Originally Posted by
TejanoTrackie
First off, spinning a low gear is not going to cause knee problems. In fact, it often helps aleviate them. As to pushing a higher gear, maybe, but it could just as easily be a technique or positioning issue, or it could be an unrelated physiological problem that manifests itself when putting a high load on the joint. When you say climbing, is it in the saddle or out of the saddle? Do you use foot retention, and if so what type, clips / straps or clipless? Have you ever had a pro bike fit? Anyways, there are a multitude of possibilities here.
Thanks for the reply, TT. Using clipless, the same pedals/shoes for the past three years. This is the same bike that I was running the three speed on and never had any of the said pain then. It's funny because I feel the pain more when I am spinning at 110+ rpm. This is not a knee problem, I should have been more clear. I know that it is tendon related as it is in the back of my leg (behind the knee area) just above the knee crease and just below the hamstring - definately muscle and not joint. The bike was fit when I bought it new by my LBS. I didn't change my bike position when going to single speed, but that's not to say I'm not subconsciously changing body position to compensate for the higher gear climbing or faster spin cadence. Climbing is done both seated and standing, depending on the grade of the climb...