Reading "Cycling Past 50" I noted that the author recommended moving the cleats toward the back of the shoe for climbing, forward for spinning at higher rpm.

Well, I adjusted my cleats back about 3/8", and had a remarkable ride home today! Dunno if this is placebo effect, psychosomatic, or just a sweet spot in time. Or, does such a small difference really matter?

Anybody with some smarts on this they want to share?

3/8" is not a small change in cleat position. In fact, I'd be wary of changing the position that much in one go. Glad it's working for you, but be careful about large changes in geometry- especially prior to long rides.

You can spin just as well with the cleats moved back as in a more forward position. It's just a matter of muscle learning.

You might want to move the saddle back correspondingly.

Wouldn't that be doubling up? If the cleat is further back, the foot would be further forward on the pedal.

I moved my cleats almost all the way rearward years ago after reading the same book. It seemed to be more comfortable at the time. My cadence isn't very high - typically around 70 rpm.

I have gradually moved my cleats all the way back over the past few years. I feel like it gives me more power, and I never get numb toes any more.

Steve Hogg highly recommends a mid-sole cleat position. Which requires a special shoe, unfortunately. Mine are slammed back as far as they will go, and I'm thinking about getting shoes that are constructed for mid-sole cleat placement.

And yes, moving cleats back would indicate moving saddle up, not back.

Yup, my mistake. Forward would be correct.

Yep. I moved my cleats all the way back due to achilles problems, and I still have no problem turning my 180mm cranks at 100-110 rpms (tho' my cruising cadence is more like 95-100). 'Course, I've been working on a smooth spin and high cadence for literally decades...

SP
Bend, OR