Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - problems after switching back to clips

so i just did my first 20 mile ride since i switched back to clips. during the ride i noticed two things:

1. my ankles have a tendency to freeze up so that my toes come down first when pedaling instead of coming down level or slightly heel first (which is the proper technique i think).

2. i got a slight pain behind my knee that felt like a strain or something was being stretched.

im thinking either get smaller clips to move my feet back, put my seat down, or put my seat forward.

any suggestions? anyone know the problem?

Why not switch back?

so i just did my first 20 mile ride since i switched back to clips. during the ride i noticed two things:

1. my ankles have a tendency to freeze up so that my toes come down first when pedaling instead of coming down level or slightly heel first (which is the proper technique i think).

2. i got a slight pain behind my knee that felt like a strain or something was being stretched.

im thinking either get smaller clips to move my feet back, put my seat down, or put my seat forward.

any suggestions? anyone know the problem?

Switching to clips can affect the saddle-pedal distance, due to differences in the hight of the pedals, and the width of the shoes. Most of what you describe sounds like too high a seat. Try lowering your seat first.

If that's the same- take your pair of clipless shoes clipped into the pedals, and compare that to a shoe inserted into the clips. Check where the ball of your foot is relative to the pedal spindle- you may want to swap in shorter clips, or move your seat forward to compensate.

Third thing is that tight clips actually have less float than most clipless systems- you may have become used to having your ankles at a angle that the clips don't allow. Try riding with the straps loose, or on the backs of the pedals, and see if this resolves the discomfort. I don't know if there's a fix for this other than going back to clipless.

yeah i switched back to clips because i was tired i having so many shoes. if you check out my blog i try to keep things simple. i might go back someday.

thanks for the tips. ill try to lower my seat first.

Switched back from what? Clipless?

If so, you probably have to move down the seat a little, clipless shoes + cleats are higher then most normal shoes.