looking for some advice. i have been plagued with achilles tendonitis for the past two years. last year the right and this year the left. i have been told (by a bike fitter and my massage therapist) that i maybe overusing my calves on the bike. i get done with a ride/race and my calves are much tighter than my quads. the fitter suggests i go to speedplay (currently use shimano) pedals and the speedplay adapter that moves the cleat all the way back to the middle of the foot. he says that will minimize calf/achilles involvement and maximize quads. any thoughts on this? i am really getting tired of not being able to run.
What is your saddle height as a percentage of your trochanteric height?
paulo, sorry but you will have to talk down to me a little. i’m not sure what the tem trochanteric height means.
Height from the ground to your greater trochanter. I’m just wondering if your saddle is too high, that is usually the number 1 suspect.
saddle height is 41.4" and where i think the greater trochanter is - right about 39.5". i do have rather long femurs, but overall short legs/long torso - 6’ 2" height.
There’s your answer. Correct saddle height should be 96-100% of trochanteric height. Looks like your saddle is high by around two inches.
paulo, thanks for taking the time. i will check it out.
As a chronic achilles sufferer, I have learned a bit about this. Moving the cleats back is a good suggestion. Lowering the seat may also help, but not too low, as that can introduce other problems.
Let this heal properly. I haven’t run consistently without recurrent pain in 8+ years, largely due to my not letting it heal right early on.
i am really getting tired of not being able to run.
sending (((((hugs)))) your way… I know that feeling
There are far too many factors that come into play with people (cyclists or triathletes that is) getting achilles tendonitis/opathy. But, yes, moving the cleats back does help many, as well as lowering your seat in many as well. I’d suggest no higher than 90% of your measured greater trochanter height if you know that (what Paulo is referring to).
To make it as simple as possible right now since you ARE currently experiencing more calf strain than quad strain on the bike - lower the seat about 1cm, move your current cleats back as far as possible and go bike. Should feel a little more in the quads and pressure from your seat and a little less on your calf. Also, try not to “ankle” to much when pedaling.
96-100% is the range. 90% is too low.
hey everyone, thank you very much for the input (and hugs!) i’ll be trying the combination as suggested. i think i will try the speedplay pedals with the adaptor, as that seems to be the way of moving the cleats the farthest back possible.
Yup, 90% is TOO low - on purpose 
For a while at least … I’ll wager he finds about 95% most powerful AND comfortable.
By saddle height, do you mean from pedal to saddle?