my worst enemy

[sundial]

Ultimately that contributed to problems with my calves and Achilles, but it spared my knees.

I experienced that too, Oak. Funny how the slightest change can significantly affect things over a distance. I did get a professional fitting back when I had the Roubaix. Besides adjusting the saddle fore/aft/height, they adjusted my cleats and checked the alignment of my knees during the pedal stroke. I did have to add a spacer on the left pedal so that my knee would track right. Seemed to get things pretty much squared away.

During the off season, I noticed that my mtb platform pedals gave me less grief than the SPDs so I put platforms on my road bike and seemed to clear up issues with my achilles and knee(s). Interestingly enough, my mtb has 175mm cranks. Go figure.

Now that I've changed from less mashing to more spinning, my knee seems to be protesting more. I'm doing exercises to try and build up the muscle groups around the knee in hopes of making it happier. Maybe that's what it needs. I'm hoping anyway.

[Cataboo]

Sundial - what type of cranks do you need? triple or double or compact double?

I've got a few spare 165 mm cranks and a 170 mm or so.

I'm 5'1, maybe a 29 inch inseam and use 165's (I can manage with 170s, but like 165's better) - BF is 5'7 with a 33 inch inseam, he uses 170's

Mountain bikes typically have longer cranks than road bikes.

[sundial]

Cataboo, I have a compact double. I think I'll check with my LBS and test a set of cranks at the shop. May save you postage.

[texascampgal]

I've been taking Lubrisyn for about 6 weeks now. My knees no longer grind and pop. My boss recommended this stuff to me.

www dot lubrisyn dot com

[sundial]

I've been off the bike for about 6 weeks and when the symptoms persisted I decided to pay a visit to the OS. Turns out my pain was due in part to the muscle catching on a bone spur. I opted for a big ol' cortisone shot--my first. I was instructed to not spin at a higher cadence and discussed treatment options, including Synvisc One therapy, for joint pain relief. Anyone have experience with Synvisc?

[Zen]

Try this exercise first http://cyclingphysio.com/?p=132

That guy just wanted to take his shirt off and show us his ill-fitting pants.
This is why I have stopped cycling for a while and am concentrating on walking, it allows more extension and the dogs like it too.

[sundial]

Zen, lol. I bet your doggies are really enjoying your attention.