Could the cold be causing sore knees

[WorcesteRob]

I've been out 2 or 3 times a week for the past 3 - 4 weeks doing about 20 - 30 miles per trip, only been wearing padded cycling shorts on my lower half and my knees have been complaining (grinding, aching) most evenings. Pretty sure my seat height, distance from bars etc is correct, could it simply be the cold weather on my knees causing the issues?

 

[smokeysmoo]

Position on the bike is critical. You might get away with it for the odd short ride, but repeated distances like you're doing will manifest itself if the bike is not set up right. If you feel comfortable on the bike though it could be just a simple tweak that's required, a slight drop or raise of the seatpost can make a big difference IME.
Also if you use clipless pedals then the cleat position is also very important, a light tweak can be the difference between pain and bliss.
As for cold, it can certainly have an affect, especially on bones that have been previously broken. I certainly feel the cold more in my left elbow and right ankle than I do anywhere else.

 

[TheDoctor]

I certainly notice the cold in my knees. How about some leg warmers?

 

[WorcesteRob]

I certainly notice the cold in my knees. How about some leg warmers?

I've ordered some 3/4 length bibs to keep knees warm

 

[fossyant]

I always cover my knees - that's down to old skool club advice really. Shorts only when racing or temps above 25C.

 

[TheDoctor]

That'll work too

 

[WorcesteRob]

Position on the bike is critical. You might get away with it for the odd short ride, but repeated distances like you're doing will manifest itself if the bike is not set up right. If you feel comfortable on the bike though it could be just a simple tweak that's required, a slight drop or raise of the seatpost can make a big difference IME.
Also if you use clipless pedals then the cleat position is also very important, a light tweak can be the difference between pain and bliss.
As for cold, it can certainly have an affect, especially on bones that have been previously broken. I certainly feel the cold more in my left elbow and right ankle than I do anywhere else.

where the pain is reading many Internet resources it suggests raising the seat post to combat the problem, the problem doing this is that I'm already over the .883 from bb to top of seat and 109% from pedal spindle to top of seat. My inside leg measurement is 75cm and to the top of my seat from the pedal spindle is currently 84cm, could I go any higher without other problems?

 

[ianrauk]

I have found that keeping my knees covered in the colder months definitely helps stop any aches and pains that I used to get when I didn't use to cover up.

 

[stumpy66]

Pushing too big a gear at a lower cadence can also cause it, increase rpm at an easier gear

 

[WorcesteRob]

Could it be simply be too much too soon? I've come back to cycling after about 10 years off and may it be just my muscles growing.
Sat here now watching TV, just above my knees where the thigh muscle joins is very warm almost like I've treated with deep heat.

 

[G-Zero]

All other things being equal, my knees suffer badly in the cold and I get a deep ache under the kneecaps, which can last in to the next day. This includes warmer weather, when I'm out in the rain and the windchill gets them.

Even with leggings, when I was commuting through the early hours deep freeze of winter, I felt the pain, which slowed me down and cooled me even further. As soon as the temperatures were above freezing - no pain.

I've only braved shorts twice this year so far, yesterday being the latest and I'm seriously considering getting some threequarter length leggings.

 

[simon.r]

I have an arthritic knee that I've noticed, over the years, causes me more grief in the cold and damp weather - cycling or not cycling. I've taken to wearing a motorbike knee warmer (windproof) over my tights or on it's own when the weather is warm enough to wear shorts but still a bit chilly. It's definitely made a positive difference.

I've also recently started to take glucosamine, on the advice of a cycling orthopaedic doctor and I'm pretty sure that's helping as well. I'm not recommending this for all and sundry, but worth looking into I'd suggest.

 

[Sittingduck]

I would rate the heirachy of potential knee pain factors as...

1. seat height
2. cadence
3. anything else (like cold knees)

Have you been doing similar rides in warmer weather? If so was there any similar discomfort or are you new to cycling? Just a though, as it might help discount certain factors.

 

[dandare]

Its way too cold for bare legs at the moment. You will never see pro riders in shorts unless it is really warm. I see quite a few riders with bare legs at the moment and just think that they are asking for trouble later on in life.