[Closed] Help! Solutions for Pugsley medial knee pain ? (Q factor)

Hi all ..really hoping someone can suggest a solution !

My problem is that I love my recently refurbed 2015 Pug but the BB width increase and associated Q factor is giving me knee trouble on the inner medial area . I have arthritis in one knee and a short 20 mile ride aggravates it badly .I never have trouble with my ogre etc 68/73 ?

I am running a 2 X10 with gx crank set so can't change the spindle length but have 2 ST Shimano cranks (104bcd) waiting +2 ST 151mm bb's. Unfortunately the Q factor on these seems greater which is disappointing and I don't know how short a BB spindle length I could go without the cranks touching the BB shell.

At the moment there is at least 15mm clearance with the GX cranks on both chainstays and plenty of space between the inner "granny ring " and the shell.

Hope you're getting the picture.

Basically I want to reduce the Q factor and wondered if anyone knew of a ST chainset that has a very low Q factor ? I'd prefer 104 BCD but I know beggars can't be choosers.

I think I read all the hollowtech cranks have increased Q factor compared to the older models sadly, and just by eye , when I look at the FCM 570 ST cranks I have waiting they do seem to have a wider "splay" which is a shame.

I saw online that one guy from the States had shaved his BB shell down to 83 mm and fitted a downhill unit. I may do this if absolutely necessary and I can easily get compatible bb's and cranks.

I've got to sort it as I absolutely love the bike,it's sure footing and handling ,versatility etc .

I wondered if fitting a hub gear would help somehow but haven't thought it through and also I have a nice set of 29p!us wheels to fit so would have to do both and I only have one speedhub!

I am also trying to stretch my adductors but please suggest other bodywork that might help

I guess if I can remember to bring my feet closer to the crank arms ( I run flats)
may help but decades of 68/73 bb's have cultured the standard pedalling position

Also I wondered if I lowered the seat slightly to encourage a wider stance might help.

As you may be able to tell I blooming love this bike .. it's my first fatbike and it is not disappointing. I now understand why many love them . I have actually managed to fit 4.8 JJ's too without issue although I did have to carefully re dish to avoid any rub. I know that I increases chain tyre rub issues but if I can get the cranks further in I can always space the chainring outwards and at the moment all works well .

Any ideas would be very much appreciated and thanks in advance

Cheers
Bill in Devon