Originally Posted by legalize_it
pain below your knee cap can certainly be a symptom of your saddle being too low. with a freewheeling bike incorrect saddle height is MUCH less apparent. fixed gears will teach you a lot about positioning in my experience, and will make you a much better freewheeling biker to boot.
Yes, You can get away with some incorrect positioning on a SS/FW bike that you can not with a fixie. I think the stresses are different on the knee because you are always "connected" and there is no pause or lag. I suggest this approach. Using a Video camera and a stationary trainer tape your ride from all angles you can and then study it. I was trained in the "Fit Kit" and after the initial fit I would make a video tape and would study it with the rider and make small changes. It is amazing what you can learn from this videotaping since you almost never see yourself while your riding. With the new digital video cameras you can get great close ups of all the areas of concern, and slowmo is amazing. It can be really enlightening. You see knee action etc. The view from the front shows you pronation and knee alignment. From the side the knee pivoi in relation to the hip/seat. It is just amazing!!! What you can see. I am getting a new JVC Camera from HSN, it does all I need for $250. I have a good fluid trainer and tripod. My old JVC was strictly analog and BIG. It finally crapped out. Now how do I explain the CC charge to my wife?