Mountain Biking - Anybody else have bad knees?

So I've had knee problems all my life (Not sure why exactly) and riding for extended periods my knees start to ache a bit and it's like I can't even move my legs anymore. I'm not tired or anything but my knees feel exhausted. I was wondering if there are any stretches or anything I could do before I ride or whatnot. I found that raising my seat higher makes it possible for me to ride for extended periods without much pain but if I ride for about 10 miles, the ride back kills me.

Also, would knee braces help or what? Hopefully somebody understands the kind of pain I'm talking about or experiences something similar and has suggestions.

How long have u been riding? I had them when i first started out last year... everyime i came off a ride my knees would ache and almost seize up... But as i got smoother in my riding and lowered my seat the pain went away and i can do large distances without any pain now... except from the bit u get when ur absoleutly knackered

I havn't been riding for too long but my knees have always been pretty bad anyways.

I've got deteriorated cartiledge in both my knees. I used to do deep knee squats with a lot of weight. (@ 600 lbs) I get a throbbing ache when the barometer drops. (my own built in rain indicator).

The Orthopedic instructed me to stop the squats and do some leg extensions and leg curls only. He also instructed me to ride a bike to help strengthen the knee area w/ minimal impact.

If you're having knee pain, on the bike it can be a couple of different things. Your seat can be too low or too high. I measure by putting the pedal in the 6 o'clock position and place my heel on the pedal. Set the height to where the knee locks out. Then, when you ride with your pedal on the balls of your feet, your knee will NOT lock out.

The other thing to try out are clipless pedals/shoes with a lot of "float" Time A.T.A.C.'s and Eggbeaters have a lot. Speedplay Frogs probably have the most.

If you also ride a road bike, look into Speedplay X-Series pedals.

The final thing to check is your fore and aft position of your saddle. This is a debated issue, but I always use it as a general rule of thumb. (You'll need a helper for this). With you foot clicked in, and your pedal in the 3 o'clock position drop a plumb line (a string with a heavy washer works for this) down the front of your knee. The plumb line should be in line with the pedal axle. If not adjust the saddle fore or aft on its rails to get it to line up.

O.k., another thing I thought of, not directly related, but all part of bike fit. Make sure your cleat is below the ball of your foot. If it's too far back, your leg will be too far forward and you could get some associated knee pain or "hot feet".

L8R

Yep, bad knees and I endorse everything that Floridian posted above me.

I also have thousands of miles on SpeedPlay Frogs...and remain quite a fan of these knee-friendly, durable, light XC pedals.

Hey EBasil, I've wondered since you came onboard. Where the Heck is Donovan State Prison, and are you a guard or an inmate?

L8R

...somebody read my tag line...:beer:

Donovan is in south San Diego, adjacent to the US/Mexico border.

I am an inmate, sentenced to life for mercilessly beating three roadies to death with a Silca frame pump. They made a comment about my hairy legs and deserved to die. Even the judge agreed, but said "she had to do what she had to do." The cool part about Donovan is that when we're not making shivs, we can get furlough to ride the local singletracks. That's pretty progressive for a maximum security impound, when you think about it. I hardly ever "snap" anymore, but ride with a folding shovel, just in case.

Sucker, you got caught, nah nah na boo boo!

L8R