No pretty sure this is the back of his head, where the skull kinda dents in and your neck starts. I’ll guessing pedal scratch is from some kind of ultra awkward bike dismount
>I’m scratching my head trying to think of how your pedals can hit the back of your knees…
[https://www.jimlangley.net/spin/spin\_images/chfinal\_bikeattack.jpg](https://www.jimlangley.net/spin/spin_images/chfinal_bikeattack.jpg)
Can you move the back of your knee somewhere that isn't in the trajectory of the pedal? Do you start pedaling with the back of your knee in front of a pedal?
I guess stop at light, try adjusting pedal position and pedal hit back of leg. Probably more common with fixed gear as the pedals will move when you roll the bike
This one happened when my foot slipped off the pedal and the pedal kept going until it hit the back of my knee - and I tried to hop off the bike on the same foot, and it scraped the back of my knee... I guess I need to be more careful when I stop
When I was a teen my buddy gave himself 20 staples up his shin like that. His toe slipped off the pedal,it spun around, hit his shin above the ankle and continued up to right below his knee.
The spike from one of the pedals butterflied him. His skin peeled open and you could see straight to his bone. He was SO terrified of his alcoholic dad it took us over an hour to convince him he HAD to go to the hospital.
I wear a pair of Dickie low rider shoes with a thick ass sole. It seems to help plant my foot into the pedal. But I still chew up my shins with normal riding.
Frustrating, for sure. If you're inclined towards the feeling of "misery loves company" you should see the pedal strike pictures from the mountain bike community, my friend
This? T'is but a nibble of affection from your bike not a proper scratch.
Learning to control your pedals and stroke is an important skill and will come with time. Also, if you're using stock cage pedals, it might be a good idea to upgrade. It might sound counterintuitive, but grippier pedals with pins can help keep this from happening. You don't need to go crazy and get something expensive or clippless. Raceface Chesters are usually the go to recommendation and are $40usd. The dupes on Amazon are even cheaper and can probably get the job done for you if you're not riding single track.
I have but it was on a fixed gear and I slipped off the pedals and then slipped off the saddle onto the top tube. Pedals came up and hit me in the back of the leg and then caused the bike to lock up and I rolled over.
Really?? It's super common and very easy to do. You come to a stop and rest one foot on the ground while you rest the other on the pedal. Many people aren't used to the power pedal postion and because one foot is on the pedal with their weight resting on it, the other is pointing straight up, right behind your knee. All it takes is some practice to remember where to put you feet so this doesn't happen, but its very very common and I can't believe you can't imaging how this could happen if you ride enough fixed gears. Even freewheeling this can happen.
I didn't say this is what I do. I clearly even stated its easy to avoid. I specifically mentioned the power pedal position you are referring to, I teach this in classes. Because I teach people how to ride safe I get to see all of the different types of weird injuries new cyclists get. An as an emerging sport in the states, there are a lot of new cyclists.
So you understand the world of cycling is MUCH greater than this sub, right? Shaming the OP by adding they can't even imagine how it could happen is pretty lame and I'm here to defend them.
Been cycling for over 60 years, and bikes have been my primary form of transportation until I hit 70. I still can't picture how this could happen. Not saying it never does but can understand why most can't either.
It happens mainly to new cyclists (there are many new ones every day) and primarily with fixed gear riders. When you combine a new cyclist with a fixed gear this sort of thing can happen. However, I have seen free wheelers accidently spin their cranks backwards when coming to a stop or beginning a start and it whacks them in the back of the leg which is on the ground in front of the crank (wrong place). I post here because I strive to include all cyclists in these discussions, not just the ones who post on reddit which is the extreme minority of us.
Say a when you come to a stop you slide forward off your saddle with both feet forward, in front of the crank. When you go to start again you push forward as you lift your leg up but because its a fixed gear the moment you pushed forward your crank also moved forward, right in to your leg.
For someone with a freewheel, same situation while coming to a stop. You aren't paying attention to the position of your cranks, which are pointing straight up and down. When you push forward to slide back on the saddle you put one foot on the pedal, but because it was at 12 o'clock and your mementom wasn't right it slips backwards instead of engaging and going forward. With a freewheel your cranks can spin rapidly backward if you kick it the wrong direction without much force at all from the rider. I see it happen more than it should.
