I want to start commuting to work via bicycle. My work place is about 15 miles away. I have already done it twice but I want to make it a more regular thing to save on extortionate driving costs. The thing is my job involves walking long distances while moving heavy goods around all day. I also have to regularly bend my knees and climb stairs. Basically I'm exerting my legs non stop (except for breaks obviously) all day until I get home. Will doing this 4 or 5 days per week have some sort of detrimental effect on my knees? Inevitably I will suffer fatigue at some point but I mean is there potential to damage any joints through over use? Im aware some people cycle or commute great distances and seem to be fine.
Just how much is too much
- Thread starter User16625
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vickster
Legendary Member
Yes of course you can get overuse injuries, but can be mitigated by paying attention to your knee health, spinning pedals, having saddle height right, stretching, making sure leg muscles are balanced through cycling and weight bearing and even strengthening exercises
You may benefit from sports massages to keep everything healthy and loose
You may benefit from sports massages to keep everything healthy and loose
I feel fine at the moment, but I only done 2 days. I feel that my bike setup is right as I havent had any irritations, pains or strains. I havent altered its setup and have cycled quite a bit on this bike previously aswell. When commuting I do have to wear a backpack to carry my lock and other equipment. Not the most comfortable but its nothing I cant deal with.
I will initially do something like this. I will also drive in when the weather is bad or I feel a bit knackered. But I want to cycle in as much as possible. My pay is crap and driving is so annoying as not worth the maintenance bills I pay for keeping the dam thing on the road. Even driving really fast feels downright dull if Im honest, unless Im on a nice empty country road.
midliferider
Guru
- Location
- Northampton
I commute 20 miles round trip.
I agree with all of the above comment. I am posting this just to give you the strength to carry on the good work.
I agree with all of the above comment. I am posting this just to give you the strength to carry on the good work.
raleighnut
Legendary Member
- Location
- One of the 'Elite'
I'd second that and go for the Topeak rack-bag system with one of the drop down-zip away pannier options, good quality kit.
cyberknight
As long as I breathe, I attack.
- Location
- Land of confusion
I commute 10 miles each way and i am on my feet all day lifting and carrying boxes of metal car frame parts so its doable.
jefmcg
Guru
When I started a 12 mile commute, it was 3/4 of the way home on the 3rd day that I ran out of energy. But a week or two later, I could do it 5 days a week.
(desk job for me, but you'll be fine)
(desk job for me, but you'll be fine)
I have septic arthritis in one knee. I could not manage to get to the toilet at one time. I can walk 3 miles now with minimal pain. I went to the hospital after a year to arrange the new knee opp. At that time I had been back cycling about 8 months (initially on an exercise bike) doctor said keep the cycling up see you in 3 years you have almost full movement and do not need an operation. About 25 years ago due to epilepsy I had to take up cycling to work a 27 mile round trip at least 5 times a week. The job involved a fair bit of walking and lifting.
Cycling will have no detrimental effect on your knee whatsoever it will only be beneficial as it strengthen the muscles around the knee without causing the wear and tear you get from merely walking.
GO FOR IT
Cycling will have no detrimental effect on your knee whatsoever it will only be beneficial as it strengthen the muscles around the knee without causing the wear and tear you get from merely walking.
GO FOR IT
G3CWI
Veteran
- Location
- Macclesfield
I could not see how old you are but I set aside two days each week to not cycle in an attempt not to overdo things; In my case its Monday and Friday. I'm 55 and this works for me. In your case maybe not cycling at the weekend might be a good idea? As you have a car you can have the luxury of using the bike when it suits you - which is great! Your route will dictate what you do - it could be an easy 15 miles or a hard one.
One tip is to remember that you don't have to cycle the same route that you drive. In some cases there are much nicer ways to cycle than to drive with very little time penalty.
One tip is to remember that you don't have to cycle the same route that you drive. In some cases there are much nicer ways to cycle than to drive with very little time penalty.
