Clipless pedals and knee pain

[Pascale]

Hello all

I hope everyone's summer was great - as we're headed into fall, I'm finding that I'm actually going to have time to start riding again. It's been nearly a year for me. The last time I rode, I experienced debilitating knee pain, forcing me off my bike and nearly unable to walk to the nearest place to be picked up. I was unable to ride for the remainder of the summer and had to quit my fall tennis league. I feel as though maybe my pedals were angling my knee in such a way that it caused issues. Although I know that I can re-angle the pedals, I'm wondering if a different type of pedal would be better for me, that maybe my knee being stuck in one position for over 25 miles just doesn't work. I'm pretty new to cycling - is this what "floating pedals" are for? Any advice is appreciated - thanks!

[Owlie]

What pedals are you currently using? There are a couple things it could be: Your fore/aft saddle position may need to be tweaked; your cleat position may need to be tweaked; or you may need new pedals entirely. Have you had a bike fitting done? If you and your fitter have adjusted the first two things and you're still hurting, you probably need new pedals. "Float" in a pedal refers to amount you can "twist" before unclipping. That translates into how much freedom your knee has to move as you pedal. Large amounts of float (like that found on the Speedplay Light Action pedals--14 degrees) can be either a good or bad thing for knees. Definitely talk to a fitter.

I'm experiencing similar issues right now, I think. Good luck.

[Pascale]

Thank you. I was fit for the bike when I purchased it, and rode long distances without issues for 2 years. The bike shop that I purchased the bike from is really too far away to go for another fitting, though.

[Owlie]

Thank you. I was fit for the bike when I purchased it, and rode long distances without issues for 2 years. The bike shop that I purchased the bike from is really too far away to go for another fitting, though.

Tigermom does have a good point--you might have a leg-length discrepancy (many people do) that doesn't matter on flat pedals, but causes problems clipped in. (My fitter put a shim in either my shoe or cleat (can't remember) to help with that).

I think if it's causing enough pain that you can't ride and are having a hard time walking, it's well worth the drive to do another fitting. It's cheaper than the conseqences.

[Pascale]

Ah, good point, ladies - I'll do some research into another fitting. Thanks so much! (I love this place!)

[zoom-zoom]

I'm assuming you're not mashing too hard a gear? My knees feel it immediately if I'm much under 70rpm (I can manage slower cadences the longer I ride).

[TigerMom]

My husband who is bowlegged also had knee issues when he went clipless (his knees would swell up at mile 20 on flat road). He went to a Certified Bike Fitter who shimmed his pedals. With the shimmed pedals, wearing soft knee sleeves, and taking Motrin before biking, he was able to complete 36 miles with several Category 5 hills today at more than 15mph (including the hill time). Ask the Certified Bike Fitter, but probably a pedal with a larger degree of float is good for you. Hopefully, there is a certified bike fitter close to your house. If not, it's worthwhile to do the drive.
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2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle

2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle