Those who need a narrow stance width may experience issues with a 65mm pedal spindle width. One thing to note is the huge increase in pedal spindle width between the Look-compatible Favero Assioma power meter pedals, and the Shimano-compatible ones (54mm vs 65mm). Pedal extenders add 20mm more width, which is quite a significant amount, although this can be offset somewhat by adjusting the cleat. Pedal washers are 1.5mm each, and you can fit a maximum of two (3mm total) and still have enough thread to safely screw in the pedal.

Pedals have different spindle lengths, with Shimano and Wahoo Speedplay offering wider options for those who need a larger stance width.Īnother option is to fit pedal washers or pedal extenders.

Whilst this is also unadjustable, it may need to be considered when changing shoes. Shoes can also influence stance width by where the cleats holes are drilled in the sole. Looking to decrease your stance width? The only way to do this (without swapping out the crankset) is via the cleats, by moving them to the outside of the shoe. To widen your stance width you should place your cleat towards the inside of your shoes. That larger Q-factor on a MTB is down to the wider tyres which forces the cranks further out for clearance and to maintain chain lines.Īs the Q Factor is set by the bike, the way to manipulate stance width is through the pedals and adjusting the cleat position on your cycling shoes.īoth road and MTB cleats will give you some side to side adjustment, between 4-6mm. A typical bottom bracket width is 68mm for a road bike and 73mm for a MTB, and Q-factor tends to be around 150mm for a road bike and 170mm for a MTB. Q Factor is dependent on the bike and its components - bottom bracket width, crank brand and model - and is not easily changeable. (Image credit: Future) How do you increase stance width? This instead refers to the angle between the thigh bone and shin bones measured by drawing a line through the knee cap. Therefore you may find your single leg stance width varies from one leg to the other.Īs an aside, Q Factor is not to be confused with Q Angle, or quadriceps angle, which is an anatomical feature of the person. Humans are also rarely perfectly symmetrical in structure or movement/coordination, whereas bikes are symmetrical. Since the foot is fixed, as is our pelvis width, we need to align the foot with the knee, not the other way around. With the foot fixed to the pedal (bar a few degrees of float in the cleat), and the hip relatively fixed to the saddle, an inappropriate stance width where the hip, knee and foot are not in good alignment may place torque through the knee, which can result in discomfort or injury.ĭirect application of force can also improve your power production and efficiency. Ideally, we want the hip, knee and foot to operate in a straight line, and this alignment can be assessed by observing knee tracking. (Image credit: Future) Why is Q Factor important?Ĭycling is a highly repetitive sport with thousands of pedal strokes per hour, making cyclists susceptible to overuse or overload injuries.

Relative q factor vst octave