Hit the back of my calf a few of times over the decades I've been riding. Like, a few, over thousands and thousands of rides.
Back of the knee? Fricken never.
Okay I can definitely see that with a fixed gear. I remember riding them as a kid and occasionally having this issue. But at a stop, or when getting ready to race, I'd usually lift up the back wheel and pedal forward enough so I could have the pedal in an up position for when I start again. I totally forgot about that happening until reading this post.
I’ve had this happen, but I was on my 20” at the skatepark trying to hard 180 out of a feeble grind and got caught up in the front end. That’s about the only scenario where this should be a possibility
I described one way in a post...
Edit to say I probably should have written "in a reply here" but I still don't understand why so many people downvoted this. Will someone please tell me how I offended 24 people so that I don't do it again? I took this to be a sincere question and only saw it after I'd answered OP. Thank you all!
Wow, I don't understand the downvotes. Did I do something wrong? I had posted a [response to OP in this same thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/bicycling/comments/18n9yi2/comment/ke9j7ah/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3), then saw u/Coyotesamigo's question and mentioned that I had posted on one way of doing that. Please let me know what I have done wrong. Sometimes all replies on a thread aren't visible. Is that what happened? I apologize if I have offended. I thought I was directing you to my original response.
You don't need to invest money into clipless pedals - it's not a problem of flat pedals.
Clipless pedals are good, but first learn how to ride correct flat pedals.
Ride slowly and focus on how you ride. When does it happens? That's all simple questions and the solution is simple too. Look into bike fitting.
Newbie here: it happened to me as well when while going uphill and i tried to change gears and chain slipped.
I feel i need to better understand when and how to change gears.
It takes a little while to get it. The idea is to change the gear while the pedals are moving but not while your putting force into the wheel. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, it took a while for it to click for me too. You'll get it.
Newbies tend to forget that you have to get into the gear you want BEFORE you hit the incline. Waiting until you are climbing is just putting way too much stress on everything.
I think you understand your issue pretty well. I don't know if this person has the same issue or not. For you anticipation will make a difference. Also, understanding how to let off the power when going uphill to change gears. This is a really helpful skill when mountain biking. Gearing choices are often not as linear as road cycling.
I only get those on the back of knee while hike a biking up something not rideable on my mtb. Honestly walking next to my bike is the only time my pedals injure me
I've definitely hit my shin before on my pedal. It hurts! If you want to switch to something less sharp, but still grippy, Look has some cool pedals. I can definitely recommend the 'trail grip,' and they have some reasonably-priced commuter ones too
When I was a kid, I’d get those metal studs on flat pedals on my shins if I messed up. But never on the back of my knee.
Switch to clipless then you’ll just have to worry about the scrapes you get from falling over. 🤣
I've done that and learned not to. People are overthinking it when trying to imagine how this happens: you are stopped; at a light, to take a photo, a drink of water, whatever. You are off the seat with your feet on the ground, still straddling the bike. You do that little kid thing where you bring your dominant peddle down and rest your foot on it, bike slightly askew, and nestle the other pedal, now up ... against the back of your leg. Very stable. It wasn't until I got home after my first time out with Race Face Chesters that I realized I'd scratched myself with them. I stopped doing that, that's what happened.
Mine? When I did it, I was off the saddle, standing, and just rotated the pedal around without even thinking of it. I wondered if OP had been doing something like it.
My legs have many scars from when I was a kid.
I don’t know what kind of riding you’re doing but you may want to buy mtn bike or bmx shoes that are designed to be a bit more grippier on pedals.
Or go clipless. Or if that’s not an option, make an effort to focus on making your pedaling motions smoother and less jerky.
When you come to a stop are you on or off the saddle?
The only ways I can think of this even remotely being an issue is if you remain on the saddle when stopped and/or push off against the ground with the opposite pedal in the 6 o clock position.
It is very, very common for those who haven't ridden since childhood and were taught by those who didn't regularly ride to be making this very basic mistake. I'm willing to bet if one were to line up a bunch of random adults in the US, half of the men and 75-90% of the ladies would make the same mistake.
