JohnDThompson 

Toe-overlap is exacerbated by small frame size (shorter top tube brings the crank closer to the front wheel), big feet, and long crank arms (brings the pedal closer to the front wheel).

Most people learn to keep their crank arms vertical during low-speed turns, but if that proves difficult you may have to look at other measures. Some frame manufacturers, e.g. LeMond, have a reputation for using a longer top tube than is typical, which would reduce the problem. But a new frame isn't cheap. Not much you can do about your foot size, either. Shorter crank arms are probably the most cost-effective method (other than just living with the issue, anyway).

woodcraft

Worse if cleats are set back.

Lakerat

I clicked a shoe into the pedal to check for toe overlap on my short wheelbase 1981 Trek 750 fixed gear. The interference made me wonder why I hadn't had any tire/shoe contact during U turns. I watched the clearance during U turns and notice I instinctively turned sharper to create clearance at the moment the shoe needed it.

I also looked to if there was any clearance concerns while riding at speed. The tire doesn't even come close.

caloso

I have had toe overlap on nearly every bike I've owned, but the only time it has ever been an issue is on an out and back time trial in which I rode my fixed gear. Tight 180 degree turn and no ability to coast through the turn.

If you have a freewheel, it should not be an issue.

rpenmanparker 

Ah! The power of appearances.

darren murray

Hi, I have never had this problem until now when I purchased a pair of suplest cycling shoe a week ago. First ride out and my toe caps on the shoes hit the tyre on the front wheel whilst turning. I have noticed the Suplest shoes have a box type toe at the front of the shoe where as all other shoes I have previously worn have soft toes at the front. I have previously worn Fizik, Sidi and Shimano shoes and never had this issue over 25+ years of cycling. I have adjusted the Suplest shoes to the maximum and the toes still rub. I basically have just re sold the shoes on as in my opinion they could become very dangerous if it was to happen at high speed down hill when cornering sharply.

Trakhak

It would never happen at high speed; in fact, it would never happen at any speed above walking pace. Faster than that, and you're steering by leaning, not by turning the bars.

alo

This issue should be brought up with bike manufacturers. While most of the time it is just annoying, somewhere sometime someone may have a serious accident as a result of their shoe interfering with their ability to turn.

Manufacturers try to make bikes as cheap as possible. Adding a couple of inches to a bike length would not make it much more expensive, and should be done.

I will be surprised if anyone has raised this issue with a bike manufacturer, and as a result, it is something they are not even aware of.

rubiksoval

Shorter cranks.

Trakhak

The presence of toe overlap does not represent cost cutting. Bikes represent many decades of design refinement. That includes bikes both with and without toe overlap. Kid-proofing bikes with respect to toe overlap at the expense of a reduction in the quality of the ride of the bike is a bad idea.

Rides4Beer

It's the geometry, I got tired of it, and enjoyed not having it on my gravel bike, as well as the increased stability from a longer wheelbase and longer front center. So I sold my Tarmac, which like most bikes with "race" geometry and had toe overlap, and bought a Giant Defy. Longer wheelbase, longer front center, no toe overlap (size M/L with 172.5mm cranks and size 45 Fizik shoes) and still just as fast and stiff as the Tarmac, imo.

For some it's not a big deal, but if it's a big deal for you, then you just need to find geometry that works for you.

redlude97

do you race your defy?

Rides4Beer

I haven't yet, just got it, first race is this weekend, 35 mile road race (5x 7 mile loop). I don't do crits tho, fast group rides/road racing and TTs/Duathlons.

redlude97

ah got it, it looked set up pretty aggressively in the other thread. I hated the way my endurance bike handled in even fast group rides, and my significant toe overlap has never been an issue

Rides4Beer

Even with the taller head tube, the total stack with the way it's setup is only barely taller than my Tarmac was, so it's very comfortable for me.

ThermionicScott 

Thank goodness they're not doing that. Simply making top tubes "inches" longer would introduce other issues in fit and handling.

There are reasonable solutions to toe overlap, when bike makers have the will to do it. One is to simply stop insisting on 700C wheels all the way down to the smallest frames. Smaller wheels roll perfectly well on paved roads, and don't require changes to wheelbase or geometry. I'd rock the hell out of an old Terry if I were in that boat.

Another solution is to slacken the head tube angle slightly and add a bit of fork offset to restore trail to the desired amount. While this does increase the wheelbase, it gets the front wheel out of the way without requiring a short stem or other compromises.

Sy Reene

another way to avoid.. is elective toe amputation and custom shoes. With the stiff cf soles of modern shoes, there's really no reason to carry the extra weight and you avoid the overlap at the same time.

darren murray

That is good to know at high speed then and it does make sense re: leaning more then turning the wheels.

Seattle Forrest

​​​​​​Oh man. Ten thousand dollars doesn't even buy a top of the line bike anymore.

Seattle Forrest

This is a very good idea because toes are rotating weight.

Succhia Ruota

It's absolutely criminal that 3 years after the start of this thread, bikes are still allowed to have geometry that facilitates the scuffing of pristine white shoes from overlapping the wheel.

When will this insanity stop?

ThermionicScott 

When consumers spend a little more time, perhaps a little more money, to make better choices, of course.

Goosecheck 

Yeah. Toe overlap is a bummer. But please don’t let it ruin your ride! It’s just a scuff on the shoes! Better yet, ride a vintage bike!

Succhia Ruota

Or better yet, leave the socks off: Free pedicure on every turn!

alo

I often pick up used bikes when other people trash them. Beggars can't be choosers. However, occasionally I have bought bikes. In future I will be conscious of the space between the pedal and front wheel, and buy appropriate bikes.