My knees feel funny. Do yours?

I've been cycling for years, but started riding fixed about 2 months ago. Sometimes after riding, my knees feel really wierd like theres a lot of pressure on them. I try not resist my pedals too much (as I heard its bad for the knees) but I skid quite often.

Could it be skidding? Maybe wrong geometry/frame size/seat height? Everything feels right when im riding.

Does it happen to any of you?

Have I got tendonitis/am I dying?

gi?

Sorry?

am I dying?

Yes. Thread closed.

GI isn't included in the mouse hovering thing. I'm surprised.

It means Gear Inches, i.e. what gear are you running?

There's a knee pain thread if you search for it.

I've had knee trouble for years and found that riding fixed caused me discomfort. I think even if you try not to resist the pedals too much you'll end up doing it anyway. If cycling with a freewheel causes you no problems then it may be that your knees aren't used to different strains and pressures being put on them by fixed cycling. Knees aren't very tolerant and doing anything your knees aren't used to can cause discomfort until they get used to it.

If you have no history of knee problems just take it easy, if you have a history of knee problems take it VERY easy and see how you go, icing your knees after riding may help, if it gives you real problems it may be worth getting looked at.

I ride 50/20, pretty spinny. Been thinking about going lower.

I've never had knee problems before, and its not too painful. I just wanted to if I need to worry about or get over it. Thanks for the advice, i'll search for the other thread

50/20 is a pretty normal ratio, althought best to check the other topic for more information.

do you ride with brake?

I think a bit of aching is normal, especially when you first start riding fixed. Was certainly the case with me. Remember to factor in rest days...

I ride with a front brake which I use quite a lot, since 50/20 allows you only 2 skid patches.

But rest days are so boring!

^ Yeah boring but (imo) pretty essential for knee and muscle recovery. Take a dutch bike out for a spin, rest whilst cycling!

If you go up to 21t on the rear, you'll have a bazillion skid patches and be gearing down a bit which should help the knees.

Get another bike that is not fixed. Bingo!

@Buddha, Would if I had one. Might walk to work and back tomorrow though.

Balki, thanks for the tip. Might grab one this weekend.

head explodes

Where's Platini when you need him with his gif vid?

Someone probably nicked it.

"I try not resist my pedals too much (as I heard its bad for the knees) but I skid quite often"

lol

I think theres a bit of difference between resisting your pedals to slow down and locking your legs in a position to skid.

Both are going to put pressure on your knees that they are not used to if you're new to riding fixed.

I think theres a bit of difference between resisting your pedals to slow down and locking your legs in a position to skid.

Have no fear, Captain Obvious is here!

You do realize to initiate/hold a skid that you are resisting the pedals with your legs right?

Yes of course, but I never said that it wasn't. However all I am trying to say is that I don't resist to slow down because:

"Heavy duty resisting is widely reputed to be bad for your legs, and to be counterproductive for building up muscles and coordination for forward pedaling. Google for "eccentric contraction" for more on this topic. Eccentric contraction is reputed to cause micro-tears to your muscle tissue, so it actually weakens your muscles, unlike other forms of exercise."

Clearly Captain Obvious cannot help here.....

my work is done, up up and awayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!

I think theres a bit of difference between resisting your pedals to slow down and locking your legs in a position to skid.

I don't quite follow your logic; to my mind, doing a skid involves a lot more pressure, not less.

site boss please introduce a one pound donation to the forum fund to start new threads.

sorry if i missed something.