A 5-10 minute assessment after you're fatigued from doing a long ride is probably not the best situation for a bike fit. FYI -- a good, complete bike fit will take at least 90 minutes, probably closer to 2 hours. Not knowing the fitter or you, I can't say more, but it's counter-indicated to position your cleats forward of the ball of your foot. However, if you mentioned to the fitter that you were a toe pedaler, is it possible he mistakenly told you to move the position of your cleats?

I'd move your cleats back under the ball of your foot and find someone to complete a full fit for you, or at least someone who can analyze your form and pedal stroke.

Toe pedalling, or bike ballet as I call it, is the top cause of achilles tendonitis in cycling. In addition, you put the emphasis on the little muscles in your lower leg, not the powerful cycling muscles (quads, hamstrings, and glutes) in your upper leg, so you're not realizing your full potential. I see this most commonly in new cyclists with under-developed quads, especially those who come from a running background.

There are other threads you can search for proper pedal dynamics, so I won't repeat any of that here.

My advice is to try to focus on your form. Ask those you ride with to remind you when you toe pedal. Fix that, and I almost guarantee that you'll solve the achilles tendonitis.

Lorri (full-time cycling coach who's already done three fits today and has one more this evening, just in case anyone's wondering if I'm qualified to give bike fit advice).