Ok, first off let me start by saying that i have patella tendentious which will make this thread go by a lot easier. I have been a messenger now for close to 2 years and my knee problems all started when i started riding this oversized track bike (59 cm) which i got a good deal on. Also i noticed that the stock gear ratio was a little bit much for me 48/16.

Many adjustments have been made since then buying s smaller bike 56 cm, moving the seat forward, etc. etc. And these adjustments have helped a lot, however the knee problems have not gone away (im riding 46/16 now). I think i did everything i my power to shake them from riding a three speed hub, to a free wheel. I think the problem was my cranks were too big 170 mm, i bought 165's already. A lot of messengers i noticed were pushing really low ratios like 38 - 16 or 42 - 18, i figured they did it was they were wimps or wanted to skid stop or whatever the reason it was slow and consisted of a lot of ****ing spinning downhills all day.

My thing, i like the speed and the rush and the ability to blow most guys out. The other problem is my dispatcher is always on my ass making me speed up hills, giving me all these triple rushes and ****. Today i did an exclusive rush and that really took it out of me. The last three days my knees have been swollen and i even felt pain today while riding (jus a lil bit).

I've been to a therapist about it and have been taking supplements for joints and wearing leg straps, icing my quads every day; its tough. Recently i got a front brake and **** too, like 2 weeks ago. I'm thinking of gearing down, some people tell me i'm having problems because my legs are weak, has anyone had similar problems how low of a ratio should i go?

Don't suggest get a bike fit or stop riding fixed or quit being a messenger because i know all of those are options but none of which are viable at the moment.