ccrnnr9

I am experiencing a good amount of knee pain after rides (and sometimes during rides). I had this problem before I got my new bike and with my current bike. I used to have quite a few problems when I ran in high school and after as well. I currently ride with nashbar look-style pedals. They are hard to get out of and allow my foot to slide around quite a bit (too much float?). My I have bad knock-knees from when I was a child. I was thinking that I need a pedal that will give me little float so that my knees do not have the opportunity to move around as much. I have tried to train myself to pedal more smoothly and efficiently and that has helped some, but it has not completely taken care of the problem. I need a pedal set that is going to be somewhat lightweight as I am a weight weenie, does not cost too much (preferebaly under 120$). I have been interested in the LOOK Keo sprint pedals available from probikekit.com for 82$, the ultegra pedals for 75$, or a set of speedplays (unsure which model to get) that will be at least 110$. I have done a lot of reading and it seems like the Look Keos are the way to go. They are lighter than the ultegras and are only marginally more expensive. They seem to get good reviews from folks that have knee troubles. They are also lighter than the other two choices if you factor in cleat weight as well. If anyone has any input, let me have it! Also does anyone know if the excessive float can cause knee problems or if it could be that I do not have enough. I would think that no float would be best.
~Nick

Jarery

If you need true float, check out bebop's

Avant49

I use and vouch for Speedplay X2. I had 2 ACL surgeries and they seem to work well for my bad knees.

Key features:

* Easy dual-sided entry: no kicking it over, no looking down, no fumbling.
* Half the weight of most other clipless systems:
o X/5 Chrome-Moly pedals per pair - 220g
o X/2 Stainless pedals per pair - 198g
o X/1 Titanium pedals per pair - 150g
o X cleats per pair - 85g
* Non-centering free float minimizes the potential for knee strain.
* Unbeatable cornering clearance: X/1 - 39 degrees; X/2 - 37 degrees; X/5 - 35 degrees.
* Large contact area, extremely stable cleat-to-shoe connection.
* Compatible with virtually all 3-hole and 4-hole shoe mountings.
* Standard step-in, turn-out entry and release.
* Built-in grease port for easy bearing lubrication.
* True locking mechanism - engagement security is independent of spring tension.
* NEW X/5 features needle and cartridge bearings for improved durability and easier servicing.
* X/5 incorporates an earlier release angle than the race-oriented X/1 and X/2. The X/5 needs only a slight heel twist to exit, so you'll have no worries about getting out when you need to.

tourist

My wife had similar problems with Look pedals, switched to Speedplay and POOF, no more pain.

PedalMasher

one word: SPEEDPLAYS

clausen

I have terrible knees and have had no problems with Looks. I would look at you setup and get properly fitted first though. If the problem is only occurring after your ride it may just be you pedaling. What cadence do you ride at? I find if I do allot of mashing my knees ache.

ccrnnr9

I do not claim to be a perfect pedaler but I do think I do do a pretty good job of pedaling smoothly and efficiently. I try to keep my cadence in the high 90's but on average it is around 95. I am training myself to spin more and work on not mashing as much if I do not have to. I still think that it would be nice to invest in a set of nice pedals. Regardless of whether or not speedplays will help, I would like to replace what I currently have. The pedals are not easy to get in and out of ( I have ridden others' pedals and this is only the case with mine) and they allow my knee to move freely...something I would anticipate to be the root of the problem. I am confused on a couple things with the speedplays:

1. Do all of the models function identically?
2. At performance, they sell the X5's for 112$ in a blue color and a set of cro mo speedplays for about 120$ that are black. The weight is substantially different. Is there any benefit to getting the very expensive speedplays over say the cro mo ones for 120$ that weigh in around 220g for a pair?

Faust

I eliminated my right knee pain with shoe inserts. I am using Shock Doctor Ultra2 insoles, although there are many other brands that would do the job. My pedals are Speedplays, but apparently my feet were not oriented to the pedals properly and misaligned my knees.

A good article regarding foot alignment is available at:
https://www.wellfeet.com/dxtopics.htm

You might prefer a wedge that fits the bottom of the shoe, rather than an insole:
https://www.critracing.com/lewedge.html

Proper knee alignment, in additon to float is essential in preventing and relieving knee pain.

*cough

have you tried moving your seat back?

from cptips
link:https://www.cptips.com/knee.htm

I know it says forward but if your knee is too far forward at the 3 o'clock there is much more stress placed on the knee (can find links if you like).

56/12 and 22/28

M2 Racer Orb II's.

lrzipris

Speedplay Frogs.

curt in denver

Frogs.