700c -> 650c on a Road Bike

[profà vélo]

Toe overlap is a hugely overrated problem. It only occurs when you turn the wheel a significant amount. When actually riding, one turns the wheel very little and uses a shift in weight to take a turn. Shoe size does affect the degree of toe overlap.

I agree with Doc that toe overlap is an overrated (and misunderstood) phenomenon.

The custom fit kit at Seven Cylces has an excellent explanation of toe overlap and how trying to eliminate it completely often means a sacrifice in the bike's handling. I would simply copy it here, but it's a PDF. I highly recommend that you read these few paragraphs (on page 7) before deciding that you must eliminate toe overlap at all costs, because there are probably costs involved.
http://www.sevencycles.com/order/CustomKit2006.pdf

[CycleChic06]

What exactly is toe overlap? Is that when you turn the wheel and it hits the tip of your toe?

If that's the case then I have toe overlap, but only when I turn the wheel at a wicked angle, which never happens when I'm riding. I think I'd kill myself if I turned the wheel at that kind of angle while riding.

[wabisabi]

My Rivendell is 52cm, and has actually 559 wheels (like mtb 26"s). Part of the iconoclastic charm of a Grant Peterson bike--he says you have to have those size wheels to avoid toe overlap and also have room for fenders.

Yeah, it is kind of a cult I've not had another good road bike, so I have no basis for comparison, but it's always felt just great to me.

One downside is that I have to carry my own tubes, and it was a chore to find tires that were 25s (Continental Gran Prix makes them).

[Triskeliongirl]

I agree with Doc that toe overlap is an overrated (and misunderstood) phenomenon.

The custom fit kit at Seven Cylces has an excellent explanation of toe overlap and how trying to eliminate it completely often means a sacrifice in the bike's handling. I would simply copy it here, but it's a PDF. I highly recommend that you read these few paragraphs (on page 7) before deciding that you must eliminate toe overlap at all costs, because there are probably costs involved.
http://www.sevencycles.com/order/CustomKit2006.pdf

FYI, while many solutions do effect bike handling (i.e. messing with the fork rake, head tube angle, fork trail, etc.) Georgena Terry's solution of a 24" front wheel does not effect handling. But, by using a 700cc rear wheel, you can still use gearing designed for a 700cc wheel. I have seen many women in my club hurt with TCO, and I personally won't accept a bike with it. Yes, when we cycle at high speeds we turn mostly with our bodies, but there are situations when one needs to turn the handlebars.