Help with setting cleats

[Jeffrey4670]

Hello, Been using SPD's over the past month and just finding it hard to get cleats set up right. Tried all positions and got them something near, but still getting aching knees. Could it be something else like the seat hight or do I just need persevere with them! Tried the table top position, with legs relaxed, close but no cigar! Help please

 

[mark st1]

May not be the answer you want but having spent hours and hours trying to adjust cleats and position id rather spend the money on a bike fit. Can recommend this
http://www.specializedconceptstore.co.uk/body-geometry-fit/

Or depending on where you live anyone that offers this service
https://www.retul.com/

Although both expensive IME they offer good advice and can help get rid of the little aches and pains that can piss you off no end

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

If you previously used flat pedals and now using cleats then it could be saddle height as there will be a slight increase in external height on the sole with cleats.

 

[Biker Joe]

Set the cleats so that the middle of the cleat is under the ball of your foot.
Sit on the bike and see if the bone just underneath the kneecap is directly above the axle peddle. Use a plumb bob or something like it.
If not, adjust the seat forward or back until you can get this about right.
If that is correct, put your heal of your foot on the pedal at the bottom of the stroke. Your leg should be fully extended. Adjust the seat height to achieve this.
Now when your foot is clipped in properly you should have a slight angle at the knee at the bottom of the stroke.
That should sort it out.

 

[cyberknight]

This is handy ...
http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/article/take-care-of-your-knees-part-2-17445/

 

[Jeffrey4670]

If you previously used flat pedals and now using cleats then it could be saddle height as there will be a slight increase in external height on the sole with cleats.

Thanks Marmion, I have extended the hight of the seat to compensate. Thanks for your reply.

 

[Jeffrey4670]

Set the cleats so that the middle of the cleat is under the ball of your foot.
Sit on the bike and see if the bone just underneath the kneecap is directly above the axle peddle. Use a plumb bob or something like it.
If not, adjust the seat forward or back until you can get this about right.
If that is correct, put your heal of your foot on the pedal at the bottom of the stroke. Your leg should be fully extended. Adjust the seat height to achieve this.
Now when your foot is clipped in properly you should have a slight angle at the knee at the bottom of the stroke.
That should sort it out.

Going to do what you recommend today, to see if I can get it spot on, don't want to go back to pedals.

 

[Jeffrey4670]

Sit on a table with you legs dangling free. Whatever angle your feet point at, try to get that duplicated by twisting the cleat relative to the shoe.

Thanks, started by doing just that, but the settings must be so fine. I still get a small amount of ache from my knees after a day or so, must be near.

 

[Biker Joe]

Going to do what you recommend today, to see if I can get it spot on, don't want to go back to pedals.

You wont need to go back to pedals. Just do the initial set up and do a couple of rides You might need to do some very slight adjustments in the seat position after a while. Just try it and see.
SPDs have a a bit of float in them anyway so if the cleat angle is not spot on it wont make a lot of difference.

 

[Jeffrey4670]

Set the cleats so that the middle of the cleat is under the ball of your foot.
Sit on the bike and see if the bone just underneath the kneecap is directly above the axle peddle. Use a plumb bob or something like it.
If not, adjust the seat forward or back until you can get this about right.
If that is correct, put your heal of your foot on the pedal at the bottom of the stroke. Your leg should be fully extended. Adjust the seat height to achieve this.
Now when your foot is clipped in properly you should have a slight angle at the knee at the bottom of the stroke.
That should sort it out.

You wont need to go back to pedals. Just do the initial set up and do a couple of rides You might need to do some very slight adjustments in the seat position after a while. Just try it and see.
SPDs have a a bit of float in them anyway so if the cleat angle is not spot on it wont make a lot of difference.

The non drive side cleat is very near, it's the other side where the problem is. I find it comfortable at the moment, but not quite there yet. Will do what you say today.