Fibular head pain caused by SPD pedals?

[ny biker]

I had knee problems when I first got clipless pedals. I went back to the bike shop and they changed the cleat angles and since then everything has been fine.

Basically I rode the bike on an indoor trainer while the shop owner/bike fitter extraordinaire watched me pedal, and periodically he had me stop pedaling so he could adjust the cleat (with my foot still on the pedal). I think he might have used a special device for it - it was years ago so I don't remember the details, but I think they called it a RAMM fitting or something like that.

If you got to an LBS that is good at bike fitting they should be able to help you with this.

[hellokathy]

Thanks so much for all of your responses. I am going to take the bike into the shop tomorrow and have them adjust the float and see if that helps.

[aicabsolut]

Fibular head pain is often from over-straining one of your hamstrings. Often, this starts because of a seat that is too high and/or too far forward, but occasionally, it can be strained by a seat that is too low. If that's not it, I'd consider moving your cleat farther back on that side. The cleats should be such that the first metatarsal joint is a bit (usually under 1cm, often closer to 5mm, depending on your foot size) in front of even with the pedal spindle.

SPD pedals can be adjusted to where your toe-in or toe-out position is more natural by rotating the cleat itself on your shoe, though road pedals with float will allow some more wiggle room for your pedal stroke and can eliminate hot spots, improve power transfer, etc.

Another thing to consider is that you are just new to clipless pedals. This means you're pulling up more than you were before. Even with toe cages, you can pull up better and with slightly different mechanics with clipless pedals. So you might be engaging the hams more and have just strained something. Massage the hamstrings well. Stretch well. Use some muscle rubs. You may find that your fit really isn't that far off, but once you've started straining something, it can continue to bother you for a while. Fibular head pain means you've probably pissed off the biceps femoris tendon which will take longer to heal than just wearing out the hamstring itself.

[littlegrasshopp]

I was looking through books at borders this week and found this book. I did not buy it, but intend to go back. It actually goes into pain in different areas of the body - specifically different areas of the knee. It gives info on what's causing it, and how to prevent and treat it. I found it VERY helpful!!! Here's the title...

Bicycling Medicine: Cycling Nutrition, Physiology, Injury Prevention and Treatment For Riders of All Levels

[Zen]

I bought a used copy of that book from Amazon for six dollars