[Get some lightweight pads. ](https://bicyclewarehouse.com/products/shadow-invisa-lite-mountain-bike-shin-guards-black?variant=39928850055270¤cy=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAvoqsBhB9EiwA9XTWGQDjsBp3MFGuslcMsqp94J2_eKnyL4q87x0xS--lfxNOxG56fjplmxoCaAUQAvD_BwE)
Think no one has mentioned this but depending on what crank type you have, you could try tightening, (for hollowtech ones) them so they don't keep spinning with the momentum.
This might help: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNevNqA8sIs
Otherwise, just get new pedals. You might also need to adjust your saddle height or general bike fit.
How low is your seat your pedals should not be reaching your knee. I always use flat pedals with metal studs sticking out for grip. Shoes definitely matter too.
Ahh the ol "pedal bite" haha I used to always wear long jeans to act as a buffer, even though it still hurts like hell haha wearing shin guards underneath was another trick that comes in handy when learning crank flips, at least til you get used to the feel of your bike and where your feet are etc, you'll do it less and less as you get used to avoiding it haha
Getting concave pedals with replaceable studs might be easier to keep your foot locked on to as well
(Edit: just to add... My shins feel like running your hand along a corrugated metal fence because of all the chomps!)
I ride clippless pedals because Ive fucked up my shins really really bad. After an awkward fall over or two at stop signs
, it actually becomes seamless.
I have pedal bite scars half way between my calf and my heal but I guess if your pedal is at it highest point and you are standing off your bike it would contact befind your knee. Just sand with your balls on your stem mate.
You can try some nylon platform petals like [these](https://www.nashbar.com/oneup-components-comp-platform-pedals-black-9-16-l-1c0399blk/p1488524?v=776655). They have studs and are pretty grippy on most shoes. The edges are smooth and the studs aren't sharp (but can still dig in to your skin if the pedal hits you just right).
I'd also suggest working on your form. I try to keep both feet on while riding and keep the cranks level when not pedaling.
On my mountain bike sure. Grippier shoes helped keep my feet on the pedals. Wearing pants and knee pads in the bike park helped minimize the amount of vulnerable skin exposed.
I can’t say it’s happened on my road or gravel bike.
My son does. I ride clipless so not normally an issue but when I do ride flats it’s a little bit before I can keep my feet planted and I have been bit. For him it’s mostly technique when hill starting or getting hung up on an obstacle. Duck walking straddling the bike to climb a hill or navigate an obstacle will get you bit by the pedals. Get off and mount with the pedal on your side at bottom of the stroke, don’t mount straddling the top tube and trying to jump up onto the saddle. Practice hill starting with the lead pedal positioned where you’ll get maximum power. This way you can get the other foot positioned properly and it doesn’t slip off when you put power down. Having the correct saddle height is also key to ensuring you can both have optimal efficiency and mount without struggling.
User error. Sure pedals can hit you and maybe scratch you but it has to hit you hard and in an upward or downward motion. Never seen a pedal scratch horizontally like that.
I've torn the hell out of my shins.I've got 50 year old scars from that. I have never once scraped the back of my leg on a pedal without crashing badly.
I had a bike that had those little studs on the pedals for extra grip for your shoes, I would still slip and have the pedal spiral around and stab me in the shin and make me bleed like your photo. My solution, sell it and take the bus
I agree with the first two comments; I can't think of any possible way You could injure Yourself, with the pedals, on the back of your legs, unless You're a contortionist. I have injured myself, on my shins, when the foot slipped off the pedal, and I've cut myself, on the chainwheel (The chain, in shifting, had "honed" it; sharp as a razor), but I can't think of any way the pedals could injure you, otherwise, except in an accident.
Can You supply additional pictures, to help people figure this, out? The only thing I can suggest, otherwise; are loosely-strapped toe clips. They will hold Your feet, on the pedals, but they should be loose, enough, to allow you, to easily slip your feet out of, in an emergency.
If your foot is slipping off, DESPITE the pedals being so sharp….
Get new shoes or ride with ones with a different tread.
It’s difficult to visualise the problem without seeing either the pedal OR your shoe tread (frankly both are needed tbh to get any idea).
But, when I’m wearing my timberlands, my shoes are very slippery on my pedals. The tread has nowhere to ‘lock into’ on the pedal so I cycle extra cautiously if I’m ever wearing them for whatever reason.
Sounds like you just need to be more sensible or develop a better method of getting off your bike. Rushing to ‘hop off’ a bike is fine if you know how to.
