Thread: ACL recovery w/ clipless pedals

Searched around but this is a kind of specific question... I am three months post op from ACL reconstruction with hamstring, anyone else in a similiar situation use clipless pedals?

I plan on using spd's and putting them at the easiest release setting, but just wondering if the twisting motion to get out of them has been a problem for anyone who had acl surgery? Im sure someone else on here has asked their surgeon so generally when did you get the ok to use clipless?

I was given the ok to get on a bike outside ~1-month post op; however, I was specifically told not to use clipless until at least 6-months out. The concern is if you do put it down for some reason, having your foot caught could cause an awkward twisting fall.

guess that makes sense.. Since I never fall, I was thinking more along the lines that just the normal twisting to release from the pedals could cause problems. Guess its platforms, but was still hoping to be able to use clipless by now.

I put platforms on my bike for now, I don't want anything that might hold my foot on the pedal if I happen to take a quick tumble. So far it hasn't made a lot of difference to my riding, other than the obvious inability to pull up on a pedal for more power.

i hurt my knee at the end of ski season, and switched from clips to flats for the entire riding season. it just wasn't worth the risk of torquing my knee if I crashed with the clips. got some 5.10 shoes, and it's almost as good as being clipped in

Originally Posted by connersw

I was given the ok to get on a bike outside ~1-month post op; however, I was specifically told not to use clipless until at least 6-months out. The concern is if you do put it down for some reason, having your foot caught could cause an awkward twisting fall.

Ditto with my docs instructions a few years ago.

Thanks, sounds like itll be platforms this fall.

I'm 5+ months allo acl post op. Been road riding SPD's , with the Dr's blessing, for 3 months (~1600 miles) - no problems or booboos. Started mtb last week, eggbeaters, had a derailleur malfunction tip over today - knee's fine. Twist out has always seemed low stress. My biggest concern has been putting the foot down wrong.

I'm about 6 years post ACL and my knee still gets stiffer, faster using clipless. It twists a little more on your knee when you can't quite pivot far enough in clipless pedals where flats let you pivot as much as you want at your feet instead of in your knee. I still use clipless though and haven't had any other problems than stiffness, and i DO fall.

Speed play pedals are suppose to be the best for knee problems because they have the most play. But, pretty much any modern clipless pedals have plenty of movement in them compared to there counter parts from twenty years ago.

If anything, I would assume its better to ride clipless due the fact they promote better form. Where as on a platform its easier to pick up bad habits that might lead to a whole different set of knee problems than your normal skiing related.

Now, my question, opinions on riding fixed gears after acl reconstruction? THere are the set backs such as skidding and lower cadence depending on gear ratios. But, with brakes to cancel the skidding, and a higher gear ratio. Wouldn't the act of constant spinning, be more effective in rebuilding muscle mass?

I would like to suggest using the multi-release cleat with your spd pedals. They allow a release which is more up and out vs the sideway release of the standard cleat. I can often throw my bike between my legs and run out of an endo situation on my mtn bike. They also release easier in muddy conditions.

Originally Posted by PDS

Speed play pedals are suppose to be the best for knee problems because they have the most play. But, pretty much any modern clipless pedals have plenty of movement in them compared to there counter parts from twenty years ago.

If anything, I would assume its better to ride clipless due the fact they promote better form. Where as on a platform its easier to pick up bad habits that might lead to a whole different set of knee problems than your normal skiing related.

Now, my question, opinions on riding fixed gears after acl reconstruction? THere are the set backs such as skidding and lower cadence depending on gear ratios. But, with brakes to cancel the skidding, and a higher gear ratio. Wouldn't the act of constant spinning, be more effective in rebuilding muscle mass?

Why do you see clipless pedals as promoting better form? I see it the opposite in terms of mountain bike technique. I do feel like you have more float with clipless than with flats (where you can move your foot wherever you like, but once you set it down that's where it stays). That said - my knees feel fine using either (once they've recovered sufficiently from various surgeries).

I'd ask your doctor about fixed gear riding. My PT wouldn't let me use a spin bike for a while (stationary bike only) because there's no freewheel. They have apparently seen a number of people who forget that they have to keep spinning, try to stop suddenly and destroy a newly reconstructed knee. Personally, I thought that I've been spinning long enough that I couldn't see myself doing that, but the fact that your muscles aren't what they were when you were used to it probably means you don't have much protection in the event you make a mistake.

I started using my clipless pedals almost right away. when I was riding my trainer I would just have the shoe already attached and I was fine. I haven't had any problems with riding and using them now. I am also 6 months post opp and I started about 1 month with the clipless on the trainer