04-23-2017, 11:36 AM
(04-23-2017, 07:29 AM)Canard Wrote: It's usually my knees and my butt that say "time to stop now", not my state of energy... so maybe my next step is to finally do what Jamincan suggested a while ago, and get my bike properly set up with an official fitting!
Knee problems are almost certainly a sign of a poor fit. Alternately, it could be poor use of your gears, but somehow I doubt that's a problem for you. Generally speaking, though, higher cadence in an easier gear is more efficient than vice versa and will put a lot less strain on your knees.
If you're uncomfortable in the saddle, there could be a number of factors. First the things I doubt are an issue: just getting used to being in the saddle is the first thing, but you cycle quite a bit, so I would expect that you should be fairly comfortable in your saddle for the length of rides you do. Fit can be another factor - you're more prone to putting pressure on soft-tissue in a low aggressive position. If I recall correctly, the fit you have on your bike isn't likely to lead to this, though.
Now for the thing that might be a problem: the type of saddle you have. I don't remember which kind you have, but a lot of people lean toward wide, heavily cushioned saddles thinking that they will be more comfortable. Instead, they tend to cause more chafing and often put pressure on soft-tissue. There's a reason that most serious riders tend to have comparatively narrow saddles with very little to no cushioning. The saddle should be wide enough to support your sit-bones - too much more is going to lead to chafing. Similarly, padding on the saddle also leads to chafing. Get shorts specifically designed for cycling (if you're not keen on lycra, there are liner shorts with a chamois that provide the same function) so that the padding doesn't move next to your body; this will provide the added comfort without the chafing.
Cervelo has a fairly comprehensive article about saddle fitting, albeit with a focus on road/TT bikes, but a lot of the principles would carry over other styles as well.