How wide should your pedals be? Q-FACTOR Explained

BikefitJames from Bicycle in Richmond explains what Q-Factor (or Stance) is.
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The following companies (that you'll see in my content) support me either financially or with free stuff, so huge thanks to these guys for helping the channel thrive:
Jam Cycling,
Attacus Cycling,
Wilier Triestina,
MET Helmets,
Shimano,
SpinOnThese Wheels,

[cleggycyclist]

It's sad but I could listen to the Duff Man talking bike fit all day long, gems of info every time

[XLBikingInternational]

Thank you for the raw honesty and the invaluable advice! I'm a very big individual (313 lbs/ 143 kg) love my cycling shoes, but have struggled with finding the correct stance! Despite size, I do cycle long distances (100 to 200 km) and have experienced pain on the outsides of both shoes/ feet. I'm gonna correct the cleats and see what happens! Please consider doing a video with bikefitting tips for larger riders, a lot of people in our community would appreciate that. I'll let everyone know in the blog and social media. Thanks!

[adamgriss]

I find it extremely interesting to watch someone explain pedal stance with such enthusiasm and energy because prior to watching this video, I never really thought of it but after watching, I had to say to myself of course, that made so much sense, and I possibly found a solution to my minor shoe and pedal discomfort.

[danielclarke]

Could listen to James all day. This is the man I'm gonna see for next bike 🙏🏽

[brusjhone]

I could listen to the Spartacus speaking and explaining all day, excellent information thanks for both of you

[cxbkpmf]

This guy puts on a Masterclass of effective communication. I tip my hat.

[peterhargreaves]

A big shout-out to James and Francis today. Bought a pair of G8s online and followed the fitting instructions on the manufacturer's website. My feet feel more stable and my toes can spread out nicely when pedalling under load. I've also moved my cleats back 2 millimetres in both shoes which probably contributes to the feeling of greater stability. Whatever my current position, probably BOFPA still... but less than before, it feels really good, stable and powerful so I'm going to stick with it. Thank you for the content and excellent advice.

[waynesbutler]

Thanks Francis for bringing James knowledge on a often over looked topic . Q factor along with cleat float can save or kill your knees and hips plus less important wear the logo off your crank arms . As mentioned many times before, James needs his own channel although he may be too busy to spend hours editing video, that's your job and do it well ..

[garydando]

Knowledge upon knowledge, thank's Francis for bringing James to us

[gethinap]

This is nicely timed as I've been experimenting recently with the width of my cleat position after discovring my right leg making all sorts of crazy shapes during the end of a 64 mile bike ride.

[MichaelSnasdell]

Another fab explanation from James, still really need to get in for a fit one day soon.
Cheers for taking the time to make the video Francis

[kennysandhoj]

James pretty much totally confirming my suspicions that my feet are too close together. I am a overweight rider and I do walk a bit toe out, not massively but a bit. Got into cycling about 2 months ago and about a week ago I got Shimano pedals and shoes. MTB ones because I need to walk about 500 meters on my commutes. Anyway I do get pain on the outsides of my feet exactly as James talked about and demonstrated. Have now ordered 20mm extenders and hopefully those will solve the problem together with some cleat adjustments :)
There is so much knowledge to be absorbed on this channel. Big thanks to you and James!

[totallynotraging]

Thanks for making this video. Personally I use some titanium pedal extenders I got off fleabay they work terrifically. Got them on both my bikes. Massively much better feeling in the ankles. I used to get pains after the 300-400 km mark when touring or on audax

[mthiem]

As this was mentioned before, I tried it out I while ago and moved my feet closer to the bike. My pedal stroke felt a lot smoother instantly and my knees were further away from the toptube.
A very good tip, that one.

[MannBazza]

Very interesting from James as always, and the editing on your last few vlogs has been nothing short of brilliant. Kudos 👍🏼

[JDRELGOR]

I've tried moving my cleats to the inside of my shoe and my foot went numb, I've now got pedal extensions and what a difference its made ( for the better ). It started with shin splints in the outside of my shins which made me look at my natural stance, which was 10cm difference between stance and pedals.

[DEAR]

I'm "cyclist big, " 91kg, 6 feet+. I live in a mountainous area and I have been told that my left knee bows out, plus I get a "hotspot". I also see evidence on the cleat, that I roll my foot out, as you described.
I have attached a 10mm steel extender on it and it seems to have solved the problem.

[TimGrose]

Oh dear, that might well have been me with the wide axle Speedplays :) There was some logic in it at the time even if James got me back in standard ones although had to have the cleats set furthest apart to maximise stance width.

[brauljo]

Yup, pushing the cleats as far back as possible gives you more of a midfoot position which is definitely the way to go. Both ends of the arch need support, not just the forefoot.

[jeffbonkowske]

Question... I'm a big guy weigh 300 lb. I cannot use my clipless shoes or pedals even with extenders. Does with make a difference with flats