mid controls vs forward controls
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5th Gear
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 9
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From: New York
mid controls vs forward controls
Hi! Long time lurker, first time poster.
In January I'm picking up a new Street Bob. My question to you Dyna people is, how do you feel about mid controls versus the forward controls option? I did 200 miles on a super glide with mid controls and enjoyed it, but I'm about six feet, so my legs felt really cramped after a bit.
The easy solution is of course the forward controls, but I was wondering if maybe highway pegs would be an easier solution.
Mainly because I'd have TWO places to put my feet. If I got forward controls, they'd be pretty much stuck in that position for long rides. But if I got mid, I could stretch out when I felt like it.
So my question is, does having two places to put your feet seem to help with circulation, or should I just go with forward and be glad for the extra leg room?
Thanks!
In January I'm picking up a new Street Bob. My question to you Dyna people is, how do you feel about mid controls versus the forward controls option? I did 200 miles on a super glide with mid controls and enjoyed it, but I'm about six feet, so my legs felt really cramped after a bit.
The easy solution is of course the forward controls, but I was wondering if maybe highway pegs would be an easier solution.
Mainly because I'd have TWO places to put my feet. If I got forward controls, they'd be pretty much stuck in that position for long rides. But if I got mid, I could stretch out when I felt like it.
So my question is, does having two places to put your feet seem to help with circulation, or should I just go with forward and be glad for the extra leg room?
Thanks!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 5,477
Likes: 5
From: New Braunfels, Texas
I agree...I love the mids for railroad tracks and the twistys. If I get on the freeway, My feet are on the hiway pegs.
I need two different feet positions or I cramp up from an old back injury.
I need two different feet positions or I cramp up from an old back injury.
Thread Starter
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5th Gear
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 9
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From: New York
Wow, thanks a lot guys. Just saved me a lot of trouble!
When I rode the super glide (those 200 miles were not all at once), I kept thinking how strange it would be to be locked into one position, no matter WHERE your feet were planted. I bet even a comfortable posture gets uncomfortable after the first 100 miles. But what do I know, I just finished the safety course and I'm a novice.
When I rode the super glide (those 200 miles were not all at once), I kept thinking how strange it would be to be locked into one position, no matter WHERE your feet were planted. I bet even a comfortable posture gets uncomfortable after the first 100 miles. But what do I know, I just finished the safety course and I'm a novice.
I am usually pretty happy with whatever foot pegs come with a bike, but when I test rode the Super Glide Custom, after about 1/2 mile, my leg started getting a cramp in it since I was lifting my leg so high. I think it was the short distance from the pegs to the seat that got me.
So I knew when I bought the bike, I would need forward controls.
I got the reduced reach controls and I still think I could use them back another 2 inches.
I couldn't use the mid controls, so I had the dealer take them off before I rode it home.
You may go with the idea to have highway pegs/boards put on, and down the road if you want to put forward controls on it, then that is always an option.
Ride safe.
So I knew when I bought the bike, I would need forward controls.
I got the reduced reach controls and I still think I could use them back another 2 inches.
I couldn't use the mid controls, so I had the dealer take them off before I rode it home.
You may go with the idea to have highway pegs/boards put on, and down the road if you want to put forward controls on it, then that is always an option.
Ride safe.
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5th Gear
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 9
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From: New York
How tall are you flyboy?
I wish they had something right in the middle of mid and forward. I had an idea--has anyone ever gotten forward controls, but then kept the mid pegs, so they could bring their legs back if they felt like it?
The two different positions is what really intrigues me at the moment.
I also read that your thighs are supposed to be parallel, which mine are not (they're angled a little up with the mids).
I wish they had something right in the middle of mid and forward. I had an idea--has anyone ever gotten forward controls, but then kept the mid pegs, so they could bring their legs back if they felt like it?
The two different positions is what really intrigues me at the moment.
I also read that your thighs are supposed to be parallel, which mine are not (they're angled a little up with the mids).
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 169
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From: Tucson, Arizona
Think it has many factors that all add up.
Riding Style, What are you used to, what have you rode before. You height and physical body.
My roommate is only an inch shorter then me. I'm 5'7/5'8 and have plenty of reach to my forwards. My buddy has a real hard time. Most of his height is more in the Torso. so he went with a soft tail slim with floor boards.
But all in all I now feel uncomfortable on Mids.
I say stay with mids since you enjoy them and get highway pegs for the highway/ long stretches at a constant speed.
Riding Style, What are you used to, what have you rode before. You height and physical body.
My roommate is only an inch shorter then me. I'm 5'7/5'8 and have plenty of reach to my forwards. My buddy has a real hard time. Most of his height is more in the Torso. so he went with a soft tail slim with floor boards.
But all in all I now feel uncomfortable on Mids.
I say stay with mids since you enjoy them and get highway pegs for the highway/ long stretches at a constant speed.
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Stage IV
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 4
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From: Colorado
Just bought a Super Glide that came with mid-controls and hiway bars. Before I bought it I planned on putting forward controls on. Now, after having riden it some, I'm staying with it as is. I need to be able to move my legs around some, otherwise they cramp up. I'm 6 feet tall.
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Advanced
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 63
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From: South Fulton
I'm 6'1", have a '06 FXD with mid-controls, and I like it as is. When I bought it, it had highway pegs, but I took them off because I wanted my feet near the shifter/brake at all times and also didn't like the look of the highway pegs on there. Probably not a good reason, but we H-D folks do a lot of things for looks. I'm a minimalist and traditionalist, so I like the cleaner look of a simple, no-frills bike.
I usually choose the look that I'm after over utility - bike, truck, car... Personal preference. I've ridden bikes with forward controls and floor boards - I can see advantages and disadvantages to all. I like the looks of forwards on a raked bike and boards on a bagger.
Btw, I also removed the windshield that came on the bike, and I've never ridden with one. I'd rather eat bugs and push wind, and having never ridden with it on the bike, ignorance is bliss. I got a bike to get away from the comfort and convenience of a truck or car. I'm trying to figure out now how to work my way back to the right shovel.
Good luck. You'll get it just like you want it.
I usually choose the look that I'm after over utility - bike, truck, car... Personal preference. I've ridden bikes with forward controls and floor boards - I can see advantages and disadvantages to all. I like the looks of forwards on a raked bike and boards on a bagger.
Btw, I also removed the windshield that came on the bike, and I've never ridden with one. I'd rather eat bugs and push wind, and having never ridden with it on the bike, ignorance is bliss. I got a bike to get away from the comfort and convenience of a truck or car. I'm trying to figure out now how to work my way back to the right shovel.
Good luck. You'll get it just like you want it.