Road Cycling - clipless pedals for bad ankles

You guys have posted several great threads about the advantages of different clipless pedal systems, and one of the advantages of the Speedplay X series seems to be that they are easy on the knees. But what about bad ankles? There were several analogies to "walking on ice" or "ice-skating", which seem to indicate that ankle strength may be a prerequisite for using the Speedplays. Is this a good assumption? Should I try Look or SPD before going with the Speedplays?

my thinking is that the stress you put on the ankles while pedalling is a function of the type of circle you pedal - and that working on your up and down stroke so it is smoother can prevent this type of stress. my look's needed to be dialed in better so my natural tendency to bow out was taken away. this helped my ankles tremendously. now my knees are closer to the top tube and my stroke is more efficient.
my ankles stopped aching after rides when i did this.

Thanks for posting this inquiry. I am curious also, as I have one bad ankle that needs three different surgeries. It doesn't interfere with my riding - I'm able to ride centuries, etc. - but I'm doing so without biking shoes and would like to do so.

For some reason I never noticed that "slippery feeling" when I first went to speedplays.

I use mountain bike pedals on my roadbike. I found it is easier to unclip than from the SPD-R road pedals I had on their before,even at the lowest setting. Hurt like hell on my bad ankle.

I have a mild, chronic achilles tendon problem. It is possible that moving to Speedplay X-3s aggravated it, but I cannot be sure (the real problem stemmed from a falling middle foot).

In any case, I have emailed a guy with Achilles tendonitis who has problems with Speedplays. While he needs some float, too much allows too much swinging of the ankles.

Since I really like my Speedplays, I am contemplating giving their Zero pedals a try, since they allow to you limit the float, but still have tension-free float for the degree of motion you choose.

Good luck,
Jamie

I think the standing on a an icecube statement is
more about the feeling you get because your heel
can swing freely (within limits) on the pedals,
than to any analogy to ice skating and the pressure
that skating can put on ankles.


Marty

Thanks, everyone. Good information. You're very helpful.

I have new Speed Play X-2s with Sidi shoes (previously used old MTB Onza clipless with Nike MTB shoes) and did not experience the skating on ice problem. Really easy on the knees and I would think they would help rather than hurt ankle problems. Really pleased with the action of these pedals.:confused: