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Karrie H.
Karrie H. Sendmail

new help please :-)

posted 11 months ago | Report

Hi guys...
I am biking to help drop some pounds and to cross train (i am training for a half marathon according to hal higdon's program) I have some questions. First things first, i am riding a vintage 1971 schwinn 10 speed (i love it, it's orange, lol) ANYWAY....foot wear...my toes on my left foot fall asleep sometimes around mile 10 or so....should the ball of my foot be used more? or? ideas/suggestions? i am not a SERIOUS bike rider, but i do go hard, i ride some very hilly country roads around here and generally average 16 MPH...i DO LOVE riding in flip flops, i know that sounds crazy but they are the most comfortable thing and my toes have freedom...keep in mind also, on my 21 mile route i rarely if ever see a car....sooo, any ANY suggestions on the toes falling asleep would be appreciated

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  • Ray G.
    Ray G. Sendmail

    Hi Karrie,

    I do suspect the flip flops are the issue. As far as foot position over the pedal I ride with clipless shoes and they are position slightly behind the ball of the foot. I tried it in front of the ball but it was too uncomfortable.

    Do you have the same problem if you ride with other shoes?

    posted 11 months ago

  • Karrie H.
    Karrie H. Sendmail

    i do NOT have the problem with the flip flops...i DO have the problem wearing my older running shoes..i don't understand if you are saying that behind the ball of your foot is what you use on the actual pedal or? thanks...

    posted 11 months ago

  • Ray G.
    Ray G. Sendmail

    Hi karrie,

    I place the ball of my foot (the pad on the foot) slightly ahead of the center of the pedal.It feels more comfortable for me.

    I used my running shoes for a long time but since switched to cycling shoes. Sometimes with sneakers I would stop pedaling and stretch out the legs and rotate the ankles while coasting. Helps get the blood going again.

    Some shoes would cause that burning feeling on the pad of the foot and other would cause it to fall asleep. You will have to change shoes to find a pair that works.for you. On longer distances I suggest to use cycling shoes as they have that stiff sole.

    posted 11 months ago

  • Karrie H.
    Karrie H. Sendmail

    THANK YOU :-) i will go check some out....(i have never coasted on a ride yet, lol i always pedal so i know i am working out) going right now to check out some shoes online, of course i'll have to get some in person for the fit to be correct...THANKS AGAIN!!!!!!

    posted 11 months ago

  • Geekonabike
    Geekonabike Sendmail

    Cycling shoes have non-flexing sole unlike running or walking shoes, so try the stiffest pair of shoes you own.

    posted 11 months ago

  • Karrie H.
    Karrie H. Sendmail

    i just looked for biking shoes and see that they are all basically made for clip in pedals....i can't do those, i freak out..DANG

    posted 11 months ago

  • Travis P.PRO
    Travis P. Sendmail

    i would suggest what Geekonabike said, you want stiff soles, soft shoes will give you problems after awhile. also wiggling your toes and feet, and ankles every once in awhile should help out. they do sell bike shoes made for platform pedals, they may be a bit pricey, but i doubt they cost as much as running shoes.

    posted 11 months ago

  • J-LoPRO
    J-Lo Sendmail

    Hi Karrie,

    Have you updated the seat and is the seat positioned correctly? Is it a woman's seat? Men's and women's seats are two different animals. And if not positioned properl,y the seat can cause a lot of problems (yep, even toes falling asleep). I have only had to reposition mine once and my biggest clue was my whole right leg was asleep after a 14 mile ride. Something to think about.

    ;-)

    posted 11 months ago

  • Karrie H.
    Karrie H. Sendmail

    i am buying a new seat, but now i will rethink just what kind i am buying THANK YOU, and yes it was fitted to me, but i will talk to my guy about it tomorrow...THANKS so much

    posted 11 months ago

  • Ray G.
    Ray G. Sendmail
    in reply to what Karrie H. said:i just looked for biking shoes and see that they are all basically made for clip in pedals....i can't do those, i freak out..DANG

    They do make mountain bike shoes that you can walk on. I have a pair myself. take a look at specialized tahoe mtb shoes ... they are clip on but it is recessed into the shoe so you can walk normally.

    posted 11 months ago

  • Ray G.
    Ray G. Sendmail
    in reply to what J-Lo said:Hi Karrie, Have you updated the seat and is the seat positioned correctly? Is it a woman's seat? Men's and women's seats are two different animals. And if not positioned properl,y the seat can cause a lot of problems (yep, even toes falling aslee... read more

    Hi J-Lo ... you are so right! they do make seats specifically for the guy or gals. I didn't know it could cause toe numbness ... good to know.

    posted 11 months ago

  • Riaan
    Riaan Sendmail

    I go barefoot ... but then again, the first thing I do when I get home from work is lose the shoes. So far no probs.

    posted 8 months ago

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