Burning knees - new mountain biker

[NIIKME]

So I am sitting here at my desk with the most rediculous pain coming from the tops of my kneecaps - perhaps the right knee a little more than the left but this makes sense as I am right handed/footed/focussed.

I looked this up on the greater internet but without much joy but it doesn't look particulary uncommon so I would like to extend this to the PH masses!

I've been biking for 5 weeks. I ride a hardtail stumpjumper in 17" frame and I'm 5'11". The seat is on its maximum setting. I increased it by 5mms following a bike ride last week when I noticed my legs were not completely extended on the down stroke. Having riden it twice since (sat & sun) for 10 mile offroad rides I have got the current pains.

Is this a seat issue? What can I do to prevent it? (Please dont say rest them Im too addicted!)

[NIIKME]

Thanks a lot.

So my current thoughts are that I have lifted the seat too high because my legs are not bent, and also yes, I think for some insane reason I am probably trying to go uphills on harder gears to prove to myself I have more power and have got better.

[NIIKME]

Sorry no.. just DMR flats. I cant stand that locked in feeling of a SPD but thanks for the thought....

[NIIKME]

Thanks for some good advice. I've always wondered on the 17" frame as the manuals would have you believe I am right between sizes med/large. My back is arched ever so slightly when riding - I know as I have looked in window reflections lol. It was a difficult choice but amazed me how quickly my LBS recommened the medium frame so took their advice in the end. I've reduced the height of the saddle my a cm to see if this makes any difference. Oh and I am 30 and fit as a (drunk) fiddle

[NIIKME]

Marcellus said:

Before offering advice can you clarify where the pain is please?

is it above your kneecap toward the inside of leg but not the inside (where the red arrows are)


In which case possibly nothing to worry about just the pain of working them over the weekend.

Correct! so maybe it was simply too much too soon?

[NIIKME]

Marcellus said:

Before offering advice can you clarify where the pain is please?

is it above your kneecap toward the inside of leg but not the inside (where the red arrows are)


In which case possibly nothing to worry about just the pain of working them over the weekend.

Correct! so maybe it was simply too much too soon?

[NIIKME]

Yes, I also have quite bowed bottom legs anyway and I've noticed generally I push down from the side rather than directly from above. Im off to Leith Hill on sunday with a slightly lower saddle and a new style so will see what happens!

[NIIKME]

I thought I would revisit this post to let other fellow mountain bikers know that I found (and I still cant understand this) an instant cure for my burning knee issue. You may want to try them out too! I visited my LBS in fleet to discuss the issue and suggested trying spuds but he had heard it all before and £25 later I am fixed. He told me that flat shoes with a rigid undersole fix a lot of the problem and also sold me these - http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/id33704.html

I was very sceptical initially and I still to this day dont know how such a simple foot product has done it but I can ride all day long without a hint of pain!!!!!!!!!!!! I still get a bit of pain the day after but nothing like what I was experiencing during a ride.

So take it from me , if you have some knee pain and its ruining your enjoyment of your favourite trails try these insoles - they really work!