General Cycling Discussion - Knee feels funny...

Since I finally have a bike that fits I have really been hauling a$$ and my left knee feels funny when mashing , like the cap ain't where it should be. Anyway it's not pain but should I set a appointment with my phys-therapist that I went to when I hurt my knees some months ago. Are there any ways to strengthen it? Should I ware my brace for a while?

Thanks
~X-Zen~

When I first got my bike I noticed a burn above my knee cap that wasn't pain, but wasn't pleasure. It took me a few weeks to build up and adjust those muscles to the cycling, then if I pedal alot and really hard it does the same thing right under my knee cap, but I have to be hauling butt. If you have cheap health insurance though I'd go on ahead and set an appt. No point in not getting it looked at, right? :D

should I set a appointment with my phys-therapist that I went to when I hurt my knees some months ago.
YES!

I'm not a doctor* and even if I was, I don't know what you did a few months ago. However, it sounds like you're having some tracking problems. I don't know what the cure is, but I think it will NOT heal without professional advice.

What pedals are you using? I went thru four pedals before I found the right one for me.

SPDs crappy ones at that, I am currently in the processes of getting some egg beaters & better shoes.
Also I have a related question here
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?postid=846043#poststop

P.S. It was an overuse injury

get your knee checked out before buy pedals. If you get lucky, your doctor rides and can advise. I've never used eggbeaters but I've heard they have very little 'real' float, that you can move around, but there's a neutral position.

Since I finally have a bike that fits I have really been hauling a$$ and my left knee feels funny when mashing , like the cap ain't where it should be. Anyway it's not pain but should I set a appointment with my phys-therapist that I went to when I hurt my knees some months ago. ...

Why not bring your bike with you, so the therapist can check your position and form? S/he may be able to recommend a change of position, determine you need orthotics, etc., which might otherwise be speculation or trial and error if based only on your reporting.

Thank you all, I have set a appointment(and will bring my bike with me) Problem is that he is two towns over and is the only guy covered by my insurance.

As for pedals the speedplay frog looks good 'cept for they don't have the 4-sided entry, and is there any thing wrong with the cheep (>$50) shoes on nashbar?

Thank you all, I have set a appointment(and will bring my bike with me) Problem is that he is two towns over and is the only guy covered by my insurance.

As for pedals the speedplay frog looks good 'cept for they don't have the 4-sided entry, and is there any thing wrong with the cheep (>$50) shoes on nashbar?

If you can i would suggest buying shoes at a proper bike store. Since you will be spending so much time riding a pair of shoes that dont fit you that well can be a nightmare. But you could solve that by finding somewhere to try them on first.

There have been many discussions on various message boards regarding knee pain. Thought I would provide what worked for me.

Being a member of the human race, a solution to all is difficult (e.g. one size does not fit all).

A little about me. I am 54 years old and own a recumbent trike, a Catrike Road.

I experienced knee pain with my DF, Weggie, as well with my new Catrike this year.

I spent exorbitant monies on a SRAM and rotor cranks on my Catrike. Knee pain is still there, but much less.

Just bought knee savers for $46.00 and pain disappeared. There are three sizes. I bought the 30mm (biggest size) only cause I am 6'4" tall and everything should be bigger to fit? They essentially move your foot/leg further away from the pedal. Details are at www.kneesaver.net/

Another less expensive solution is increasing your RPMs, a higher number of revolutions. This is often called spinning at a higher rate. The easier exertion on the knee, the better. I use this process.

Those who ride with shoes with cleats profess if cleats are all the way to back of shoe, then knee pain is less. I did this also.

Buy good shoes and pedals.

Another inexpensive way is have a professional fit you to your bike. And, stretching prior to and after riding is an excellent way of reducing and preventing knee pain.
There are probably many ideas to solve knee pain as there are riders.

Recommend you start with the least expensive and move up from there.

Catrike Road #116.

"Cats just don't feel safe on a moving bicycle, no matter how much duct tape you use"--Author unknown

If you can i would suggest buying shoes at a proper bike store. Since you will be spending so much time riding a pair of shoes that dont fit you that well can be a nightmare. But you could solve that by finding somewhere to try them on first.
In addition to that advice, if the best shoe you find isn't perfect, consider a semi-custom insert. There's all kinds on the market. SOLES worked the best for me.


Another less expensive solution is increasing your RPMs, a higher number of revolutions. This is often called spinning at a higher rate. The easier exertion on the knee, the better. I use this process.

Those who ride with shoes with cleats profess if cleats are all the way to back of shoe, then knee pain is less. I did this also.

Buy good shoes and pedals.
I discovered these things via trail-and-error :(

My cadence is allways around 90-100 so thats not a prob. As for the shoes I can spend up to 100, and I know how a pair shoes should fit. But is there any thing wrong with those shoes?