New to clipless riding

[CycleVan]

(Posted this in another thread but it's gone off topic so hoping a new one might get me a faster response)

Hi guys,

I'm upgrading to a proper road bike in March (currently riding a battered fixie) and I want to go clipless. it looks the part

The thing is I have a slightly lopsided knee and have to compensate for this by facing my right foot out ever so slightly while I'm cycling. Can I still do that whilst riding clipless?

Thanks

 

[ianrauk]

Yes you can. You just set the cleat into the shoe at an angle to compensate.

 

[Nosaj]

IanR has summed it up in one there.

If you sit on a high surface (eg kitchen worktop) let your legs dangle over naturally you will see roughly the angle that your cleats should be set in. It is then a case of just minor tweaks until it feels comfortable (this may take some time). If you buy a road shoe SPD SL cleat go for a cleat with some float (allows slight movement before unclipping) 6.5 degrees seems lofted around a bit as not all peoples legs rotate on the exact same plane. Once you need to renew your cleats you will have a better idea what float to go for as they can go down to completely fixed Alternatively if you go for SPD (moutainbike) shoes these have built in float.

 

[CycleVan]

IanR has summed it up in one there.

If you sit on a high surface (eg kitchen worktop) let your legs dangle over naturally you will see roughly the angle that your cleats should be set in. It is then a case of just minor tweaks until it feels comfortable (this may take some time). If you buy a road shoe SPD SL cleat go for a cleat with some float (allows slight movement before unclipping) 6.5 degrees seems lofted around a bit as not all peoples legs rotate on the exact same plane. Once you need to renew your cleats you will have a better idea what float to go for as they can go down to completely fixed Alternatively if you go for SPD (moutainbike) shoes these have built in float.

Wow! Thanks for the info. I know the angle is almost 45 degrees but I will check that out. Think I will get the bike shop guys to help me when I do it

 

[oldfatfool]

I have a wonky knee and opted for speedplay Frogs, they give you around 26 deg of free float and the cleat position can be altered to a degree altering the center point of float.