Can Clipless Pedals Cause a Muscle Strain?

Question: I just got clipless pedals and now I feel like I strained my groin. It’s very sore when riding or walking. I have been trying to pull up with the new pedals to help round out my pedal stroke, so maybe that’s the problem. Any suggestions? — Ralph F.

Coach Fred Matheny Replies: It’s highly unusual to strain anything in your groin during road cycling. That sort of injury usually comes from stop-and-go sports with lateral moves, like basketball or tennis. In cycling, groin strains commonly occur only from a crash.

Perhaps your riding position is incorrect and repetitions of the pedal stroke have made your muscles sore, pain that you’re mistaking for a strain. If you’re emphasizing the upstroke as much as you say, that could have contributed.

Have your position checked to make sure the saddle isn’t too high. Also try pedaling normally as if you were using your old pedals.

Clipless pedals lock your foot in place vertically. They are less forgiving of some position errors than old-style toe clips and straps, which could let feet lift off the pedal slightly at the bottom of the stroke while still keeping the cage in thecleat’s groove.