Having suffered chronic knee pain from cycling since I started a couple of years ago, I have to report that a new pair of Look's ultra-expensive CX7 pedals have finally solved the problem.

I have wide hips and splayed, pronating feet. I finally figured out that the knee pain just might be caused by the pedals being too close together. After doing a bit of research, I discovered that the Look CX6 and CX7 can be adjusted laterally by up to 10mm. The CX7 pedals also have adjustable angles.

After installing these pedals at the maximum lateral extension, and with the maximum angle of -3 degrees, knee pain appears to be a thing of the past. I have been on a few rides now and, even after deliberately pushing bigger gears in an attempt to generate the knee pain which would usually happen 10km into every ride, the pain just wouldn't appear. In addition, I seem to have more power and feel much more comfortable. It's such a pleasure to ride without the pain, and not to have to hold back constantly because of the onset of pain.

These pedals are not cheap - in fact they're absurdly expensive for what you get. But they are cheaper than surgery, and after the $$$ I spent on my Trek 5500, they are definitely worth it.

So for those wide-hipped, goofy-footed riders like me who have been suffering from knee pain, it may be worth checking out the CX7s (and taking out a second mortgage to pay for them!).

G'day ross,

the adjustment you refer to is the rather strangely named 'Q' factor. i'm aware of a number of riders who claim to have gained some relief from knee soreness after tinkering with this adjustment....Glad to hear it's helped you. The CX7's are nice pedals, but like everything in cycling in Oz, hideously expensive!

cheers,

hitchy

G'day Hitchy,

Yes, cycling is an expensive hobby in Oz! I should also put in a plug for Cheeky Monkey cycles at Centennial Park in Sydney, who took over an hour on a busy Sunday to install the pedals and make sure the bike was set up properly.

a good LBS is something to treasure....what bike did you attach the CX7's to?

hitchy

Hi,
I have been down this road. I pronate as well. If you ever need to try something else, try a shim under the cleat. I am using LeMond LeWedge ( https://www.excelsports.com/new.asp?p...ajor=5&minor=6 ). I tried making my own shims, that didn't work as well as I'd hoped. I have some store bought orthotics ( the Ultra2 LP at www.shockdoc.com ) that have a small pocket for the ball of the foot to discourage pronation. That combined with the shim seems to be doing the trick.

https://www.slowtwitch.com/mainheadin...t/lewedge.html

A black Trek 5500 with 10 speed dura ace.

Good post and glad to hear about the problem being gone. I used to experience pain in my left knee and now I can not ride with a fixed cleat - must use pedal/cleat combo that allows float. Recently purchased a new bike and bought the Look CX-6 pedals and I too have wider than average hips so the Q-factor adjustment is very nice. I started out in the closest position to mimic my old pedals and then made a couple adjustment over a couple weeks until I got to a wider position that I felt was more comfortable. Now I feel as though I can push the pedals harder and my feet are more comfortable over long rides also. I am always amazed at how much minute adjustments can make a difference.

Glad to hear of your good results with the CX-7's. Almost opted for the CX-7 but at $200 more than the CX-6's I decided to take a chance. I hope that one day the new Keo's have a Q-factor adjustment because they look like a great pedal with their lower profile.