Was planning on doing my first **real** tour starting in April. I wanted to do a longer one, 1 month +.
I got all the gear, been riding my bike, even got a fit.
Well, my bike gears aren’t nearly low enough, and I have a VERY steep hill leading back to my house.
I have to use all my force to get up the hill and even then stop a few times.
Now my knee is hurting, and I’m feeling defeated.
I’ve been dreaming of bicycle touring for years now, and I’m wondering if I can still go in April.
The pain isn’t horrible, but I can kinda tell it’s there throughout the day. I haven’t ridden in 4 days out of caution.
I guess I’m looking for tips on knee pain and if it’s possible to even go in April still.
What are your experiences And thoughts?
(Pic of my ride just for funsies)
by analogshooter
5 Comments
Rest, ice and get blood flow to the area maybe some light leg extensions if you have access to a machine for em. Could just be some tendinitis from grinding up that hill, *should* be golden by April tbh.
Consider going to your bike shop and ask about either getting a smaller small chainring or larger lowest gear in back. I swapped out my small chainring to a 24t and it made climbing much more comfortable (note: your front derailleur needs to be able to accommodate a smaller chainring, or your rear derailleur needs to be able to handle a larger low gear). Either way, sounds like you need a better climbing gear ratio.
I’d look at 3 things, q factor, gearing and pre/post ride stretches. It looks like you have a road double, I’d move to a mtb double or get two new chainrings so you can have a 26/42, or something close to that. I’d also look at widening your q factor with pedal adapters, a new bb etc. Road doubles have a fairly narrow factor and it can definitely cause knee pain. There are stretches and exercises that are designed to address knee pain, whether it’s and IT band or just a muscle that needs to be strengthened, this can make a dramatic impact on managing or even eliminating knee pain while cycling.
Other side note, if you use clipless pedals moving the cleats on your shoes a few mm can also make a huge difference. Flat pedals can also help. Good luck!
Happened to me when I started a tour – same issues except I couldn’t even walk the tendonitis was that bad. Took me several months to recover fully. Starting a tour after months of not riding would likely lead to a similar if not worse problem. I would say you’re not going to be ready by April but it depends how bad that pain is. In the meantime, do what you can to lower the gear ratio on your bike.
Try moving your saddle position or changing your riding position, this worked for me most of the time. For the steepest mountains I always stand up and use the handlebars as leverage to pull as I push down on the pedals. Or just get off and walk, there aren’t that many steep mountains, most are doable (depends where you live though I guess).