I just bought my first set of road shoes, having used MTB shoes up until now. I'm currently using a pair of CrankBorthers Candy and the problem I've had is that my heels hit the chain stays when I set my cleats where they are the most comfortable.

It there one of the pedals that position the cleat farther away than most others? I'm at this point favoring the Look KEO Classic 2 but it's hard to not go with like the 105 Ribble has for $28, knowing they will be a tried and try quality product. I'm looking to spend up to $50, which leaves several options from the UK vendors.

Road cleats give you a little more lateral adaptability than MTB, but in case you need more, Speedplay offers optional longer spindles. Your or your mechanic has to do the changeover, though.

Between Look and Shimano, the way to tell is by side-by-side comparison of the cleats. The one with the wider slot and narrower washer for the bolts should win.

Speedplay, on the third hand, offers optional long spindles for some models. You or your mechanic has to perform the conversion, however.

Knee savers will get your feet further from the cranks.

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The standard Crank cleat is not adjustable for horizontal position. The premium Crank cleat does have a small amount of horizontal adjustment (a few mm), which may be enough for you.

Heels hitting chain stays sound very unusual. Do you feet wobble alot when you pedal? You may have some other problem besides cleat position.

I have really big feet (my cycling shoes are size 49) and my chainstays seem to be extremely wide, didn't have this problem with my other bike though.

Take a look at Time. I have been using the RXS pedals for years and they have adjustable Q factor. Basically, you just swap the right and left cleats to increase or decrease. Simple and effective. They're great pedals - lightweight and durable, I beleive you can find them close to your price point at UK sites.