Bought some Speed Play peddals and new shoes today!

First off... if you are looking for peddals... get these first! I wish I had been given some education on the difference between these (Froggies too?) and the other type of peddal.

I think if I had, I wouldn't have the knee issues I have now.

I also would have saved myself around $180 on shoes on peddals I only used for 6 months (I will be selling both on eBay!).

If you don't know already... Speed Play peddals are circular and the cleat on the bottom of your shoe allows this circle to fit on it. It allows for you to move your feet right and left... thus not being locked into position on the peddal.

I also found it really EASY to CLIP OUT! Which is NICE for a newbie!

They do feel weird.... and I can't hardly walk on the shoe with the cleat on the bottom sticking out... but I suspect in due time I will fall in love with them.

Now, I just have to get over pushing off the ground with my foot so much! Can't really do that with these cleats!

Yay!!!!! I hope these work for you!!! If you want to go try out a Tuesday evening ride, let me know!

Michelle

Good for you! Enjoy :)

I'm getting a bit annoyed at the rather fixed position of my feet too, but I don't plan to invest in new pedals for the next couple of hundred kilometers. Still, tell us more as you get used to them...

Did you get the X's or the Zero's? I love my Zero's. You can adjust the amount of float, so I've got enough to make my knees happy, but not so much that I get the ice-cube feeling. I also like that I can be unclipped, but still able to pedal. I find that when I'm in traffic or unpredictable crowds, I can unclip but keep my foot in position - the recessed circle of the cleat holds the pedal well enough for easy riding - might not work on a hill, but I've ridden (is that a word?) for miles that way.

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Originally Posted by Technotart

Yay!!!!! I hope these work for you!!! If you want to go try out a Tuesday evening ride, let me know!

Michelle

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If the weather holds... we can ride Tuesday night!

KSH, a question... why did you have to get new shoes? The Speedplay cleats come with all sorts of shims so they can be installed on almost any shoe?

Secondarily, if you haven't gotten them already, pick up a set of the Speedplay Coffee Covers (tupperware lids for your cleats). It helps the whole walking without slipping thing when you get off the bike for breaks and whatnot.

I keep them in my jersey pocket or seat bag so they're handy.

I, too, love my Speedplays (X2's)

spazz

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Originally Posted by spazzdog

KSH, a question... why did you have to get new shoes? The Speedplay cleats come with all sorts of shims so they can be installed on almost any shoe?

Secondarily, if you haven't gotten them already, pick up a set of the Speedplay Coffee Covers (tupperware lids for your cleats). It helps the whole walking without slipping thing when you get off the bike for breaks and whatnot.

I keep them in my jersey pocket or seat bag so they're handy.

I, too, love my Speedplays (X2's)

spazz

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That's a good question about the shoes. I will say that the ones I had... have these raised sections on either side of where the cleat goes. Hard to explain.

Honestly, maybe I was a doof... and when he said I needed new shoes, I went along with it. DUH! Why didn't I ask WHY?

I will say this though... I talked about buying a cadence monitor, and a new seat... and he said I didn't need either... based on the discussions I had. He also sold me a mid-priced shoe, vs. selling me on the more expensive shoe, even when I was open to it.

I have to go up the bike shop... I will see about those covers you mentioned above! Thanks!

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Originally Posted by Audio-A

Did you get the X's or the Zero's? I love my Zero's. You can adjust the amount of float, so I've got enough to make my knees happy, but not so much that I get the ice-cube feeling. I also like that I can be unclipped, but still able to pedal. I find that when I'm in traffic or unpredictable crowds, I can unclip but keep my foot in position - the recessed circle of the cleat holds the pedal well enough for easy riding - might not work on a hill, but I've ridden (is that a word?) for miles that way.

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The X5's.

Honestly... I wanted just the basic peddal... since I just bought peddals and shoes back in October when I bought the bike... It really HURT ME to spend another $250 replacing items that were not worn out.

What I read above about the zero's sounds really cool though! Oh well, I gotta live with what I got.

I just hope I can get some decent money from the old stuff on eBay!

PS- "Ridden" is a word.

you'll love these pedals even more as you ride 'em... I ride zero's because I need no float to stay locked into a forward (straight) position...

