JSutty

Hi all.
I know there are a million clipless pedal and knee related threads, but I was hoping for a bit of a case-specific advice.

I ride a racer, currently with toe clips and trainers. A few years ago I dislocated my knee pretty badly (around the outside of my leg) while jogging. Cycling has helped me build up and rehab but both my knees still don't feel great when (or after) cycling, a bit like the tracking is off kilter. For this reason, and for increased efficiency I'm finally going to invest in some clipless pedals and shoes.

So, first question: Does anyone with any similar knee issues (or anyone else) know of a particularly good pedal-shoe system for those with such concerns? Ideally, I guess, the system should be adaptable to specific gaits, pronation and cycling styles.

Which brings me to my second question: Once I've got the pedals and shoes, I plan to go for a cycle fit so that I know the system and my bike is set up so as not to increase the likelihood of further knee injuries. Sooo....can anyone recommend a good cycle fit (I'm based in London)!?

Any help would be great on either front. And sorry for waffling!
Thanks

fietsbob

Speedplay frog gives you a low resistance float..
so foot can find its natural angle..

Road rash on 1 knee, but as Im a plodding pace tourist
with the gear chosen to spin,
not mash the gear ratio pushing too high a gear for speed,

so after 50+ years of cycling, including some long camping bike tours,

my 65 year old knees are no worse off than the rest of the animal.

as for cycle fit ,IDK where you live , so generically,
go to the LBS , put your bike on a trainer stand,
the people there will offer critiques on your position..

stem rise angle/ length changes got easier with threadless open face stems.

CraigB

I agree, you'd be well served by a system with at least some degree of float.

Nightshade

Before you waste money on clipless better to see your doctor to see if the rigid tie in of clipless pedals will harm your already weakened knee(s).

You really gain nothing by moving to clipless from your present set up.

In fact, you lose a good bit of wiggle room toe clips allow that helps your knees float while riding.

demoncyclist

Speedplay road pedals. I prefer the X series- 20 degrees of free float- no spring trying to force your foot into a particular position. Works great with a genetic hip disorder that i have on one side.

JSutty

Regarding bike fitting, I'm in London.

As for the option of staying with toe clips: The trouble is, I presume if I have a bike fitting done (with clipless), my foot and knee alignment will be put in the optimal position. I agree that clips are more likely to give me floating space, but in terms of pronation they can't really be adjusted, right?

fietsbob

toe clips have lateral slots in them, to move them sideways ..

The traditional setup was to have a slot in the bottom of the shoe,
that the back of the pedal slips into..

so the toe of the shoe stays well behind the metal of the toe clip..


now, commuting, I just use the Ergon contour platform pedals
and whatever shoes i need for the season.

JSutty

I have toe clips, and I definitely appreciate the ability to rotate the foot. However, my knees don't feel good...and I'm guessing that the problem is my general riding setup...hence the need to have a bike fit. Part of this includes pronation of the foot on the pedal (ie if you look from the back of the bike, the angle of the foot on the pedal, which I believe you can adjust by wedges with cleats?)

Rekless1

Similar situation here. Multiple surgeries for various knee injuries over quite a few years.

Been on Speedplays for maybe 20 years now...?

Full floating (X/2s) allow me to let my knees be where I need them to be on any given day....or even during any given day.

Definately need to start with proper fitting.