well, I didn't really check scientifically, but a friend said: yeah, you're heavy (110kg but going down sloowly) and you still move a bit, so clearly on flat terrain, you can just put those muscles into going forward. Where he probably has a point.
The problems start uphill - I only had a 5 gear bike and went for a simple 60km roundtrip stopping at some relatives. All went well, until I had to move up 100ms. With cramps (the bike was too small), I walked the last km.
But that hill (6% for 2km if you take it in one go) still is hard with a suitable gravel bike now (at 105kg).
I'm at about 100kg now, walking and running got much easier but I don't see much difference on bike. I mostly cycle with my wife who is much more fit and has basically perfect BMI, but has knee problems. She has more problems going uphill than me, so we walk up steeps hills.
May I suggest trying an e-bike for your wife? Even at the low assist levels you will find noticeably less pressure required on your knees and that can make all the difference. I have a close family member with knee issues and there it helped tremendously.
Tried to persuade her many times, she doesn't want one cause they are heavier than normal bikes and taking it from our flat outdoors and over obstacles in the city would be harder.
That makes good sense. Hm, let me think about this for a bit, maybe there is a way to get something light fixed up that still helps with knee injury. Because in my experience it is only the 'getting started' part where you need help, not once you're rolling.
The problems start uphill - I only had a 5 gear bike and went for a simple 60km roundtrip stopping at some relatives. All went well, until I had to move up 100ms. With cramps (the bike was too small), I walked the last km.
But that hill (6% for 2km if you take it in one go) still is hard with a suitable gravel bike now (at 105kg).