sore itb and cleats

2006-04-07 8:09 AM

Master

2629

brummie land

Subject: sore itb and cleats

having had a bit of a nosey on several forums/sites i think my sore itb is because of my cleats. apparently they need re-aligning to prevent the pain. but how? i plan on taking my bike to my friendly lbs but would love to be able to go in with at least a vague idea what i'm going on about! i do tend to overpronate if that makes any difference.

how can cleats be aligned wrong? surely they just go in?!?

Rowdy

2006-04-07 8:38 AM

in reply to: #390576

Master

1670

Harvard, Illinois

Subject: RE: sore itb and cleats

I know that they can put spaces between the cleat and the shoe and they make adjustments that way. Something you may want to look into are orthotics for your cycling shoes. Sometimes the cleat adjustments can actually aggravate an injury or create an over use injury.

2006-04-07 8:56 AM

in reply to: #390613

Master

2629

brummie land

Subject: RE: sore itb and cleats

cool

i contacted the lbs where i got my bike and the woman was crap sayiong it was medical and she couldn't help! silly cow. think i'll go back tot he friendly lbs when my second lot of pedals arrive and chat to them

KSH

2006-04-07 8:57 AM

in reply to: #390576

Champion

10471

Dallas, TX

Subject: RE: sore itb and cleats

You cleats on your pedals need to be in a position that allows your leg to align in the proper position. I had this issue too, and that coupled with mashing the pedals (vs. spinning), I ended up with ACCUTE KNEE PAIN! This meant that I couldn't ride 10 miles without my left knee hurting so bad that I had to unclip and just pedal with the right leg.

So, I switched to SpeedPlays, so I wouldn't have to worry about proper alignment... and my knee problems were fixed. It was nice having the float on the pedal so I didn't have to worry about my cleats being adjusted properly.

I tell anyone who will listen that SpeedPlays ROCK! They are easy to clip in/out of... and you don't have to worry about proper adjustment.

Edited by KSH 2006-04-07 8:57 AM

2006-04-07 9:12 AM

in reply to: #390641

Master

2629

brummie land

Subject: RE: sore itb and cleats

got some spd pedals on their way to me and hopefully this will help, but i still have look pedals and cleats so will still need to get them sorted. if the cleats are the problem (and i'm sure they are) once the itb is less sore will i be ok to run?

2006-04-07 9:16 AM

in reply to: #390641

Master

2629

brummie land

Subject: RE: sore itb and cleats

KSH - 2006-04-07 2:57 PM

You cleats on your pedals need to be in a position that allows your leg to align in the proper position. I had this issue too, and that coupled with mashing the pedals (vs. spinning), I ended up with ACCUTE KNEE PAIN! This meant that I couldn't ride 10 miles without my left knee hurting so bad that I had to unclip and just pedal with the right leg.

So, I switched to SpeedPlays, so I wouldn't have to worry about proper alignment... and my knee problems were fixed. It was nice having the float on the pedal so I didn't have to worry about my cleats being adjusted properly.

I tell anyone who will listen that SpeedPlays ROCK! They are easy to clip in/out of... and you don't have to worry about proper adjustment.

thign is though i was told my look cleats have good float - so how does that map on to the adjustment?

itri2

2006-04-07 1:06 PM

in reply to: #390576

Extreme Veteran

328

Texas

Subject: RE: sore itb and cleats

It could be an adjustment period for your new cleats. When I got my speedplay cleats I had achiles issues for several weeks but once I got use to using clipless pedals the discomfort went away. I also stretched my calfs after each ride. Then this year when starting on the bike again I got what felt like shin splints (which wouldn't happen on a bike) and it was because I was pointing my toes down when I was biking (apparently taking 3 months off the bike I forget how to pedal!).

Hope the new pedals/cleats/shoes work better.

drewb8

2006-04-07 3:02 PM

in reply to: #390576

Master

4101

Denver

Subject: RE: sore itb and cleats

I also had some knee issues and I also overpronate. I went down to the lbs and found that my leg wasn't aligned when I was pedaling - my knee would move outwards toward the top of the stroke. Turns out specialized makes a little kit for this which is basically just some shims you can put in under the footbed of your shoe. I've also heard of shims to put under the cleats too though. It got my knee aligned and I haven't had any problems since.

2006-04-07 3:40 PM

in reply to: #390979

Master

2629

brummie land

Subject: RE: sore itb and cleats

just given the new cleats and pedals a go. perfect! easy to use, great shoes with flat soles and reversible pedals so for those rticky hils i've got half a normal pedal to work with.

that's my commute sorted for monday

now my dilemna is do i finish this can of stella or be good and get up early to swim tomorrow? lol!

chop

2006-04-07 8:57 PM

in reply to: #390576

Veteran

317

Atlanta

Subject: RE: sore itb and cleats

Float helps, but you can't just slap cleats on your shoes. Your knee has to track properly or there will be damage and pain. Your lbs can set you up on a trainer and check to see if your knee is tracking correctly. You want the cleat adjusted as close as possible, then a little float should take care of the rest.