There's something wrong with my plates

[alpinerabbit]

... after longer rides my right knee hurts because I think my plates force my right foot and knee to bend inwards. Which of course it does not want - I guess I have strained my knee. I had a look at the plate before today's ride and it looked just like the left foot.

Note I've only been rididng for a few weeks and winter break is upon me. So I've got time to have it looked at but I am a bit concerned and need to get it corrected.

Think a bike store guy is capable of adjusting me?

[Hillandale]

I had a fair amount of adjusting to do to my clipless set when I first got them back from installation at the LBS. I found that the directions were pretty good, and that I could make the adjustments.

The biggest thing I corrected was the position of the piece on the shoe (is that the plate?), because it was set far out, keeping my foot too close to the bike and the only way I could keep from hitting the frame each revolution was to twist my knee to push my heel out. After I set the plates as close to the inner side of the shoe as they would go, the problem was solved.

The people at my LBS definitely recognize me, but I have decided that it is much better for me to learn to make repairs and adjustments, because I get more riding time if I make less trips to the shop!

[go get em]

I've been dealing with a knee issue since June and there are a few reasons. One of them being fit incorrectly by a guy from a bike shop.(My pedal and shoes were off, seat too low, and too far back, handle bars too low, all contributing to my knee injury- and not knowing when to stop)The other being not giving enough time off the bike to let it heal on its own. Try to let your knee heal completely because each time it's reinjured it takes longer to heal and more damage maybe done.
As for having the bike guy help you-if you feel he is really knowledgable then I would go to him. Or maybe the shop can recommend someone. I am spending a few extra bucks to have a professional cyclist and coach by the name of John Howard, help me with adjusting the bike to me and my needs. He does this for a living. So maybe you have someone in your neck of the woods who can do the same.
If the adjuustments don't work than give your bike guy feedback so he can help you.
Good luck!
P.S. It doesn't matter if you ride fast or slow-5 miles or 100 miles, a good fit is important.

[alpinerabbit]

Ladies,


thanks for all your advice - I think I might try a small adjustment myself first.

It's sad really, that such a small imperfection can kill your riding for weeks. I think on average, injuries to tendons or cartilage take 6 weeks to heal completely. Thank goodness the weather will be too cold for riding, so I won't miss out on much.

Although I need to go to the store anyway. I moved my saddle forward, and because I could not tighten the screw enough, it starts drooping in the back. Not exactly what my bottom needs

[KSH]

I had the same problem... my cleats were not adjusted properly on my pedals... and I was mashing my pedals... vs. spinning... and BAM... I had some accute knee pain!

The pain would get so bad in my left knee... I would have to remove my foot from the pedal and only pedal with my right foot!

To fix the issue... I... did the following:

First thing I did was get SpeedPlay pedals... with the float on the pedal, I didn't have to worry about the proper adjustment. Now, my foot settles where it wants to naturally.

Then... I rode my bike... just very slow... and spinning the whole way. Which reminds me... I learned how to use my gears and how to spin! I also iced down my knees on a regular basis.

After about 1.5 months, I was back to new! In fact, I never have knee pain on my bike!

Good luck on fixing your knee pain!

[alpinerabbit]

It's better! I am not really sure what did the trick.

• I rode 4 times in the last week and a half. Last Thursday and Sunday it really hurt after the rides.
  I have been using just a little voltaren cream (diclofenac, antiinflammatory).

• In addition, I increased the float on my pedals a bit ( I can choose between 0 and 9 °) - the cleats already allow a 4° float but I chose another 3 degrees on the right foot.

• I could not reduce the release tension any further, i hoped I could and was thinking that might be the problem.

• I concentrated on never allowing my knee to twist when getting out, instead always bracing the knee and just yanking out the foot.

I also took a sort of easy ride today, lots of light climbing, trying not to go through heavy traffic (means unclipping often) and came back with virtually no pain. Unfortunately, or fortunately in this respect, biking season is really coming to an end for me as it is getting brutally cold.

I will have my seat height checked and will go to spin class over the winter to increase strength. I will be a good girl.[/list]
By the way I have set a goal for next July: Engadin Radmarathon - the 100 km version, not the crazy one.