Will clipless be worse for my knee?

Dwhit

Having recently recovered from damaged knee ligaments again! - did it 20 years ago- I have noticed that my right foot leans outward on my pedal.

I have been thinking of going clipless for a while, but wondered would that cause more strain on the knee or would it be even better for my balance?

Come to think of it, every joint down the right side has caused me problems at some stage, maybe it's a sign of things to come!

Nik_B

You need to get it checked out by a specialist in my opinion. I have flat feet and my right foot points out more than my left and the outside is much lower than the inside . After a long ride I am getting pain either from my knee (which is being twisted) or my foot hurts..or both.

You might want to get some insets for your shoes.

Surf-Matt

I have a dodgy knee (flat right foot so it unbalances the knee) but am fine on SPDs with Spesh BG shoes.

Dwhit

Thanks for the advice guys.
Years ago when I used to cycle a little, I considered getting clips, but never did.
Nowadays, I am of the opinion that having SPD's with decent shoes would be the way to go.
I think the reason I don't already have them is because I can see myself trying to get my foot on the floor and just falling over.
Recently I went on one of the local Skyrides to get my family involved, and the guy who was leading us had cleats.
He made it look easy, but I had a feeling it was a case of practice makes perfect.

Is it really as easy as he made it look?

sparrowlegs78

I find my flatties easiest for my knees, and I have used clipless and kissed tarmac with them too
Caz xx

stev0

one of my mates i ride with is recovering from knee surgury and getting back into training on the bike, he rides clipless as he says its easier on his knee and doesnt have the danger of slipping off the pedals and jarring the knee or even worse hitting it with the pedal.

leon69

I use Shimano M647 Pedal

Pedal designed for the rigors of off road or BMX racing - Dual sided pop up bindings - Cleat tension adjustment with tension indicators

you can ajust the cleat tension witch makes it easyer to get yeh foot back out ....once used to them i now have mine so slack that in the event of a fall/crash my foot freely pops off the pedal

The avantage of being able to pull up AND push down on pedal's is amazing on hill clims !
The power transfer from proper MTB shoe's to the pedal's is amazing too

downside:
I have forgot there on and pulled up at a road side or sumthing and just fell off :P
You cant toutch your foot down in the ruff stuff

As for knee's spec's do a range of shoe's were by your local dealer have a thing you stand on to see what kind/size insert you need in the shoe for your feet cleats should be fitted to match your natrual stance on the pedal's (bike shop selling the shoe's can help with this


http://www.evanscycles.com/products/shi ... l-ec012680
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/shi ... s-ec005948 ,---i also use them on my HT

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/spe ... y=shoe%27s <-- nice starter shoe

Dwhit

Thanks guys
There is an Evans not far from me in Manchester, I might give them a call

You cant toutch your foot down in the ruff stuff

That's the bit that worries me!

leon69

Dwhit wrote:

Thanks guys
There is an Evans not far from me in Manchester, I might give them a call

You cant toutch your foot down in the ruff stuff

That's the bit that worries me!

some say it makes you a better rider its nto to bad but makes you think before you dive in

physiosteve

Have you cycled in front of a mirror, to see if anything else happens, like a knee going out to the side or a shift in pelvis, there can be some interesting things going on that present like this, or it could simply be a supinating forefoot.
If youve got a specialised concept store near you, they may be able to sort you out quite cheaply with some Varus BG foot wedges, to aid allignment. In more complex cases, a leg length difference could cause a foot to role out as it tries to artificially lengthen your leg, or hip restriction can cause a knee to kick out and effect the foot. In simple terms though the knee is a hinge it wants to bend and straighten not go sideways or twist, so if in doubt get a pro set up

:roll: wish i cud sleep!!!!

Dwhit

Thats good advice physiosteve.
It is not quite as simple as I thought it would be.
I will seek out some help with shoes and setup before I jump in (or fall off).

I don't think it is a problem with leg length, I had a thorough examination about 10 years ago after a car accident.
It seems to be recently, after recovering from my knee problem.

I don't get any pain from the knee during or after cycling. It just feels a little funny with my foot leaning outward.

Thanks again