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Just switched to a bfe and most of the time I am fine except on longer rocky descents i keep getting cramp in my feet. Its bad enough to make me stop but clears up after I wait a couple of minutes.
My pedals are vaults with shimano am41 flat shoes. The soles are not as thick as my old 5:10 's and not as stiff. Would I be better trying a different shoe or do I just need to get use to it. I would even consider clipless if that may help.
Any advice/experience appreciated
are you trying to 'grip' the pedals by clenching your toes? - like a fruitbat hanging on a branch?
i found i was doing that, fixed it by learning to relax/shifting my feet forward/not eating too much fruit*
(*might not be true)
Not that I am aware off just tend to have dropped heals and flat feet I think, do eat alot of fruit though
Switched from FS?
I find my feet hurt more on a HT on long bumpy descents as I take the pressure of my butt by standing more = more pressure on feet.
My feet have got fitter. I think it's a case of HTFU.
I have experienced the same thing. I have experienced it once on the FS, but more often on the hardtail - a long fast rocky descent will set it off.
I'm going with ahwhiles on what causes it. Tensed up and trying to hang on the to the pedals by curling my toes.
My solution was not to ride the hardtail anymore. Oh, and I ride clipless, so not sure the pedals will make a difference.
I get that with flatties after two+ hours.
I keep the flatties for shorter messing about rides and use my SPD's for the long epics.
Spd's or flats ?
if spd try one with a cage - more support.
If flats then your feet need a talking to, in direct vinny jones style.
2-3mm flexible plastic sheeting under your insoles stiffen up shoes a treat and also make them a bit snugger. If snugger is no good then get some Sidas/Conformable ski boot footbeds made to replace your current insoles.