Sore legs with clipless pedals

It took me 3 weeks of everyday commuting to get used to the new muscle strains of clipless but it wasn't too bad even during that period.
I would look at the position of your cleats, saddle height and general bike fit.

nnn said:

It took me 3 weeks of everyday commuting to get used to the new muscle strains of clipless but it wasn't too bad even during that period.
I would look at the position of your cleats, saddle height and general bike fit.

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Yes, one thing I noticed in the past, I got sudden hamstring pain after increasing my saddle height a little too much, so try dropping your saddle ~1/2" and see if there's any change.

Also, cleat alignment is often a culprit when people experience knee pain, so make sure your feet are not pointed out or in too much when clipped in, maybe use the "floating" cleat position and see if that helps.

Try moving the cleats back and forth on your shoes. Try making a conscious effort to pull up while riding. Try moving your saddle up. Make sure your shoes do not cut circulation.

Curmy said:

Try moving the cleats back and forth on your shoes.

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This. When I first went to clipless, my legs always got super tired. Didn't get better after a year and was quite discouraging. This year I moved the cleats back 1/2". It is like a night and day difference. Got my power and endurance back. Can ride all day without my feet and legs hurting. Awesome.

edzwa said:

Hi every body
I gust started using clipless pedals about 2 weeks ago after years of riding with platforms for years and my legs are killing me after just 1 hour they feel like I have been riding all day. I am just wondering if this is common and if it is how long should I expect it to take for my legs to adapt to the clipless pedals.
Any help will be much appreciated.
ED

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What exactly is hurting or is sore? Is it muscle, or joint (knee, ankle, hip or back)? Left side, right side or both?

What specific pedals are you using? Some have adjustable spring tension and entry/exit difficulty effort. As mentioned already, even cleat position on the shoe has an impact. Some physical conditioning/adaptation issues can definitely occur as one gets used to it, but it shouldn't take long. In reality once you become better adapted to clipless pedals, I think they're actually easier on knees, ankles, and muscles.

You may also just be experiencing a learning technique curve. People are different, but most have better success with pedaling smooth circles with any pedal, but especially with clipless pedals in particular. Herky-jerky, mashing methods can be painful for some as your feet are locked in while your doing this monkey dance. Be smooth.

edzwa said:

Hi every body
after years of riding with platforms for years

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The Department of Reduncancy Department has been alerted.

Thank you all for your replies I will move the cleats and see if that helps. What is this "floating" cleat position?
The pedals that I have are Shimano PD-M647 thay do have the adjustable spring tension and I have it set 6 clicks fron the easiest setting.
It is just my thighs and calves that are sore and my feet sometimes but i think that is from doing my shoes up too tight and wearing socks that are to thin.

edzwa said:

Thank you all for your replies I will move the cleats and see if that helps. What is this "floating" cleat position?
The pedals that I have are Shimano PD-M647 thay do have the adjustable spring tension and I have it set 6 clicks fron the easiest setting.
It is just my thighs and calves that are sore and my feet sometimes but i think that is from doing my shoes up too tight and wearing socks that are to thin.

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Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, but I think you can buy SPD cleats with more float than standard?

fsrxc said:

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, but I think you can buy SPD cleats with more float than standard?

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You can get multirelease ones: SH-56. I think they have the same float.

Sounds like you're learning how to spin. Essentially if your thighs and calves are hurting its probably b/c in flats you didn't have a 360 degree pedal stroke, but your style of pedaling now with the clips is hitting muscle groups you weren't previously strong in...

I'd do a search on how to effectively spin and getting your float dialed in.