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Anonymous
Hello /fit/

Bike riding is about the only activity that I enjoy that also qualifies as "exercise". So every summer I feel guilted into getting away from the computer every day and going bike riding for an hour or two.

The problem is lately I've had what I can only describe as a 'discomfort' in my right knee, that tends to become more notable when under stress. It doesn't hurt per say, but its something. Now I know that the knee is the most easily fucked up part of the body, so I wanted to know what I can do to prevent potential long-term damage? More importantly, what can I do to get rid of this discomfort? I'm only 21 and I don't want to be reminded of potentially feeble state every day.
>> Anonymous
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Do you have your saddle height set correctly? It could be too low. Take it to a shop to get it fitted properly, it could be the saddle too low, angeled incorrectly or the bike is the wrong size.

Are you wearing clip pedals, if so are your cleats set correctly? If you are using regular pedals make sure you're riding with the 'widest' part of your foot (where toes meet food) is over the pedal spindle, not your arch like most people do it. If you are using clip pedals, such as SPD, check the cleat positioning and re-adjust.

How frequently do you ride? How far, how long, how intensely? If you went from doing 5km to suddenly a 200km ride your body may not be ready for it. Same goes for intensity, keep it short and let your body slowly adapt.

Have you seen a doctor yet? You may have already done something bad. Get it checked out.
>> Anonymous
Your seat might be too low...raise it up to a level where, when you're pedaling, when your leg is in the down stroke (stretched out) position it should be almost completely straight...with still a slight bend to the knee. This reduces stress on your knees and also makes your pedal motion more efficient