Originally Posted by
woodcraft
The questionable assumption is that what is optimal for walking or running is optimal for cycling.
As you say, every sport is different.
Ayup, and "questionable" is understating the case. It's simplistic horse****. As noted, it does get you to a workable starting point, but feel free to vary substantially.
I've experimented on myself quite a bit and landed on the same page with Kingston. I use mtb clipless pedals on my road bike, setup the cleat on the rear mounting point, and slide it back as far as it will go without causing excessive toe overlap for the riding I'm doing. That doesn't mean that it will work for everyone, but if you don't have an established preference, I'd start with a rearward biased cleat position. The biomechanics in favor of rearward mounted cleats for all but the sprinty disciplines is sound. If you are disinclined to believe someone who uses SPD cleats (and I won't hold that against you - they are less efficient), Steve Hogg and Joel Friel know their stuff and explain it better than I could.