Posts: 1,232
5/16/07 5:49 P

I said this on another post, but I would strongly recommend you get the bike shop to put your bike on a stand and "fit" it to you. If you haven't purchased your own bike yet, even better. Most manufacturers make a variety of frame sizes.

A decent bike shop will have you test a properly sized bike on a stand to ensure the correct standover height, seat height, crank extension, etc. Ride enjoyment will change 100% with a properly sized bike.

Posts: 978
5/9/07 8:53 A

Yes, I do have to point my toe at the bottom of my pedal stroke. I figured that was the problem. The weird thing is that it doesn't bother me when I'm riding, just afterward. I might have to go to my inexpensive bike and save my knees until I find one to buy. At least the old bike can be adjusted to my height. Nothing is going to stop me from riding...I'm hooked!

current weight: 235.0

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Posts: 313
5/9/07 8:47 A

I agree with DCR2205. I would also guess that you won't ride for too much longer anyway if it is causing you pain.

SparkPoints: (29,308)
Fitness Minutes: (20,994)
Posts: 1,846
5/8/07 11:07 P

DCR2205 is probably right: the high seat height is contributing to your knee pain. I say that you are better off not riding a bike that cannot be adjusted to you. Save your knees!!

current weight: 192.0

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Posts: 8,845
5/8/07 9:43 P

I would guess that the bike is contributing to your knee pain. As for seat height--when you are in the saddle and your foot is extended to the bottom of your pedal stroke, you should be able to have a very slight bend in your knee. If you have to point your toes to get the the bottom of your stroke, the seat is too high. Go to a local bike shop and ask to be sized--see how high the seat is on the bike they recommend, and compare thtat to your borrowed bike.

Before you buy anything, test ride a couple of bikes. You may be able to rent a bike for a couple of days, or even a week. But a bike that fits better will probabaly help relieve knee pain.

Posts: 978
5/8/07 6:48 P

I am brand new to bicycling, and I've been using a friend's bike. It's much nicer and smoother than the mountain bike that I currently have. However, she is about 5 inches taller than me and her seat will not adjust any further down so my legs are stretched straight out when the pedal goes down. Ever since I started commuting on my bike a week or so ago, my knees have been hurting. I've been doing other exercise too, so I'm not sure if it's the bike or something else. How far should your leg extend when you pedal? I really don't want to stop riding and my mountain bike is a piece of crap. I don't want to be rushed into buying something because I just started shopping around.

current weight: 235.0

292 256.5 221 185.5

150