$10 Pedals on a $5000 bike

With all the knee pain issues, my coach suggested that I take the clipless pedals off my bike and put on a set of flat pedals to see if I can get to the point of pedaling without pain. At this point I am desperate and willing to try anything, and a set of $10 pedals seems like a worthy investment. So, stopped and picked up a set of flat pedals from Walmart and installed them on my tri-bike that is currently on the trainer. They look so funny and out of place on that bike, but hopefully I will be able see some success.

So the ride went ok. I kept it pretty easy at first so I could get used to riding on the new pedals. Finding the right spot so my feet didn't slide etc. Then I ramped it up some. My legs are still surprisingly tired from workouts earlier this week. I eased up a little towards the end again. So not quite the power prescribed by the workout, but a good steady effort.

As for knee pain, it certainly wasn't as bad as it has been. I was never limited today by knee pain which is good. I am often limited by it over time, or at higher powers. I didn't try any higher power. I don't feel the need to ice my knee now, unlike most rides.

I will need a few more rides to fully evaluate whether it is my shoes or not. Perhaps being unable to bike next week while I am on vacation will give my knee a chance to settle down a bit.