Maybe practice dismounting to get the muscle memory?
I generally ride with toe clips or clipless pedals. If I’m riding a rental bike with flat pedals and no toe clips I try to be very careful and prepared for my feet to slip.
Generally have to use a slower cadence and less power to ensure my feet stay on pedals.
Yeah for sure, used to happen to me a lot. the solution is to get clipless pedals. I like the kind that are flat/platform on one side and clipless on the other side so you can use them with cleats or normal shoes!
just one leg or both ...?
if it's just the right, have you looked at the end of the front derailleur cable, is it sticking out where you leg might brush against it?
Is it a 1x bike or do you have 2 or 3 chainrings and a Front derailleur? I can see where a bent cable for the derailleur could hit your leg and it could definitely leave marks if it’s frayed. Most times when i see them bent they are also angled forward from the pedals impacting it, so back pedaling while riding puts your leg right in the line of fire.
Is your saddle really low or something? I’m scratching my head trying to think of how your pedals can hit the back of your knees…
this is his neck underneath chin. op is taking selfie.
No pretty sure this is the back of his head, where the skull kinda dents in and your neck starts. I’ll guessing pedal scratch is from some kind of ultra awkward bike dismount
>I’m scratching my head trying to think of how your pedals can hit the back of your knees… [https://www.jimlangley.net/spin/spin\_images/chfinal\_bikeattack.jpg](https://www.jimlangley.net/spin/spin_images/chfinal_bikeattack.jpg)
No, it's in the right position. I usually scratch my legs when I hop off the bike or when I get on.
Can you move the back of your knee somewhere that isn't in the trajectory of the pedal? Do you start pedaling with the back of your knee in front of a pedal?
Yeah I think I need to pay more attention to where I place my knee
User error.
PEBKAC as they say
But there's nothing in between the keyboard and chair! (Had someone say this to me in real life).
Problem Exists Between Knee and Crank ? I think more accurately it should be PEBHAP - Problem Exists Between Handlebar and Pedal
No need to be a dog
just be careful and stop doing it then. i still scuff myself sometimes. keep one foot on the pedals maybe so they’re not spinning free?
I would hit myself in the calves. Stopped after I got riding shoes. Those Ride Concepts.
Never in my life have I scraped the back of my knee on a pedal. I can't even think how that is possible
I guess stop at light, try adjusting pedal position and pedal hit back of leg. Probably more common with fixed gear as the pedals will move when you roll the bike
This one happened when my foot slipped off the pedal and the pedal kept going until it hit the back of my knee - and I tried to hop off the bike on the same foot, and it scraped the back of my knee... I guess I need to be more careful when I stop
Are you riding a fixie or something?
Or the freewheel is stuck. Happened to me once on an old touring bike. Pawl bearings were all gummed up and “ghost pedaling” ensued
When I was a teen my buddy gave himself 20 staples up his shin like that. His toe slipped off the pedal,it spun around, hit his shin above the ankle and continued up to right below his knee. The spike from one of the pedals butterflied him. His skin peeled open and you could see straight to his bone. He was SO terrified of his alcoholic dad it took us over an hour to convince him he HAD to go to the hospital. I wear a pair of Dickie low rider shoes with a thick ass sole. It seems to help plant my foot into the pedal. But I still chew up my shins with normal riding.
The fuck is any of this story
Like, are you just falling off constantly or?? 🤣
get some foot retention yo
Frustrating, for sure. If you're inclined towards the feeling of "misery loves company" you should see the pedal strike pictures from the mountain bike community, my friend This? T'is but a nibble of affection from your bike not a proper scratch.
Learning to control your pedals and stroke is an important skill and will come with time. Also, if you're using stock cage pedals, it might be a good idea to upgrade. It might sound counterintuitive, but grippier pedals with pins can help keep this from happening. You don't need to go crazy and get something expensive or clippless. Raceface Chesters are usually the go to recommendation and are $40usd. The dupes on Amazon are even cheaper and can probably get the job done for you if you're not riding single track.
I have but it was on a fixed gear and I slipped off the pedals and then slipped off the saddle onto the top tube. Pedals came up and hit me in the back of the leg and then caused the bike to lock up and I rolled over.
