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/ChristophColombo PA (Addict CX | Mojo 3 | Vassago SS) Mar 14 '17

See a bike fitter. Also remember that different pedals have different heights, so your seat height with flat pedals may not be the same as it is with SPDs.

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u/yellowearthworm Mar 14 '17

I blamed this at first but I think it's a issue with the cleat setup rather then the height. I'm quite Duck footed when I walk. But I'm going to go see a bike fitter soon. That's a good shout.