Hello,

Not sure if this is in the right forum but I am hoping someone can assist.

I recently got a men's bike as a gift. I have only been riding for a week, approximately 45-60mins a day and I've never ridden a bike until now. I am experiencing some knee pain in both knees at the cap area. I just got back from riding a few hours ago and while walking my knee locked up for about 4mins. (my leg was straightened). I also want to note that when I was younger I used to use a stationary exercise cycle and back then I would get muscle soreness in my calves and thighs none of which I experience now.

I "googled" and the idea that I've gotten is that my seat may not be properly adjusted for my height. Following are some details about myself and the bike:

I am:

6'2"
19years old
201 lbs.
flat-footed.

Bike:

Columbia Northway
20" Frame

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

Sounds as if you need to back off riding until your knees are better.
General rule of thumb for proper seat height is that your leg should be just a little bit bent when your pedal/foot is at the 6 o'clock position (all the way down). If you place your heel on the pedal at that position, then your leg should be about straight.

First, as already said, stop riding until your knee is feeling okay.

Second, adjust the bike properly. Quickie test - put on your normal biking shoes, sit on the bike, place on pedal at the bottom-most position, touch that pedal with your heel, your leg should be fully extended with knee nearly locked. You may have to extend the seatpost. If this isn't making sense, then go to a bike shop. At 6' 2", I suspect your 20" frame is way too small. It may not be possible to get this bike to fit you. Riding with your seat too low is hard on your knees.

Third, use the right gear. When pedaling with effort (not coasting), you should be pedaling around 80 rpm. Look at your watch, in 15 seconds your legs should make about 20 revolutions. This is not a hard and fast rule - some pedal 70 rpm, other pedal 100 rpm. But too low a cadence, like 50-60 rpm, means you are pushing too hard and that is tough on your knee.

Knee locking?

And is there a doctor in the picture yet??

No?

Why not??