Forum menu
Hi Guys,
I've recently started riding 9 miles each way to work. I've got myself a roadbike and some Road shoes, i'm using Look pedals.
I've set my cleats up and also my bike as per several set-up videos but for some reason when pedalling, the outer edge of my right foot is taking all the pressure of the stroke. This is giving me painfull problems!
My left foot is fine and also both feet are fine on my MTB?
Anyone any sensible ideas as to why or how to fix this problem.
Cheers
Chris
Shoes too tight?
Have you tried tweaking the cleat position? I ended up moving one of mine a touch outwards as with less float one of my knees was hurting on the road bike.
I had exactly the same problem on the same side after starting riding on the road. Tried a bike fit, cleat fiddling and two different sports physios. What fixed it for me was custom made footbeds
My "road bike", OK commuting hybrid, just has MTB pedals and cleats. If you have a spare set maybe that could be an uncomplicated fix?
Sounds like youve got wonkey feet. Do the soles of your favourate shoes have more wear on one edge? As claudie alluded, you may need pads fix you up.
Pointing the toes out slightly moves more pressure onto the inside, but don't overdo do it, the aim is to keep your knees tracking in a straight line.
Some insoles can help, the specialized ones are good, but I think the sole moldable ones are the best without going for full custom ones.
ps. what pain exactly are your getting, in the feet themselves? or is it causing problems with your legs and knees.
Get another pair of the pedals that you use on your mtb. It's a long time since I had set of Look type pedals,I don't miss walking like a penguin 😉
I had all sorts of aces and pains when first venturing down the roadie path, my solution was to just keep cycling until I got used to it. Same went for my back pain on the bike. Probably not the best idea but it worked for me. Try moving the cleats around a bit or swapping over to Shimano. Failing that try spd's but be careful when giving it the beans as they don't hold you as tight.
Specialized do sets of wedges to flatten your feet out if you're not riding flat. Cheaper than custom footbeds.
Going back to MTB pedals seems to be dealing with the problem not the cause.
I had that problem with my Mavic road shoes, they just took a while to wear in for me. I'd give it another month, and if there no good go and get something else.
Similar hear, decent insoles from SportFeet sorted it out - just off the shelf ones rather than custom.
D'oh, missed the edit window. That's SuperFeet, not SportFeet.
The way the LBS put it when I had a bike fit, was that (with notable exceptions) most cycling shoes have pretty ropey insoles so quickly show up any foot instability.
If you paid for a bike fit then fleecing you for a set of special insoles would have been a dawdle. Did they sell you a Powerband too?
fasthaggis - MemberGet another pair of the pedals that you use on your mtb.
This.
Specialized BG inserts, also.
I pick up my new road bike tomorrow after a Body Geometry fit at my local concept store.
I've gone the these lengths to avoid any fit issues and ill let you know how i get on
If you paid for a bike fit then fleecing you for a set of special insoles would have been a dawdle. Did they sell you a Powerband too?
Yes, crazy to think I might pay someone to offer the benefit of their study and experience, and to be able to ride more efficiently and comfortably as a result. Madness I tell you.
A few thoughts in no particular order:
Is your saddle height the same between the two bikes?
Are your cranks the same length?
Is the seat-post angle the same between the two bikes?
Is the position of the pedal axle relative to the foot the same between the two bikes?
I mention the above (and doubtless someone will be along in a minute to add to the list) as it's incredibly difficult to diagnose issues with bike fit without seeing the bike set up.
I suspect that your issue lies with the difference in set-up between two bikes so I suggest you make individual small changes to the set up and position of your bike between rides until your problem is resolved.
Hope this helps!
I suspect there's a tendency to set road saddles higher than what a mountain bike rider would be used to because you're thinking that you want to be as efficient as possible and don't need to handle a road bike in the same way. Mere millimetres can make a difference.
Thanks for all your replies.
I'll spend time tweaking the cleat, failing that i will seek further advice from the pro's.
I'd love to get a bike fit, but i simply can't afford it. I know you can't put a price on your health etc.
If you want to experiment with some Specialized BG wedges, PM your postal address to me and I'll drop a couple in the post as I've got loads.