When I made my comeback, I did 1000 miles in the little ring only. I had problems with tendonitis in my patellar tendon, It would flare up if I tried to push a bigger gear. I rode my base miles in the fall and winter, it was not as much fun as drilling it all the time, but now I can hammer a several times a week, with no pain whatsoever, as long as I stretch my hamstrings a little.