[kevin6s]

I'm sure some of it is due to the fact that I'm out of shape, but after the last few rides I've been getting sharp pains around my shin (above the ankle). If I remember high school science correctly muscles will produce lactic acid when they are used more than they are acustomed to. In the very beginning when I started to ride again, my knees would also bother me about halfway into a ride and for an hour after I stopped. I increased the height of my seat and my knee has been reduced dramatically so its a non-issue now. Unfortunately I can't say the same about the shin pain. I only ride 2-3 times per week and mostly over the weekend since I don't get home from work till 6:30-7:00.

I guess my question can be summed up in one sentence. Is the pain in my shin caused by lactic acid or the geometry of the bike (a la positioning of whatever)?

 

[Eric Hoefer]

Are you using clipless pedals? I had similar problems where the top of my ankle would hurt due to poor cleat placement. I adjusted the cleats and it made for a much more comfortable ride.

 

[Nat]

I'm sure some of it is due to the fact that I'm out of shape, but after the last few rides I've been getting sharp pains around my shin (above the ankle). If I remember high school science correctly muscles will produce lactic acid when they are used more than they are acustomed to. In the very beginning when I started to ride again, my knees would also bother me about halfway into a ride and for an hour after I stopped. I increased the height of my seat and my knee has been reduced dramatically so its a non-issue now. Unfortunately I can't say the same about the shin pain. I only ride 2-3 times per week and mostly over the weekend since I don't get home from work till 6:30-7:00.

I guess my question can be summed up in one sentence. Is the pain in my shin caused by lactic acid or the geometry of the bike (a la positioning of whatever)?

Sharp, focal pain doesn't sound like lactic acid pain to me.

 

[kevin6s]

Are you using clipless pedals? I had similar problems where the top of my ankle would hurt due to poor cleat placement. I adjusted the cleats and it made for a much more comfortable ride.

Nope, I'm using platform pedals.

 

[Nat]

Nope, I'm using platform pedals.

My knees actually hurt more with platforms due to the traction pins. They completely prevented my sneakers from moving side-to-side at all.

 

[amorphous]

dumb question, but do you stretch at all? :thumbsup:

aaron

 

[kevin6s]

Nope, never even thought I should.

 

[amorphous]

yulp, you should. Stretch all that **** out, you'd be suprised what it might cure. I takes 10 minutes a day.

aaron

 

[Nat]

yulp, you should. Stretch all that **** out, you'd be suprised what it might cure. I takes 10 minutes a day.

aaron

Whoa there. Stretching doesn't make up for bad positioning. He needs to figure out his bike position first.

 

[amorphous]

Whoa there. Stretching doesn't make up for bad positioning. He needs to figure out his bike position first.

excellent point, grasshopper!

get your cleat position dialed in, seat height cool, etc......then stretch. On your days off too, it's a good idea.

å

 

[kevin6s]

Whoa there. Stretching doesn't make up for bad positioning. He needs to figure out his bike position first.

How do I go about figuring out my bike position then?

 

[Rm80Co]

excellent point, grasshopper!

get your cleat position dialed in, seat height cool, etc......then stretch. On your days off too, it's a good idea.

å

He already told you he's using platforms! I've got platform pedals, too, and I've never been able to locate those dmn cleats!!!

But, if you're using sneakers when you ride, try using a shoe with a stiffer sole.

 

[bike_freak]

His problem doesn"t sound like its got much to do with bike fit. It may be more technique then anything else. I'm thinking learn to ride with your toes pointed slightly downwards (are they currently pointing up??), and this may mean that you need to raise your seat a little more.

If that fails - see a doctor as it could be something like shin splints (??) or to do with bad ankle position and such....

 

[kevin6s]

Hmm, I honestly don't know. I think mostly parellel to the ground.