For those who are not clipless

[Flur]

Why not just get a two or four-sided pedal like Crank Bros Candy and try clipless? No flipping involved.

As mtn shoes these have a pretty aggressive tread and I could never get cages to work, always gettting the tread caught on the pedal. I personally find Candies/Eggbeaters a heck've a lot easier and less scary than cages.

I agree. MUCH easier in and out. But I have those on my bike right now, and they're crippling me. The medial sides of both knees are inflamed, and I'm having pain in the vastus medialis just above the knee on both sides (worse on the right). Everything feels fine while I'm riding, but then I get off the bike and the pain sets in. Some days after I ride I can't even walk. The LBS can't figure it out either, even after a second fit - they suggested trying Sidis (they don't have a varus wedge like my Specialized shoes), but after the cycling shoes and the 2 pairs of pedals (I started on Frogs, they were even worse for me) I just don't have another $160 to sink into a guess.

I went to an Ortho, but it turns out he didn't know anything about cycling - I said my shoes where Specialized (I brought them with me) and he asked if that meant they were custom made. He didn't know Specialized was a brand.... He did prescribe a few PT sessions though, and it turns out the PT place has a cycling program at the location closest to my house, but they can't get me in for 3 weeks. So either I suffer through until then and hope they can figure it out, or I go back to the platforms with the clips and straps until my appt.

[SadieKate]

Oh, OW! For three weeks, use whatever you already own. Just don't try to use a shoe with aggressive tread with the platforms. You may find that the treads catch and settle into a certain angle on the pedal that isn't good either. Firm but smoother sole so your feet can sit anyway they like until then.

Maybe wedges or orthotics will help but don't spend money until you talk to your PT.
http://www.slowtwitch.com/mainheadin...t/lewedge.html

Hang in there.

[Flur]

Yeah, I think that's my plan at this point. I'm not convinced the PT will be able to find the problem, or she'll just tell me I have to ride platforms. I've been shopping for superlight platform pedals just in case.

[crazycanuck]

Just a quick question Flur...Do you do any stretches for the vmo area? For example, (can be done lying down or standing)put your feet together then turn them to make a v. Now "squat" (kind of like a ballet move). Next one is to turn your feet inwards..

This is just one of the many exercises the pilates studio (and the physio) gave me as part of a regimen to get my right leg back on track.

Do you have access to a thera band? (the stretchy band things) What about a roller? Can you go to a pilates studio(not for a group session but a few semi-privates?)

Crazy thoughts on a wed afternoon..I know i didn't explain this well but i'm trying to visualize the movement..

[Flur]

Just a quick question Flur...Do you do any stretches for the vmo area? For example, (can be done lying down or standing)put your feet together then turn them to make a v. Now "squat" (kind of like a ballet move). Next one is to turn your feet inwards..

This is just one of the many exercises the pilates studio (and the physio) gave me as part of a regimen to get my right leg back on track.

Do you have access to a thera band? (the stretchy band things) What about a roller? Can you go to a pilates studio(not for a group session but a few semi-privates?)

Crazy thoughts on a wed afternoon..I know i didn't explain this well but i'm trying to visualize the movement..

I have been doing VMO-specific exercises, mostly yoga exercises though. Light strength stuff and gentle stretching so that everything doesn't seize up. I've also been doing the clam exercise that PTs almost always give for knee issues. I hadn't thought of plies though (which BTW you described perfectly), I tried that this afternoon and I could definitely feel the right muscles working. Thanks!

No theraband - I'm sure the PT will give me some when I get there though. I've used it for the clam and a few other exercises previously, but that would almost be too much for me right now - I'm way too sore! I've been using a tennis ball to massage the sore spots out. I can't really tell if that helps at all or not.

I'm open to any and all suggestions. Please keep them coming! Thanks!

[KnottedYet]

Hopefully the cycling PT you'll be seeing next will immediately home in on your internally rotated femur and the torsion at your tibia, and get right to work pulling your subtalar joint back into line.

That could mean some juicy posting at the foot (and a cycling PT will know to post cycling shoes differently than street shoes) or it could mean some crazy sounding foot and toe exercises (do them, crazy is good!) or some extraordinarily annoying leg posture work (standing in front of a mirror and maintaining correct leg alignment as you slowly do some very controlled movements) or more hip and core strengthening ("butt and gut"). Or maybe all of that at once!

It would help if the cycling PT is a woman, because what you're dealing with is the classic woman's leg and female PT's seem to get it better; but having a cyclist working with you is more important!

[Geonz]

I haven't done clipless (i'm too cheap and forgetful). On my faster bike I have toe clips and straps, and I do have to flip things to get 'em in. I had a pair of saucony's that had the *perfect* tread - the triangles on the bottom were in just the right place to grab the pedal. Of course, the next time I bought shoes the tread was just enough different so it hit the wrong place.
On my commuter bike I have the toe clips but without the straps, which would be a lot like the toe cup. It makes it lots easier to find my way in, tho' I do still have to push the pedal over toget it on the right side, but I really like being able to get in and out from any angle, any position, quickly - commuting has its moments.
I got some Salomon shoes from steep and cheap that were made for somethign like waterfall climbing, so they have a nice stiff sole and are meshy so that when they get doused, they don't get funky. (I am also blessed with not getting cold feet easily.) The stiff sole is very nice. My next steepandcheap sneakers were Montrails which are more like regular sneakers but they're fine (adn I love their bright orange color with reflection).