BTW- pick up the May issue of bicycling magazine too... there is a decent article in there about adjustments to make in regards to different types of knee pain... if your knees are hurting you may need to make some adjustment to your fit... I had my seat moved up and forward and it's helped my knee problem a TON! Since doing that I have successfully ridden 3 centuries... one in feb, one in march, one in april... good luck and enjoy the speedplays! :)

just bought my first set of clipless pedals. I would have been lost if not for this forum. I read and re-read the information on various threads and jumped in and ordered the Speedplay Zero's. I am thrilled with them. I left them at the factory settings and it is just the right amount of float for me. I adjust my position if I feel I'm stiffening up. They have been great. I use these with my Sidi road shoes and I'm one happy camper (rider ;)

AK Roadie... you will really enjoy those pedals!

I road today for 25 miles on mine... I would get freaked out occasionally, when my feet would move (but not unclip). It was so odd, because I have ridden the bike for 350 miles, prior, with my feet NOT moving!

Otherwise, my knee pain returned at 20 miles. Accute knee pain. Unfortunately. Maybe it is still inflamed? I have an ice pack on as we speak.

I just HOPE my knee pain goes away when I ride... otherwise, there will be a very slightly used TREK for sale.

KSH... well you've got me flummoxed with that knee pain of yours.

Ladies, I think we need video. I'd be really interested to see your position as you pedal, both spinning and mashing.

Another hmmm?? I wonder if your knee thing is due to an over tight ITB (illio tibial band)? Please excuse spelling... I haven't eaten yet :eek:

But you said you don't suffer the effect with your running, right? OK, make that vid of both your running and your cycling...

Who lives near KSH and has a camera?? Emergency movement analysis!!!

spazz (whose brain is really working this one)

LOL!!!! Well I live nearby and have a camera - honestly - I didnt see that she does anything different on the bike than walking - but running I dont know about.

IT Band is a thought - especially since its on one side only. There are some great exercises and myofacial release that can done in the comfort of your own home for the IT - I think the the one that helped me the most though was the big foam roller - You put it on the floor and roll rour IT back and forth over it (And your low back, your glutes and your legs...you get the idea... here's a few pics in case you can't visualize it

http://www.optp.com/shop.cfm?groupid...Foam%20Rollers

I have seen these rollers for as little as 11.00!

And you do have to replace them every so often because they tend to get flat on one side or another. The kind with core in the middle don't have to be replaced as often.

Michelle

KSH, have you been to a doctor about your knee? When I had outer left knee pain a few years ago, I went to a sports med. doctor and found out that I had ITB syndrome. He referred me to a physical therapist, and it took just one visit to learn stretches to prevent a recurrence of this. I was also told the following (good advice for anyone with acute ITB issues):

1) lower my saddle slightly to decrease stretch of the ITB
2) use lower/easier gears and spin, spin, spin
3) avoid hilly rides and limit mileage on all rides.

I had to do all of the above in addition to daily ITB stretches for a couple of months (plus daily stretches) before I was 100% healed. After healed, I just did the stretches - but I did end up leaving my saddle a bit lower than recommended. I have not had a recurrence.

For anyone interested in ITB syndrome, here's a good website with info:

http://www.csuchico.edu/phed/atc/Pro...and/ITBFS.html

Or go directly to the stretching page:

http://www.csuchico.edu/phed/atc/Pro...tretching.html

By the way, I was using Speedplay X-2 pedals when I got the ITB syndrome. They are not the cure-all for that. But I was able to use them just fine after I healed. The ITB problems cropped up after I did three centuries in four weeks; just too much of a mileage increase for this old gal, I guess!

Emily

AWESOME info!

What the rollers do is stretch the IT and release any sticking points. You can't just do the rollers alone though, it takes the exercises and stretches like you posted to really get them loosened up.

One activity that is REALLY great for IT if you have access to it is a yoga class.

WOW! Thanks for all the great advice! I really do appreciate it!

Yes, the knee pain is baffling and frustrating... and really worrying me!

I have been running for years (never very serious running... just a few miles a week)... and I have NEVER had knee pain! Then, I get this bike... and BAM... I get serious knee issues. Of course, it took around 300 miles on the bike, and many spin classes at the gym for it all to crop up.

As far as going to a doctor... unfortunately, my deductable on my insurance is $500, and I am really broke. So, I can't go to one. Which is what I probably need to do... I know.

