Cleat/ clipless setup advice needed please!

mokl

I've used SPDs on mountain bikes for years, and have never had any trouble with knee pain. I bought my first road bike about 2 years ago and although I have used it quite extensively for commuting I haven't really done many extended rides (say over 50 miles) on it. This year I find I am riding it more, partly because I have less time to get out on the mtb, but also because I am really starting to enjoy it. Anyway, I have Shimano SPDs fitted to the road bike, and am wondering if I need to adjust the cleat position on my shoes. I have cranked out a fair few miles these last 2 weeks and find my knees have been feeling a bit sore, and at times uncomfortably positioned on the pedal. My legs are pretty wonky - my feet point outwards fairly dramatically if I stand at ease - and I have adjusted the cleats to accommodate this. As I said, no problem on long rides on the mtb, but using the same shoes on the road it feels wrong. Could this be to what I have heard referred to as the Q factor (what I understand to be the distance between the pedals)?? It feels narrower than the mtb.

I already know that I need/want some road specific shoes and am considering trying some different pedals instead of Shimano - such as the Look Keo classic. Would they have more float, and do you think this might be what I need? I'm on a tight budget, mind you, but any suggestions for shoes or pedals greatly received.

Thanks for reading this far! Matt

andrewjoseph

If you've had no issues with the mtb setup, use the same setup on the road bike.

Check you have a similar bike setup on both bikes, measure pedal to saddle top on the mtb, the knee over pedal on the mtb, and try to replicate it in the road bike.

I don't see any need to buy road shoes/pedals for my road bike.

You could try time pedals, they have more float than shimano. I've only ever used shimano, then crankbros and now time. i'd never go back to shimano if i can help it.