Q to you pros: Proflex rear swing arm vs shoe clearanance?

[boro92]

Hi all,

I've always wanted a Proflex ever since I first saw one all the way back in early grade school. As luck would have it, I scored one in great condition (656) and only needed new elastomers.

I've been riding it around and am noticing an issue with myself and the rear swingarm. Namely--when I go out of the saddle, my shoes will sometimes hit the swingarm (due to the lack of clearance, or lack of q factor)!

The thing is, my pedals are by no means a narrow Q factor pedal (standard shimano spd)...and yet I still manage to hit it. Is there any way to remedy this? Were there ever swing arm kits/conversions in existence that address this issue?

Note: my rear swingarm is steel.

 

[mechagouki]

erm....leg braces?

What cranks are on the bike? Stock was a Sugino Impel, a very nice crank that does indeed have quite a low profile, possibly swapping it out for a year correct Shimano stx or lx crank might help (and would match the other parts on the bike). As far as the rear triangle goes, i don't know if aluminum was an option on Pro-flexs in 1996, but larger aluminum tubes would probably just exacerbate the problem. You could also try a pedal with less float, though you might find that uncomfortable.

Finally, if looking at your feet in the mirror reminds you of this guy, that might be your problem:

 

[boro92]

erm....leg braces?

What cranks are on the bike? Stock was a Sugino Impel, a very nice crank that does indeed have quite a low profile, possibly swapping it out for a year correct Shimano stx or lx crank might help (and would match the other parts on the bike). As far as the rear triangle goes, i don't know if aluminum was an option on Pro-flexs in 1996, but larger aluminum tubes would probably just exacerbate the problem. You could also try a pedal with less float, though you might find that uncomfortable.

Finally, if looking at your feet in the mirror reminds you of this guy, that might be your problem:

Ah!

Many thanks for the response

I've set my cleats so that my feet toe in actually...and there isn't too much float on these spd's. Though i must say you probably nailed it on the head -- the bike indeed does have the sugino impels. I'll try for the shimano stx/lx etc as you've recommended.

cheers were there any swingarm upgrades available for the 656 anyway?

 

[orange71]

no, no swingarm upgrades