Then, I have the MS150 this coming weekend, in 5 days! My plan is to stay around 12 MPH, wear knee supports, and stop at every rest stop. I can ususally hang for a good 20 miles until it gets accute. So, maybe I can keep it at bay if I take it real easy the whole way.

I also hope that taking this week off from exercise will help too. Unfortunately though, I have a triathlon I want to do June 18... and this is cutting into my training time.

Finally... I don't know how far I want to go with all this... how much money I want to spend to see if I can even keep riding... or to help my knee pain when riding. At what point do I just give up and sell the bike? I am just so scared that I am doing permanent damange to my knees... and I have always had good knees. The last thing I want to do is screw my knees up on this bike. It's just not worth it to me.

This is all so frustrating and disappointing.

Ok... I read about the ITB Syndrome... and that is NOT my problem.

I get accute pain on the INSIDE of my knee.

It starts from behind... and then works it way to the inside of the knee. In fact, the outside of my knee is just fine.

Sorry to hear of your frustration - you know we are all rooting for you! - for your ride in the MS150 and beyond... I know how hard it is when you're really psyched up for something... and then a monkeywrench gets thrown in... trust me, I'm not very patient with this stuff either!
Anyway, I encourage you to scrape some money together when you can to go to see a good orthropedic or sports medicine doc. You know, it can take so long to get in with those folks, it might be worth your while to start exploring your options now! Especially since you're going to be paying for a good chunk of it, you want to be at least reasonably assured that your money is going to HELP YOUR KNEE PAIN. The one suggestion I can make if you do go that route is to check out the doc to make sure he/she is experienced with dealing with cycling related injuries and cyclists.

ACL strain perhaps that's radiating toward the medial retinacular fibers? A minor MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament) injury? (jeez, sometimes I scare myself)

The latter could speak to a possible adjustment on the pedal cleat to achieve a more natural alignment... something comparable to the position your footstrike is when you run since the MCL controls or restrains external twisting of the tibia. Your cleats do not have to "match" in position on the shoe. The cleat needs to be under the ball of the foot, BUT the angle of the cleat should be as natural as possible (IMHO).

In my case, I had to do this on my cleats for the following reasons:

• i have a full size differential in shoes
• i toe in from the knee/hip
• i am a midfoot to toe striker when i run

When I reset my cleats I let my foot hang naturally onto the pedal and placed the cleat. No more pain.

spazz (who ain't no doctor but has sure spent a lot of time with 'em) :cool:

A very low-tech suggestion since you have back-knee pain: Have you tried lowering your saddle a bit? Back-of-knee pain can be from a too-high saddle. Since yours rotates to the inner knee, I am not sure if that is it, but it would be an inexpensive thing to try. Last fall I had (in the other leg from the earlier ITB syndrome) back of knee + upper calf tendinitis and also had to cut way back on miles, use easy gears, stretch, etc etc for that one (went to a physical therapist). I had to take it easy for about 2 months before I was back to my normal cycling form - but I did come back just fine - slowly - after that.

It's quite a bit of concern that you have such a long event coming up while you are still having such pain. I definitely don't think you have to give up cycling forever as nearly all ailments can be cured, but usually a major part of the cure is to get off the bike for awhile - or at least cut WAY back on miles. You could continue doing more and more damage to yourself if you keep up the miles. I know you won't want to hear this, but if it were me, I would give some serious thought to pulling out of the MS150. You are not a machine; you gotta take care of your body!

Emily

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Originally Posted by emily_in_nc

A very low-tech suggestion since you have back-knee pain: Have you tried lowering your saddle a bit? Back-of-knee pain can be from a too-high saddle. Since yours rotates to the inner knee, I am not sure if that is it, but it would be an inexpensive thing to try. Last fall I had (in the other leg from the earlier ITB syndrome) back of knee + upper calf tendinitis and also had to cut way back on miles, use easy gears, stretch, etc etc for that one (went to a physical therapist). I had to take it easy for about 2 months before I was back to my normal cycling form - but I did come back just fine - slowly - after that.

It's quite a bit of concern that you have such a long event coming up while you are still having such pain. I definitely don't think you have to give up cycling forever as nearly all ailments can be cured, but usually a major part of the cure is to get off the bike for awhile - or at least cut WAY back on miles. You could continue doing more and more damage to yourself if you keep up the miles. I know you won't want to hear this, but if it were me, I would give some serious thought to pulling out of the MS150. You are not a machine; you gotta take care of your body!

