Depending on shoe size, moving from a ball over axle to an arch over axle position could be like moving 50mm closer to the front of the bike - two frame sizes! That’s significant…no wonder it takes a ride or two to get used to flats after riding clips. Perhaps the effect is muted somewhat since the saddle and bars are in the same spot relative to the BB axis? It’s very interesting to consider.
If frame designers are considering both flat pedal and clipped in riders when drawing up geometry, this is another solid argument for adjustable chainstays, variable setback posts, tighter jumps between frame sizes and short seat tubes. Maybe the argument is there for (gaaaack) longer stems and swept bars as well - even if I haven’t felt the need for such things yet.
Aug. 31, 2022, 9:09 p.m. - Blofeld
Depending on shoe size, moving from a ball over axle to an arch over axle position could be like moving 50mm closer to the front of the bike - two frame sizes! That’s significant…no wonder it takes a ride or two to get used to flats after riding clips. Perhaps the effect is muted somewhat since the saddle and bars are in the same spot relative to the BB axis? It’s very interesting to consider. If frame designers are considering both flat pedal and clipped in riders when drawing up geometry, this is another solid argument for adjustable chainstays, variable setback posts, tighter jumps between frame sizes and short seat tubes. Maybe the argument is there for (gaaaack) longer stems and swept bars as well - even if I haven’t felt the need for such things yet.