Cycling UK Forum

I am told by me doctor that I have the beginnings of an arthritic left ankle. Ok I accept that at 75 that’s to be expected, especially after a life of sports activities and inevitable ankle injuries. What I did not expect was that as a result of limited ankle flexibility, I find I can’t clip out easily using SPDs! Cue occasional clown like tumbles! Any suggestions as to whether other clipless pedals are more suitable than the said SPDs. Currently I’m now using flat MTB pedals with pins on my ‘go to’ Surly LHT but using generic flat pedals on my Genesis road bike. Any comments re pedals and even medical suggestions re pain relief would be welcome.

Perhaps revert to toe clips and straps ?
I changed to spd's twenty five years ago and I'm still awaiting the promised benefits whereas my partner has kept to toe clips and straps throughout.
I've always thought that twisting a foot to disengage is a problem - easily learned but sometimes trying a hurried disengagement can lead to problems.

Medical

Is that osteoarthritis rather than anything else?

NHS advice:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/osteoarthritis/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/osteoarthritis/treatment/

You've seen a doctor and you clearly already know about the importance of exercise.

If it were me I'd now be exploring local anti-inflammatory creams (topical NSAIDs). What works, how long do I need to apply it before a ride etc?

Jonathan

Pedals

Most riders using SPDs etc clip in and out of one side while leaving the other done up. And it's usually the same side for any rider. Are you already doing this so that the side with less flexibility is staying done up more often? Of course this might involve switching a long standing (!) habit.

Have you set the release tension as low as possible?

If I had to change to a different pedal I'd consider plastic toe shovels. Good location and no twisting needed to get in or out.

Jonathan

If it is comfortable why not stay with the MTB pedal with pins ?

Could try Shimano multi-release cleats. These let you unclip by twisting your foot to the left or the right, or by lifting your foot up and twisting the heel.

https://www.magped.com/
Somebody posted recently about Magped pedals, if you search the forum for their comments - may be of interest:
No experience of them myself but could be a possible solution if you still want to feel attached to the bike but be able to disengage easier. Its a magnet on the pedal, and a metal plate on your shoe rather than a mechanical connection.

deeferdonk wrote: ↑12 May 2023, 1:32pm https://www.magped.com/
Somebody posted recently about Magped pedals, if you search the forum for their comments - may be of interest:
No experience of them myself but could be a possible solution if you still want to feel attached to the bike but be able to disengage easier. Its a magnet on the pedal, and a metal plate on your shoe rather than a mechanical connection.

viewtopic.php?p=1764780#p1764780

Jonathan

Geoffroid wrote: ↑12 May 2023, 11:46am Could try Shimano multi-release cleats. These let you unclip by twisting your foot to the left or the right, or by lifting your foot up and twisting the heel.

I used these (SH-56) for a while and they do work as described.- however they seemed to wear quickly and I found it increasingly difficult to disengage. I've reverted to the single side twist (SH-51) .

Jdsk wrote: ↑12 May 2023, 2:01pm

deeferdonk wrote: ↑12 May 2023, 1:32pm https://www.magped.com/
Somebody posted recently about Magped pedals, if you search the forum for their comments - may be of interest:
No experience of them myself but could be a possible solution if you still want to feel attached to the bike but be able to disengage easier. Its a magnet on the pedal, and a metal plate on your shoe rather than a mechanical connection.

viewtopic.php?p=1764780#p1764780

Jonathan

Ok, I will research then possibly try these. Thanks for group input. Mike

I’m the resident magped advocate, and was just about to recommend them, as I usually do.

Very possibly the perfect solution for you, especially if you choose one of the designs that has a fairly big platform, rather than the ‘road’ or ‘gravel’, which dictate/require a pretty exact foot position, because the big platform ones allow a lot of latitude, which I reckon would be good for slight adjustments to foot position to relieve aches en-route.

I switched from spuds to Crank Brothers for similar reasons. They were an improvement for me, but after a couple of months I switched to good quality, grippy flats.

I had three pairs of Cranks but only have one pair left, should you want cheap trial.....

Being a wimp I've always used my SPDs dialled back to the weakest setting and "M" cleats on the shoes. I have two dodgy ankles, but with the ~30° of play this gives me I've never had any problems.

Also, since the shoe/pedal contact is metal-to-metal my feet can twist laterally with ease, whereas with a flat pedal bearing on rubber soles there'd be quite a lot of resistance.

Lots of high end bikes have standard pedals. You do not have to use click on. Increase virgin olive oil and nuts re arthritis.
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I ride Brompton and a `100% British Vintage.

They don't make them any more, but Speedplay Frogs are wonderful.
It's like having complete freedom on the pedals except you can pull up and pedal "round". You unclip in a jiffy.
I have a pair on both bikes.

They turn up on eBay occasionally, usually from USA, and they ain't cheap any more!