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Moving Cleats Back

I am having lower leg troubles when I run (calves, Achilles tendon, and plantar). I stretch regularly -- based on stretches recommended by a PT -- and do strengthening exercises (e.g., eccentric heal raises). I suspect that my long Sunday bike ride is contributing to my lower leg issues and am considering moving my cleats all the way back (in addition to a pro bike fit). Has anyone had any experience with this? Positive/Negative effects?

Thanks.

Richard

General Discussions

Sure sounds like an overuse

Submitted by dkhartung on July 12, 2012 - 12:58

Sure sounds like an overuse running issue rather than a bike cleat issue? Have you ruled that out?

Running is certainly part of

Submitted by rachapkis on July 13, 2012 - 05:00

Running is certainly part of the problem, but cycling is a contributing factor.

Whether or not the impact of

Submitted by paganopj on July 13, 2012 - 05:42

Whether or not the impact of the bike fit is major or minor, you need to have the fit done if you have not. When you get fit, you need to bring up the cleat position issue so it can be resolved as part of the fit. Cleat position could well be a factor as I have experienced a locked up calf/leg in a Olympic race after having changed cleats out the night before (dumb, I know). Anyway, I lined one cleat up more forward than the other by perhaps 1cm. Luckily there was a massage tent after the race. My calf and gluteus medius were locked up most.

Get the bike fit, keep stretching, and dial back the running if needed. Are you sure the shoes you are in are working for you? Just because the running store recommended them doesn't mean they're the right ones.

When I got my bike fit I had

Submitted by Iron Dan on July 13, 2012 - 10:44

When I got my bike fit I had my cleats to far back on the shoe. I was talking with the bike fitter and he said that a vast majority of people who set their own cleat position have the cleat to far back and need to move them forward. Thought this was interesting. Don't know if he is right or not but I hope he knows what he is talking about since I paid him handsomely for a bike fit.

I know that moving the

Submitted by rachapkis on July 15, 2012 - 04:47

I know that moving the cleats back takes pressure off of the back of the lower leg, is generally better for long sustained efforts like TTs, but reduces power for short term efforts like a sprint.