shoes and numb foot

[Wisconsin]

I just started riding with my new bike and shoes and I'm getting one numb foot. They are Nike mtb shoes. Wondering if I should try to move the cleet back on that shoe as it feels it is crambed into the front of the shoe or just return them and try some others as they are brand new? I did loosen it all the way and they don't feel tight at all so I'm not sure what to think. Also how many times do you ride with a seat before you try another? It is the Bontrager seat that came on my Trek Pilot but I think I'm riding heavy on the private parts. It could be too long of a stem too? My bike shop didn't do a real fitting so I'm not sure?

Thanks Ladies,
New Bike Queen

[DrBee]

I also have a new Pilot and IMHO the Bontrager saddle is miserable. We've been referring to it as the "Bonty of Death". It's been torturous for me. I'm currently looking for a suitable replacement.

[PAP103]

I have a new Pilot also and swapped the seat out after one ride and very sore girlie parts! There is a separte subject for most hated seats and favorite seats where you can get more info. I swapped out for a Serfas RX and so far so good!

Congrats on your new bike, I hope you love it as much as I love mine.
Patty

[annie]

Not sure about the numb foot problem, as I've been lucky and never had to deal with that problem. Certainly, you could try moving your cleat a bit. As for the saddle, unless you know the bike fits correctly, its really hard to determine whether or not the saddle is going to be comfortable. Could you go back to the bike shop and demand a proper fitting? You paid good money for that bike they sold you....... I think it is their absolute responsibility to ensure that it fits you as well as possible. If they aren't willing to do that, is there another shop anywhere nearby that you could try?

annie

[Nanci]

If your foot is "crammed" into the front of the shoe, the shoe doesn't fit right. My bike shoes are as comfortable as any other shoes I have.

Nanci

[Tuckervill]

I'd consider replacing or adjusting the seat as part of the numb feet problem. Could be causing stress on your sciatic nerve.

Karen

[Duck on Wheels]

I get the numb foot problem in spin class, but not on my bike. Same shoes, but different geometry. So my suggestion as a first step is to find a good bike shop that will check the fit on your bike. Could be you can get it adjusted so your foot will be fine with the shoes you have. If you still need new shoes, or need the move the cleet, the cost of the fit won't have been wasted anyway, as you'll still have a good bike fit to work from. As for the seat, my guess is that if it hurts now it will always hurt. For that one, you probably need a new seat!

[Fuji Girl]

Definitely time for a new seat.

As for the numb toes, I had this problem too. I also have Nike shoes, and switched to Specialized thinking it might help. Nada. So then I got a professional fitting, and the guy moved my cleat all the way to the front, using the first set of holes on the shoe. I thought this was too far forward, but it worked! I still get a little numb, but far less often than before. Before, I had them sort of in the middle. Guess that was too far back. Also, it helps to wiggle your toes every once in a while, BEFORE the toesies start to get numb.

HTH!

[colby]

I have problems with my toes falling asleep and did get some different advice that might be related over here: http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?p=72264

I have found the advice you're getting helpful too. More information is always better