Emily

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Well, the saddle has been raised, and lowered. And lowered again. I had it fitted again when I bought the shoes and pedals.

As far as not doing the MS150... well, I am going to do it. I have a plan... and if the pain gets too bad... then I will take the SAG van. But, I can hang for 20 miles before the pain gets accute. So, I should be able to hang.

My other huge issue with all this, is that it's triathlon season... and that is the whole reason why I got a bike and started all this... and now it looks like my season will be shot to hell. UUUGGGGGHHHHHH.

I wanted to start training for a June 18th tri... but it seems like a no-go now. So upset!

Not to mention, this is what I do to keep my weight down... and now, I have already gained 4lbs... what will I do if I can't train?

Thanks again for all of the advice, I really do appreciate it. Maybe some rest will help?

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Originally Posted by spazzdog

ACL strain perhaps that's radiating toward the medial retinacular fibers? A minor MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament) injury? (jeez, sometimes I scare myself)

The latter could speak to a possible adjustment on the pedal cleat to achieve a more natural alignment... something comparable to the position your footstrike is when you run since the MCL controls or restrains external twisting of the tibia. Your cleats do not have to "match" in position on the shoe. The cleat needs to be under the ball of the foot, BUT the angle of the cleat should be as natural as possible (IMHO).

In my case, I had to do this on my cleats for the following reasons:

• i have a full size differential in shoes
• i toe in from the knee/hip
• i am a midfoot to toe striker when i run

When I reset my cleats I let my foot hang naturally onto the pedal and placed the cleat. No more pain.

spazz (who ain't no doctor but has sure spent a lot of time with 'em) :cool:

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Thanks Spazzdog.

Do you think the advice above applies to me having the SpeedPlay pedals though? Just wondering?

I was not planning on switching to clipless just yet (mostly due to $$) but I was at the bike shop and picked up a pair of Speedplay X5 pedals for 20$ (the cleats were missing...but still a fabulous deal). I am now looking for a pair of shoes....any recomendations?

I have Speedplay... I still had to put my cleats on just a little "cock-eyed" from the norm. But mine are X2's... complete float. Are yours the ones with the adjustible float? Sorry, can't remember...

Another ailment that comes to mind is inflammation of the bursa... but I think that would bother you when running too. Just not sure.

You really should see an orthopeadic "sports" type doc. Sometimes a quick xray or MRI can tell them the problem and poof! it's off to phys therapy you go, mystery solved. If you're short on $$, they all will make arrangements that maybe would help out.

spazz, completly flummoxed

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Originally Posted by spazzdog

I have Speedplay... I still had to put my cleats on just a little "cock-eyed" from the norm. But mine are X2's... complete float. Are yours the ones with the adjustible float? Sorry, can't remember...

Another ailment that comes to mind is inflammation of the bursa... but I think that would bother you when running too. Just not sure.

You really should see an orthopeadic "sports" type doc. Sometimes a quick xray or MRI can tell them the problem and poof! it's off to phys therapy you go, mystery solved. If you're short on $$, they all will make arrangements that maybe would help out.

spazz, completly flummoxed

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I have the X5's... the most basic ones. And... between those and the shoes... I paid $250. OUCH for a broke gal!

Yea... well, with health insurance the way it is... DR's have to go through certain steps before an MRI is done... due to the cost. They have to try medicine, etc... etc... THEN it can be done.

I'm getting to the point where I am starting to think that cycling is just not made for my body or knees.

I can't afford it!

No, don't go there. True the initial investment can be high, but it levels out, unless you're a gear hound like me :D

It sounds like you've really thrown yourself into training for this tri and the MS150. Going from very little running/no cycling to what sounds like a heavy schedule.

My opinion - back out of the race(s). It's not worth the damage. You've gotten and can still submit your pledges for the MS ride... that is, after all, what matters... the $$ to get the research to find a cure.

I rode the 2000 AidsRide injured. It was 2 yrs before I could ride again.

