Out today and!

[Bryan McDonald]

Tried experimenting with where I put my feet on the pedals. Usually I put the balls of my feet on them, but sometimes get pins and needles in my right foot,
Then I just put the center of my sole on the pedal and what a difference, is it a case of silly me, is there a right way and wrong way? Do I waste energy by using the ball of my foot.

 

[roadrash]

surely being comfortable and no pins and needles is more important.

 

[vickster]

It's generally better and more efficient to use the ball of your foot, not the arch

 

[Cameronmu917772]

have you tried SPD's? the shoes are designed with a harder stiffer sole to them.

 

[Markymark]

As Vickster you should have the ball of yiur foot on the pedal. It is possible yiur seat is not adjusted correctly. Google the 'heal method' and see if that helps.

Ultimately if you set it up correctly but it's still a problem then stick with what your comfortable. However it will make it harder to pedal.

 

[yello]

another of those 'whatever works for you' things. It could be simply preference or perhaps determined by your own body geometry.

vickster's right in that the ball of the foot is considered to be the optimal position, and one that is considered to suit most people, but it does differ. Most notably according to discipline.

Some triathletes (for instance) set differently. Ditto distance/endurance riders. I recall reading of one RAM (Race Across America) rider who actually drilled his shoes so he could place his cleats further back.

 

[Gravity Aided]

Try these- rigid under the shoe, no matter what shoe. This picture is from Rivendell bicycles, but many sell them, they are Lambda Pedals from MKS. Lighter than they look, and may resolve your foot pain. And if they don't, then it should be rigid enough to use the arch instead of the ball of the foot.

 

[Mark White]

Then I just put the center of my sole on the pedal and what a difference, is it a case of silly me, is there a right way and wrong way? Do I waste energy by using the ball of my foot.

This website has some thought-provoking articles (for me anyway) on the subject of what constitutes a good bike fit. He specifically mentions mid-foot positioning, and though the context is in terms of cleat positioning, the principle may well apply generally.

http://www.stevehoggbikefitting.com/bikefit/2011/04/power-to-the-pedal-cleat-position/

 

[ducakrugs]

I tried to come to the rear of the ball of the foot thinking I could kick a little more...' but the cleat on my left foot was rubbing the outside of my foot.... I think I went that bit too far back....I find it comfortable which I think is important towards the front of the ball of the foot....But as mentioned above it will depend on your own body's geometry....