I always set my cleats as far forwards as they will go, I'm aware of the new idea for mid-foot cleats, but I'm not that convinced; I think having as long a foot as possible makes your leg/levers as long as possible.
