Cleat fore and aft and saddle height.

[yelfordrover]

Is there a relationship for the above? I'm modifying some shoes to give a 15mm more rearward cleat position (to help with knee arthritis) and was wondering if there is a rule of thumb regarding how much to lower the saddle.

[Pinkie]

Is there a relationship for the above? I'm modifying some shoes to give a 15mm more rearward cleat position (to help with knee arthritis) and was wondering if there is a rule of thumb regarding how much to lower the saddle.

There is a relationship, but half an inch isnt going to make much difference. Try it and see, then if you think its necessary, knock the seat down a few mill at a time till you find the sweet spot.

[531colin]

You might find that moving your cleats back that much will load your quads and spare your hamstrings. Moving the saddle back will help to restore the balance between the muscle groups. (and thats counter-intuitive, at least it is to me!)
If it isn't a rude question, why do you think moving the cleats back will help with knee arthritis?

[yelfordrover]

I soon found out that squats really play havoc with my arthritic right knee. By doing them properly with the knee always behind the toes, the pain is greatly reduced. I have my saddle set back at 100mm (34" leg inseam) and find myself still pushing myself more rearward on the saddle. I find this eases knee pain. By going for a more rearward cleat position, I'm thinking that this will put my knee further behind my toes and so help with knee pain. I also find that nipping to the shops on an old hack bike with flat pedals and everyday shoes that I tend to have my feet a lot more centred on the pedals.

[ANTONISH]

I soon found out that squats really play havoc with my arthritic right knee. By doing them properly with the knee always behind the toes, the pain is greatly reduced. I have my saddle set back at 100mm (34" leg inseam) and find myself still pushing myself more rearward on the saddle. I find this eases knee pain. By going for a more rearward cleat position, I'm thinking that this will put my knee further behind my toes and so help with knee pain. I also find that nipping to the shops on an old hack bike with flat pedals and everyday shoes that I tend to have my feet a lot more centred on the pedals.

Well your experience with the hack iron is certainly telling you something.
You don't have to use dedicated cycling shoes or cleats - I've known a number of strong cyclists who use cycle in ordinary shoes. I can recall two who habitually cycled in boots - three if I include my partner who uses riding boots in winter with plastic toe clips and toe straps.
Of course if your racing and need the extra grip for acceleration etc ..

[yelfordrover]

The problem with comparing my hack bike to my road bike is that the former is uncomfortable in many ways. Also the trip to the shops is only a mile or so; my knee tends to start giving problems after 20 miles. I would also be very wary about not being clipped in, particularly when out of the saddle. I can see what you mean though regarding my foot's preferred position.