So, are you also struggling with your back foot hitting your peg?
I know I was, but NOT anymore.
This issue was almost none existent back in the day.
Why?
Because the frames’ chainstay lengths were way longer than they are today.
I remember riding all four pegs many years ago, but I later switched to three pegs because of the annoyance of bumping my back foot on the peg.
However, I wanted to bring the fourth peg back because of all the endless possibilities it unlocks.
This made me investigate further, studying pros and reading on forums to see how to fix the issue.
Luckily, I found the solution!
Actually, there are many solutions that you can now also apply to your bike so you can ride the fourth peg with absolute confidence.
No more fear of getting caught up on the fourth peg – yup, we all know how nasty it can end.
Let’s do this!
Understanding The Problem
There are two main reasons why the issue of hitting your back peg occurs:
- First, your frame CS is super short.
- Second, your feet are large.
You might also come from other cycling disciplines, where you’re used to pedaling with the “ball” of your foot (e.g., road cycling).
But none of the above shouldn’t stop you from enjoying riding all four pegs and taking things to the next level when it comes to technical and switch riding.
How To Avoid Hitting Heels On Pegs?
So, how to avoid hitting heels on pegs?
Here are the five solutions I needed to apply to keep all four pegs on, even with modern street-oriented frames.
1. Change Foot Placement
Although changing my foot placement was the final solution that I applied, I’m placing it first because it has the biggest impact.
You can solve the issue instantaneously by simply placing your back foot slightly forward on your pedal.
Yes, that could be it!
Sure, getting used to the new placement might take some time, but it shouldn’t cause you any trouble.
The only thing is that you need to develop this new habit of placing your foot not at the “ball” but slightly more centered.
And I watched so many pro videos and most of the dudes who ride all four pegs have their back foot positioned differently than their front foot.
If you don’t believe me, go, watch a video from, let’s say, Jordan Godwin, and you’ll instantly know what I mean.
But if this still doesn’t do the trick for you, the following four solutions (likely all combined) will.
2. Stretch Your Chainstay
If you ride your bike slammed, it’s time to “unslam” it.
Stretch your rear wheel out as much as possible – this will usually mean riding it at the center of the dropout or maybe slightly further back.
Advice: Don’t stretch it so far out that your axle sits at the edge of the dropout – this can end badly.
3. Get Shorter Cranks
Do you ride 175mm cranks?
It’s time for a change!
I went down to 160mm and I’m still SO happy that I made the switch.
I actually wanted to go with even shorter cranks (Fly Dolmen’s in 155mm), but I lately started playing with foot positioning, so I’m sticking with my 160mm’s.
You might also be interested in reading about the main benefits of short BMX cranks.
4. Get Smaller Diameter Pegs
If you’re running steel pegs, the diameter of different brands’ pegs is pretty standard.
But if you ride plastic pegs, some are really bulky.
For instance, I was riding Animal Benny L pegs for a while. But when I looked into other pegs, I noticed Animal’s are pretty large.
Two thin peg options are either Fit Sleeper pegs or BSD Rude Tube pegs. (I currently ride BSD’s.)
5. Go Half Size Down In Your Shoes
Nobody will tell you this, but yes, go a half-size down in your shoes.
Yup, that’s exactly what I did.
I have been riding in 11s all my life, but because of my strong desire to ride all four pegs, I started riding in 10.5s.
And that half-size change in shoes made all the difference.
Plus, it doesn’t feel uncomfortable at all!
(Hey, we all know that shoes stretch slightly, so a little initial tightness might go away after a few sessions.)
Conclusion: Stop Hitting Your Back Peg!
That’s it!
I revealed all my secrets to how you can completely avoid hitting your back peg once and for all.
Don’t let the short CS or your larger feet stop you from enjoying all the fun these modern frames bring to the table.
Quick recap:
- Change your foot placement
- Stretch out your chainstay
- Get shorter cranks
- Get smaller diameter pegs
- Go half size down in your shoes
However, if your feet are large, I recommend getting a frame with a longer chainstay, such as 13.5″ or longer.
But in general, a few tweaks here and there (foot placement solves this little inconvenience in most cases), and you’re good to go.
