View Poll Results: Do you have toe overlap on your road racer
Voters: 104. You may not vote on this poll
To(e) overlap or not to(e) overlap, that is the question.
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member

Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 28,682
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From: Houston, TX
Bikes: 1990 Romic Reynolds 531 custom build, Merlin Works CR Ti custom build, super light Workswell 066 custom build
To(e) overlap or not to(e) overlap, that is the question.
Okay guys, how about helping us settle a dispute. Is toe overlap on true road racing bikes widespread or not? Please set your bike(s) on the ground and clip a shoe into the drive side pedal. Now put that crank arm at 3:00 and extend the shoe straight out horizontally. Rotate the bars to bring the front wheel across the front of the shoe. Does the wheel strike the shoe even a little bit? If yes, that is toe overlap. Point the shoe up and down to make sure whether it is fully clear of the wheel. Also rotate the crank between 1:00 and 5:00 while checking. If any configuration overlaps, that's a yes.
Then please take the poll and be sure to specify your frame size range.
Thanks.
Then please take the poll and be sure to specify your frame size range.
Thanks.
Last edited by rpenmanparker; 06-18-15 at 07:35 PM.
#2
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Joined: May 2013
Posts: 11,239
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From: SE MN
Bikes: Fuji Roubaix Pro & Quintana Roo Kilo
I voted "Yes, frame size M or 54 cm and smaller", but I've also owned a 56 cm and had toverlap on that bike as well. I don't normally ride bikes that large though.
#7
I'm doing it wrong.

Joined: Jun 2009
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Bikes: Rivendell Appaloosa, Rivendell Frank Jones Sr., Trek Fuel EX9, Kona Jake the Snake CR, Niner Sir9
Well...I don't currently own a pure modern road race bike but I did at one point...
My 53cm Rivendell Roadeo does not have toe overlap
My 48cm Rivendell Sam Hillborne does not (650b wheels)
My 53cm Rivendell Roadeo does not have toe overlap
My 48cm Rivendell Sam Hillborne does not (650b wheels)
#8
Should Be More Popular




Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Malvern, PA (20 miles West of Philly)
Bikes: 1986 Alpine (steel road bike), 2009 Ti Habenero, 2013 Specialized Roubaix
#10
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From: Ffld Cnty Connecticut
Bikes: Old Steelies I made, Old Cannondales
Should I test on my steel bike with the slightly bent back fork, or one of my other bikes ?
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Bikes: Old steel race bikes, old Cannondale race bikes, less old Cannondale race bike, crappy old mtn bike.
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#12
Thread Starter
Senior Member

Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Houston, TX
Bikes: 1990 Romic Reynolds 531 custom build, Merlin Works CR Ti custom build, super light Workswell 066 custom build
I think the lead taken by toe overlap in the poll is robust enough that it just doesn't matter. Even with all the possible touring bikes, gravel bikes, cross bikes, you name it that get counted in the poll by mistake, we are going to find that toe overlap is a characteristic of most road bikes. And nobody cares except 'dregs. That is my only point.
#18
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 85
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I would have to agree with you that toe overlap on road bikes is something that just doesn't matter. I'm pretty sure I've had it on every road bike I've ever owned and the only time I've ever noticed it is when i'm completely stopped.
#19
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#20
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Joined: Sep 2008
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6'1", 46.5 shoes, ride cranks from anywhere from 170-180's and frames 56.5 to 58... and mentioning all that kind of points out how much really factors into toe overlap... that doesn't even take into account cleat placement. In my experience to have toe overlap as an actual problem you have to be moving at a very slow speed, otherwise there's simply no reason to be turning your wheels so much.
#21
Should Be More Popular




Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 46,111
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From: Malvern, PA (20 miles West of Philly)
Bikes: 1986 Alpine (steel road bike), 2009 Ti Habenero, 2013 Specialized Roubaix
#22
Old Fart
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 3,348
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From: Bumpkinsville
Bikes: '97 Klein Quantum '16 Gravity Knockout
My 54cm Venge has it; I noticed it the day I got the bike....just while maneuvering the bike around a tight circle in my yard, just fooling around....and never noticed it so much as once after that or while actually out on the road. I expect overlap; I like to ride smallish frames for my size.


















172.5mm cranks and I have enough TO to be careful in low speed turns.. my shoes show the proof.