Steer Clear of Hitting Your Peg with Your Back Foot (Avoidance Recommended)
For many BMX riders, the thrill of riding with four pegs on a modern street-oriented frame is unmatched. However, the issue of hitting the back foot on the peg during tricks and riding can be a frustrating obstacle. But fear not, as there are solutions that can help you ride with confidence once more.
While the search results primarily focus on heel strike issues in recumbent bikes, some principles can be adapted to solve the problem in BMX bikes. One such solution is adjusting your foot placement and pedal positioning. Make sure your feet are centered properly on the pedals, and that your foot angle is comfortable. Slightly rotating your foot or placing the ball of your foot on the pedal instead of the arch can reduce interference with the peg.
Another approach is to check the size and placement of your pegs. Street BMX pegs often extend out quite far, and if hitting the back foot is frequent, consider switching to smaller diameter pegs or repositioning them to a position that doesn’t interfere with your foot during tricks.
Modifying your pedal or crank length can also help. Using shorter cranks or pedals with a lower profile can reduce the chances of your foot or heel hitting the peg during tricks and riding. In fact, the author of this article switched from 175mm cranks to 160mm, which provided better control and maneuverability.
Beyond these specific solutions, it's worth considering adjusting your bike setup to suit your riding style. This can involve changing the relative positioning of the pedals to wheel or peg locations, as well as riding the bike at the center of the dropout or slightly further back when stretching the chainstay.
It's important to note that these recommendations rely on standard BMX riding technique knowledge, such as stretching the rear wheel out as much as possible, going a half-size down in shoes, and watching professional riders like Jordan Godwin to understand the different foot placement for riding all four pegs.
However, it's crucial not to stretch the chainstay so far that the axle sits at the edge of the dropout, as it can end badly. And while shorter cranks can provide better control and maneuverability, don't go too short – the author considered going down to even 155mm.
Ultimately, the best way to fix hitting the back foot on the peg in modern street BMX bikes is to adjust your foot placement, possibly change to smaller or differently placed pegs, and consider modifications to crank or pedal size. This reduces the overlap between your foot's path and the peg's position during riding and tricks, allowing you to ride with confidence and enjoy the endless possibilities that four pegs offer.
- To overcome the issue of hitting the back foot on the peg during tricks and riding, consider modifying your pedal or crank length, such as using shorter cranks or pedals with a lower profile, which can help reduce the chances of your foot or heel hitting the peg.
- Besides adjusting your foot placement and pedal positioning, it's worth considering adjusting your bike setup to suit your riding style, as changing the relative positioning of the pedals to wheel or peg locations can help minimize interference between your foot and the peg during tricks.
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