Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by joe stein on October 29, 2009 at 5:52am

iggi,

you'll need some basic tools to compare the two bike's geometry: a level, a plumbob (string with weight on it); tape measure, and a friend (will make things easier). try to match the second bike's fit to the first. i start with cl of crank-to-seat (setback and direct distance), then cl of crank to bars (set your bar height) then check seat to bars - again sometimes a new stem is needed. crankarm length may be a problem. more likely for knees would be the distance between the pedals set by the crank (q-factor? some fancy word) since you are going to "easier" gearing, that is probably not the culprit.

iggi said:

i was actually going to start a thread about something similar to this...and maybe still should...in relativity to comfort and proper fitting...

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by ad on October 29, 2009 at 9:32am

There are a lot of different theories and perspectives on what creates a "good" fit on a bicycle. If you are going to try to get a better fit at home, though, I suggest reading this article by Peter White: http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.htm. I used it to tweak my bike before I brought it into a professional fitter. Using the article, I was able to get the bike to the point that a professional fitter really only had to change two things on my setup when I brought it in (she gave me a narrower bar and lowered my seat a tad so I wasn't overextending my leg, which I'm prone to do for some reason). Unfortunately for me, the knee pain didn't go away and I had to go to a sports doc. The fitting I did through the article and professional fitter did improve things, though; like how my wrists and back felt after a long ride.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Amy Y on October 30, 2009 at 4:35pm

Thanks guys for all these helpful feedback!

Regarding my bike pedal, it's toe clip with the adjustable straps. Haven't decided whether I want to change that as I usually don't like carrying extra pair of shoes..

So I think I will try to have the bike fitted once my knee is good enough for me to ride to the shop again. Which shops in the city are good with good folks? (this is important). Will also take a look at Athletico's complimentary screening program, as I just found out they have a location less than 10 min from my place!

Also, regarding one of the earlier comments, my doc told me to stay off for 1 or 2 weeks, and I stopped for 1 month, and had no knee problem even when playing ultimate, so I figured knee was healed. But it seems like I still need to work up my knee to the speed I like to pedal at, which is as fast as possible without running over small children.

Meanwhile it's back to the gym for those knee exercises...

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by mattbikes1 on October 31, 2009 at 8:08am

If you are considering clip-in pedals and shoes, Bontrager has some really nice entry level MTB Race shoes that are great especially mixed with Crank Bros. eggbeaters. Complete outfit for about $150. The shoes have big enough tread that the cleats, which are recessed, don't touch the ground and wear quicker than normal and the shoes are really comfortable especially with the adjustable e-soles. I recently switched from the clips and straps, which I had been using for the last 5 years, and have been absolutely thrilled with the results. Clip in is intuitive and took about 10 minutes to acclimate to, and release is as easy as kicking your heel out 20 degrees. The power transfer is amazing and so much better than clips and straps, in fact no comparison. My legs are getting a better workout as is my butt, and the strain is way less on my knees.

Amy Y said:

Thanks guys for all these helpful feedback!
Regarding my bike pedal, it's toe clip with the adjustable straps. Haven't decided whether I want to change that as I usually don't like carrying extra pair of shoes.. So I think I will try to have the bike fitted once my knee is good enough for me to ride to the shop again. Which shops in the city are good with good folks? (this is important). Will also take a look at Athletico's complimentary screening program, as I just found out they have a location less than 10 min from my place!

Also, regarding one of the earlier comments, my doc told me to stay off for 1 or 2 weeks, and I stopped for 1 month, and had no knee problem even when playing ultimate, so I figured knee was healed. But it seems like I still need to work up my knee to the speed I like to pedal at, which is as fast as possible without running over small children.

Meanwhile it's back to the gym for those knee exercises...

• ▶ Reply

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• Next ›
• Page