SPD's Vs bad knees
Discussion
I'd like to fit SPDs to my mountain bike because I'd like to be more connected to it and more in control. I've had a few instances of slipping off the pedals on wet days too.
However I've heard that they can hurt your knees, and as mine aren't in the best condition in the first place I though I'd ask the collective opinion before buying.
So will they hurt me and is it avoidable?
However I've heard that they can hurt your knees, and as mine aren't in the best condition in the first place I though I'd ask the collective opinion before buying.
So will they hurt me and is it avoidable?
My knees are shot from playing rugby. I've got SPD's on my road bike which are OK but not great. The eggbeaters I used to have we're great. Loads of float and the never seemed to force my leg into a motion that it wasn't happy with. After this winter I will probably fit another pair of eggbeaters or Candy's.
There is a couple of degrees of movement between the shoes and the pedals.
This allows more movement than flat pedals, easier on the knees.
Set them up to release with little effort and you should have no problems.
More important for you knees is saddle height and fore and aft position on the saddle.
I've been riding SPDs since they were invented
This allows more movement than flat pedals, easier on the knees.
Set them up to release with little effort and you should have no problems.
More important for you knees is saddle height and fore and aft position on the saddle.
I've been riding SPDs since they were invented
The only time I've found my knees hurting is when I've fallen off and not got my feet out of the clips quickly enough (so I've got pads to cover that now!)! But no, I've had no aches and pains with them and it does give you a bit more confidence to pedal hard - especially standing up - knowing your feet won't slip off the pedals. It does take a little getting used to though, not being able to swing your leg out for balance or just dabbing a foot down when needed.
I fitted the rockshox reverb seatpost so I can have it high enough that it's difficult to stop while I'm in the seat as the ground is a bit far away! It's as high as I can use it without my hips moving, this did help my knees a bit.
I take it float is the amount of side to side swiveling movement they allow the cleat?
Reading reviews of the crank brothers eggbeaters they get called fragile in quite a few places, people complain about bearings and cleats wering out. Are the newer or more expensive ones more likely to stand up to my clumsy 16+ stone bouncing on them for 20 miles a week?
Looking at the sites does the cage around the eggbeaters on the candy ones make much difference when you ride, or is most of the contact between the cleat and the bit it clips into?
Will all SPD type shoes fit both sorts of pedals?
I take it float is the amount of side to side swiveling movement they allow the cleat?
Reading reviews of the crank brothers eggbeaters they get called fragile in quite a few places, people complain about bearings and cleats wering out. Are the newer or more expensive ones more likely to stand up to my clumsy 16+ stone bouncing on them for 20 miles a week?
Looking at the sites does the cage around the eggbeaters on the candy ones make much difference when you ride, or is most of the contact between the cleat and the bit it clips into?
Will all SPD type shoes fit both sorts of pedals?
planetsurfer said:
SPDs v Egg beaters is a bit of religious issue.
Both systems work, are very robust and shoes fit both cleat systems,
Beaters probably are a little better in really sticky mud.
If you can try both systems.
I prefer a platform pedal with my SPDs, easier to clip back on under pressure.
No idea whether they are still afflicted by this, but beater used to have really poor quality bearings and were prone to failure.Both systems work, are very robust and shoes fit both cleat systems,
Beaters probably are a little better in really sticky mud.
If you can try both systems.
I prefer a platform pedal with my SPDs, easier to clip back on under pressure.
OP I have bad knees too and you should be fine with SPDs IF you set them up correctly.
Edited by rhinochopig on Sunday 20th November 18:43
I was first diagnosed with OA of the knees when I was 30. And since then have had recurring bouts of pain, bloated knees, sore knees, stabbing pains st night, and the other myriad of symptoms associated with the wearing out of the knees.
When I was 40, in an attempt to get fit, I started running. This was a BAD IDEA, basically it really bloody hurt. For months I went through cycles of running to get fit, stopping 'cause my knees hurt, running to get fit etc. A year later my wife came home with a bike.
6 months later I started doing evening 10s, I'd bought a better bike, fitted Look pedals and eventually I got down to a 'big' 22 for the 10 mile TT at 40 something.
When I was 60, I changed to SPDs, I'm still using them at 65. I know knees are all different, but I really don't think SPDs are bad for them. A couple of years ago I broke a patella tendon. The surgeon noted that my OA was bad enough to have the knee replaced, but I've elected to keep cycling instead as I can ride for longer than I can walk.
