Return to Hobie.com
Hobie Forums
It is currently Thu Mar 28, 2024 11:02 am

All times are UTC - 8 hours [ DST ]




Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 22 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2  Next
Author Message
PostPosted: Sat Sep 11, 2010 10:24 pm 
Offline
Hobie Approved Guru

Joined: Sat Nov 12, 2005 10:46 pm
Posts: 3017
Location: Escondido
The big advantage of toe straps is they offer a positive engagement on the pedals. Occasionally the foot slips out; after awhile there might be a loss of circulation from the tight strap, and possibly a rash on the top of the foot from constant rubbing. Nevertheless, for many, the benefits outweigh the alternative of going strapless.

I started working on heel straps for someone with edema who had trouble holding his feet on the pedals and ended up liking them so much I switched over to them exclusively about 18 months ago. Very relaxing, stress free on the knees and quite efficient, I even use them for racing.

There are many ways to make successful straps. Here are some, for example using plastic, string, nylon webbing and fin straps:
Image

Image

Image

Image


After trying all these, I eventually settled on sheet neoprene -- it flexes with the foot, can be cut to any length, holds its position on the heel, is quickly adjustable for length, is durable and has good strength. It is commonly available through gasket suppliers.

This next picture shows the material, preferable tools and slot jig,
Image

General notes:

1. The material is cut on a bias to accommodate the length of the strap. I use 20" finished length for up to size 11 (US) shoe.

2. Slot intervals are 1.5" on the inboard side and 1" on the outboard side. The more slots, the more adjustable the strap.

3. These straps are cut 1.5" wide, trimmed down to 1 1/8" width plus 3/8" for the heel cup. As an alternative, the straps can be cut straight without heel cups.

4. Get enough material to practice on, make mistakes on and make an extra pair or two. I used 1/8" sheet neoprene.

5. Note the angle of the slots. This allows the straps to stand off from the pedal so your heel fits in without adjustment and will not slip out pulling back.

Procedure:
a. Lay-out the desired length and width using a white (pencil or comparable).
b. Cut the gross strap size with a straight edge and box knife.
c. Trim to create heel cup (optional).
d. Round off corners with round chisel and mallet (optional)
e. Make jig for slots as shown above using Hobie toe strap for slot template, centered on strap and angled at about 20 degrees.
f. Use a leather punch to create appropriate size hole at each end of slot; use box knife to remove remaining material. Trial fit each slot on pedal tab; adjust as necessary.

Here's what the straps look like finished:
Image

This is a close-up showing fitment on the inboard pedal tab:
Image

Note that the angle on the slot allows it to: 1) to clear the pedal shaft and 2) allow the heel to drop straight in without slipping off (like the raised back of a sandal). Note also, the pedal now hangs correctly without the need for counterbalancing weights or bungees.

Here they are in use:
Image
Image

Heel straps are a great alternative to the factory toe straps for many users. Note, heel and toe straps should not be used together, as they can trap the foot in case of capsize. I had no trouble capsizing without problems (except having to get wet) with the straps alone :shock:
Image

Edit: I have been using these for about 8 years now and the only difference is, in my laziness, I now just cut the straps straight, 1 1/8" wide (see above note #3) -- easier to make, wastes less material and works just a well.
8)


Last edited by Roadrunner on Fri Sep 21, 2018 9:43 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Sun Sep 12, 2010 4:09 am 
Offline
Site Rank - Deck Hand

Joined: Thu Jul 22, 2010 3:48 am
Posts: 10
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Now that is clever. Well done 8)


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Sun Sep 12, 2010 6:11 am 
Offline
Site Rank - Old Salt

Joined: Thu Aug 16, 2007 2:25 pm
Posts: 2863
Location: Central Coast NSW Australia
Great idea. 8)
Another one of your mods that Hobie should be adopting Roadrunner! :wink:


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Sun Sep 12, 2010 6:24 am 
Offline
Site Rank - Old Salt

Joined: Mon Jun 01, 2009 11:59 am
Posts: 606
Nice idea, with some real time relief for strain on the arch of the foot too!!! I like a lot. Need to sell to Hobie.


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Sun Sep 12, 2010 12:50 pm 
Offline
Site Rank - Admiral

Joined: Tue Oct 27, 2009 1:47 pm
Posts: 195
My feet kept slipping off of the pedals so I made heel straps by popping off the toe straps, adding some short lengths of 1/4 inch bungee and zip-tieing them to the lugs on the pedals. Feet rest comfortably with some 'give' in the straps and no more slip-offs. Seemed so simple I never thought of publishing the idea.


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Sun Sep 12, 2010 5:36 pm 
Offline
Site Rank - Admiral

Joined: Thu Jul 30, 2009 12:17 pm
Posts: 163
Location: Homosassa, Florida
Does it work with bare feet and can you change back to shoes without changing the strap length. Great idea, although I have never had any problem with the straps. I just keep them real loose.

_________________
I'm right 98% of the time. The other 3% I don't worry about.


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Sun Sep 12, 2010 9:59 pm 
Offline
Hobie Approved Guru

Joined: Sat Nov 12, 2005 10:46 pm
Posts: 3017
Location: Escondido
Rhino, stringy and TS, thanks. Hobie, of course is welcome to have anything they can use from this -- I'd like to see them make a heel strap available as well.

(censored) wrote:
I made heel straps by popping off the toe straps, adding some short lengths of 1/4 inch bungee and zip-tieing them to the lugs on the pedals.
Sounds like an excellent solution and easy to make. How about "publishing" a picture for the member on the inflatable forum who was asking for ideas?

Ranger908 wrote:
Does it work with bare feet and can you change back to shoes without changing the strap length.
As with swim fin straps, the bare heel rests comfortably on the neoprene. Straps are easy to adjust for length -- re-slot the inboard tab for 3/4" change, the outboard tab for 1/2" change and both together for as little as 1/4" change. The slot pattern shown above accommodates up to 1 3/4" total change in foot length, but one could get more range by adding more slots. 8)


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Mon Sep 13, 2010 11:13 am 
Offline
Site Rank - Admiral

Joined: Tue Oct 27, 2009 1:47 pm
Posts: 195
I have a pic of my heel strap(s) but can't seem to get it posted here.

Basically, the heel straps are pretty simple to do:

1. Pop off the toe straps;

2. Double a length of 1/4 inch or smaller diameter bungee (smaller is better; even 1/4 inch is hard to get through the holes);

3. Put the loop through the holes in the toe strap (in the bottom hole, out the top and bring the ends up through the loop outside of the strap - this tends to keep the strap standing open and readily accessible);

4. Adjust the length and tie the two ends together;

5 Slip the knot over the lug and zip-tie the cords together tightly below the lug.

Takes a little trial and error to get the length right (the inboard bungee has to be a little longer because of the uneven placement of the lugs on the pedals) but it's not a big deal.

I haven't been using it long enough to know, but the only potential problem I can envision is that the holes in the toe straps may tear out at some point due to the weight of one's feet... as toe straps, they're probably not designed to take much pressure.

I'll try again to post the picture.


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Mon Sep 13, 2010 11:44 am 
Offline
Site Rank - Admiral

Joined: Tue Oct 27, 2009 1:47 pm
Posts: 195
Posting a picture is apparently more than just cut-and-paste, but the FAQs don't give the answer... Where can I find the procedure?


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Mon Sep 13, 2010 12:16 pm 
Offline
Hobie Approved Guru

Joined: Sat Nov 12, 2005 10:46 pm
Posts: 3017
Location: Escondido
Pictures have to be hosted. Here's the hosting site I currently use: http://www.imagehost.org/

click on "browse"
select picture (helps to use a small pixel version)
click on "open"
click on "upload"
when next screen appears, click on and copy "forum hotlink"
paste onto your post here. You'll see it as a bunch of text.
click on preview and you should see the image as it will appear

Once you get used to is it goes pretty fast. 8)


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Mon Sep 13, 2010 3:17 pm 
Offline
Site Rank - Admiral

Joined: Tue Oct 27, 2009 1:47 pm
Posts: 195
Here's the pic of my heel strap -- lighting is not so good but it gives the idea. Hope it's helpful. If needed, I'll take some better pics when I get camera straightened out...

Image

Thanks for the help, Roadrunner!


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Fri Apr 29, 2011 7:59 pm 
Offline
Site Rank - Deck Hand

Joined: Fri Sep 11, 2009 4:45 am
Posts: 16
Great Idea...Sully60


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Fri Sep 21, 2018 9:46 am 
Offline
Site Rank - Captain

Joined: Sun Dec 24, 2017 8:55 pm
Posts: 82
Location: Cedar Key, FL
Digging this thread up in hopes that RR will re-attach the photos.

_________________
2014 Outback
2016 Outfitter
2017 Sport


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Fri Sep 21, 2018 12:52 pm 
Offline
Site Rank - Captain

Joined: Wed Jul 13, 2016 4:49 pm
Posts: 66
When I saw this I immediately thought of my concept2 indoor rower and how it has heal stays on the foot blocks. These would be perfect as they are adjustable. Of course you would want to modify them or simply rip the idea.

https://shop.concept2.com/parts/442-foo ... -left.html


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Fri Sep 21, 2018 9:46 pm 
Offline
Hobie Approved Guru

Joined: Sat Nov 12, 2005 10:46 pm
Posts: 3017
Location: Escondido
Pollo de muerte wrote:
Digging this thread up in hopes that RR will re-attach the photos.
Done. The original post has been edited accordingly. 8)


Top
 Profile  
 
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 22 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2  Next

All times are UTC - 8 hours [ DST ]


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Jump to:  
© Hobie Cat Company. All rights reserved.
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group