{"items": [{"author": "Orual", "source_link": "https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/KHQoSrapKW7JYzgqB#kxA7fEHEsusyrtKdx", "anchor": "lw-kxA7fEHEsusyrtKdx", "service": "lw", "text": "I think you might be better served by using a slightly higher gear and adjusting your seat upward so that your leg is at full extension when the relevant pedal is at the bottom of its rotation. I expect that's the main reason you're seeing an advantage, you're using more of your leg in the pedaling motion, which is more efficient. And would be even more efficient if you weren't having to balance your weight on your pedals. Look at how professional cyclists have their bikes set up. Obviously you won't exactly replicate that without toe clips that you won't want to use, but that's where I'd look for improvements as opposed to reinventing the wheel.", "timestamp": 1595200700}, {"author": "Olomana", "source_link": "https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/KHQoSrapKW7JYzgqB#DLFZrkyJ7rJzwTigv", "anchor": "lw-DLFZrkyJ7rJzwTigv", "service": "lw", "text": "Ergonomics! Raise your seat to get full or almost full leg extension. Raise you handlebars if needed. Experiment. I find that slight adjustments to the bike make a big difference in where I get sore.
Also, look into interval training / HIIT, although this is more about maximizing output over time (cardio) than minimizing pain.", "timestamp": 1595224740}, {"author": "rmoehn", "source_link": "https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/KHQoSrapKW7JYzgqB#ABW3jsgjjZcv46oDq", "anchor": "lw-ABW3jsgjjZcv46oDq", "service": "lw", "text": "→ Plus if the saddle is higher, you sit more hinged, which decreases air resistance and thus makes riding easier. If that makes your rear hurt, get a different saddle, such as https://sqlab-usa.com/collections/saddles/products/602-m-d-active-saddle.
Here's a guide for setting up a bicycle correctly: https://bike.bikegremlin.com/360/setting-up-riding-position-bike-fitting/ They do it the way I do it and I'ver never had knee problems from riding a bike.
(Just thought: Another reason for knee pain might be riding with knees collapsed inwards.)", "timestamp": 1595304188}, {"author": "Mmv", "source_link": "https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/KHQoSrapKW7JYzgqB#vibQM626QTcDMdNP5", "anchor": "lw-vibQM626QTcDMdNP5", "service": "lw", "text": "The comments about raising your seat are spot-on. The ergonomics in your seated photo look way off. Your local bike store can get you fitted into a bike that's appropriate for your build and help you set the seat and handlebars. Can't promise that your knee troubles will go away, but there's a decent chance. Frankly, I've never heard about someone who has no problem with their knees while running, but has knee problems on a bike.
Good luck!", "timestamp": 1595347467}, {"author": "Kenny", "source_link": "https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/KHQoSrapKW7JYzgqB#vNDMnJ5sSJujeWuru", "anchor": "lw-vNDMnJ5sSJujeWuru", "service": "lw", "text": "I'm piling on with others pointing out that your seat seems too low. I also am surprised that you're having knee pain but seeing the photos of you riding explains that.\n
If you like bicycling, I'd also suggest looking into getting a better bike. Yours looks heavy, which might also explain your pain and discomfirt.\n
I think someone else also made this point, but I've personally noticed that too low of a gear can be less comfortable/efficient as well. Professional cyclists maintain extremely high rotational speeds but I don't think that's sensible for anyone else generally. (And some pros use higher gears and slower pedaling too anyways.)\n", "timestamp": 1596429837}]}