problem with toe clearance

justo

I just got delivery of a new bike from an online store. Very excited but there is one (possibly major) problem.

I did a lot of research to get the right frame size but my toe does not clear the wheel, when my foot is at its most forward on the rotation and the wheel is being turned left to right and vice versa.

If I were replace the cranks from 170 to 168, to allow me the gap needed would this decrease the ride quality?

Can you even buy cranks individually?

Really reluctant to return the bike.

Darkglasses

Not an expert, but if you watch how professionals turn the bike, the feet are at the 12 and 6 o clock positions as they turn. Both for better balance and the toe overlap I assume :pac:

C3PO

From what I've read "Toe Overlap" is difficult to avoid sometimes particularly on smaller bikes. If the bike is the correct size for you I wouldn't worry about it! You only really turn the handlebars a very small amount when you are travelling at anything over walking speed. Just be careful when you are doing any slow manoeuvres!

http://davesbikeblog.squarespace.com/blog/2006/11/5/toe-overlap-no-problem.html

http://forums.roadbikereview.com/general-cycling-discussion/toe-overlap-who-has-197283.html

Cee-Jay-Cee

I have the same thing (wouldnt call it a problem) and i only notice it at very slow speeds when making tight turns. It has never happened when out for spins as you will never have to turn the handle bars more than a few degrees to steer in normal every day situations.

Go out for a quick spin and you'll see for yourself.

kenmc

don't turn your bars so much with your pedals at 9 and 3. simples.

FISMA

Justo,
I have a frame whereby if I try, I can get some toeverlap.

It really isnt' a problem though. I have used the bike for a decade and it rarely happens.

Once you understand the problem, it will be easy to avoid.

Basically, you have to be going slow and making a large angle turn.

If this is a bike that will be ridden at decent speeds, you will never notice it. If you were a messenger in the city with a lot of lights, it may be a concern.

Again, I had the same concerns as you and nowadays, I don't even think about it.

As for your question, the move of 2.0mm will have no noticeable difference on toeverlap and you will lose a bit of torque.

Concisely: don't worry, it happens a lot, now get out and cycle.

justo

So I did some research and took on board the posts above and just got out and cycled.

The overlap does not pose any issues. The first time on the bike was just outside my house and I was doing a fairly tight U-turn so I made toe contact with the wheel.

Since then, on normal cycling - no issue.

All in all, I'm delighted with my new bike which deals better with my recently increased daily commute which is 40 kms return.

For information, the bike is a Cinelli Della Strada, 2012:

http://store.cinelli-usa.com/products/category/11671.0.1.1.1010176.1010179.0.0.0