Knee Soreness v Fixy?

Craig East in Western Australia rides a fixed wheel bike, but he has been having knee problems. As the pain from his knee had now gone he wants to know if he should fit a bigger gear?

Question:
I have started training harder on a fixed wheel bike, from low fitness, should I change back to a large gear. As I can walk up steps with no pain.

Hi Craig.

You could go for the bigger gear if you are sure that your problem has gone and your knee injury has healed properly. If you do this I would not raise the gear too much until you are sure all is well.

Of course you could stay with the lower gear to build up your suppleness which will help guard against more injuries and improve your pedal speed. A fast cadence puts less impact on the joints as you concentrate on turning the pedals and not pushing down hard. Raising the gear little by little is the best way, not in one big jump.

Good luck Craig and be careful with that knee!