Achilles Tendon

[le_quiet_uno]

Hi all,

Thought that I'll get some feedback from all before seeing a doctor tomorrow.

Have recent bought a new bike. The setup is pretty similar to my old one with the exception of crank arm length (i.e. new=172.5 and old=170) and saddle height (i.e. new=73.5 and old=73)

Went out for a first ride this morning after about 50kms or so, I start feel sore on my Achilles Tendons. The only thing that I have noticed is that I slightly tippy toe a bit once the pedal is all the way down.

Would appreciate it to hear some feedback from you all.

Many thanks!

[toolonglegs]

Mine inflames quickly if my saddle is too high. These days I run it a tiny bit lower than Steve Hogg set up for me (only 2 or 3mm).
Also I run my cleats as far back is possible...this isn't much either...maybe 5mm from his original set up. But we both agreed it would be worth a try. Might reduce my sprint a tiny bit but I have less problems now.
Running saddle lower and cleats further back will remove pressure from the heal.
Mine is a combination of over use and limited ankle movement due to teenage break.
I also stretch it out... not often...but very active stretch my physio showed me.

[le_quiet_uno]

Hi TooLongLegs,

Thanks for the advise!

Will give that a try and see how I go.

[coffeeandwine]

Hi all,

Thought that I'll get some feedback from all before seeing a doctor tomorrow.

Have recent bought a new bike. The setup is pretty similar to my old one with the exception of crank arm length (i.e. new=172.5 and old=170) and saddle height (i.e. new=73.5 and old=73)

Went out for a first ride this morning after about 50kms or so, I start feel sore on my Achilles Tendons. The only thing that I have noticed is that I slightly tippy toe a bit once the pedal is all the way down.

Would appreciate it to hear some feedback from you all.

Many thanks!

Firstly, just to be clear, I know nothing about bike fitting...

If the old crank was 170, new one 172.5 and seat was in same position, you would have to stretch an extra 2.5 at the bottom of the down stroke; but the seat is also 0.5 up from old setting. So you have to stretch an extra 3mm, granted bike frame geometries vary a lot...

You've already identified that you need to "tippy-toe" on the new bike.

Can you fit the old cranks to check the effect?

[RonK]

I can't see how longer cranks would induce achilles pain - stretching to reach would relax the achilles rather tense it.
As toolonglegs suggested, cleat position is a more likely cause. You don't mention if you have changed shoes or pedals on the new bike.
If I recall correctly, Steve Hogg once wrote an article advocating a mid-foot cleat position, although this required modification of the shoes. However this mid-foot cleat position is apparently favored by long-distance Race America contestants.
Personally the default position for the cleats on my shoes is as far back as they will go, and saddle height is adjusted accordingly.
There is another possibly - extended cycling shortens the calves, so if you have started running after a long period of cycling an achilles injury is not unlikely if you don't take care to stretch properly.


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[AndrewBurns]

When I had my seat too high I started with achilles tendon pain which eventually became ITB pain around my knee. Personally I felt like my seat was at the correct height but it was way off, can't hurt to get someone with experience fitting bikes look at you when you're on it, it's pretty hard to watch yourself when you're pedalling to see if you're dropping your hips or something.

[kb]

..
There is another possibly - extended cycling shortens the calves, so if you have started running after a long period of cycling an achilles injury is not unlikely if you don't take care to stretch properly.

Hah! Just what happened to me going back to aerobics after an extended break. Back on a break again At least without the gym I can still manage my commute.

[Farmer Elvis]

Be very careful the achilles is one of the worst injuries you can get, make sure you don't try and ride thru pain or you may spend a long time off the bike

[rustychisel]

and don't forget to measure distance of saddle behind the bottom bracket with a plumbline

[le_quiet_uno]

Hi all,

Thanks heaps for all the tips. My LBS had a check through the bike and my saddle definitely running to high also the cleat position is running too forward.

They are going to have a quick check through when I take the bike in next time.

[iMad]

Be very careful the achilles is one of the worst injuries you can get, make sure you don't try and ride thru pain or you may spend a long time off the bike

Well I'm not medically trained but I have ruptured my achilles tendon and it really is a bugger on an injury. A broken leg would be better.

What my ortho surgeon did tell me though was that Achilles pain isn't necessarily a link to rupture.
Certainly you would want to correct the problem but I wouldn't necessarily fret too much about it leading to a rupture.

[le_quiet_uno]

Thanks guys for your help!! Have adjusted the saddle height and position the cleat. It felt so much better!!