Aargh calf cramp

Aspman77
Aspman77 Posts: 92
edited June 2010 in Road beginners
I'm trying to cycle again properly after a winter lay off, moving house etc etc.

I've been out a couple of times in the last week for 10-15 miles each time averaging probably 13-15mph. Lots of hills around me, some pretty steep, thank the FSM for a triple.

Anyway I'm getting cramping pains at the top of my calves. It's never quite come to full blown cramp but I've had to adjust how I'm pedalling to stop it. I've to drop my heels.

Have I got my cleats too far forward so I'm pedalling too much on tip toes or is this just a perseverance thing and my legs will toughen up?

Comments

  • sungod
    sungod Posts: 17,537
    it might just be getting used to the bike again, or maybe dehydration or electrolytes, there's advice here...

    http://www.cptips.com/muspain.htm

    if you are out of training, be careful about pushing on steep hills, if your cadence is below 70 then it might be overstressing your legs

    if you aren't sure the bike is set up right, then some ideas/things to check...

    first check saddle height and position

    as a rough guide, sitting in normal position, with your leg straight, your heel should be able to just rest on the pedal without you having to lean to the side - if the heel has a raised bit to aid walking then use the flat part of the shoe between cleat and heel

    once height is ok, move saddle back/forward so that with the forward crank horizontal a line dropped from the tip of the knee just touches the end of the crank arm

    check your reach to the bars is ok, you should be able to ride seated properly without having to put weight on the bars - if you have to lean on them, they're too low/far, in which case a short stem or one with rise might be the solution

    when the saddle is ok, then...

    the cleat should typically be set so that the pedal axle is in line with the ball of your foot

    for big feet maybe move cleats back a bit, and the other way for small feet, not too far in either case
    my bike - faster than god's and twice as shiny
  • Bananas are your friend :wink:
  • Aspman77
    Aspman77 Posts: 92
    Ok

    Feet, bananas and man-up!

    Cheers