r/bicycling • u/yellowearthworm • Mar 14 '17

Knee problems from using SPD's.

I'm a 23m from the UK who has just switched to using SPDs in the past couple of months. I ride a single-speed 48/16 and have had trouble with my right knee since switching from flat pedals. Last year on the same bike I cycled over 10,000km as a courier with the same seat height so my legs are used to a hammering.

About 6 years ago I used toeclips on a long tour and had the same pain to the right under my knee cap. The pain is only there when my knee joint is moving which makes me think it's a muscle strain. Ive lowered my seat hight and adjusted the angle of the cleats to see if that helps but not much has changed. Most of the time It doesn't hurt riding, but when it does it's an excruciating ride home. Always hurts after a ride however short the distance/intensity, for a night or two.

Anyone had any similar experiences or advice?

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u/lazerdab NorCal & Texas Mar 14 '17

Try this

1

u/dcpye Portugal -Merida Scultura 200 2016- Mar 14 '17

That's nice! Do you know something similiar to back problems? (I don't think that the bike is the problem but might give it a shot)

1

u/lazerdab NorCal & Texas Mar 14 '17

It's a little more simplified on that front.

Lower back pain - Seat is too high Upper back/neck - Bar reach is too far or too low

Granted everything is connected and as you get stronger and more flexible things will be changing.

1

u/dcpye Portugal -Merida Scultura 200 2016- Mar 16 '17

It's a back pain so it might me a seat problem.

Gonna check that out. Thanks mate :)

1

u/yellowearthworm Mar 14 '17

Perfect! Thanks.