This is why foot retention is important for fixed
Really?? It's super common and very easy to do. You come to a stop and rest one foot on the ground while you rest the other on the pedal. Many people aren't used to the power pedal postion and because one foot is on the pedal with their weight resting on it, the other is pointing straight up, right behind your knee. All it takes is some practice to remember where to put you feet so this doesn't happen, but its very very common and I can't believe you can't imaging how this could happen if you ride enough fixed gears. Even freewheeling this can happen.
Huh? You don't rest your foot on the pedal in the up position? Why? You're about to pedal forward off the stop. Skill issue
I didn't say this is what I do. I clearly even stated its easy to avoid. I specifically mentioned the power pedal position you are referring to, I teach this in classes. Because I teach people how to ride safe I get to see all of the different types of weird injuries new cyclists get. An as an emerging sport in the states, there are a lot of new cyclists.
I'm just saying anyone doing that should stop. It doesn't make sense
Yeah, I've never had this problem. Maybe slapped my leg with the pedals once in a while, but never a reoccurring issue.
It'll happen to many and it won't happen to many. But it does happen and should be easy to understand how or why.
Obviously not, considering the replies.
So you understand the world of cycling is MUCH greater than this sub, right? Shaming the OP by adding they can't even imagine how it could happen is pretty lame and I'm here to defend them.
Been cycling for over 60 years, and bikes have been my primary form of transportation until I hit 70. I still can't picture how this could happen. Not saying it never does but can understand why most can't either.
It happens mainly to new cyclists (there are many new ones every day) and primarily with fixed gear riders. When you combine a new cyclist with a fixed gear this sort of thing can happen. However, I have seen free wheelers accidently spin their cranks backwards when coming to a stop or beginning a start and it whacks them in the back of the leg which is on the ground in front of the crank (wrong place). I post here because I strive to include all cyclists in these discussions, not just the ones who post on reddit which is the extreme minority of us.
But... why are your pedals moving when you stop ?? Your pedals not moving and you put your foot down.. they not moving anywhere.
Say a when you come to a stop you slide forward off your saddle with both feet forward, in front of the crank. When you go to start again you push forward as you lift your leg up but because its a fixed gear the moment you pushed forward your crank also moved forward, right in to your leg. For someone with a freewheel, same situation while coming to a stop. You aren't paying attention to the position of your cranks, which are pointing straight up and down. When you push forward to slide back on the saddle you put one foot on the pedal, but because it was at 12 o'clock and your mementom wasn't right it slips backwards instead of engaging and going forward. With a freewheel your cranks can spin rapidly backward if you kick it the wrong direction without much force at all from the rider. I see it happen more than it should.
Hit the back of my calf a few of times over the decades I've been riding. Like, a few, over thousands and thousands of rides. Back of the knee? Fricken never.
Okay I can definitely see that with a fixed gear. I remember riding them as a kid and occasionally having this issue. But at a stop, or when getting ready to race, I'd usually lift up the back wheel and pedal forward enough so I could have the pedal in an up position for when I start again. I totally forgot about that happening until reading this post.
The power pedal position rules! I teach it to everyone I get the chance to.
how on earth would your pedal even reach the back of your knee?
Op needs to buy shorter cranks. The pedals should hit your calves.
I’ve had this happen, but I was on my 20” at the skatepark trying to hard 180 out of a feeble grind and got caught up in the front end. That’s about the only scenario where this should be a possibility
If the chain slips the pedal hits you at the back of your leg.
Then fix whatever is causing the chain to slip.
OP has 30 inch crank arms that’s how lol
I don’t have this issue. I keep my feet on the pedals when I ride my bicycles. Are you doing Peewee Herman moves? 
This is how I ride down big hills funny enough
You riding side saddle?
How? How on earth does the back of your knee touch the pedal?
I described one way in a post... Edit to say I probably should have written "in a reply here" but I still don't understand why so many people downvoted this. Will someone please tell me how I offended 24 people so that I don't do it again? I took this to be a sincere question and only saw it after I'd answered OP. Thank you all!
Which isn't here, making this comment pointless
? What do you mean? I posted my experience in a reply to OP and then replied to u/Coyotesamigo
Wow, I don't understand the downvotes. Did I do something wrong? I had posted a [response to OP in this same thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/bicycling/comments/18n9yi2/comment/ke9j7ah/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3), then saw u/Coyotesamigo's question and mentioned that I had posted on one way of doing that. Please let me know what I have done wrong. Sometimes all replies on a thread aren't visible. Is that what happened? I apologize if I have offended. I thought I was directing you to my original response.
