I've started to develop a sharp pain in my left ankle when riding down rough descents. I always ride "right foot forward" and always used to have my cleats set right at the front. I guess its wear and tear on the joint due to the impact when the ankle is so acutely bent.
I've tried moving the cleats all the way back (which helps, but feels a bit odd) and riding left foot forward (which is oh so wrong - like writing left-handed). But I'm still getting pain and it can make pedalling hurt too on long rides once I've gone "yelp".
So I guess flatties will be good for that downhill issue, because I can have the pedal under the instep (just like a postman!).
But as I usually ride singlespeed, does anybody have experience of switching from SPDs (although it's Time Freerides I use) to flats?
Cannock Chase is my usual riding ground and I'm quite happy to get off and push anyway once the gradient starts taking itself seriously.
And what sort of shoes should I look at? I went to TK Maxx today (after accidentally setting fire to the Katyn Memorial) but they don't seem to have any 5 10s or Vans skate shoes, but a load of Airwalk shoes with quite hard looking soles
If you SS on flats, you have to wear wellies, its the *LAW*.
or not, i've always used flats on my ss.
initially i did that because it was a winter bike and i didn't want to fight with mud clogged cleats on a winter night ride and never took them off as I used it through the summer too. I've got spds on a another bike and have considered switching them over, but I like it as is and don't really see the point.
Funny enough I have just put a pair of flats on my SS. Got a pair of cheap Airwalks to ride them.
The result has been great fun!
SS is fine with flats. You have to be careful putting the power down on slippery or gravelly climbs in case the wheel spins and you bash your knees on the bar, but that's an issue with SPDs too. I really doubt it will be an issue if you mostly ride at Cannock, the climbs there are quite gentle in the grand scheme of things.
Shoes-wise anything with a flat sole works, unless it's rock-hard stiff. Try a few mail order BMX shops if you want a cheap pair of shoes that are designed for riding, they often have a good sale selection around the thirty quid mark.
I ss with flats. It's fine. I use a pair of Nike trainers with a chunky sole on them, not flat soles or expensive 5-10s. Just get some decent pedals with plenty of grip and there's nothing to worry about.
I have flat pedals on my Simple. I always ride flat pedals and have never found it a problem. It may not be maximally efficient or whatever but really who cares? I live in Scotland, ride 32/16 and don't think I suffer particularly from not using spds.
I use Kona wahwah pedals, which are great, and 5.10 shoes. You can get 5.10s at CRC and I would really recommend them, the grip is so much greater to any of the skate shoes I used before. I think the ability to move your feet on the pedals much more naturally will probably help with your ankle pain.
I hope that was helpful. Good luck.
Sounds like a plan. Better have some big plasters in the camelbak then for those spiky/shin hits.
I ride SS and fixed using flat track pattern pedals. Just needs a shoe with a reasonably stiff sole and a knobbly tread.
Can't remember the last time a foot came off.
+1 for 5 10s, I think they are worth a bit of extra dosh.
5:10s are very grippy indeed- perhaps too grippy if you're trying to find a "natural" pedalling position, as your foot tends to stay wherever you put it.
5 10's are the best upgrade I ever made on my bike, I thought they were expensive till I bought some, I now think they are cheap 😉
I have flats on my SS too.
I use Activ-8 Mudrocs at the moment, and some Salamons that I recently got cheap are also really grippy.
I use the Wellgo copies of DMR V8 pedals.
Im sure it will help your knee out but vs SPD's it will definatly reduce your ability to climb.
Not saying you wont get up hills at all, im sure you will, but just be aware if you are doing an xc ride it might be worth poping SPD's back on.
great fun razzing down with your feet out though 🙂
I've used flats on my SS since I got it. Mainly because I want to use it around town and off road and flats are so much easier with 'regular' shoes. I've been using Simple sneakers but my feet really ache after riding for a while as the soles are so soft/flexy.
I'm not sure that the change to flats will change your ankle pain. Have you tried adjusting the angle of the pedals ie hold it a bit higher than normal to reduce the acuteness of the angle? Or shifting your position a bit whilst downhilling (stretch up, move back & forth). Or perhaps some physio help? It might be muscle rather than joint pain. How quickly does it resolve after downhilling?
I wondered who'd been playing with matches over there this avo.......
saw around six fire trucks,and a couple of water bowsers over that way,about 3.30ish.
ps,what about Crank bros. candys,or something like that ?
I use Vans shoes, not the best looking as they're quite chunky, but the waffle sole is nice and grippy. Cheap off ebay as well, mine were only £25 posted.
Another me too here. 32:16 5.10s and V12s. Got some Candys for the SS but never had the inclination to put them on yet.
if you are doing an xc ride it might be worth poping SPD's back on
I manage ok on xc stuff.
I've been using Simple sneakers but my feet really ache after riding for a while as the soles are so soft/flexy.
My Inov-8s are very flexy. My feet aren't though, and they're inside them 🙂
32:16 5.10s and V12s on my SS as well
Quick thought - does this mean I'm thinking of going cliplessless?
Thanks all for the advice. I'm going to try and borrow some decent shoos/peggils to see if I get on with them before investing.
But at least I know it's not impossible - although I'd be very nervous about riding my fixed wheel commuter without clips'n'straps.