Bike riding

Hi there! I am training for a triathlon, and when I ride my bike it hurts my knees, especially uphill, so it makes it impossible to get off and run. Does anyone know what is causing this? Please help, the Triathlon is on August 19!!

Thank you!!

jeunene, It is most likely seat hieght or position.  It could also be the pedals, what type pedal do you use.

To get more info go to the cycling club forum on the fitness page and ask there too!

DAN

I agree seat height is probably the problem.  Most recommend putting your heel on the pedal and in the downward position your leg should be straight.  If not, raise your seat so that it is.

I will say if you need to make a large change for proper height, might want to do it in stages because just a little height difference will though off your balance a little until you get used to it.

As mentioned above, seat height and fore and aft positioning can affect knee comfort but also you may be attempting to pedal too hard of a gear.  You want to keep you cadence high and your gear easy to spin.  I know this isn't always possible going up hill but use the easiest gears that you can and try to spin 80 - 100 pedals per minute.  Keep your pedal speed up.

And speaking of cadence, you might want to invest $20-30 on a good bike computer that will give you both your speed and your cadence.  There are a few wireless models available that are pretty good.

I hurt myself when I first started biking, because I did not realize that I was trying WAY too hard. I thought I was moving slowly, when in reality I was cruising at 17 MPH average, and that's outside, with wind resistance and all!
So I agree, buy one of those machines that measures your intensity and speed.

Thanks everyone!!

I have the same complaint, though I know it's from my seat height.  But it's not as simple as raising it, since there's something slightly wrong with my seat.  Maybe you bicycle-enthusiasts can help me?

A while back, my friend attempted to remove the seat from my bike... I don't remember the reason at this moment but it happened.  Anyway, ever since then I haven't been able to adjust the seat quite right.  I get it set at the height that works the best for me, but as soon as I sit on it the seat goes down to the lowest position.  I have everything tightened (don't know the correct terms, but the little outer clamp and screw are tight, as is the thing that turns around the metal rod).  The rod itself that the seat is attached to is also very, very greasy. 

I don't know enough to fix this, and I don't want it to cost money to have repaired if need be, because I'm a very unwealthy college student.  I need it fixed though, as I don't drive my car in warm weather (as it is now) but always take my "2-wheeler" as I call it, and my knees are killing me!  Any advice?