The last variable, according to Gonzales and Hull (1989), is the longitudinal
position of the foot. This position is mainly determined by the adjustment of
the shoe cleats. For this variable there is one rule, which stipulates that the
shoe cleat should be adjusted in the longitudinal direction of the foot in such
a manner that the ball of the foot (the metatarsal head) is exactly above the
middle of the pedal axle (Mandroukas, 1990). This adjustment of the foot
stimulates the process of "ankling", which results in a regular cycling pace
and an effective position of the pedal in relation to the position of the crank
(Haushalter 1994).
When the ball of the foot is placed in front of the pedal axle, the effective
leverage from the ankle to the pedal axle is reduced. This way it is easier to
stabilize the foot on the pedal, and it leads to a decreased tension on the
Achilles tendon and the calf muscles. Some triathletes and time trial cyclists
choose this option because the increased stability of the foot enables them to
shift into a higher gear. The possibility of achieving higher pedaling
frequencies is limited by this adjustment and the ankle pattern is a lot less
regular, especially in the upper and lower positions, because the possibility
of deviation in the ankle joint is limited. When the ball of the foot is placed
behind the pedal axle, the effective leverage is enhanced, making it more
difficult to stabilize the foot on the pedal. The consequence of this position
is that the Achilles tendon and the calf muscles are under increased strain in
order to maintain sufficient rigidity of the foot. This method is sometimes
adopted by track cyclists because it enables them to achieve a higher pedaling
frequency. The position of the foot (shoe) on the pedal not only has
consequences for the possible occurrence of injuries, particularly of the knee,
but it also affects the efficiency of the pedaling movement.
When adjusting shoe cleats, one often tries to
realize the most natural position of the feet on the pedals; however, when
doing so, one should bear in mind that cycling with feet in a fixed position is
an imposed movement. This means that the circular movement of the pedals is
imposed on the cyclist, and the cyclist has no choice but to adapt to the drive
mechanism of the bicycle. When shoe cleats are adjusted correctly, the knee
remains in the axle that runs from the hip joint to the ball of the foot during
the cycling process. Every deviation, both inward as well as outward, results
in loss of effectiveness.