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Found: PatroCleats Adapters let you try Mid-Foot cleat position without new shoes

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There are a few different schools of thought when it comes to cleat placement. But recently, the idea of midfoot or midsole cleat placement has become increasingly popular – particularly in the world of triathlon. More than just running your cleat back as far as they go in standard shoes, true midfoot positioning requires a dedicated set up. But before you invest in a new pair of shoes, the PatroCleat Mid-Foot adapters will allow you to try it out on your existing footwear.

PatroCleats Adapters 24mm setback

According to the description, the PatroCleat adapters will move standard three-bolt cleats backwards as much as 24mm. According to the company, the rearward position can help to reduce hot spots, and alleviate foot pain, eliminate problems with heel drop on long rides, protects your Achilles tendons, helps keep your calves relaxed, and reduces drag thanks to a 10mm saddle height reduction.

PatroCleats Adapters mid-foot 3mm high

The adapters are made from “aerospace grade aluminum” and anodized black. They will add 3mm to the cleat stack height, and 26g to the weight of your shoes.

PatroCleats Adapters mid-foot ERGO vs COMP

Offered in two versions, ERGO and COMP, both allow for a maximum 24mm setback of the cleat. However, the COMP version only has one set of threaded inserts, and therefore only allows for a 12-24mm adjustment range. The ERGO version allows for a 0-12mm range for the first set of mounting holes, and 12-24mm adjustment for the second. The lack of the second set of threads does remove 3g from the weight of the COMPs.

PatroCleats Adapters packaging

Based out of Switzerland, Mid-Foot cleat adapters are sold in a set with all the necessary hardware for €32,50. Worldwide shipping is available, with delivery times based on travel from Switzerland. 

mid-foot-cycling.com

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23 Comments
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luddite
luddite
3 years ago

Add toe overlap to any bike! What a great idea.

odellio
odellio
3 years ago
Reply to  luddite

It definitely does add toe overlap for a lot of people…. however having experimented with mid foot positions it only makes a difference in low speed turning, typically not an issue on road bikes once you’re outside of the parking lot. It can be really frustrating on a cyclocross bike ( but this kit isn’t made for mtb cleats ) Many people who try it, end up liking it. The load taken off the calf can be a big deal for a lot of people.

Hexsense
Hexsense
3 years ago
Reply to  odellio

No toe overlap on my bike, even in size 48!
This is Cannondale Supersix Evo 2020. It has 55mm fork offset pair with 71.2degree HTA. It result in front center that is as long as Trek Emonda size 56. Check their size 54, it has longer front center than Trek Emonda size 62!

Bryin
Bryin
3 years ago
Reply to  luddite

Every road bike I have ever owned has had toe overlap. It is not a problem, the only time there is ever an issue is at very slow speeds. I bet if you check the pro peloton that a vast majority have toe overlap.

Robin
Robin
3 years ago

The cool thing is that you don’t have to buy these if you trouble dealing with toe overlap, and the reality is that for most riders, toe overlap is easily overcome.

Brian
3 years ago

The comments regarding cyclists who have problems with toe overlap on their frame biomechanically clearly indicates that these cyclists need a bike fit and an increase in the size of the frame of their preferred ride

JBikes
JBikes
3 years ago
Reply to  Brian

Not really. I can have the same exact bike fit and general frame size across many models. Some will cause overlap, others won’t. For a road bike its really based on head tube angle and front center.

But regarding overlap. The comments infer that they set cleat position based on overlap, not what results in the best for their biomechanics.

dartmouth11
3 years ago
Reply to  Brian

nope

John
John
2 years ago
Reply to  Brian

Wrong. I’m 5’8 and wear a size 46.5 shoe. I ride A 52cm frame and it fits me perfect but you better believe my clown feet are gonna hit that wheel if I’m not careful.

Joenomad
Joenomad
3 years ago

Just like every other touchpoint on the bicycle. Cleat position helps people differently depending on their physical concern. Moving my cleats back as far as possible with normal cleats and shoes has reduced hotspots and metatarsal pain in my feet. Before you dismiss this with toe overlap, do some research.

Ian
Ian
3 years ago

I just found these recently, great find because Speedplay stopped making their setback adaptors and these are also suitable for 3 bolt cleats. With weird feet like mine I need almost 20mm setback just to get to the standard cleat position.

scherrit knoesen
2 years ago
Reply to  Ian

I think a few fitters have had those fore-aft plates machined.

yogibimbi
yogibimbi
3 years ago

Would like to try that out on my gravel bike. Alas: SPD and shoes with recessed cleats (for better walking). Seems like there is no provision for that at the moment.

durianrider
durianrider
3 years ago

Ive been riding midfoot since 2010.

I just got Steve Hogg to drill out my shoes.

John Nathan Royal
John Nathan Royal
3 years ago

This is a great idea. In addition to the possible toe overlap issue for some riders you would have more “cleat stack” but it would be worth it to me. Any plans for a SPD/Time compatible version?

Eggs Benedict
Eggs Benedict
3 years ago

Is this cleat position intended for Tri or TT bikes with relatively steep seat tube angles.

Mick
Mick
3 years ago
Reply to  Eggs Benedict

This cleat placement can have tangible benefits for tri (with some of the residual benefit playing out on the run) …gotta lower your seat relative to the cleat placement, and as mentioned, overlap can be a minor issue at low speed. I’ve been using mid placement on my tt/tri setup since the mid ’00’s without any issue.
Only thing I don’t like is… climbing out of the saddle does not feel as fluid…thus why I don’t run significant setback (compared to my Tri) on my road setup.

Biomecanica Tresde
3 years ago

A very good product that resolves a lot of Biomechanical problems.

christopher balser
2 years ago

These are garbage. I had two pair for clients and both pulled out. They are not thick enough for stock shimano screws and the nut has no flange. 3-4nm torque max. DA and a strong rider will pull them out for sure.

Lukas
Lukas
2 years ago

Hello, does anyone has also the Problem that die shoe ” Wobbles ” on the pedal? Maybe it is because of the 3mm hight?
I mean that die shoe is not fixed as like without the Adapters.

Noelle Manriquez
Noelle Manriquez
2 years ago

Do these work for speedplay also?

Stan M
Stan M
1 year ago

I have ordered these several times. First pair never arrived. Second took several weeks, and when mounting the thread in one popped out. Third pair sent free for my trouble and was missing bolts. Great idea, but poor service, slowest shipping on the planet to save them money, and marginal construction.

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