Road Cycling - Knee pain

I went on my first road ride of the year today. The pain in my right knee around and under the kneecap is back. The ride was about 30 miles mostly flat with two steep little hills. I'm wondering if it could be bike fit problems. I don't get the pain when I ride my mountain bike but then I'm going slower and less miles.

The obvious things: saddle height (too low can induce front knee pain); fore/aft position (too far forward can be a problem). I solved a knee-pain problem several years ago when I discovered that I'd moved the saddle too far forward because the cockpit was too long and I was being pulled forward, so I adjusted the saddle to compensate. A shorter stem allowed me to move the saddle back so I could achieve the knee-over-pedal-spindle position.

IMO it's worth looking into how much your knee is bent at the top of the downstroke, and experimenting with doing whatever it takes to open that angle up. But then, I'm an older rider with bad knees.

RichC

First ride of the year is never an easy thing. I rollerblade, ice skate and play hockey during the cold months, but, after the first bikeride I say, "What the hell is this? How come I'm so out of shape?" Apparently biking requires a whole different set of muscles. Getting used to being back in the saddle is also a *****. The forth or fifth ride I'm right back into the groove, though. FWIW, I'm 34 physically (about 17 mentally).

Yes, the obvious answer is that your seat is too low. Try moving it up a little bit at a time. Also, you body may not be used to the repetitive movement. Go slow and shorter distances at first. Give your body time to acclimate. Good luck. A knee is a terrible thing to waste.

I think your too young to have arthritious, I have that problem in my left knee .All the above advice & drop a gear & spin faster &take anti-inflamitarys ,ordinary old Asprin does the trick !
cheers

I found the answer bought a 20lb Lemond Zurich womens specific bike yesterday and the knee pain went away. Amazing what a bike that actually fits does.:D

Originally posted by reiko
I found the answer bought a 20lb Lemond Zurich womens specific bike yesterday and the knee pain went away. Amazing what a bike that actually fits does.:D

Buying a new bike cures all sorts of ills! Congratulations, and have fun!

RichC

I would agree to try adjusting the sadle, did you have this pain when you rode before? if not it may just take some time to get in shape