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Slight ongoing saga with my pedalling using spds, and itb niggles.
Rather than pedalling and keeping my knees straight they are moving around and circling instead of just up and down.. my bike fit guy seems to think it's weak hips and muscle imbalance... Especially my abductors.
My left knee has a tendency to drift around in a circular motion hrough the pedal stroke and is causing irritation in my ITB.
Any tips for improving this? Is it just a case of more hip and core strengthening?
What pedals do you use? Riding a fixie can be a good way to improve your pedaling action in terms of pedaling the full circle.
I've fitted my commute bike with flats. It's quite easy to slip into poor technique when clipped in.
your bike fit guy isn’t up on pealing dynamics then. i had similar problems to you which after a visit to a good physio with cycling knowledge and a good fitter the problems were solved with footbeds and cleat shims to get the knee tracking straight and a few exercises and stretches to get the glutes working properly.
now anecdotal internet forum evidence is not a guide to solving your issues as they are going to be unique to you but a good physio/bike fitter should sort those problems easily for you. if you are anywhere near london/SE the crystal palace sports injuries clinic are very good and are set up for bike/pedalling analysis.
as for riding fixed that isn’t going to get you knee tracking straight, it may up your cadence but it will also make you lazy over the top of the stroke where you knee will be moving the most (i know this because i rode exclusively fixed for a couple of years)
Shimano a600 spds with shimano R107 shoes...
I've just ridden a quick 10 miles and my itb hasn't complained yet...
My bike fitter felt I could correct it with hip strengthening.. or wanted me to try this before.
He has shimmed one cleat and moved my other cleat to help track straighter.
I was more curious to see anyone else had stabilized their knee tracking with just strengthening alone.
My knees do that too! I've never really thought much about it, nor been trouble by it. Think it's worth looking into to develop a bit of strength/speed?