Is my leg coming loose?

[onlyhuman]

I've been using clipless pedals for about a week now. Very few problems with them, I haven't even fallen over yet, although I've come pretty close once or twice.

But I'm noticing that as my right pedal goes towards twelve o'clock, there's a sensation of "play", as if the crank was loose on its spindle, or the cleat was moving. But everything seems tight.

Does this ring any bells? Is it something to do with the way I am pedalling? Is my leg falling off?

 

[asterix]

My first thought would be a loose crank but as this would appear not to be the case I'd suggest that maybe your pedalling action is not as fluid as it should be, especially if not giving it some welly.

After more use of clipless you may find the problem goes away as your muscles get the idea.

 

[MajorMantra]

What shoe/pedal combination do you have? I can feel flex with my Lidl shoes when I pull up hard - could that be what you are experiencing?

Matthew

 

[andrew_s]

Many cleats are intended to move a bit in the clip - "float". It's meant to help avoid knee problems. New cleats often have rough bits that restrict this float until they have worn off through use.

Check if the cleat is moving on the shoe sole. If it is, tighten it up ASAP.
If it gets loose enough you won't be able to get your shoe off the pedal and will end up having to take your foot out of the shoe (you should be able to lever the clip open with a thin screwdriver if it happens).

 

[smeg]

Is it something to do with the way I am pedalling? Is my leg falling off?

I dunno, is it a wooden one?

 

[onlyhuman]

What shoe/pedal combination do you have? I can feel flex with my Lidl shoes when I pull up hard - could that be what you are experiencing?

Matthew

It only happens on one side, and I don't just feel flex, there is a sensation of "play", with definite limits. Like when you rock a loose headset, and feel a bump at each end of the travel.

I'm picking up a new (to me) bike tomorrow, so I'll see if anything changes.

 

[Cubist]

Are both pedals set to the same release setting? Is the cleat coming undone from the shoe? Are you using pedals with float? Is the plate in your shoe damaged? What sort of pedals/shoes are you using?