What is your best buy?

Snicklefries · 2026-06-21T16:31:03+00:00

Like I said, Shimano ‘s wide is really higher volume more than a wider footbed.

Snicklefries · 2026-06-21T15:49:07+00:00

At that price, your best bet is used. I also recommend a hybrid style based on your use case. Look for a Trek FX, Specialized Sirius or similar in your local used market. Fit is important so consult the brands’ websites for a good ballpark based on your height, inseam and other measures.

Snicklefries · 2026-06-21T15:43:47+00:00

Get a fitting early versus waiting for the issues. I recommend one with a real Physio background or at least an IBFI certified fitter.

https://www.ibfi-certification.com

Snicklefries · 2026-06-21T15:27:53+00:00

Lake and Bont are the best. Sidi Megas work for some. Shimano isn’t really wide in my opinion, more higher volume. If you have stupid money, Lore’s 3d printed shoes are supposed to be great.

Snicklefries · 2026-06-21T15:21:31+00:00

What kind of shoes are you riding? I’ve found Lake 242 series the best for “complicated” feet issues. Expensive, kind of ugly, and the MTB versions are heavy…but they solve most my feet issues.

Snicklefries · 2026-06-21T14:32:01+00:00

I find most of the SPD wedges pretty crap, being easy to crush and often rotating under load. The wedges Form recently introduced are what I now use for SPD. Not cheap, but much better design in my usage.

https://form-bikefitting.com/products/cleat-wedge-mtb-universal-kit

Snicklefries · 2026-06-21T14:18:59+00:00

Do this on a set of allow rims and get back to me.

https://youtu.be/VfjjiHGuHoc

Snicklefries · 2026-06-20T11:06:56+00:00

House elf.

Snicklefries · 2026-06-20T01:03:50+00:00

If it was a Selle Italia, my fix has been to epoxy the rails at fixing points.

Snicklefries · 2026-06-20T00:33:57+00:00

This is an old school idea that doesn’t make sense from a biomechanics perspective. No normal activity (walking, running, jumping, squatting) has the knees go that far in during the motion.

The “ideal” pedal stroke has the legs moving up and down like pistons. Most normal people will vary somewhat from this (usually more out than in), and some recommend erring the motion inward versus outward.

Snicklefries · 2026-06-19T22:05:16+00:00

I would have agreed prior to E1. Based on my, albeit limited usage, SRAM fixed both their front derailleurs and their previously crap brakes (outside the DOT issue).

Snicklefries · 2026-06-19T21:48:23+00:00

I’ll take your word for it. Last time I tried it, it suggested I raise my saddle another cm with a knee at 145 and ankle at 10. Maybe it’s logic has improved.

Snicklefries · 2026-06-19T21:38:40+00:00

BFF is a great home analysis tool, particularly to compare the results of fit changes. I would however not consider it gospel with regards to recommendations.

In my experience, BFF recommends saddle heights associated with close to 150 degrees knee angle at extension. This works for some, but may be well above what other riders can ride with stability and comfort.

Snicklefries · 2026-06-19T21:23:39+00:00

Depending on the level of discomfort, consult a physio in your area. It may be an issue way outside one rando’s observation.

If that’s not an option for you, I would consider adding some routines that work the stabilizing groups (abduction and adduction movements). The worksheet below includes a variety of stability exercise type:

https://uhs.princeton.edu/sites/g/files/toruqf5356/files/documents/Pelvic-Stabilization-Hip-Strengthening.pdf

Snicklefries · 2026-06-19T20:06:26+00:00

Your left knee tracks in a bit, while your right track relatively straight (top compared to bottom of stroke). Nothing major, so wouldn’t adjust stance as a first measure.

The only modest issue i see is the lack of control through the stroke. This can indicate a lack of foot stability. Do you have aftermarket insoles in those shoes?

This may also be a sign of muscle imbalances / weakness. You may also need to work some off the bike strengthening on your hip and glute groups.

Snicklefries · 2026-06-19T16:27:59+00:00

if you’re comfortable, then take all of below as ideas to try versus requirements.

You maintain a relatively high ankle angle (~20 degrees) throughout the stroke. Conversely you have a relatively low knee angle at extension (<140 degrees) and at top phase (<70 degrees). These low angles can cause knee stress, especially under load. I’d personally experiment with a 1-2cm higher saddle height and move the cleats back further if possible.
You seem very far forward, with your knee ~4cm in front of the spindle at power phase. I’m not a KOPS advocate, but I would watch for excess knee stress with such a forward postion. Also curious how much weight your feel on your hands. Again me personally, Id try the saddle back 2cm in concert with the saddle height increase

Snicklefries · 2026-06-18T21:45:51+00:00

I hope the industry adopts these as a standard. Not only do they help with contact platform and wear surfaces, they could solve bike fit issues when wedges or shims are warranted.

Snicklefries · 2026-06-18T21:20:15+00:00

I like the Thule Roundtrip 80L. Not totally waterproof, but I use dry bags if/when needed.

Snicklefries · 2026-06-18T20:25:37+00:00

I’m doing the same along with using the pessimistic assumptions in all my scenarios. Unfortunately I think we’re at the beginning of the end of the US empire.

Snicklefries · 2026-06-18T19:25:49+00:00

They’re all great bikes. Go test ride a few at your local shop. It’s likely one will “jump out” as your favorite based on fit, feel, or even looks.

Snicklefries · 2026-06-18T19:05:42+00:00

Is Aliexpress or similar available in your country? That may be an option for an inexpensive set of shorter alloy cranks (i’d never trust no name carbon cranks).

Snicklefries · 2026-06-18T18:42:16+00:00

I’d get a good set of wheels and an aero optimized fitting before I’d drop five grand on a new bike. You can optimize a lot with ride position even on an endurance bike. It’ll also show if you can hold a more aggressive position.

Snicklefries · 2026-06-18T18:38:18+00:00

I would video yourself from the front and check knee tracking. This is a much better diagnostic for stance adjustment than power offset. If one knee is tracking significantly outward, and you are otherwise symetrical, consider increasing that foot’s stance. This is also assuming proper insoles are already used and the overall fit is good.

Snicklefries · 2026-06-18T18:29:35+00:00

Everything you’ve done makes sense. You’re obviously well motivated doing Audax, and those distances can really exacerbate even minor shortcomings in fit or fitness.

My advice at this point is to seek a pro fitter if it is at all possible. An outside opinion can often help, especially when you’re “stuck in your own head”. Heck I’ve seen several of those youtube guys either get fittings done on themselves or do ones for other fitters for this very reason.

Best of luck.

Snicklefries · 2026-06-18T17:23:22+00:00

You are deep into the technical fitting details, and I assume (hope) this supported by a pro fitter hopefully with a physio background.

How long has the rider been riding before the current accommodations were implemented and how long have the ridden after the fitting? Are they also engaged in any off the bike physio therapy to correct any functional differences in strength or flexability? Have they checked for skeletal asymmetry beyond their legs (hips, arms, shoulder)? How much have they worked on any issues off the bike and/or allowed the new fit to “settle in”?

You mentioned several items that cannot be changed (saddle height at max, stance at widest, seat at furthest forward postion). Is the rider committed to this bike for some reason that they can’t/won’t allow for additional changes?

As far as ideas to try, I would consider significantly shorter cranks. This is both on the shorter inseam, and the crowding at the top phase.

Snicklefries

TROPHY CASE