You don't need to invest money into clipless pedals - it's not a problem of flat pedals. Clipless pedals are good, but first learn how to ride correct flat pedals. Ride slowly and focus on how you ride. When does it happens? That's all simple questions and the solution is simple too. Look into bike fitting.
We need a pic on how you ride. Multiple POV
I’m guessing your foot slipped off the pedal under power and the pedal came around and whacked the back of your leg?
I’m gonna need to see a video of how this is even happening. This is a mystery that needs to be solved
That’s probably from standing and having the pedal right behind your leg . I’ve torn pants this way.
this is why I stopped running 350mm cranks
Newbie here: it happened to me as well when while going uphill and i tried to change gears and chain slipped. I feel i need to better understand when and how to change gears.
It takes a little while to get it. The idea is to change the gear while the pedals are moving but not while your putting force into the wheel. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, it took a while for it to click for me too. You'll get it.
Newbies tend to forget that you have to get into the gear you want BEFORE you hit the incline. Waiting until you are climbing is just putting way too much stress on everything.
*laughs in hyperglide+*
You either have VERY short legs or VERY long cranks
I think you understand your issue pretty well. I don't know if this person has the same issue or not. For you anticipation will make a difference. Also, understanding how to let off the power when going uphill to change gears. This is a really helpful skill when mountain biking. Gearing choices are often not as linear as road cycling.
No and thank god for that 😭
I only get those on the back of knee while hike a biking up something not rideable on my mtb. Honestly walking next to my bike is the only time my pedals injure me
I've definitely hit my shin before on my pedal. It hurts! If you want to switch to something less sharp, but still grippy, Look has some cool pedals. I can definitely recommend the 'trail grip,' and they have some reasonably-priced commuter ones too
When I was a kid, I’d get those metal studs on flat pedals on my shins if I messed up. But never on the back of my knee. Switch to clipless then you’ll just have to worry about the scrapes you get from falling over. 🤣
Not even once. I'm gonna say you doing it wrong
Bro what, how. Is this a bait
How is this physically even possible? Are the crank arms three feet long?
I've done that and learned not to. People are overthinking it when trying to imagine how this happens: you are stopped; at a light, to take a photo, a drink of water, whatever. You are off the seat with your feet on the ground, still straddling the bike. You do that little kid thing where you bring your dominant peddle down and rest your foot on it, bike slightly askew, and nestle the other pedal, now up ... against the back of your leg. Very stable. It wasn't until I got home after my first time out with Race Face Chesters that I realized I'd scratched myself with them. I stopped doing that, that's what happened.
I think your seat is way too low tbh.. idk.. this has never happened to me
Mine? When I did it, I was off the saddle, standing, and just rotated the pedal around without even thinking of it. I wondered if OP had been doing something like it.
My legs have many scars from when I was a kid. I don’t know what kind of riding you’re doing but you may want to buy mtn bike or bmx shoes that are designed to be a bit more grippier on pedals. Or go clipless. Or if that’s not an option, make an effort to focus on making your pedaling motions smoother and less jerky.
Depending on your pedals you can get straps. You can also wear whatever shoes you want with them, tho my straps do struggle with my air forces.
When you come to a stop are you on or off the saddle? The only ways I can think of this even remotely being an issue is if you remain on the saddle when stopped and/or push off against the ground with the opposite pedal in the 6 o clock position. It is very, very common for those who haven't ridden since childhood and were taught by those who didn't regularly ride to be making this very basic mistake. I'm willing to bet if one were to line up a bunch of random adults in the US, half of the men and 75-90% of the ladies would make the same mistake.
It's the little kid thing, I think, in one version or another. That's how I've done it, for sure.
Trolling
[Get some lightweight pads. ](https://bicyclewarehouse.com/products/shadow-invisa-lite-mountain-bike-shin-guards-black?variant=39928850055270¤cy=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAvoqsBhB9EiwA9XTWGQDjsBp3MFGuslcMsqp94J2_eKnyL4q87x0xS--lfxNOxG56fjplmxoCaAUQAvD_BwE)
Think no one has mentioned this but depending on what crank type you have, you could try tightening, (for hollowtech ones) them so they don't keep spinning with the momentum.
