Single Speed Knee Issues?

**Arno** · 10-01-2007, 03:51 AM

I'm looking to replace my bike which was stolen recently. It was an entry level road bike with flat bars.

It will be used exclusively for commuting and generally getting around in London. So mostly flat with the odd steepish bit, but these are never too long (and are usually avoidable if you don't mind taking a longer route). I want something which is fast and easy to maintain so I'm thinking that trying a single speed might be worth a go.

The only thing putting me off is some reports that single speeds put a lot of stress on your knees. Any views on how much of an issue this really is?

On the one hand, I only ever used 4 or 5 gears on my old bike. On the other, one of my knees is a little dodgy in that I tore the ACL and had it reconstructed about 3 years ago. No issues and have re-habbed pretty well, but I don't want to put unnecessary strain on it.

**dallread** · 10-01-2007, 07:21 AM

just put on a rear cog that your most efficient riding at. it does matter what your front cassette on your crank is as well. there are calculators out there on the web, but id just throw on whatever gear you used most often before your bike was stolen.

as far as knee problems, i ride a fixed gear 53x16 and havent had any real knee issues to date. but if your concerned start low and work your way up, you should be able to find some pretty cheap cogs.

**altagirl** · 10-01-2007, 07:29 AM

The issue with singlespeeding and knees is just that it's hard on your knees if you don't build up to it and just suddenly start mashing hard gears when you're only used to spinning. Standing up for the climbs and pulling with my hamstrings - I think it's helped my knees, if anything. It sounds like your route doesn't have that much climbing anyway, so I'd think it's fine.

**chaka** · 10-01-2007, 07:50 AM

Amen to what Altagirl said. Work up to it, and also make certain your cleat/pedal system is aligned properly and matches your situation, some folks require a pedal system with a lot of float (like speedplay for ex). Any minute mis-alignment with your pedals/cleats that you previously didn't notice will become painfully evident after singlespeeding a while. Also, your seat position can have a major impact on knee loading.

**Arno** · 10-01-2007, 08:54 AM

Thanks for the feedback, guys. I always used to favour going for a relatively low cadence/highish resistance (probably not the most efficient way to ride but there you go) so it sounds like I should be OK.

If Altagirl hasn't nacked her knees doing it, I'm bound to be ok!

There are some pretty good deals on single speeds around right now, so even if I can't get on with it, I should be able to sell my bike on to another fashion victim fairly easily

**300hp** · 10-02-2007, 12:36 AM

many of the knee issues people speak of come from trying to skid riding fixed gear. If you go fixed, running two proper brakes should keep you from having to do serious backpedaling. I would look at one of the specialized langsters. Pretty complete bike for the ~500 bills it costs and comes with a decent fixed/free hub so you can play around. for commuting and training I really enjoy my fixed setup.

**kellen** · 10-02-2007, 01:27 PM

DONT GO FIXIE

Yes its tradition and yes it's simple and yes its less shit to break, but in my "I've seen a guy get smashed with a car door because he couldn't stop" opinion fixie's are OVERRATED for everything except for Velo racing. Don't buy into the trend!

Go singlespeed, but give yourself the ability to freewheel, or coast. Especially going down a long hill, you're not helping yourself by riding on a fixie as you're either spinning like a madman trying to keep up with the wheel (unnecessary effort and wear and tear on legs), or trying to slow the wheel down by weighting the pedals (more wear and tear on knees/legs). Having a freewheel single speed is just as simplistic, but much more versatile and practical.

Honestly folks I don't get why this trend is blowing up so much. This is equivalent to going out and walking around town on a pair of shoes made entirely out of solid steel just because everyone else is. Plus I hate it when these wannabe trend-o's that don't know a thing about bikes come into my shop and try to act like they're houlier-than-thou and that I don't know shit unless I ride a fixie.