Post42K

I noticed that the heel of my right foot shimmies side-to-side (toward the frame and then back) as I’m pedaling. My other foot remains straight. Any suggestions as to what I should adjust to stop this?

A few notes: My right foot is slightly longer than my left (about a ½ size). Also, I’ve got big feet (size 51, 15 US) so the cleats are positioned on the inside edge of the shoe to prevent my heel from hitting the chainstays.

Thanks for any input!

Mo'Phat

Do your pedals have 'float' in them? Most pedals allow for some lateral movement and your feet aren't deadlocked into one position. What pedals do you have?

cuda2k

most obvious culprit would be loose screws on your cleats. I took off on my bike with my second pair of shoes one day after not wearing them for several months. I rather quickly remembered that I had swapped cleats around and not tightened this set down completely.

Other than that, we'd need to know what type of pedal/cleat you've got.

1) Old worn cleats
2) Worn down pedal interfaces
3) Play/Slop in the pedal spindle/races
4) ????

Post42K

I have the Speedplay X5's so I do have lots of float. I just rechecked the cleats -- screws are nice and tight and they're in very good condition.

johnny99

If your ankles are wobbling from side to side with every pedal stroke, then your knee probably is, too. This is bad since lateral knee wobble is at best inefficient and at worst can lead to serious knee injury. Try to focus on keeping your knees steady as you pedal. If you can do that without any pain in your knee or ankle, then your problem is solved. If that doesn't work, you should try to adjust your cleats to make the wobble go away. Try moving the cleats forward/backward, sidewards, or even tilting them (with wedges or orthotics).

Mo'Phat

So the lateral movement isn't float? Are your crank arms tight? Is there any play in your bottom bracket? Are you subconsciously pushing with your heel of your right foot, or perhaps favoring it somewhat and it's getting fatigued faster than your left? Are both cleats positioned similarly on your shoe? Fore and aft, I mean.

I don't have an answer...I'm just helping try to troubleshoot.

Post42K

I don't think the knee is wobbling. As I looks down, the heel seems to pivot on the pedal inward during the upstroke and then back out during the downstroke. Everything is tight on bike so I'm suspecting something with the fit is off especially since the right foot is slightly longer than the left.

Both cleasts are positioned in the same place on each shoe --all the way forward as this is the only spot where I don't get numb toes. They're also on the inner side of the shoe to prevent my heal from hitting the chainstays. So, I've been hesitant to start experimenting with the cleat position. Also, I do wear two LeWedges on each foot as well.

johnny99

Have someone ride behind you and watch (or videotape) your knees as you ride. Your knees are connected pretty directly to your ankles, so if your ankles are wobbling left and right, your knees probably are, too. If your ankles are wobbling and your knees aren't, then your knees must be twisting with every stroke, which is even worse then wobbling.

Post42K

That's exactly what's happening. I can see the knee twisting slightly as the ankle pivots inward. Luckily I haven't felt any pain yet but that's definitely one of my concerns.

johnny99

You need to adjust your bike fit (probably your cleats) to make the wobble go away. These kinds of adjustments can be complicated. If you can't figure what adjustments to make, a pro fitting would be a good idea. Look for someone experienced in ankle and knee issues. This may not be your typical bike shop guy who focuses only on seat and handlebar height.

cydewaze

Go get checked by a professional bike fitter. The solution might be as simple as a few LeWedges under the cleat on the side in question.

Post42K

Problem solved I moved the cleat laterally toward the center and the problem went away! Now my heel comes really close to clipping the chain stay but I think it'll be okay. Thanks for all the input!