I reckon cycling (with SPDs) is good for your knees.
However, reading your post about 'putting your foot down' I do wonder if your saddle is low, and you're putting a lot of extra strain on the knees if it is. (Just try the Sampson's Chair exercise - if your knees are in bad shape, they will make you stop before thigh burn)
When I was 40, in an attempt to get fit, I started running. This was a BAD IDEA, basically it really bloody hurt. For months I went through cycles of running to get fit, stopping 'cause my knees hurt, running to get fit etc. A year later my wife came home with a bike.
6 months later I started doing evening 10s, I'd bought a better bike, fitted Look pedals and eventually I got down to a 'big' 22 for the 10 mile TT at 40 something.
When I was 60, I changed to SPDs, I'm still using them at 65. I know knees are all different, but I really don't think SPDs are bad for them. A couple of years ago I broke a patella tendon. The surgeon noted that my OA was bad enough to have the knee replaced, but I've elected to keep cycling instead as I can ride for longer than I can walk.
I reckon cycling (with SPDs) is good for your knees.
However, reading your post about 'putting your foot down' I do wonder if your saddle is low, and you're putting a lot of extra strain on the knees if it is. (Just try the Sampson's Chair exercise - if your knees are in bad shape, they will make you stop before thigh burn)
The newer Eggbeater pedals (with a number, not lettering) are much better and last longer.
I have Eggbeater 3's and they are great and last really well with little or no maintenance.
I found the older versions fine as well, but you did need to keep up on the maintenance for than the newer versions.
They have a 5 year warranty, so any issue with them just send them back and they will be sorted FOC.
I have Eggbeater 3's and they are great and last really well with little or no maintenance.
I found the older versions fine as well, but you did need to keep up on the maintenance for than the newer versions.
They have a 5 year warranty, so any issue with them just send them back and they will be sorted FOC.
rhinochopig said:
No idea whether they are still afflicted by this, but beater used to have really poor quality bearings and were prone to failure.
OP I have bad knees too and you should be fine with SPDs IF you set them up correctly.
This, basically. I'd get some shimano M520s, see how you get on. It's a smoother pedalling action with SPDs also which may help your knees.OP I have bad knees too and you should be fine with SPDs IF you set them up correctly.
Edited by rhinochopig on Sunday 20th November 18:43
I meant for roads (Zero's) primarily after experience with Look's and SPD's. The float is far easier on knees than the traditional designs. I can see the Zero being ok for off road use but the cleat system if it got full of crap would probably be a pain?
I would be waiting for these though..
http://www.pinkbike.com/news/Speedplay-Syzr-Pedal-...
I would be waiting for these though..
http://www.pinkbike.com/news/Speedplay-Syzr-Pedal-...
I've got both, Frogs on the winter bike and Zeros on the summer, and my busted kneecap doesn't complain at all.Just stick with some SPD's - you can get them for £18 from Wiggle, it's the shoes that are the real cost. You can get flip sided pedals with SPD's one side and a flat cage the other for normal shoe use. But when you're pedaling on SPD's the cleat itself takes all the pressure, the cage is barely in contact. The sole of the shoe is stiff and gives you the solid platform to support the foot.
It's all about positioning. You have to spend ages tweaking the cleat position on the shoe until you get them spot on, after that they should give you no issues. Any twinges/burning/pain = incorrect cleat position, so you should sort it quickly. A good bike shop or bike fitting specialist might help if you have problems.
They're the single bestthign you can do for your cycling once you've got a decent bike. It's a world of difference. And, by ensuring that your foot position is spot on every time, I think they can help you avoid injury rather than causing it, so long as you get them right.
It's all about positioning. You have to spend ages tweaking the cleat position on the shoe until you get them spot on, after that they should give you no issues. Any twinges/burning/pain = incorrect cleat position, so you should sort it quickly. A good bike shop or bike fitting specialist might help if you have problems.
They're the single bestthign you can do for your cycling once you've got a decent bike. It's a world of difference. And, by ensuring that your foot position is spot on every time, I think they can help you avoid injury rather than causing it, so long as you get them right.
I used to ride with Shimano MTB and Look for road. I have always had a twingey knee to to an old injury. I know use CB Candys on both MTB and road and mey knee feels so much freeer dur to the extra float.
As said before all knees are different but mine have deffo benifitted front eh CB pedals
As said before all knees are different but mine have deffo benifitted front eh CB pedals
Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff