Road Cycling - How do I determine what my Q-Factor should be?

Is there anyway to determine where your feet should be on the pedals laterally (or how far apart the feet should be) before you purchase pedals?

I currently ride a hybrid with basic pedals but would like to go clipless. However, whenever I ride with toe clips or Powergrips I get pain in my outer knees. I'm guessing it may be due to the clips or powergrips pulling my feet too close together. When I ride without clips/powergrips there's no pain as my feet seem to toe out and sit further away from the cranks. I also happen to wear a size 15 shoe. See: earlier post (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=58643)

I'd like to try clipless, but don't want to spend the bucks and then find out they're causing knee pain. I know some pedals have an adjustable Q-factor but would like to know what my Q-factor should be before I take the plunge.

Thanks,
Post

The best way, IMO, is to get a pedal fit done at your LBS. First they'll start with the basics which will include proper cleat alignment and saddle height. Then they'll watch how your lower leg and knee track vertically while you pedal on a trainer.

If you're having pain, then a professional fit shouldn't wait.

You don't need pedals that have Q adjustment to adjust Q away from the crank. Spacers will work too.

You might have a need for canting. A cant would go between the cleat and shoe.

Go here to learn more ...cycling biomechanic information (http://www.lemondfitness.com/products/lewedge/cycling_biomechanics.html)

Interesting article on biomechanics. A pedal fitting seems kind of complicated especially going in with existing knee pain, no? Do the folks at the LBS typically have the capability to get everything right from just watching the lower leg and knee, or is it often more of an issue for a podiatrist or orthopedist?

Interesting article on biomechanics. A pedal fitting seems kind of complicated especially going in with existing knee pain, no?

Your pain would be the most compelling reason to get a fit. Often bike related pain is caused by a bad fit. So, no... it is the fit that may very well rid you of pain.


Do the folks at the LBS typically have the capability to get everything right from just watching the lower leg and knee, or is it often more of an issue for a podiatrist or orthopedist?

Hmmm. This is gonna be a little out of my level of expertise to address since I'm not a certified fit specialist or an MD.

But I do have an opinion for you...
Start with the fit as a first step to address the pain. If the pain goes away, then I'd say your problem was resolved. If the pain is still there, go to the next level. In Boulder, CO there's a highly regarded PA, Andy Pruitt, who does fits for pro level tri, road and mtb cyclists. He does the whole smear... bike fit, pedal fit, orthodics (foot beds), and so forth. If the LBS certified fit person can't get it nailed for you (releave the pain), then take it to the next level like an Andy Pruitt type person. Sometimes, chiros will do bike fits at a more advanced level than a bike shop fit tech.

You're probably gonna have to shop by phone to find a fit person who is experienced enough to address your situation. The same is true with the next level (chiro, PA, podiatrist, etc.)

Hope that helps.

Hi,
if you are tall with wide hips, you may want to try Knee Savers.
http://www.bikescor.com/product/knee.htm
I used a pair years ago. If thats your problem, they will fix it.
There are custom cranks, but they are very expensive. Fiddling with
cleats won't change much; unless a small change is all you need.