Road Cycling - Cleat Position (yeah I know).

About three weeks ago while messing around with my shoes I noticed that the cleats were positioned on each shoe differently (side to side and only a bit back and forward). So, for the sake of equal ness I adjusted the right cleat to match that of the left shoe. Well let me say that equal ness is not always better because now I have this pain (discomfort) in my right leg/hip. It’s almost as if I’m over stressing the right leg while the left leg is just fine. It kinda feels like I’m stretching/reaching too far yet if I move the cleat forward (towards the toe) it feels only a bit better (already near the limit). What should I do: 1.) move the cleats back to where they are equal figuring that I may be using muscles that I wasn’t used to using prior to three weeks ago (eventually they’ll come around) or 2.) try to move the cleats back to their original position and live with that? Does anyone have any observations on cleat position and what muscle groups each position (back and forward, side to side) they tend to use? BTW the pedals are Speedplay X2s.

Nothing else was changed nor does any else bother me.

Don't forget that both your feet are likely slightly different in size and shape so you cannot always have the cleats equal on your shoes. Legs are different sizes, different flexibility in each leg will also change cleat position a little. Put them where they feel comfortable.

Hi,
I moved my cleats all the way to the back a couple weeks ago. For a couple rides, I was sore. If you take it easy, and give your body a chance to adjust; it might go away. Just to play devil's advocate, you could also move both to the position where the right cleat had been; and see how that goes.

one of the LBSs around here will do a cleat fitting to determine in what position you're most efficient. other than an actual wattage measurement, i can't think of any empircal way to determine the best position.

Yeah it might just be a matter of tweaking them until it feels comfortable (yet efficient).:(

Best thing to do is get a fitting at your bike store. Most of the bigger ones have these box mechanisms that they put on your cranks and you pedal. These things help determine what adjustments you need on your cleats. I just went through one, and my knees feel great when I'm pedaling.

Teski

mine are uneven- they are in the same/similar forward position but are slightly off center in differing degrees. adjust in very small increments. before you replace your cleats trace an outline so you can find your position again.

I dont see the post about pain on the outside of your feet after long rides. What can a person do to adjust for that? Im guessing, to turn the rear of the foot in a bit.

Best thing to do is get a fitting at your bike store. Most of the bigger ones have these box mechanisms that they put on your cranks and you pedal. These things help determine what adjustments you need on your cleats. I just went through one, and my knees feel great when I'm pedaling.


Thanks guys. I think I'm going to look into the LBS cleat fitting option. No sense in having good equipment but being held back by something as silly as bad bike fit. :(

Rob