FBryder

My right knee brushes the toptube of my Sectuer occasionally. Maybe as much as 10% of the time.
Left knee never does and normally clears by approx. 2 inches. I'm comfortable on bike, no knee
pain on extended rides "20 to 40 miles", Anyone else notice something similar? Is it a "fit" issue?
Just wondering if an adjustment would make my pedal stroke more symmetrical? Suggestions!!

soma5

It is, as you suspect, a fit issue. It is also potentially a pedaling issue that you can correct, but getting a good fit is first. I must say that the idea of spending real money on a good pro fit is counter-intuitive and many (including me) have a lot of resistance to it. I did get a good pro fit recently and I am a convert. Most people move their knees in toward the top tube at the top of the pedal stroke, by the way.

chewa

It may be a fit issue, but the only thing that might correct that would be saddle alignment?

Hip joints don't tend to be symetrical and I suspect the natural path of your femur on flexing/extending maybe causes this (I occassionally brush the T/t as am a bit knock kneed) so there may be not much you can do.

Crescent Cycle

Do you run clipless? Even if you don't, various things with foot positioning can also lead to this kind of behavior, mostly by twisting your leg.

bike_boy

To echo the above response, saddle position and (if clipless) cleat position & float. I've even heard of where some
folks use different methods extending out the pedal from crankarm.

berner

Your post is one I could have made. I ride a Secteur and my right knee also used to brush to top tube. I also experienced no discomfort but decided to correct the brushing anyway. I shimmed up under the arch, under the foot bed and that did the trick. Another solution is to use a wedged shaped shim between the shoe and pedal from Bikefit. https://www.bikefit.com/t-whywedge.aspx

FBryder

Yes I do ride clipless, May try to shim right cleat. I use Shimano a520's and set the tension
kinda light. Don't think float is a problem. Glad to hear im not the only one with the
issue.!

ctpres

What I learned and did - sit on edge of chair, raise and drop both legs/feet - each time looking at landing position of feet. In my case foot of tube hitting knee was point out very noticable amount. I twisted foot back inline with the other foot and knee moved to center ie tube. My cleats were holding one foot more or less straight when it wanted to be pointed out. Adjusted cleat to put foot in more natural position.

FBryder

I have cleat slid fully to inside of shoe...moving foot out from crank.
Maybe should try slightly twisting cleat then, toes out.

fietsbob

try riding with a regular pedal for a while, then note where the marks on your shoe sole are impressed .
then you have an idea of how your natural angle of your foot wants to be,
as dictated by the bones in your legs.

BikeFitPro

That is the opposite. Think of it like putting the foot under the knee. If the knee is in move the foot in (= cleat out). You do need Cleat Wedges as the post above suggest. Here is also a great article to read https://bikefit.com/s-13-road-bikes.aspx and note not all bike fitters are created equal. Find one that uses the FFMD - Forefoot measure device to measure the tilt and angle of your feet.

Best of luck

FBryder

Well, that makes sense... move my foot under my knee!!! Will do. 15 deg outside, i'll try it out on my trainer
and see my knee position. Thanx

FBryder

well , moved cleat out 1/8 inch. Did a hilly 40 mile ride and all seems
well. Knee has moved 'slightly' away from toptube...and no pain.