During bike fits, we note the cyclist’s need for longer/shorter pedal spindles or need for extenders. At first we did not think it was that big of a deal. However, the need for longer/shorter spindles has become beyond note worthy.
Literally, we are finding AT LEAST 3 of every 5 cyclist’s stance width requires a spindle width longer or shorter than a standard width pedal.
To track this data even more closely we are noting the need per foot being fitted. In other words 5 bike fits would = 10 feet.
We have recorded as high as 9 of 10 feet needing longer or shorter spindles in a weekend of bike fitting (5 bike fits). That means not one cyclist fit on a standard pair of pedals.
While tracking this information, we noticed the left foot needs to be placed more laterally than the right foot to be accurately placed under the knee. At times, we move the right foot in and the left foot out by changing cleat position. Sometimes, we use a shorter right spindle only. In most cases the left spindle needs to be longer. We are starting to gather a LOT of right pedal spacers and we are now asked at least once a week if we sell “left” pedal spacers only.
What does that mean? One day you will not just buy a pair of pedals but be sized for the correct width pedals (per foot). What is the only pedal manufacturer to address this issue? What pedal companies do you wish would figure this out?
To read more - http://velonews.competitor.com/2010/06/news/coaches-panel-why-do-knees-often-track-asymetrically_120495
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I encountered this last night when doing a fit on a new set of Speedplays. I asked the customer why she had purchased the pedals before the fit because there was an 80% change that different spindle lengths might be needed. At the end of the fit the set-up was -1/8 right and +1/4 left. We could have gone longer on the left but it appeared that we were chasing the knee after having tried every spindle length 2 times!
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