This article began with the idea that riders under 5’4” especially needed this information. But after working with hundreds of cyclists over the years, I realized that riders well over 6’ can struggle with the same issue: the dreaded problem of Toe Overlap. It can happen suddenly and cause a painful case of road rash. Here are some thoughts on how to minimize the risk.

What Is Toe Overlap?

In the image on the left, you can see where the front wheel rubs against the rider’s shoe. This mechanical interference is solid contact—and it usually gets scary fast. In the right image, the rider has clearance and avoids danger. Same bike, same shoes, but now with a shorter crank length.

Why Shorter Cranks Matter

Short cranks are often discussed for their performance benefits, but they also solve important fit and safety issues. On frames between 46–51cm with 700c wheels, it’s common for the front wheel to overlap the toe of your shoe in tight turns. This can cause problems when turning around in the road or during events. Adjusting cleat position may gain ~3mm of clearance, but that’s rarely enough. While most small frames ship with 165mm cranks, we offer direct replacements down to 145mm—an immediate fix with significantly more clearance.

Mid-Mount Cleat Position Caution

Some riders adopt a mid-mount cleat position for relief of Achilles and calf issues. Adapters are available, and in the past, fitters even re-drilled shoes to achieve this position. But beware—toe overlap is a huge risk with mid-mount setups. Always check for clearance before riding. With our shorter cranks, larger riders can gain over 30mm (1 ¼”) of additional toe clearance, making a big difference in safety.

Safety Matters as Much as Speed

While power and cadence are hot topics in crank discussions, safety is equally important. Check for toe interference on your bike and know that shorter cranks offer a simple, effective way to stay safe while you ride.

Rider safety starts with awareness. Test your setup, avoid overlap, and remember: comfort and safety are part of performance.