I've been riding a fixed-gear for almost 2 years now (commuting about 14 miles daily--not including the occasional miscellaneous trips to the store, etc), and I haven't experienced any signs of knee injury, soreness, etc.

I came across this old article about fixed-gears (https://www.oldskooltrack.com/files/la.times.frame.html)

Quote:

Because even in freewheeling San Francisco--where the bike-riding culture carries political weight--police, messenger firms and older couriers say track bike Turks cross a serious line of irresponsible behavior. Citing chronic knee damage and accidents, many wonder whether it's time to rein in such risk-takers.

Veterans riders dismiss the bikes as "suicide rockets" and "leg-beaters" for the unhealthy pounding they impose on a rider's knees. Many track bike aficionados display the scars of their stubbornness, bearing incisions from knee surgery to repair everything from ligament pops to cartilage tears.

do you ride with a brake? these statistics are probably referring to brakeless riders who rely on their knees to stop and slow down.

i used to have knee pain and i was wondering this myself but over the past few months as ive rode more and lowered my gearing the occasional pain has gone away

it's more improperly pushing a gear or having a gear you can't get on top of, or/and the misfit bikes people ride when they piece together conversions.

My knees are in serious pain right now; It hurts climbing and descending stairs. I ride with a front brake and ride 52:19, which I gather to be a pretty small gear from what you guys say. Are you all overcompensating for something or should I switch to a smaller gear? I'm thinking going to 42:17 which is like -4 in. Maybe I should grow some nuts, I don't know.

What do you mean statistics? You mean like "percentage of fixed gear riders who develop knee problems after 5 years of riding" or something? Where would those statistics possibly come from?

My right knee used to feel like a stake was being driven through both sides when I walked down stairs last summer. I did rehab work for it, turns out it was all the sports I have been playing my whole life. Had to do with the muscle not properly growing due to constant wear on it. I did not think that was possible but what ever.

Anyway, they had me stand and put your heels on an incline so you are leaning forward. Then without any weights do squats with your legs shoulder width apart. I did 3 sets of 10 then I would do this again with my feet level. Give that a shot and see if it helps. On the squat come all the way down so your in a seated position then slowly stand back up. Dont rush through them.

We all have different body organization issues, and one person's physical therapy might not work for another person.

For example, as part of my therapy routine, I stand on a wedge with my toes UP and my heels DOWN; but maybe I misunderstood Punished.

People have different kinds of knee pain.

Some people have pain below the kneecap, some behind their kneecap, some to the left or right of their kneecap, and others have pain in the back of the joint or deep inside the joint.

Still others have pain that comes and goes, unpredictably.

All of these types of pain involve different types of body organization, and different types of repeated-use injuries.

Riding a fixed gear bicycle reveals knee issues.

It doesn't cause knee issues.

If anything, riding fixed will help heal knees, IF a person has a good fit with his or her bike.

The amount of bike culture myth regarding bicycle fit makes it difficult to acheive a good fit.

Basic rule: knee over pedal and knee slightly bent with heel dropped.

If it hurts, move it one way...if that hurts more move it the other way.

Best post ever regarding this issue.

I've ruined my body through many, many motorcycle/racing crashes, BMX and competetive weightlifting. My knees hurt, but not because of riding a fixed gear. In fact, riding my fixed gear is the least painful physical excercise I do that deals with the lower body. And, like what is said above, may be helping relieve my injury.

IMO, with the popularity of building and selling fixed gears - for many people who buy them, this may be their introduction to cycling. Therefore, they may not have any idea about a properly fitted bike, which is the most important deterrent from bicycle related knee injury. I see small people riding bike bikes and vise versa - it's absolutely horrible.

Add the fashion of riding without a brake, skidding, improper gearing that allows for poor cadence, and it's no wonder why there are so many people's knees are hurting them.

When somebody works out in the gym, unless taught proper lifting form, they will inevitably injure themselves. The same goes with poor form in cycling - and it seems to run rampant in the fixed gear community.

You can still have a hip looking bike that's properly fitted and there's no shame in riding with a braking system - my $.02

BTW, I ride flatland BMX - if you want to do bike tricks, do it on a trick bike. That's what they're built for.

That is NOT true whatsoever. Depending on what the cause of the knee issue is, riding a fixed gear(or any bike) can create knee issues, or make prexisting ones worse. Just look at patellofemoral syndrome. It can be caused by tight hamstrings, IT band, and overbuilt quads compared to the VMO. Riding can cause all of those problems.

Statistics? I don't see any damn statistics there! Just a lot of empty conjecture. Just like all of the posts above me.

If you want to be kind to your knees, ride a bike that doesn't require you turning it upside down to change cogs, or resisting ridiculous loads to come to a stop. IE, a geared bike with brakes.

i only have knee pain because my right knee has always had this pain from all the sports i do

It's probably certain muscles being worked more than others and in a result the knee cap gets pulled out of place, and isn't aligned correctly. This was what my doctor told me and rehab also, if this is what you have, it's not a big deal, exercises that I did were seated no weight leg extensions, and squeezing when I locked out to try and strengthen all muscles connected to the knee cap.

If it is really that bad you should go to a doctor and if the recommend it, go to physical therapy.

...research articles for sports/cycling/bike couriers/etc.........

Thanks for the physical therapy advice, but I said I haven't experienced any signs of knee injury. I was curious to know if any articles on this topic already existed.

AFAIK, there is mainly a lot of internet conjecture and bullshiat. Don't push too huge a gear, set your bike up right, and don't believe the hype.