One leg shorter than the other
06-17-13, 11:09 AM
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One leg shorter than the other
Has anyone ever retooled (drilled and tapped) their crank arm to move a pedal up? My right leg is 17mm shorter than my left due to a car/pedestrian accident that left me with 2 broken legs nearly 40 years ago. All of my street shoes are altered by having a lift added to the bottom of the shoe, but getting custom cycling shoes would cost $12-1500. Not an option! I am considering a cross Canada tour next year, and wanted to be able to clip in for greater efficiency, than going with regular shoes. Thoughts? Thank you.
06-17-13, 12:19 PM
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I might be really wrong, but I thought that the way to deal with different length legs is to use a shim under the cleat which will then raise the foot. I'd say you need a 1cm block under the cleat. Since the natural average difference in leg length is about 5mm the 7mm that you would still have as difference would be tolerable. Maybe. Try it out. I don't think putting shims under the cleat will result in injury, especially if you stop before the possible pain becomes damaging.
06-17-13, 12:28 PM
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A shim between the right shoe and the cleat was my thought as well. That way you keep the same crank length (and leverage) for both legs whereas retapping the right crank would effectively reduce the crank length on that side.
06-18-13, 10:26 AM
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Legs of equal length can be real important when walking and running - But the lever action of the leg during cycling is not as dependant on equal leg length - Especially if its in the lower leg Tib/Fib - At 1.7mm you are only 7mm off from the normal leg diferance in average people witch is 5mm to 10mm - An extra shoe insert on your short leg should solve any problems...
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06-19-13, 05:43 PM
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Hi,
I'd look for a 165mm crank right side and a 175mm crank
left side for simply using standard pedals and footwear.
rgds, sreten.
I'd look for a 165mm crank right side and a 175mm crank
left side for simply using standard pedals and footwear.
rgds, sreten.
Last edited by sreten; 06-22-13 at 10:10 AM.
06-22-13, 01:45 AM
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Asymmetrical. Thanks — good suggestion if not the cheapest.
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06-22-13, 08:47 PM
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My husband has the same issue. Ask around some LBS and see if they have an extra crank laying around that they would sell cheap. Dh tried that for a while and thought it helped, but eventually ended up having his bike shoes soles and cleats shimmed up by the same place that does his regular shoes. The cost was similar to his regular shoes.
06-22-13, 10:00 PM
#8
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Speedplay pedals with spacers on cleats.
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