Seat height vs knee pain vs numbness...again.
 

I realize this has been discussed ad nauseum. Even though I am probably going to answer my own question I am compelled to ask.

I recently lowered my seat about 1/2". Having no pain prior to that, I thought it might increase efficiency and decrease a little numbness in my crotch as my legs were nearing full extension at the bottom. Now I am finding I have developed pain on the outside to top right side of my right knee. I will be moving my seat back up and possibly replacing the saddle. It's an Italia that came on the bike, a Marin Argenta.

So, in the end, perhaps I should not be overly concerned with seat height if the pain goes away? In other words if I set the height as high as possible, without developing a different pain in the back of my knee, is it safe to say I am all set?

I know it comes down to whatever is most comfortable to a given individual. Maybe this is where I've answered my own question.

i have noticed signifgant knee pain when i ride a 24" framed bike. other than that, i have knee pain occasionally on really long rides.

btw i recently bought a new bike which has a rather narrow seat. the first time i rode it, i was on it for about 45-50 minutes. afterwords, i noticed pronounced numbing in the nether-regions...it was one of the most bizzare sensations i have ever experienced. i attribute this phenomenon to the narrow seat, as i have never experienced this before, and it is the only differing variable.