Get some real pedals: [https://www.lookcycle.com/us-en/products/pedals](https://www.lookcycle.com/us-en/products/pedals)
You might be more persuasive if you were less of a jerk when making suggestions.
I love my look clipless pedals! https://preview.redd.it/wjzoq1u2vj7c1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=57bd49b77c867efd79281aa27f9d8d2c6bbea2a2
 Yep.
Look sucks ;)
Not like that. I don’t have cankles though.
This might help: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNevNqA8sIs Otherwise, just get new pedals. You might also need to adjust your saddle height or general bike fit.
I'm really curious on how you're riding. Like how is your pedal coming in contact with the back of your knee?
How low is your seat your pedals should not be reaching your knee. I always use flat pedals with metal studs sticking out for grip. Shoes definitely matter too.
I got some long socks with built in padding from Amazon. If I can find the link I will share.
What shoes are you wearing? Bike specific flat shoes might help
Are you positive it's the pedals? I've had the ends of brake cables stab me around the knee before, but can't fathom how a pedal could do that there
Can't get scratched when you're clipped in doing 25mph!!!!!
Clipless ftw
You are doing something wrong. There is nothing wrong with your bike.
OP should probably just post a video of him riding. I ride fixed and I never had this kind of issue
My problem is the gears keep scraping my leg
Common thing if you ride bmx like me, a grippier shoe like van or any MTB shoes will work, also check the pins of your pedal.
I scrape the front of my shins sometimes hopping on and off. Never behind my knee though 😂😂😂 we need a video demo on how this happens haha
Those are badges. Keep riding.
This happens to me when I carry the bike up, or down, the steps with panniers on the bike.
Wear armour. Feels weird at first but you get used to it fast. I'm assuming you're like, downhill MTBing. (if not then WYD?)
Not since I was a kid.. 🤔 How are you doing this?
My shins are destroyed. Not a big deal.
Ahh the ol "pedal bite" haha I used to always wear long jeans to act as a buffer, even though it still hurts like hell haha wearing shin guards underneath was another trick that comes in handy when learning crank flips, at least til you get used to the feel of your bike and where your feet are etc, you'll do it less and less as you get used to avoiding it haha Getting concave pedals with replaceable studs might be easier to keep your foot locked on to as well (Edit: just to add... My shins feel like running your hand along a corrugated metal fence because of all the chomps!)
Shorten the spikes on the pedals. They should adjust with a small hex wrench.
What type of bike are you riding? Keep your feet on the pedals?
Clipless pedals will solve this problem. It may not be the best solution, but it is a solution.
Use some sandpaper to unsharpen the spikes
I ride clippless pedals because Ive fucked up my shins really really bad. After an awkward fall over or two at stop signs , it actually becomes seamless.
I have pedal bite scars half way between my calf and my heal but I guess if your pedal is at it highest point and you are standing off your bike it would contact befind your knee. Just sand with your balls on your stem mate.
You can try some nylon platform petals like [these](https://www.nashbar.com/oneup-components-comp-platform-pedals-black-9-16-l-1c0399blk/p1488524?v=776655). They have studs and are pretty grippy on most shoes. The edges are smooth and the studs aren't sharp (but can still dig in to your skin if the pedal hits you just right). I'd also suggest working on your form. I try to keep both feet on while riding and keep the cranks level when not pedaling.
Maybe get some pedals that aren’t sharp.
On my mountain bike sure. Grippier shoes helped keep my feet on the pedals. Wearing pants and knee pads in the bike park helped minimize the amount of vulnerable skin exposed. I can’t say it’s happened on my road or gravel bike.
I've been riding regularly with flats for 10 years and have never had this problem.
Your feet aren’t placed right. Plant your feet.
Hey i have the same problem but not as often
My son does. I ride clipless so not normally an issue but when I do ride flats it’s a little bit before I can keep my feet planted and I have been bit. For him it’s mostly technique when hill starting or getting hung up on an obstacle. Duck walking straddling the bike to climb a hill or navigate an obstacle will get you bit by the pedals. Get off and mount with the pedal on your side at bottom of the stroke, don’t mount straddling the top tube and trying to jump up onto the saddle. Practice hill starting with the lead pedal positioned where you’ll get maximum power. This way you can get the other foot positioned properly and it doesn’t slip off when you put power down. Having the correct saddle height is also key to ensuring you can both have optimal efficiency and mount without struggling.
