Non-traditional cleat placement
11-07-19, 09:20 AM
#1
Sr Member on Sr bikes
Thread Starter
Non-traditional cleat placement
Looking for some opinions about non-traditional cleat placement. Here's why -- I'm now 58 and I've been road cycling, and using clipless since the 1980s. But, because of lower back surgery in my mid 20s, and lifelong RIGHT side sciatic nerve issues since then...and a couple of knee injuries on the RIGHT side in more recent years...I have almost no strength and muscle control at the ankle. I.e. I can't even stand on my toes on my right foot.
I find it almost impossible to stand on the pedals for climbing (and sprinting). The pressure on the lower leg caused by the cleat being positioned under the ball of the foot (or under the head of the first metatarsal) causes pain and discomfort at the knee. But, I've noticed that on my commuter bike...with flat, non-cleat pedals...I don't have that issue if/when I slide my foot forward a bit...so that the pedal spindle is under the front part of my ankle (the tarsometatarsal joint I guess). So, I'm thinking about modifying a cycling shoe so that I could attach the cleat way back there just on the RIGHT shoe. Or maybe a second cleat (if there's room). I've read that there can be other issues with non-traditional cleating like this if done permanently. But my thought is that maybe I could attach a second cleat and click into/out of it only for the hills. Thoughts?
Dan
I find it almost impossible to stand on the pedals for climbing (and sprinting). The pressure on the lower leg caused by the cleat being positioned under the ball of the foot (or under the head of the first metatarsal) causes pain and discomfort at the knee. But, I've noticed that on my commuter bike...with flat, non-cleat pedals...I don't have that issue if/when I slide my foot forward a bit...so that the pedal spindle is under the front part of my ankle (the tarsometatarsal joint I guess). So, I'm thinking about modifying a cycling shoe so that I could attach the cleat way back there just on the RIGHT shoe. Or maybe a second cleat (if there's room). I've read that there can be other issues with non-traditional cleating like this if done permanently. But my thought is that maybe I could attach a second cleat and click into/out of it only for the hills. Thoughts?
Dan
11-07-19, 11:56 AM
#3
Sr Member on Sr bikes
Thread Starter
11-07-19, 11:57 AM
#4
Junior Member
As someone who has hip issues and also benefits from non traditional foot placement, can I suggest a few other options?
The first is power straps and regular pedals. This would provide a ton of flexibility while still helping your feet stay in the pedals.
The second is double sided platform/ spd pedals. You can always clip out and use the platforms mid ride. I use these for longer rides switching to the platforms when my feet/knees/hips need to move around more.
The first is power straps and regular pedals. This would provide a ton of flexibility while still helping your feet stay in the pedals.
The second is double sided platform/ spd pedals. You can always clip out and use the platforms mid ride. I use these for longer rides switching to the platforms when my feet/knees/hips need to move around more.
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