Re: [CR]steelcranks, aluminum cranks, Q factor

(Example: Events:Cirque du Cyclisme:2002)

Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2007 22:04:13 -0500
To: "ternst" <ternst1@cox.net>
From: "Mark Stonich" <mark@bikesmithdesign.com>
Subject: Re: [CR]steelcranks, aluminum cranks, Q factor
In-Reply-To: <012a01c786e9$3c06d090$0300a8c0@D8XCLL51>
References: <012a01c786e9$3c06d090$0300a8c0@D8XCLL51>
cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org

At 4/24/2007 08:24 PM -0700, ternst wrote:
>Then we have to see to the foot/cleat angle to keep our heel from
>touching frame or crank and adjust our feet positions accordingly.
>I can remember years ago being able to twist foot sideways and if not
>paying attention whacking ankle on crank and cutting accordingly. OUCH!
>and bleeding. S*)(^% and F@&() !! Oh well, one learned.
>Depending on your individual needs your feet will be farther or closer
>to the cranks, and your "Q" will change whether you like it or not.
>If you are only riding 5MPH and watching celestial bodies along the
>beach, it won't mean jack.
>If you want to ride a little more intensly, try to get it dialed in and
>save your hips, knees, and ankles.
>If the cleats are incorrect, a host of foot problems could manifest
>themselves depending on your intensity.
> >From what I've posted, hopefully you will see how the relationship
>between "Q" and foot position are inexhorably related.
>How about your experiences, gals and guys?

Ted, Personally, I need "Knee Savers" pedal extenders on all my bikes with older "Low Q Factor" cranks. Without them, I either pedal with my feet hanging off the ends of the pedals or wreck my knees.

Mark Stonich;
     BikeSmith Design & Fabrication
       5349 Elliot Ave S. - Minneapolis. MN 55417
            Ph. (612) 824-2372 http://bikesmithdesign.com
                        http://mnhpva.org