KSH, have you been to a doctor about your knee? When I had outer left knee pain a few years ago, I went to a sports med. doctor and found out that I had ITB syndrome. He referred me to a physical therapist, and it took just one visit to learn stretches to prevent a recurrence of this. I was also told the following (good advice for anyone with acute ITB issues):

1) lower my saddle slightly to decrease stretch of the ITB
2) use lower/easier gears and spin, spin, spin
3) avoid hilly rides and limit mileage on all rides.

I had to do all of the above in addition to daily ITB stretches for a couple of months (plus daily stretches) before I was 100% healed. After healed, I just did the stretches - but I did end up leaving my saddle a bit lower than recommended. I have not had a recurrence.

For anyone interested in ITB syndrome, here's a good website with info:

http://www.csuchico.edu/phed/atc/Pro...and/ITBFS.html

Or go directly to the stretching page:

http://www.csuchico.edu/phed/atc/Pro...tretching.html

By the way, I was using Speedplay X-2 pedals when I got the ITB syndrome. They are not the cure-all for that. But I was able to use them just fine after I healed. The ITB problems cropped up after I did three centuries in four weeks; just too much of a mileage increase for this old gal, I guess!

Emily