Knee tracking on bike

Wiseman

I've recently taken notice that my left knee splays out a bit at top of peday stroke. Not bad, but I've been paying attention to it and it is most noticeable during low cadence/big gear efforts. Right knee tracks straight.

What is muscle strength/imbalance/flexibility issue(s) that causes this and what exercises/stretches can help ?

Thanks !

GMAN 19030

A good bike fit and the right shoes/cleats/shims/wedges can assist in correcting the issue.

Strength and flexibility might not be the issues. The likely issue is that our bodies aren't perfect robotic machines. Odds are it's your body just being imperfect.

You can try a stretching/flexibility program that really works on your hips and see if that helps. The "imperfection" is coming from the hip area and not your knee area.

Sometimes there's nothing you can do about it. My left knee tracks straight but my right knee does what you say your left knee does. I have been fitted four times over the last four years and have tried a myriad of shoes, cleat positions, shims and wedges. My right knee still doesn't track straight and never will.

I wouldn't worry about it too much as long as it's not causing you pain or injury.

Al Truscott

A Retul fit will provide a side view and front view of just what's going on with all the joint/lever arm interactions involved. My bike fitter is also a phys. therapist, so he provides not only the bike fit changes, but also exercise for stiffness and imbalances, based on the dynamic side and front views and computer imaging and analysis Retul provides. That would be the ideal way to investigate, diagnose, and treat any issues. If you have no pain, dont be too quick to tinker with things (your bike and your body) yourself.

cgres123

Try adjusting your cleat to toe in just a tad. It will make your foot feel as if it wants to spread out to the side which will help pull your knee closer to the top tube. I'd try my own adjustments first before spending the dough on a fit. Give it a shot let us know.