A Shoe & Pedal Problem

Manuel Greenland in Brazil has just started and he has been having problems with numb feet, he has done the best thing by buying a pair of very good quality shoes and clipless pedals. He is still having the problem and he wants our help. He also wants to know what people mean when they tell him to “keep the pedals lubricated!”

Question:
I only started cycling six months ago. I noticed that after about 90 minutes my toes would start feeling numb because of the circulation being cut off by the pressure exerted by pedaling on my feet. So I got a good pair of Shimano cycling shoes and clipless pedals – and the problem seems to be worse. Maybe I have the cleat positioned incorrectly – it is on the very front of the ball of my foot. Any ideas? Also, when people say “keep the pedals lubricated” – do they mean the actual part that the cleat fits into, or the spring loaded mechanism in the pedal? Would appreciate the advice.

Hi Manuel,

I’ll answer you second question first as its probably easier! When they tell you to keep the pedals lubricated they probably mean two things, first the bearings on the pedals should be free running and should be oiled regularly. With older pedals you used to be able to strip them down and re-grease the bearings, now this is in most cases impossible, so the best you can do is to keep them clean and spray oil into the bearings from the pedal side and if possible from the outside of the pedal as some still allow access. The other thing they are referring to is; a little bit of oil on the back and base of the pedal, where the shoe plate fits, will help clipping on and out of your pedals, especially in dry conditions or after bad weather and you have cleaned the bike. Just spray a little oil on the points of contact with the shoe plate.

Now the problem with your numb feet; it could be that your plates are too far forward, the ball of your foot should be over the axle of the pedal. Find the ball of your foot when it is in the shoe and mark it with a pen (that you wash off later) then with your foot clipped in this mark should be above the center or slightly forward of the center of the pedal axle. This should allow you to press with all your effort down on the pedal, but still allow free movement of your toes.

Are your shoes too tight across your foot?

When you are pedaling to you also pull up with your foot on the up stroke of the crank? This helps to allow good blood circulation through your feet and, of course, makes your pedaling more efficient, if you don’t already do this then try it, it takes a little practice, but you will notice a difference and it uses more muscles.

We hope this helps, please, Manuel tell us how you get on.