Just bought 2008 Specialized Roubaix Expert ! but need help w/ foot issue
09-12-07, 05:49 AM
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Just bought 2008 Specialized Roubaix Expert ! but need help w/ foot issue
I just recently (Labor Day weekend sale) purchased a new 2008 Specialized Roubaix Expert road bike. I am really happy with the bike so far --- great frame that fits me well with SRAM Rival components that I really like. I have put about 80 miles on the bike so far as I try to get back into road biking shape again. I have owned road bikes for about 15 years but sold my last bike about 5 years to pursue other hobbies including mountain biking.
This is my first post.... I tried to post pictures of the bike but got a "load error"..... now, on to my problem.
I decided to go with SPD pedals when I got my bike so that I could use my fully broken in (about 6 years old) SIDI Dominator 2 mtn bike shoes. Prior to getting the road bike, I noticed a pain in my left foot on the outer edge near the middle or arch of my foot when I rode my mtn bike. I only noticed it on occasion and never thought too much about it. I would simply change my pedal stroke ever so slightly and it would go away. Since getting the road bike the pain is more noticeable when I ride and it is worse when I get out of the saddle and/or push harder up hills. The pain has grown into a callus on my foot that almost looks like a wart. The callus is on the outer edge of my left foot basically right above my arch area. I have zero issues with my right foot.
Any suggestions?
1) Tweak the cleat position ?
2) Get new inner soles?
3) Try SPD-L or Look Pedals? with new road specific shoes? (would rather try to use my SPD set-up for now)
4) Anything else I should experiment with ?
Thanks, this is a GREAT forum !!
This is my first post.... I tried to post pictures of the bike but got a "load error"..... now, on to my problem.
I decided to go with SPD pedals when I got my bike so that I could use my fully broken in (about 6 years old) SIDI Dominator 2 mtn bike shoes. Prior to getting the road bike, I noticed a pain in my left foot on the outer edge near the middle or arch of my foot when I rode my mtn bike. I only noticed it on occasion and never thought too much about it. I would simply change my pedal stroke ever so slightly and it would go away. Since getting the road bike the pain is more noticeable when I ride and it is worse when I get out of the saddle and/or push harder up hills. The pain has grown into a callus on my foot that almost looks like a wart. The callus is on the outer edge of my left foot basically right above my arch area. I have zero issues with my right foot.
Any suggestions?
1) Tweak the cleat position ?
2) Get new inner soles?
3) Try SPD-L or Look Pedals? with new road specific shoes? (would rather try to use my SPD set-up for now)
4) Anything else I should experiment with ?
Thanks, this is a GREAT forum !!
09-12-07, 05:58 AM
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Sounds like you have a pressure point and it's worse with the road bike. That could be partially because of the different 'Q' factor between your MTB and the road bike. Your stance on the road bike will be slightly narrower. You could attempt putting an extra washer on the pedals to move them out slightly. At this point I wouldn't ditch the MTB pedals and shoes. I would try a different insole and see if that helps. If you are using the stock Sidi insoles then that might be a good part of it. Those insoles have zero support and/or cushion. I ditched mine in my Energy road shoes as soon as I got them. I currently use Specialized BG footbeds in my Sidi's and am relatively happy.
09-12-07, 09:22 AM
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Sounds like you're fighting to turn your toe out more than your cleat position will let you. You could try changing those, or you could try a look-style pedal with more float to give you more room for error.
You also have an attachment point for one peroneal tendon there. You can irritate those from improper alignment (again cleat placement issue) or even muscle or posture imbalances higher up. If you've irritated those tendons, you may see them protruding more below the ankle bone. It may also feel like you broke your 5th metatarsal at right about arch level. It may help to get new insoles. If you don't have those symptoms, then it is probably just you fighting against the side of your shoe to be in a position that feels more natural.
If rotation of the cleat doesn't help, you might want to try moving it a little farther back. If you still have trouble, look into a pedal system with more surface area and more float.
You also have an attachment point for one peroneal tendon there. You can irritate those from improper alignment (again cleat placement issue) or even muscle or posture imbalances higher up. If you've irritated those tendons, you may see them protruding more below the ankle bone. It may also feel like you broke your 5th metatarsal at right about arch level. It may help to get new insoles. If you don't have those symptoms, then it is probably just you fighting against the side of your shoe to be in a position that feels more natural.
If rotation of the cleat doesn't help, you might want to try moving it a little farther back. If you still have trouble, look into a pedal system with more surface area and more float.
