Correct shift pedal position?

[ill'n]

pretty much whatever position is comfortable for you...

I wasn't very comfortable with the new style (of putting the balls of feet on pegs), and was considering going back to my old ways. But I started noticing that I can downshift at stop lights much better with this new style. I guess because in the old style the shift pedal was so high, in order to downshift I had to lift my foot off the peg and keep it in the air to press down on the shifter (think pissing dog and you'll get the picture). That probably threw off my balance so I couldn't downshift properly, and it probably contributed to my difficulty stopping at stop lights. So I'll keep this new style; I'm getting used to it... plus I don't look like a pit-bull with a bladder problem. Thanks everyone!

[intotherain]

I keep my toes on the pegs. I have more stabilty and control over the bike.

but ofcourse im a newbie and i dont know much

[Kal]

The balls of your feet should be on the pegs, I've heard it suggested by riders whose opinions I trust that it gives better leverage for throwing the bike around.

That said I ride cities a lot and hover over the rear brake and under/over the shifter to react to the conditions around me.

This is a bad habit as I sometimes ride the brake without realising and only a few days ago ground out my foot during a tight lefthander.

[qwerty]

I adjust shifter and brake to hit the side of my big toe when I'm in a comfortable cruising position. I ride with the arches of my feet on the pegs, front of heels against pegs, with the pedals touching the side of my toe. I can go from cruising feet to shifting and braking feet in a flash, much faster than having to adjust foot position to brake or shift suach as when the balls of feet are on the peg. I don't have accidental shifts or drag the rear brake. When the difference between life and death is a fraction of a second, you'll wish you would have done the same.

[Pongo]

I adjust shifter and brake to hit the side of my big toe when I'm in a comfortable cruising position. I ride with the arches of my feet on the pegs, front of heels against pegs, with the pedals touching the side of my toe.

+1