painfull knees after using spds

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Comments

  • Bishbosh10
    Bishbosh10 Posts: 268
    SPD's killed my knees after a very short time. changed to Onza HO's with considerably more float and have been fine ever since. What people don't realise is that as your flexes your lower leg rotates slightly. If the pedal stops your foot from following the same path you will get knee pain.
    2011 Giant Trance Ltd, 2016 Revs, XT bits etc.
  • angry_bird
    angry_bird Posts: 3,787
    Bishbosh10 wrote:
    SPD's killed my knees after a very short time. changed to Onza HO's with considerably more float and have been fine ever since. What people don't realise is that as your flexes your lower leg rotates slightly. If the pedal stops your foot from following the same path you will get knee pain.

    This. If the motion of pedaling is resiting the rotation of the knee/foot you'll have problems.
  • andrewjoseph
    andrewjoseph Posts: 2,165
    I agree with dubsmodder:

    _IF_ the spd is set up to suit the individuals anatomy, then there should be no problems.

    The issue is then is if the individual is suited to spd's or not. Some people may not be.

    If a rider must have float for some reason due to physiological issues, then a grippy flat pedal will mean they have to lift the foot off the pedal slightly at certain parts of the stroke. A slippy pedal will allow the foot to move, but is not really a good idea.

    If you cannot get comfortable with SPD's then look at flats or clips.

    I prefer time or CB for the float and shallower release angle, I couldn't get on with shimano spd's.
    --
    Burls Ti Tourer for Tarmac, Saracen aluminium full suss for trails
  • dubmodder
    dubmodder Posts: 100
    Yeehaamcgee, next time you need a specialist, inbox me.
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,667
    :lol: oh, sure!
  • rickyrider
    rickyrider Posts: 294
    It's already been mentioned I think, but other clipless pedals are good for dodgy knees. I used to use SPD's, but after knees started getting a bit achy, went to Time atacs. That was a few years ago and never had any trouble since. If you want even more rotational float try Speedplay's. Just because you have had one bad experience doesn't mean all clipless pedals are no good for you.
  • drewcole81
    drewcole81 Posts: 528
    Look after your knees.... you'll miss them when their gone...
    ....DaZeD aNd CoNfUsEd....
  • dmorton
    dmorton Posts: 244
    My recent experience from going onto SPDs was that I got knee pain. This I recognised as a ligament over stretching on one side. I've had it before from a Rugby injury, turned out my worn out everyday trainers were making my knee twist and preventing the injury healing.

    I took a look at my riding position, adjusted the seat slightly and moved the cleats (which probably made the most difference). I had no more pain. I'd also keep an eye on what your feet are doing, you might be twisting them to a different position as you get tired to compensate. You can twist SPDs but I think other types keep you locked in position?
  • dubmodder
    dubmodder Posts: 100
    Just saying I'm right will do, save you writing too much :lol:
  • I have recently got back into biking after 9 years of being unable to ride due to major knee problems, I have had major surgery on both knees resulting in a total of 6 operations.

    My specialist ortho surgeon recommended that I try spds as it would give me stability and help with the pedal motion. I have found it much easier cycling since switching to spd's but it did take a coupe of rides and minor tweaks to find the correct foot position.
  • dubmodder
    dubmodder Posts: 100
    Looks like yeehaamcgee needs to find himself a new specialist :D
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,667
    dubmodder wrote:
    Looks like yeehaamcgee needs to find himself a new specialist :D
    Do you know what was wrong with my knee then?
    Not only must you be the world's greatest medical expert, but also psychic.
  • dubmodder
    dubmodder Posts: 100
    dubmodder wrote:
    If you get the cleat position correct, there is no reason for them to be any less comfortable, or worse for your knees than flats.
    Physiotherapists would seem to differ with you on that.

    When you decided I was wrong we weren't talking about your knee, I was giving the op some advice.

    What I said is true, and that is echoed by the countless people that agree with me.

    I'm not a medical expert, I just know a lot about cycling.

    You are wrong, admit it.
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,667
    Wrong about what, exactly?
  • angry_bird
    angry_bird Posts: 3,787
    Would it be worth factoring in that with flat pedals the shoes are generally a bit looser on the feet and the shoes themselves aren't as stiff as SPD shoes, leaving a little play for the shoe and your foot whilst pedaling? Not the foot "floating" in the shoe as such like spd shoes floating on pedals but the foot being able to be more relaxed on the upstroke, as it's not held so tightly, consequently meaning the ankle and knee are able to relax more.

    After breaking my ankle and playing tennis again with my shoes on tight to try and make it feel a little more secure I started getting more (different) knee problems, I was told to loosen off the shoe a bit, let my foot adapt more to the movement of my body once the foot is planted. Not had anywhere near as bad problems since I've started doing this, just loosening it off slightly made a big difference.

    Just a thought.
  • car.crash
    car.crash Posts: 170
    okay folks, i went out again today and slightly lowerd my seat and altered the cleat on my right shoe and got very little pain just a slight ache over a long distance but it feels a whole lot more comfortable. thanks to all who have posted with help :)
  • my knees hurt...i have flats :lol::lol::lol::lol: