I want to start a discussion on why many have come to the conclusion that big gear work on the bike can lead to knee problems. I have been thinking about it, and it doesn't make sense.
Take for instance weight lifters. (powerlifters, olympic lifters). They are putting at least the same force through their knees as a cyclist would, if he were to climb a very steep hill in a 53x12. Weightlifting is healthy, and strengthens muscles, ligaments, and tendons. So why does riding a bike at say 40rpm so unhealthy for one's knees?
I'm not talking about slogging away for hours at very low cadences. I'm talking about short intervals (< 1 min), and overgeared sprints, both designed to improve strength on the bike.
Assuming you have done a very good warmup, I can't see how it would be detriminal to your knees.
This discussion is going to lead me to some others where I will start a new thread.
Take for instance weight lifters. (powerlifters, olympic lifters). They are putting at least the same force through their knees as a cyclist would, if he were to climb a very steep hill in a 53x12. Weightlifting is healthy, and strengthens muscles, ligaments, and tendons. So why does riding a bike at say 40rpm so unhealthy for one's knees?
I'm not talking about slogging away for hours at very low cadences. I'm talking about short intervals (< 1 min), and overgeared sprints, both designed to improve strength on the bike.
Assuming you have done a very good warmup, I can't see how it would be detriminal to your knees.
This discussion is going to lead me to some others where I will start a new thread.