One of the biggest contributors to knee problems, says Dr. Burns, is a bike that doesn't fit your body.
Bodies have variations, and fitting a bike is more than just getting the right height of bike.
For example, some people toe in naturally, others toe out. Many bicycle shops have staff trained in adjusting the bike to the rider, and some have special measuring equipment to help you choose the right size and type of bike before purchase. To get in shape for longer rides, Dr. Burns warns, that you should go slow. If you find yourself excessively tired or with painful knees or muscles after a ride, drop back to your previous distance until the pain goes away or you feel less fatigued after your ride. Then begin to build the distance again.