Discomfort in right knee, what to adjust?
Discussion
Born again cyclist here & new convert to SPDs. Gradually building up the miles on my rides but finding I'm starting to get discomfort on the outside of my right knee. I'm assuming I need to adjust the cleat position but I'm unsure as to what direction to be going. Anyone got any pointers?
How long have you been using the cleats?
Sit on the edge of a desk and let your feet dangle - see if your right foot points at a different angle to the left, and adjust your cleats to ensure the same angle is retained when you clip in.
As others have said, if this doesn't resolve it then I would seriously consider stopping using SPDs for a while until you have had a proper fitting, don't mess about with your knees.
Sit on the edge of a desk and let your feet dangle - see if your right foot points at a different angle to the left, and adjust your cleats to ensure the same angle is retained when you clip in.
As others have said, if this doesn't resolve it then I would seriously consider stopping using SPDs for a while until you have had a proper fitting, don't mess about with your knees.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I could feel that during the pedal rotation I was always pushing towards one side of the float limit, ie. I was always pushing my heel towards the chainstays, so I knew I needed to rotate the cleats in that direction. My problem was lack of clearance, but I have improved it with an extra spacer I fitted.
The other thing is saddle height. Too high or too low and it can put pressure on your knees.
It takes time to get it right, so just keep adjusting and riding and you'll know if you're making adjustments in the right direction very quickly!
I could feel that during the pedal rotation I was always pushing towards one side of the float limit, ie. I was always pushing my heel towards the chainstays, so I knew I needed to rotate the cleats in that direction. My problem was lack of clearance, but I have improved it with an extra spacer I fitted.
The other thing is saddle height. Too high or too low and it can put pressure on your knees.
It takes time to get it right, so just keep adjusting and riding and you'll know if you're making adjustments in the right direction very quickly!
You can move them within a few 10's of mm, but you are limited by the shoe's clearance between the tread areas. the cleat itself is designed with side to side adjustment allowance.
from Sheldon Brown
from Sheldon Brown
Edited by WarrenG on Friday 30th March 14:59
essayer said:
How long have you been using the cleats?
Sit on the edge of a desk and let your feet dangle - see if your right foot points at a different angle to the left, and adjust your cleats to ensure the same angle is retained when you clip in.
Only been using them a couple of months. Only noticed the issue the last cople of weeks as I've doubled the length of my rides. It's not painfail as such just uncomfortable but it seems obvious it will get worse as I do longer rides.Sit on the edge of a desk and let your feet dangle - see if your right foot points at a different angle to the left, and adjust your cleats to ensure the same angle is retained when you clip in.
HardWorkers said:
If the pain's on the outside of the knee you need to move your foot out - so the cleat needs to move in a little.
Cheers. I'll give that a try. Just wanted some guidance as to which way to go. It's only obvious after a couple hours so didn't want to go the wrong way & find it worse half way through a ride.swerni said:
Maybe he op needs to loosen the release on the spd
Already running them pretty loose whilst I get used to them.Cheers for the replies folks.
You won't find the answer in here it could be any number or combination of issues causing your knee pain.
If you are newish to cycling I'd get a bike fit and make sure you stretch and warm up properly before you ride. Knee problems can come from all kinds of tightness in other leg muscles. It's the same with running. People rush to change their shoes but often simply aren't warming up and down properly.
If you are newish to cycling I'd get a bike fit and make sure you stretch and warm up properly before you ride. Knee problems can come from all kinds of tightness in other leg muscles. It's the same with running. People rush to change their shoes but often simply aren't warming up and down properly.
swerni said:
But there is very limited ability to change the angle.
Also SPD's have a awful lot of float to start with.
Maybe he op needs to loosen the release on the spd
you can change the angle, I've ridden spd, crank bros and look and can get the toe-out position that I like on all three. spd's and crank bros can come in differing floats pre-set and as you said, the release tension will affect the apparent float too.Also SPD's have a awful lot of float to start with.
Maybe he op needs to loosen the release on the spd
also;
Edited by WarrenG on Friday 30th March 16:49
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