There is a major problem with this idea however – it simply makes no sense. So common did this assumption become, that almost all major bike fit systems still extol the virtues of such placement.
Traditionally, cleat placement has been dictated in large part by bike fitters attempting to place the first metatarsal head (the joint between the largest pink and yellow bones above) over the centre line of the pedal axle, as it was commonly assumed that the first metatarsal head is the “best” place to push on a pedal. There are 7 bones in the rear and midfoot with the rest being made up of the distal phalanges (toe bones). The foot comprises between 27 and 30 bones depending on your individual anatomy. I have provided below a brief overview of how we will position your foot over the pedal, the methods we use to measure cleat position and the implications of mal-positioning. The fore/aft, rotational and lateral play available in modern cleat systems must be positioned as perfectly as possible to avoid instability on the pedal, overuse of the calf musculature and uncomfortable hotspots in the feet. The other variable is, of course, cleat position. In-shoe correction of foot mechanics is hugely important and forms part of this surprisingly tricky biomechanical riddle.
The feet transfer power through the cleat apparatus and our connection to the pedal via the shoe is the single most important piece of the bike fitting puzzle.
The bicycle connects to your body through three contact points – the pelvis, hands and most importantly, the feet.