Watching the pros, and I read somewhere that one’s knees should be in toward the top tube while pedaling, but this feels really uncomfortable when I try it. What am I doing wrong? Thanks!
Knees in is almost definately faster due to aerodynamics. Also it is likely, but not proven, that the knees pumping up and down rather that go in all sorts of sideways directions will provide more power. How ever I feel this is one of those things that you let your body find the correct movement for you. Some fitters/sports docs/etc have come up with shims and shoe inserts to help and this is how I would go if you want to achieve a natural knees in style.
This is my impression from a fitting from Cobb’s people, (I’m not sure I can directly attribute this to straight out of their mouths, so I’ll say it was my impression of what they believe).
Knees should track directly over the pedal. If your knees are very close to the top tube, then you probably have an awkward bend from your knees to your pedal. This may manifest itself as IT band issues. Obviously your knees shouldn’t be outside the hip-to-pedal line. The Cobb people shimmed my cleats to acheive this perfect tracking and I feel better in many areas.
I got fit about a year ago and they noticed my right leg stayed in a ‘normal’ line over the ball of my foot and my left leg to some crazy detour going out and then back in (like a zig zag if you saw it from the front, it was pretty comical when we reviewed the video at 1/2 speed). I was told it was both a technique problem and a muscle imbalance (may be different for you). I did a lot of work to correct the imbalaced this year (single leg everything in the gym, single leg drills on the trainer a couple times a week all last winter). I also focused on keeping my leg in while riding, I don’t have to think about it as much now but it does come back when I get tired towards the end of a long ride. I don’t know about shims, if you have what ever the problem is that they will fix great if not just add a bunch of drills and attention to it during your base.
where did you get fitted?
Watching the pros, and I read somewhere that one’s knees should be in toward the top tube while pedaling, but this feels really uncomfortable when I try it. What am I doing wrong? Thanks!
Look at your feet.
If your feet are facing directly forward or slightly pigeoned toed, it should be comfortable to keep your knees in. If your feet point out when they’re on the pedals, you’ll have a hard time keeping your knees in close to the top tube.
Knees ‘in’ will make sitting on the saddle for long stretches a lot more comfortable, too.
I got fitted by Mark and Terry Mico. Here is their website http://www.tri-sporttraining.com (I’m sure you’ve seen him at races). I also go a swim video analysis from him. She is a physical therapist, talk about a good knowledge base, I ask her stuff all the time.
Yeahh you should “point” your knees towards the top tube… if you think about it for a second, you will find out that you put more power like that and will not most likely have knees probs.
It’s really uncomfortable at first but you’ll get use to it, don’t worry…
sometimes I even hit the top tube with my knees, when i’m thinking of it…