Back off - rest, yoga, ice and then after a couple of weeks come back SLOW. An easy 3 mi run. An easy 10 mile ride. Concentrate on the swim thing for a while... it's non impact, non-weight bearing. Do that simple, easy stuff for a couple weeks... then increase either the bike or the run by 10%. The next week increase the other 10%.

Set a date for an event further out in the season... if you break your body down too much, you won't be fit for any fun.

spazz, who really understands the frustration.

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Originally Posted by spazzdog

No, don't go there. True the initial investment can be high, but it levels out, unless you're a gear hound like me :D

It sounds like you've really thrown yourself into training for this tri and the MS150. Going from very little running/no cycling to what sounds like a heavy schedule.

My opinion - back out of the race(s). It's not worth the damage. You've gotten and can still submit your pledges for the MS ride... that is, after all, what matters... the $$ to get the research to find a cure.

I rode the 2000 AidsRide injured. It was 2 yrs before I could ride again.

Back off - rest, yoga, ice and then after a couple of weeks come back SLOW. An easy 3 mi run. An easy 10 mile ride. Concentrate on the swim thing for a while... it's non impact, non-weight bearing. Do that simple, easy stuff for a couple weeks... then increase either the bike or the run by 10%. The next week increase the other 10%.

Set a date for an event further out in the season... if you break your body down too much, you won't be fit for any fun.

spazz, who really understands the frustration.

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Thanks for the advice... care and concern. I really do appreciate it.

Unfortunately, I have 5 other people wrapped up in the MS150 plans with me. So, it must be done. And I should be fine, if I take it easy.

After the MS150... I will decide what my plan of action will be. I will stick to as much swimming as possible... and chill out. And as far as running... it's a serious run if I run over 3 miles at a time. Trust me, I am not as hardcore as I may sound.

Thanks again!

KSH - any chance you could do the MS150 on the back of a tandem? :D

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Originally Posted by joyrider

KSH - any chance you could do the MS150 on the back of a tandem? :D

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How very sweet of you to offer up your services!!! ;)

I wouldn't be able to make it to the first rest stop! Well, I might, but then I'd probably climb off the bike and lay down and cry. And then I'd call my mommy and ask her to come get me.
Yeah, I meant for you to ride behind someone big and strong! Someone who'll pretend not to notice your bare feet resting on his lower back for most of the ride!

That's fine... I see how it is JoyRider! :)


Anyhoo... the race is 3 days away... and I have pretty much come to the realization, that there is no way in hell I can pedal 80+ miles each day, on my gimpy knee.

So, I am going to do the best I can... go as far as I can... going as slow as I can.

Very likely that I will only make it 20 miles... that is when the pain always hits.

When the pain becomes accute then I going to take the slacker van... and go hang out with my friends and family at the overnight stop.

So how did the ride go?

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Originally Posted by joyrider

So how did the ride go?

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Well... I paced myself at 10 MPH. VERY SLOW!

I was spinning the whole time... up hills... and coasting whenever I could.

The first day, I made it 45 miles! With NO acute knee pain.

The second day, my knees were a little sore at the start... so I did the first 10 miles and the last 10 miles...

So, I had a grand total of 65 miles... with NO acute knee pain either day.

My butt hurts so bad though... with rest stops and riding so slow... I was on my bike a long time!

Anyhoo... thanks for asking!!!!

So glad to hear you did so well!!!!! I made day one - but not day 2. Fell in the parking lot right after I'd clipped one foot in first thing off the bat...

I learned a LOT from this ride! And I plan to do the one in October and next year!

Congrats!

I'm glad your knee (and technique!) is getting better KSH. Enjoy the ride!

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Originally Posted by Technotart

So glad to hear you did so well!!!!! I made day one - but not day 2. Fell in the parking lot right after I'd clipped one foot in first thing off the bat...

I learned a LOT from this ride! And I plan to do the one in October and next year!

Congrats!

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WOW! Great job on making it the first day!

Sorry to hear about falling in the parking lot... the 2nd day was rough... having to group up 2 times before going over the bridge. My left foot hurt so bad from my dang shoe... and I couldn't hardly get clipped in... due to all the mud in my cleats...!!!!

Yea, I learned a lot on this ride... I learned that 1) I need a buddy for extended rides like this, 2) 80 miles is really, really far, especially when you are only going 10 MPH, thus I was never going to make it!

Congrats on making the first day though... that rocks!