Originally Posted by
NeoteriX
The seat is in fact all the way back, but I put it there in the effort to get that knee-plumb-line test to line up correctly. At least I think if you see in the photos when you click to expand them, I think it's lining up properly.
Also I think the Pacific Cycles IF-Reach is an awesome bike... if they came out with an IF lightweight version with drops, I would throw my money at it.
Interesting observation... I'll try experimenting with a higher seat, although if my memory serves correct, at seat heights higher than the video it begins to feel like I'm reaching. I'll try it though.
My inseam is roughly 32-33" (which is my pant size, I haven't actually measured with tape). Josh Hon from Tern says the stock crank is 170mm. I've been trying to increase my cadence in order to reduce knee pressure, but I'd say that on the road my typical cadence is probably around 80ish rpms.
No, I haven't had any major sports related injuries, but I think in prior years from running I might have had some knee weakness and foot plantar fasciitis. Hips and lower back are ok as far as I know, sometimes if I'm at the computer too long I'll feel a little soreness but nothing huge. Yeah I sit in the office a lot. And, I get knee pain in both knees--though it varies which feels worse; when I've done a lot of stop and go biking for example, my right knee can feel more sore since it's the pedal I mash on to get the bike going. That said, sometimes the left knee feels worse for whatever reason too. Ever since I started noticing knee pain, I've tried icing both after all my rides.
Runners Knee or Chondromalacia Pattelae (around the knee cap) is a known major sports related injury related to imbalances of the muscles groups (quad and hamstring). Typically, physical therapy will help restore muscle balances around the knee cap around and core strength exercises and stretches to lengthen the quads and hamstrings since you sit a lot. Sitting a lot is a major contributor to shortening of the ligaments and tendons on the hamstring and quad, so when you start running or biking, tightness on the hip area will usually result in your moving the hip to go forward by collapsing on the pelvis (tilting side to side). I saw in the video that you do have an abnormally high movement in this area. This means when you pedal, your knees will keep collapsing and this joint is trying to overcompensate a motion that it should not have to do if your hips are looser, hamstring and quad muscles are working properly. This can result with what is called Runners Knee. Since you have had it while running, you have yet to address this issue, so even if you start biking or even spending more money on bike fit, you will still have muscle group imbalance. Perhaps a well fitted bike can lessen the pain, but as you bike longer, the pain will eventually come back.
I would highly suggest that you see a Sports physio and have him or her evaluate your posture and riding style. Keep in mind that most people pronate as they walk so the knee will collapse somewhat inwards. Usually if you have a strong core, this collapse is mitigated by pelvis stability due to the use of the Transversus Abdominus that helps stabilizes it. The end result is that, the core keeps a level pelvis and the legs go straight down like a pair of pistons. Same with runners with strong core that the pelvis remains relatively level as they run slow or fast. Despite what you think, shock from the road does not cause knee pain and usually you have running shoes with materials that absorb the shock really well.
Hope this helps.