Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Clipless for big feet

Any of you all have issues getting clipless pedals and shoes that fit big guys with big feet?

My issue is my feet want to tip to the outside as everything is designed for little people.

I didn't hate my BMX pedals at all, and they are big.

Not so sure the problem is the rig - It is very likely that the "lateral rotation" of your leg is due to a Biomechanical condition unbeknownst to you. And to this there are a multitude of possibilities. Without knowing a bit more of the specifics about your positioning and natural body mechanics..... Much of the advice you receive from others "might" make matters better or worse. Your best bet is likely to bring the bike & yourself into the shop you purchased it from - that is if they have a good insight to proper bike fitting.

Any of you all have issues getting clipless pedals and shoes that fit big guys with big feet?

My issue is my feet want to tip to the outside as everything is designed for little people.

I didn't hate my BMX pedals at all, and they are big.

No idea what you mean. Can you post pictures/video about it?

I have big, wide feet (UK13 G/US14 EEE) and have no problem with lateral roll. I used to have problems with hotspots and numb feet but stiffer soled shoes and a cheap set of orthotics sorted that out.

I use sidi action 2 SRS shoes, sidas con'formable insoles and time atac XS pedals if that helps.

Thanks for your replies.
Like this,,,,, pedal screwed into place, size 48 shoe clips on with 2/3 of the weight in one side of center forcing feet to tip out..(clips way to one side in shoe) Cannondale pedals and shoes.

Got new ones ordered, hope they are better, from Shimano. Tech support form Nashbar says they are better for big feet.

I do not believe bicycles are primarily designed with clydes in mind, I got a Specialized Hardrock(Size 23) before they went cheep (S,M,L,XL), it is a big frame and sure feels good riding it. My new road bike is a larger size but my feet do tangle with the front wheel.

I do love those big 4 1/2 " wide BMX pedals on my Hardrock. Thats efficiency, when you can thrust your full weight down on a nice big pedal with out foot wanting to tip off the side.

I do have problems keeping the foot on the pedal on the road thing, so I been trying clipless, with poor success. I do like the looks of Time Shoes as well, but they did not have my size. In fact I had to search to get a size 12(47) in anything.

Sounds like it's the positioning of the cleat on the shoe more than anything. There are plenty of bigger sizes out there. I'm a 48 and was pleasantly surprised that I actually had a choice. Northwave, Sidi, Shimano etc etc. Try Performance do a filter on size. Here's a link but not sure it will work with the filtering:

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/sub_cat.cfm

Then play with the cleat position until you're comfortable. Clipless will always feel a little strange to begin with.

Tom

Sounds like it's the positioning of the cleat on the shoe more than anything. There are plenty of bigger sizes out there. I'm a 48 and was pleasantly surprised that I actually had a choice. Northwave, Sidi, Shimano etc etc. Try Performance do a filter on size. Here's a link but not sure it will work with the filtering:

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/sub_cat.cfm

Then play with the cleat position until you're comfortable. Clipless will always feel a little strange to begin with.

Tom

Thanks Tom,,,
I have been wondering just how much of my issue is just being used to my old stuff. With the existing pedals and shoes, the cleat has to be adjust to one side to keep the sole of the shoe from rubbing on the crank.

Maybe using pedal extenders (KneeSavers) would allow you to center the cleat on the shoe without the shoe rubbing on the crank.

I was hoping somebody made such a thing,,,THANKs,,,,I will give the new shoes and pedals a chance first, if they ever get here.
My doc is a cyclist, I asked him about clipless, he warned me, they are not good for my knee's, so I am sticking my neck out anyway.

I was hoping somebody made such a thing,,,THANKs,,,,I will give the new shoes and pedals a chance first, if they ever get here.
My doc is a cyclist, I asked him about clipless, he warned me, they are not good for my knee's, so I am sticking my neck out anyway.

um - with all due respect to your doc the only thing bad about clipless is rider error. Never ever put the saddle too high with clipless and you should have no problem at all.

Just look around for large platform clipless pedals (personally wouldn't use anything other than Time pedals) and try those in the bike store.

http://www.ukbikestore.co.uk/acatalog/Time_z_control.JPG

I have a size 14 Eur 47.5 and use Shamano 105's no issues past 4 yrs

um - with all due respect to your doc the only thing bad about clipless is rider error. Never ever put the saddle too high with clipless and you should have no problem at all.


The problem with clipless is it allows for a smaller range of motion in the knee, and can cause problems. This is not from my personal experience, but from the information I have gathered about clipless in the last few months. I am also thinking of going clipless, but the reading I have done has had me actually think about it in more detail and do a little more research.

The problem with clipless is it allows for a smaller range of motion in the knee, and can cause problems. This is not from my personal experience, but from the information I have gathered about clipless in the last few months. I am also thinking of going clipless, but the reading I have done has had me actually think about it in more detail and do a little more research.

most, if not all, clipless pedals these days come with float (lateral and/or angular movement) built in. Fortunately we're no longer in the bad old days of fully fixed clipless pedals (those do wreck knees).

Try the pedals in a bike shop - if you're particularly worried try TIME, bebop or speedplay pedals.

So,

This is something that in the "medical world", I believe is often seen. Many times an individual goes to their physician with a complaint/discomfort/sickness.... or one of many many other reasons.....

The physician - not necessarily having practical knowledge of the intricacies & specificities of an activity/involvement, presents the patient with information - that briefly put, is less than complete.

With regard to the topic of "clipless" pedals and the potential for increased musculotendinous complications at the Knee joint - I will add to this the following.

For individuals who might have some degree of biomechanical challenge, one could easily argue whether a clipless pedal is advantageous or contraindicated.

For every cyclist that I see out there - who might potentially be setup in their clipless system (quite often improperly), I see even more who are using platform pedals (i.e. - non-clipless) with some of the most obtuse/destructive mechanics taking place at the ankle joint - which could then lead to a compromised link all the way up the kinetic chain. This type of improper foot placement and alteration of proper body mechanics could easily lead to many musculoskeletal complications - including, but not limited to - increased low-back pain, increased point tenderness of many soft-tissues, SI-joint complications, as well as a host of many other pains & discomforts.

With that said, I do believe that comments revolving around the negative implications of using clipless pedaling systems are often made with the overlooking of other related issues. One such issue, if not the most likely culprit of lateral knee compartment complications - I imagine, is the incorrect setup of the clipless pedaling system to begin with. Which is why anyone strongly considering purchasing/upgrading to such a system, would be best served by leaving the proper setup to Highly qualified shop technicians.

Todays choices of clipless pedaling systems include more than just one simplified design, hence the need for the individual to seek out proper consultation by a properly trained technician in fitting such a pedaling system. Certain clipless designs accentuate the "float" or lateral release - and when properly adjusted to the body mechanics of the rider, could/would add to not only the increase in pedaling efficiency, but could potentially assist in the promotion of proper & safe biomechanics encountered with pedaling.

I hope at the very least that opens peoples minds to seeking out assistance in helping them make the decision to move to clipless or not.

Ciao,

-A-