Achy knees

[SuPrBuGmAn]

I've just finished my first bike packing trip a few weeks ago and everything went pretty well. It was more riding than I had previously done, and with a full camp kit(tent/bag/change of clothes). My legs were expectadely sore, but riding around 50 miles each day, had also made my knees ache quite a bit - which is something thats not happened previously.

How can I prevent this?

More, longer rides to similar distances pre-trip? Adjust my cockpit?

[JerryW]

Longer rides with your touring load will probably help, but first take a look at saddle position. I've had some knee trouble in the past and making small corrections to saddle position seemed to help.

Here's an article with some tips and explanation that I found useful: Cycling Performance Tips - Leg, Knee and Hip Pain


Jerry

[SuPrBuGmAn]

Thanks for the article, I'm going to try a few small adjustments.

[sfuller]

The article that Jerry posted is good. The other thing that's easy to do when you first start riding with "stuff" is to use to big of a gear and mash. Dropping a gear or two and spinning easier will be easier on your knees as well.

[Blammo]

The article that Jerry posted is good. The other thing that's easy to do when you first start riding with "stuff" is to use to big of a gear and mash. Dropping a gear or two and spinning easier will be easier on your knees as well.

I agree.  It's similar to the strange inclination to mash the pedals into the wind.  I suppose we get used to seeing the ground move beneath us at a certain speed when we are in a certain gear range and unconsciously try to reach the normal state by pushing that gear a bit harder.  Maybe use the granny if you don't normally.