Pedal Tension - Bad Knee?

[bpsmith]

I have Ultegra pedals on my Bianchi and R540 Light Action on my Defy 1.

I bought the LA pedals when I first started cycling last year as had never gone clipless.

I have been riding the Bianchi since I got it at the end of the Summer and been nursing a knee injury recently. Took the Defy out for a spin last weekend and the knee was fine. Took the Buanchi out today and played up again.

I was just wondering whether the increased tension of the Ultegra pedals could be causing the additional pain. Both sets of pedals are on the default tension setting and they are worlds apart in stiffness. Any advice appreciated, before I start tinkering.

 

[vickster]

What pain do you have in your knee, where, what is it like...'playing up' is a tad vague

 

[bpsmith]

Fair enough. I have a long standing issue with it that was aggravated when it got between the van and the motorbike, when I was knocked off in September.

Basically it's with the knee cap mainly. If I run upstairs, then it moves awkwardly and results in me jarring it, followed by 10 mins of limping. Still vague, I know, but not been to the Dr's to see about it.

When on the bike, it feels like it is twisted somewhat. Then I get cramp in the calf soon after.

I am struggling to explain it tbh.

 

[TissoT]

Do you have floating cleats ... or fixed

 

[bpsmith]

I have the yellow floating cleats. The same set came with both pedal sets, but I am still on the first set.

 

[vickster]

Fair enough. I have a long standing issue with it that was aggravated when it got between the van and the motorbike, when I was knocked off in September.

Basically it's with the knee cap mainly. If I run upstairs, then it moves awkwardly and results in me jarring it, followed by 10 mins of limping. Still vague, I know, but not been to the Dr's to see about it.

When on the bike, it feels like it is twisted somewhat. Then I get cramp in the calf soon after.

I am struggling to explain it tbh.

Go see a Dr if it's not only a bike issue. Focused physio on the leg muscles may help

 

[slowmotion]

If you are using the same shoes for both bikes, it sounds like cleat alignment possibly isn't the problem. Try reducing the release tension on the pedals. Mine have been on the absolute minimum for the last four years and it's never been a problem. Mind you, I'm not exactly a super-athlete.

 

[bpsmith]

Go see a Dr if it's not only a bike issue. Focused physio on the leg muscles may help

I have just started Physio on my back. Then they are going to have a look at my leg, as think it could be related to my back strangely.

 

[TissoT]

Trail and error.... cleats position, pushing big gears,bike set up
an old injury problem...

 

[bpsmith]

If you are using the same shoes for both bikes, it sounds like cleat alignment possibly isn't the problem. Try reducing the release tension on the pedals. Mine have been on the absolute minimum for the last four years and it's never been a problem. Mind you, I'm not exactly a super-athlete.

Yup. Same shoes and cleats. The alignment was carefully adjusted during my bike fit, so didn't think it was that. The fact that the Defy is ok backs this up.

Will drop the tension on the Ultegra's I think, and see how that changes things.

 

[slowmotion]

Yup. Same shoes and cleats. The alignment was carefully adjusted during my bike fit, so didn't think it was that. The fact that the Defy is ok backs this up.

Will drop the tension on the Ultegra's I think, and see how that changes things.

If you lower the release tension you should reduce the stress on your knee as you unclip. I suppose another difference between the two bikes could be the geometry of the saddle and the pedal (height and fore-aft position). Just guessing!

 

[bpsmith]

If you lower the release tension you should reduce the stress on your knee as you unclip. I suppose another difference between the two bikes could be the geometry of the saddle and the pedal (height and fore-aft position). Just guessing!

There is that too. I had both bikes fitted by the same guy when I got them. There's a chance that something isn't right, I guess. Release tension will be first port of call. I am so toying with a saddle change too, so will factor it all in together.