Potential knee issue?

[Jiffer]

Yes, I agree, you may be pushing too hard in a more difficult gear. Spinning faster in an easier gear is faster, even though it may feel strange at first.

[tjf9]

Thanks for the input! I appreciate your help.

I agree that a bike fitting may be my best bet. I'd like to move to clipless pedals and I'm thinking that I can work with a bike fitter to help me choose the right kind of pedals for me, as well as get the rest of the bike dialed in. I've been holding off on investing too much in this bike since I'd really like a new one, but I can't seem to decide what I want in a new bike since I've only been at this for a month. It's a bit of a pickle.

While trying to decide about the new bike vs. outfitting the current one, I may try moving the seat up slightly and I'll definitely try to work on getting my cadence up. I know that spinning is better for you, but it is one of those things that doesn't really come naturally - I really need to focus on it. I think a bike computer will really help me in that area - having that constant feedback about my cadence will be a good training tool.

Thanks again!

[Zen]

I think you'll find the answer here

[Kano]

I'd like to move to clipless pedals and I'm thinking that I can work with a bike fitter to help me choose the right kind of pedals for me, as well as get the rest of the bike dialed in. I've been holding off on investing too much in this bike since I'd really like a new one, but I can't seem to decide what I want in a new bike since I've only been at this for a month. It's a bit of a pickle.

For what it's worth: pedals that you put on this bike can be moved when you eventually pick a different bike. (guess how I know this?) I also moved my upgraded saddle when I got a new bike, though I eventually decided that it didn't work as well for me with the new riding position. DH has raided my slick tires now that he's commuting, and stuck me with his on my old bike -- knobbier ones, doggone it! Not that I ride that one real often, cuz I really enjoy my new road bike!

It's worth making this bike as nice a ride as possible while you're deciding what kind of rider you are. It didn't take me long to decide that I am NOT a mountain biker, no matter how much DH thinks he wants me to be, and that a road bike is more my style, even if I'm not really a speed freak! Well, not yet anyway!

Karen in Boise

[RoadRaven]

Have you searched for "knee pain" in the forum?
There are several threads that go into detail about cleat positiion, foot position etc and how a little change can leave you pain-free...

[tjf9]

Zen - Thanks for the Sheldon Brown link - that was very helpful.
RoadRaven - I didn't even realize this board had a search function. I'll try that too.
Karen - I've been thinking more and more about getting the pedals. You make a good point that I can always take them with me.

Thanks again!

[Cyclo Kitty]

Knee pain is a tricky thing, I rode my 3-speed again last week and the saddle was way too low, and my knees hurt a lot after only 2 miles (I average 50+ per week).

I started by commuting a year ago and rode an old 3 speed, alternating with my MTB when I wore trousers. I desperately wanted a new, dedicated commuter but it took me a year to figure out what I wanted. In the meantime, I tweaked the MTB fit-wise and accessory wise (racks, fenders, clipless pedals). The saddle has gone up a lot over the past year, but the knee pain has gone away (barring pushing too hard uphill against a head wind for too long!)

By the time I figured out what I wanted, I knew enough about my riding style to be really glad I'd waited! Upgrade what you have and learn what you like--you might be surprised. I'm picking up the Bianchi San Jose tomorrow, and a year ago I would've chosen a Dutch bicycle or a Pashley Princess, had such a bike been available.

Good luck with the fit and the riding. Ice three times a day for 15 minutes works wonders. A generic reusable freezer-ready gel pack from the pharmacy wraps around the joint nicely if you prefer not to use a bag of peas.

[Python]

This seems to be a common problem. There is a thread on one of the British forums about exactly the same thing.

I had knee pain too just as you describe - in the inside of my knees. It affected my right knee more than my left. I put it down to muscular rather than anything else as I was cycling more than I'd ever done in my entire life. Sure enough, after a couple of weeks, the pain went. I don't get it anymore and I haven't adjusted my seat. My seat is at it's lowest point (I've got short legs) and my legs are almost straight when I'm pedalling so I think the height is probably about right. It'll be interesting to see what happens when I get my new bike next month.

Interestingly something I've noticed - if I don't cycle I get minor aches and pains all over, some in my back, some in my neck etc. I found this out last week when due to bad weather and other things that cropped up I only commuted once to work and had to use the car the rest of the time.

Methinks the "feel good factor" isn't just a psychological thing - it's a physical thing as well.