Road Cycling - Question about knees

When I have been riding lately, I have been experiencing a sensation in my right knee. Not a pain, but just a sensation--it's hard to describe, but it's similar to the sensation of when you touch your kneecap and move it slightly. I don't want to be doing any damage to my knees, and I'm worried that this sensation could develop into pain or further knee problems down the road. Has anyone encountered a similar situation? What adjustments would you suggest making?

Thanks,
Josh

Seat height may have something to do with it,,, but i really do not know what 'sensation' you are feeling.

I have injured my left knee numerous times and am therefore very careful about my bike fit and the "sensations" that I feel. It really depends on the sensation ... it could be something like seat height or it could be the float in your pedals.

If you make adjustments make sure to make them one at a time and ride for a while before trying something else. If it were me though I would go to a bikeshop and make sure I am fitted properly on the bike...

My knees just feel really well stretched at the end of a ride. Ive been playing with my seat height lately. I dont get any pain. It's more like a muscle feels after it's been worked out fully.

Originally posted by soylentjosh
When I have been riding lately, I have been experiencing a sensation in my right knee. Not a pain, but just a sensation--it's hard to describe, but it's similar to the sensation of when you touch your kneecap and move it slightly. I don't want to be doing any damage to my knees, and I'm worried that this sensation could develop into pain or further knee problems down the road. Has anyone encountered a similar situation? What adjustments would you suggest making?

Thanks,
Josh

It depends on how old your knees are and what they have been doing. My knees are nearly 60 and for 25 of those years, they umpired baseball. Consequently, I don't have a lot of cartilage left. I get grinding, popping and other sensations. My doctor, an avid senior racing cyclist, summed it up - "You have old knees. Get on your bike and peddle!"

If I remember correctly when your seat is adjusted your knee should have about a five degree bend at full pedal extension. If your seat height is correct it could be that your pushing too high a gear. Down shift a cog or too and spin faster. see how that works.
In my own case it is not uncommon to feel discomfort in the warmup phase of the ride. That would be the first five to ten miles. After everything is warmed up and loose, aches and pains simply disappear. Then its time to shift into maximum warp.
Hope that helps.

Jim

Seat height could be one, but I also think Ba-Dg-Er has something about the float in your pedals and/or your cleat positions. If your cleats are in the wrong position or the float isn't right, you can put a great deal of stress on your knees. Might I suggest you go to your LBS and have a full fitting. They'll check your seat hight, float, cleat positioning, etc.

Teski