New Rider Needs Help!!

[Bad JuJu]

For those who don't want to invest in clipless pedals and shoes just yet, but are having some foot problems from riding in tennis or running shoes, you might try what used to be called a touring shoe: a cycling shoe with a stiffener in the sole. Not only does this help somewhat with numb feet, but the stiffener also helps transfer more of the pedaling work you do directly to the pedal--therefore, you cycle a little faster/better without working harder--can't argue with that!

These shoes go by various names, but are often identified as low-level mtb shoes, and are usually less expensive than high-quality, or even medium quality, road shoes. Another plus is that you can use them with toeclips or no clips for now, then add cleats to the bottom later when you're ready to move to clipless. I wear Diadoras, on sale right now at Performance:
Diadora Caymano

But there are lots of other brands, styles.

[SouthernBelle]

That is a great price on that Diadora. Almost makes me wish I needed shoes.

[RoadRaven]

Check out these threads, or do a search on knees...
There is/are some very specific advice, suggestions and reflective questions about on knees...

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=7866

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=7359

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=5616

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=10011

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=9582

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=8281

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=8414

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=8981

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=9126

[jobob]

Hi texascyclist -

I didn't mean to imply that you should be using clipless pedals, I was only asking if you used them because, in my particular situation, adjusting the angle of the cleat solved my problem.

Since you don't use clipless pedals, then my problem/solution won't apply to you. Sorrry 'bout that.

best of luck, - Jo.

[Kano]

I don't know if this is feasible or not -- I bought the shoes long before the pedals. It made a huge difference to my feet to have the very firm footbed, though I still had some problems with numbness until I got the pedals!

Karen in Boise

[jusdooit]

I ride with tennies with no problems, but have recently begun to experience knee pain after changing to a new saddle. The height is fine, but I'm going to continue to adjust the front/back position, this could be your problem. Not being correctly over the pedal can cause knee pain. Ask LBS for help if need be.

Also the cramping could just be dehydration and not neccessarily a potassium shortage. Keep general hydration up with plenty of H2O on rides. Best source of K+ is orange juice (banana's don't really have that much). Also a good source of K+ post-ride is a baked potato (eating skin is best).

Cindy