Should i return my bicycle?

Question

I bought a bicycle and accessories last week, spent almost 700 dollars on everything. i rode my bike about 3 times and after the 3rd time my knee hurts so bad. My knee and my hip on one side. its not getting any better. it hurts to put weight on it and i'm limping. i researched and think I have IT band syndrome due to cycling. I havent been able to ride the bike in a week because of this and I feel like I may be better getting the money back because I am 100 lbs overweight anyway and maybe biking isnt the best way for me to exercise especially since i hurt myself. what do you think?

Answer 1

While I am a devoted admirer of larger women such as yourself, I am also a serious cyclist. It sounds like you just jumped into an exercise without any conditioning. It's not appropriate for any one to over exert themselves while doing any form exercise- especially if you are overweight and/or haven't been doing any type of exercise. Cycling is actually better than running for you because you are putting no impact on your legs and knees. You are just spinning. Also, did you get fitted on your bike at a bike shop. Maybe the fit is wrong for your anatomy. I'm 6'3, 205 lbs, and I had horrible pain in my right leg (from my hip down to my knee because I wasn't properly fitted on my road bike. After some adjustments to my bike, the pain began going away.Most shops have a return policy. Cycling will help you lose weight in a big way but if you don't tink that you'll be cut out for it contact your local shop about returning it.

Answer 2

Don't return your bike.  Go to the bike store and have the staff adjust the seat for you, which is probably the root of your problem.  I've had IT band problems as a runner and stretching morning, at lunch and at night is the best solution.  I went to a physical therapist for several sessions and learned some great stretches and got the pain straightened out.  Your knees probably would be helped with some weight resistance exercises as well, which good PT can help you with.  If you have insurance it should be covered but if you don't check out www.runnersworld.com for exercises/stretches to help with IT band and knee pain.   Biking is great for fitness and will help you loose weight.  At 100 lbs overweight you should expect more aches and pains but push through it with persistence and stretching.  Good luck.

Answer 3

The problem is most likley your seat position/ height, im 16 and im good shape and i had sore knees cause i ride a dirt jumper with a low seat, go to your local bike shop and they should set it up correctly, taking into account  your height, weight and personal comfort

Answer 4

Seat height is VERY important to healthy knees.  Most likely seat is too low.  Most people believe the seat need to be low enough to be flat footed at a stop.  Nothing could be further from the truth.

Gearing.  Use it.  Start out in low gears and learn to spin the pedals up to 85 to 95 rpms.  Bicycle computers are available with cadence.  Spinning is easier when wearing dedicated bicycle shoes and cleats.  Look, SPD, and Speedplay are just a few of the types of pedal/cleat systems.

Please do not sell you bike.  Get the bike fitted properly and start with easy rides in lower gears.  Spin the pedals.  Learn to use your gears.  If needed go out for a short walk either before or after your ride.  Stretch after riding.  Also be certain that the bars are at least as high as your saddle.  This will increase your comfort on the bike.

Take a look at the second URL below.  The Terry company is dedicated to female bicyclist.  Also has an exchange policy for its bicycle saddles.

Good Luck

I had good luck with Weight Watchers.  I used to ride to the meetings.  Got my exercise and saved on gasoline.

Answer 5

DO NOT RETURN THE BIKE!

definitely go back and tell them of your concerns and ask them to refit the bike for you. Often when ONE SIDE of a rider hurts after riding for a while there is an imbalance in the bike (seat crooked, handlebars not completely straight, one leg longer than the other) that can be compensated for and then solved.

take a little time off and then get back on the bike.

being 100lb overweight means extra stress on the system for any activity.

SO go slow. start easy. keep it in a MUCH LOWER gear than you think you can ride. make is easy to make those pedals go round and round.

For the first month or so try to ride every other day for 20 minutes each day. And remember to drink water. Getting in shape is going to be fraught with pain. Don't push yourself to the point of agony and injury, but also don't let some pain stop you. Hurt is not always Harm.

Find a good massage therapist and work on some of the IT band issues with them but keep on riding. It's a great way to increase your physical fitness without having to carry all that extra weight yourself ... the bike carries it for you! Better than walking or running or anything like that!

also, try some simple yoga to help stretch and strengthen them muscles.

good luck and keep it up. You've taken the first step. Don' stop now!

Answer 6

IT Band Syndrome !!!!!!!!!   (ahem)

Lets consider some other options:

1. Seat too low.

2. Seat too far forward.

3. Stomping in too high a gear.

4. Pushed yourself too much for a beginner.

5. Cleats (if used) are badly set up.

Take a look at the above first, your bike shop should be able to help with set-up.  

Best of luck.

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