Clipless pedals and knee pain

[Owlie]

Thank you. I was fit for the bike when I purchased it, and rode long distances without issues for 2 years. The bike shop that I purchased the bike from is really too far away to go for another fitting, though.

Tigermom does have a good point--you might have a leg-length discrepancy (many people do) that doesn't matter on flat pedals, but causes problems clipped in. (My fitter put a shim in either my shoe or cleat (can't remember) to help with that).

I think if it's causing enough pain that you can't ride and are having a hard time walking, it's well worth the drive to do another fitting. It's cheaper than the conseqences.

[Pascale]

Ah, good point, ladies - I'll do some research into another fitting. Thanks so much! (I love this place!)

[zoom-zoom]

I'm assuming you're not mashing too hard a gear? My knees feel it immediately if I'm much under 70rpm (I can manage slower cadences the longer I ride).

[Pascale]

I'm assuming you're not mashing too hard a gear? My knees feel it immediately if I'm much under 70rpm (I can manage slower cadences the longer I ride).

I don't believe so, I try to make it pretty easy on myself

[Pascale]

Ok, apparently this has nothing at all to do with my pedals - as I rode my horse for 2 1/2 hours yesterday and I had the same problem with my other knee. This is the longest that I've ridden her in about 2 years, most have been short rides and I haven't noticed it. I'll do some digging around the site as I thought I saw some good discussions about knee pain as it relates to problem hips. Thanks for the advice, all!!

[Catrin]

Any chance your IT band might be too tight? I've had problems on and off this summer with my right knee and every time it's turned out to be really a tight IT band. My right knee has a bit of arthritis but that seems to be doing fine. If you have a foam roller it might not be a bad idea to try rolling them out.

[Pascale]

I'm sure that it's entirely possible - I've never even heard of it until I started browsing the forum, so I'll definitely check that out. It's pain/stiffness on the outside of the knee ... does that sound about right?