Esteemed Listmeister wrote:
"In my shop, over these many years I have observed that a lot of bikes do not have "toe clip clearance". But it is never a problem until someone accidentally discovers it while standing around static, or attempting a track stand or similar. Up until then, in actual use, it's darn near impossible, while underway, to turn the bike's front end enough to actually contact the toe or clip. At faster than a very slow walking speed, it is almost impossible to turn the front fork more than a very few degrees...
But, once the bike owner discovers this "potentiality", they get upset and nervous about the "toe clip overlap". In real life situations, it has a very slight chance of really occurring.
But maybe I am wrong? Any of you have actual experiences that indicate this toe clip clearance thing is a big problem?" *********************************
Dale, a year ago I sold a Raphael Geminiani track bike from the 1960s or earlier (I think), because its toe clip overlap (w/o fenders) made it unsuitable for my commute. But, this may be the exception that proves the rule: One of my commuting routes includes two very tight 180 degree turns. For a ramp that goes down from the road to the tow-path below. Nothing is more than about 6' wide; occasionally there are other riders, runners, or fishers sharing the path. It was a real issue on that particular stretch, but I can't remember a comparable situation anywhere else. BTW, the courier who bought it from me came back many months later, happy as he could be with the bike (which I had bought from Sam FitzSimmons, who's an all-round good guy).
harvey sachs
mcLean VA.