Help with q factor on cleats
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 696
Likes: 0
Help with q factor on cleats
Is there a simple way to determine how to set the q up on your cleats correctly? If I eyeball my pedal stroke is there a way to determine by foot position etc whether I need to go wider or narrower?
#2
I go by how my knees feel. If I have the cleats not set up right, I usually get knee pain after a short (30 minutes or so) ride.
For me, the more critical thing is the angle of the cleats. I found that using the wider float Look Keo cleats (red) is much more forgiving.
For me, the more critical thing is the angle of the cleats. I found that using the wider float Look Keo cleats (red) is much more forgiving.
#3
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,987
Likes: 709
From: Boulder County, CO
Bikes: '80 Masi Gran Criterium, '12 Trek Madone, early '60s Frejus track
I concur. Maybe there is some threshold where Q factor becomes important, but within the range of most road bikes, doubles and triples, I never noticed a difference I couldn't get used to. I just set the cleats so my feet are pointing comfortably straight ahead and everything (barely) clears the cranks and chainstays. Make sure to allow for winter booties.
#4
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,204
Likes: 1
Bikes: Colnago C59 Italia Di2
In Andy Pruitts book he put this question in the "what we dont know but wish we did" section. It makes a huge difference for me and each foot is different. Trial and error and feel have been my guide.
The "correct"Q is also closely linked with the amount of arch support and varus/valgus wedge you use. Also adjusting Q will likely change the required angle on your cleat. I have messed about with this extensively and it can make a huge huge difference to foot and knee comfort
The "correct"Q is also closely linked with the amount of arch support and varus/valgus wedge you use. Also adjusting Q will likely change the required angle on your cleat. I have messed about with this extensively and it can make a huge huge difference to foot and knee comfort
Last edited by lazerzxr; 01-06-12 at 02:18 AM.
#5
pan y agua

Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,810
Likes: 1,232
From: Jacksonville
Bikes: Willier Zero 7; Merlin Extralight; Calfee Dragonfly tandem, Calfee Adventure tandem; Cervelo P2; Motebecane Ti Fly 29er; Motebecanne Phantom Cross; Schwinn Paramount Track bike
RAD kit
https://bikefitkit.com/fit_kit/rad_kit.php
Probably overkill, particularly if your pedals ave a lot of float. But if you have knee issues might be worthwhile.
https://bikefitkit.com/fit_kit/rad_kit.php
Probably overkill, particularly if your pedals ave a lot of float. But if you have knee issues might be worthwhile.
__________________
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mattkime
Road Cycling
52
03-18-15 07:47 AM






