A fitting and a little secret

[Owlie]

I just have a strange q-angle, I think, because my knee will move inward even without pedaling (the test that the BG Fit uses is standing on one leg, then bending that knee--both knees will cross the center line). So he recommended a compact double partly for that reason, especially if I find that SPD-SLs or Speedplays don't work for me, and partly because 1) it's getting harder and harder to find a triple anyway on a complete bike anyway, and 2) the shifting is nicer and cross-chaining isn't as big an issue.

Miranda, it's interesting to hear you say that you want to switch to a standard double. On both bikes I've tested with compact doubles (the CAAD10 and the carbon Synapse), I've ended up in the really high end of the cassette on flat ground (using the smaller ring). It seems kind of silly.

[emily_in_nc]

I just have a strange q-angle, I think, because my knee will move inward even without pedaling (the test that the BG Fit uses is standing on one leg, then bending that knee--both knees will cross the center line).

Mine too, Owlie. I think a lot of women have this issue because our hips are wider than a man's. I've seen pictures showing how women have a tendency to be a bit knock-kneed.

Agree with you on all the reasons for a compact double other than this too! I really enjoyed mine when I had it. I tended to ride in the 50t most of the time, but I appreciated the 34t when I hit a big hill, that's for sure!

[Artista]

One of the things that I learned from my physical therapy is that weak inner thigh muscles are a factor that can influence our knees to collapse inward while riding and performing exercises like lunges and squats. I'm sure that there are other influencing factors as well but doing a gazillion lunges and squats with proper form, (knees over toes), has strengthened my inner thighs so that my knees no longer collapse inward as easily.