Where do I put my foot?

Message

GS_Tim · #1 Unread post by **GS_Tim** » Wed Aug 06, 2008 12:52 am

I have around 60 miles clocked on my "new" bike, and am hoping to get some advice on foot position. What part of the foot should be resting on the peg? My bike has a relatively upright riding position, and I can't really decide. Is the heel supposed to be directly on the peg, or is the peg supposed to be in the arch of the foot (in front of the heel of the boot)?

The bike is really comfortable overall, but my right ankle has been sore because I can't seem to figure out what's comfortable. I know it's probably a matter of what is most comfortable for the rider, but does anyone have any suggestions?

jrdudas · #2 Unread post by **jrdudas** » Wed Aug 06, 2008 2:05 am

I would not recommend putting your heel on the peg; it can easily slip off and you will have little ability to stand up on the pegs if needed. You will probably get differing views here, but I ride my "standard" bike much like I ride a horse; footpeg in the arch of my foot at some times just like a stirrup, and footpeg under the ball of my foot at other times; again just like in a stirrup.

JR

Dragon on Wheels · Wed Aug 06, 2008 5:22 am

It should be under the balls of your feet and when you need to use the brake or shifter you move your foot forward then back again.

If you have your heel on the peg, then the front of your foot is likely resting on the brake which probably causes you to use the rear brake at times when you really don't need it (I was doing this for a while). On the other side, your foot would probably either be under the shifter(which is a dangerous place to rest it) or pointing out which is also not particularly safe.

ichijou · #4 Unread post by **ichijou** » Wed Aug 06, 2008 9:40 am

i was planning on asking this as well, as last night i took a wide turn and ended up shifting up by accident because i normally put my feet out pretty far on the pegs.

Brackstone · Wed Aug 06, 2008 9:52 am

You should have the ball of your foot on the pegs for sure.

Dystopian · #6 Unread post by **Dystopian** » Wed Aug 06, 2008 1:50 pm

My boots are cowboy style, so I let the peg rest inside the arch. I've got a long foot, so I can still use the shifter and brake. One thing about doing that, though, is that you have to move your feet a certain way or else your boot is stuck on the peg and it only gets worse. I almost found that out the hard way.

Grey Thumper · Wed Aug 06, 2008 9:55 pm

Dragon on Wheels wrote:It should be under the balls of your feet and when you need to use the brake or shifter you move your foot forward then back again.

This really is the proper way to do it (it's surprising how much more responsive the bike feels when the balls of your feet are on the pegs instead of your arches) although I gotta admit, during long highway stretches, I keep my arches on the pegs for a little extra legroom, and I do the same thing in tight slow traffic so I can use my rear brake (and clutch) to modulate speed.

Shorts · #8 Unread post by **Shorts** » Thu Aug 07, 2008 1:16 am

I change position as I'm riding. If I'm going aggressively through the mountains and I need to be in a ready position, tyhe balls of my feet are on the pegs. If I'm just cruising around, I sit however is comfortable. If I'm in traffic and need to be switching gears and braking readily, the middle of my foot is on the peg so I can make these adjustments quickly.

So for me, its all dependent on my riding.

Brackstone · Thu Aug 07, 2008 2:59 am

Shorts wrote:I change position as I'm riding. If I'm going aggressively through the mountains and I need to be in a ready position, tyhe balls of my feet are on the pegs. If I'm just cruising around, I sit however is comfortable. If I'm in traffic and need to be switching gears and braking readily, the middle of my foot is on the peg so I can make these adjustments quickly.

So for me, its all dependent on my riding.

+1 this is exactly what I do.

I'm always afraid of giving this advice out though because I don't want someone to forget their feet are forward and then scrape a boot or worse.

Then again I guess if they are newbies they don't have to worry about that much since they probably don't take turns too deep!

RocketGirl · Thu Aug 07, 2008 4:51 am

Shorts wrote:I change position as I'm riding.

If I'm just cruising around, I sit however is comfortable. If I'm in traffic and need to be switching gears and braking readily, the middle of my foot is on the peg so I can make these adjustments quickly.

So for me, its all dependent on my riding.

Newbie here. Much of my practice thus far (700miles) leading up to commuting to work (1 or 2x a week) typically I go for placing the balls of my feet on the pegs, kind of like "ready for anything". At 4' 11", my bike is a good size for me, so I don't feel the need to straighten out my legs. My posture is more upright too when I do this.