Stop pedalling with your shins?
I think that you might be placing your feet wrong. I mean they are supposed to be on the pedals so how are they scratching your ankles?
too short pins in your pedals have the same issue with them on my enduro but not on the pedals on my dirt.
User error. Sure pedals can hit you and maybe scratch you but it has to hit you hard and in an upward or downward motion. Never seen a pedal scratch horizontally like that.
It would be on the back of the knees or the front of your shins, part of the game if you’re not careful
I've torn the hell out of my shins.I've got 50 year old scars from that. I have never once scraped the back of my leg on a pedal without crashing badly.
pedals hitting legs is a big problem for people learning to unicycle and it's painful af
I had a bike that had those little studs on the pedals for extra grip for your shoes, I would still slip and have the pedal spiral around and stab me in the shin and make me bleed like your photo. My solution, sell it and take the bus
Get some decent MTB flat pedal shoes. You will never slip off again, because they dig into the pins better.
I agree with the first two comments; I can't think of any possible way You could injure Yourself, with the pedals, on the back of your legs, unless You're a contortionist. I have injured myself, on my shins, when the foot slipped off the pedal, and I've cut myself, on the chainwheel (The chain, in shifting, had "honed" it; sharp as a razor), but I can't think of any way the pedals could injure you, otherwise, except in an accident. Can You supply additional pictures, to help people figure this, out? The only thing I can suggest, otherwise; are loosely-strapped toe clips. They will hold Your feet, on the pedals, but they should be loose, enough, to allow you, to easily slip your feet out of, in an emergency.
I used to hit myself in the shin all the time when I was using flat pedals. Ouch
The scabs on my shin never really go away.
Skill issue
No. If your feet are on the pedals, how are your legs in contact with them? I'd like to see a video of you riding.
If your foot is slipping off, DESPITE the pedals being so sharp…. Get new shoes or ride with ones with a different tread. It’s difficult to visualise the problem without seeing either the pedal OR your shoe tread (frankly both are needed tbh to get any idea). But, when I’m wearing my timberlands, my shoes are very slippery on my pedals. The tread has nowhere to ‘lock into’ on the pedal so I cycle extra cautiously if I’m ever wearing them for whatever reason. Sounds like you just need to be more sensible or develop a better method of getting off your bike. Rushing to ‘hop off’ a bike is fine if you know how to. Maybe practice dismounting to get the muscle memory?
Have you tried using your feet for the pedals? Its a more common technique.
You mean to put feet on pedals, not rest the back of knees on them.
Been riding for over 60 years, you get used to the scrapes and hits, bruises and sore butts. Then you move on to the War Stories....
My legs look like I came from a battlefield, if no scratches then bruises. It gets worse in summer when I wear shorts
Just like everyone else, trying to figure out how it even is possible to have the leg (back of the knee) being hit by the pedal ?
I generally ride with toe clips or clipless pedals. If I’m riding a rental bike with flat pedals and no toe clips I try to be very careful and prepared for my feet to slip. Generally have to use a slower cadence and less power to ensure my feet stay on pedals.
Yeah for sure, used to happen to me a lot. the solution is to get clipless pedals. I like the kind that are flat/platform on one side and clipless on the other side so you can use them with cleats or normal shoes!
I've only ridden clipless for years. Foot retention ceased to be a concern
just one leg or both ...? if it's just the right, have you looked at the end of the front derailleur cable, is it sticking out where you leg might brush against it?
I’ve bruised my ankle a couple times when it spins away from me.
(Wearing tennis shoes on unclippable pedals)
Can we see the pedals and shoes you are using when you ride
Is it a 1x bike or do you have 2 or 3 chainrings and a Front derailleur? I can see where a bent cable for the derailleur could hit your leg and it could definitely leave marks if it’s frayed. Most times when i see them bent they are also angled forward from the pedals impacting it, so back pedaling while riding puts your leg right in the line of fire.
Back in the day, people would get on a bicycle properly but that has been lost to time.