What pedals to use: Left leg is 1 inch shorter than right
 

I was wondering how many of you are using a Speedplay pedals (i.e. Zero's LA's SS, Ti, or chromoly) if not what pedals ARE you using.

I was considering a combo of these Sidi Genius Fit Carbon Mega Shoe - Men's | Competitive Cyclist and one of the Speedplay pedals with additonal shims. I'm also considering the Lake CX237.

My left foot is considerably wider after my ankle fusion surgery.

Just a thought. Think a longer left crank arm might help?

You could get a shorter crank from Cobb for the shorter leg.

Only on the upstroke. A real problem going down.

The crank can't fix it. It only helps in one half of the pedal stroke. It hurts during the other half of the stroke circle. OP needs a custom, built-up shoe on the short leg. Isn't that obvious.

Sorry, I meant shorter. Either way, I realize it was a really dumb suggestion. Duh!

Yes that was the first thing I considered. a combination of that and shims and possibly a sole lift (not insert) to the shoe. My crankset is 170mms and I will be starting by adding shims to whatever pedals that have them available.

The Speedplay system looks to be the most sensible but I want to get info from those who are currently using them.

Indeed...which is why I am considering shims and a lift to begin with

This is exactly right. You should also try and find a bike fitter that can handle these types issues. A good fitter would be able to offer the best advice on which pedals can be shimmed to compensate for the difference.

My left leg is a half inch longer. I use a quarter inch insole in my right shoes which helps a lot. Though I still get pain in my right hip from it quite often.

I have been in touch with a fitter that is considered to be one of the best in the business. Before my knee injury and subsequent surgery I was planning to visit him in Vermont where he is located. I did have a conversation about the Speedplay pedals so I know they will be a viable option.

I am in Northern Virginia and unfortunately I will not be able to visit him until mid-September at the earliest.

My intention is to gather info from those who are currently using Speedplay pedals or have used them in the past.

@clubber Speedplay user here.

What do you want to know?

Cleat Blocks are at the bottom of the page...

Cants and wedges

That's the ticket!

Hey thanks for chiming in,

First off which pedals r u using...Zero's chromoly SS or Ti? LA? How long have you been using them and with what shoes? Do you use the stock spindles or have you used a rebuild kit. Do you have or have you used Kool Kovers? Do you think it's worth the extra $ to go with SS or Ti if you have Zero's?

I have a mix of LA's & Zeros on different shoes & bikes (they work interchangeably).

Eons. I have Diadora & Giro shoes. The cheapest *nice* ones I could find at the time (I buy when things are on sale).

Stock.

Yes, for every pair. I also use these.

Unless you're a weight-weenie, chro-mo all the way to grandma's house. Up-charges for SS & Ti not worth it, IMHO.

AWESOME MAN!!!

Thanks so much. I believe they are exactly what I've been looking for. I will definitely give them a call tomorrow.

I have legs 1/2" different. (Apparently just like Omegawolf above.) My PT gave me 1/2" lifts for all my right shoes (inserts the fit under my heel), including cycling shoes. I then mounted my right cleats on a 1/4" aluminum plate. When I told my PT, she said that was exactly what she would have told me to do. (1/4" plate allowed me to bend it to fit the sole of my shoe. Obviously that's not happening with 1/2" plate so you would have to take another approach. It took a bench vise bolted to a big, heavy table, a big pipe wrench, a 5' pipe persuader and a 4# sledge to do the bending.

I just got back from a ride. Got thinking while riding how perfect the bike felt, that I was exactly on center and everything felt right. This after 40+ years of never being able to sight down the bike centerline without doing contortions. With 1" lifts and 1/2 shims, you have challenges ahead just trying to get it all to work. Persist. It will be worth it beyond your wildest imagination.

Ben

Not a problem! I've purchased their pedal extenders in the past and their workmanship is pretty good. I would expect their cleat blocks to be well finished also.

I know its not an option for most, but there is no reason you can't start with different shoes and pedals to lessen the amount of blocking/shimming required. And I'll second the Euphoric moment, when you get it sorted out by whatever means. 3/8 leg difference, 1 full size shoe difference here.

I compensate for my slightly shorter right leg by twisting my spine.

This morning I spoke with Tom with High Sierra Cycle Center, Inc.here Homepage and got the info I was looking for.

If you have a leg length discrepancy (one leg shorter than the other) or any kind of problem with pain and discomfort for any reason riding your bike I suggest you give them a call.

I told him I bought the Speedplay Zero chromoly pedals and he suggested that I FIRST speak to Speedplay and use their "leg discrepancy shim kits" to start out with until I have built strength back into my leg from rehab. This is advice is for ME specifically and may vary depending on your situation.

Apparently the course of action he wants me to take would be to eventually have him design and build a custom crankset. This is something I expected I would eventually have do to to get back to a proper pedal stroke without doing MORE damage to my hip, leg or back.

He mentioned that he could make a block to use but his advice for NOW is patience and work with the Speedplay pedals and shims to begin with.

Again I want to thank @flatlander_48 and Tom@ High Sierra Cycle Center, Inc.

For the fist time in over a year a truly feel like I will get back to unencumbered riding (especially my on new bike!)

I have a similar problem and I guess I've sort of been in denial about it. I also have a difference of about an inch, but it's not due to injury per se. I've had arthritis since about 6 years of age (now 67) and one ankle has been wearing itself out over the years. For me the progression has been slow enough that I automatically compensate without thinking about it. I don't really notice it unless I'm walking or riding a fair distance. It manifests itself as lower back pain, but as mentioned above, that's from twisting the spine to compensate. However, for me a cleat block would kill the walkability of the BeBop pedals and mountain bike shoes, so that's my dilemma...

I was also twisting my spine and was convinced I had a leg length discrepancy.

Then had an Xray of pelvis while standing and found that my legs are the same length, but my right ischial tuberosity (sit bone) is 4mm smaller than the left. So I took the shims out of my shoe and put shims on my saddle instead. Big improvement.

I just saw this.
IB16: Speedplay SYZR pedals find new feature for leg length discrepancies - Bikerumor