30" inseam with me, too. I would love to migrate to 165's, but it means changing cranksets on three bikes. Gets expensive in a hurry.
Looks like a saddle height issue with the OP, since the discomfort impacted both knees.
I setup a new bike six months ago. It required some diligence with a tape measure to lay it out with the same dimensions as the other two bikes.
Measured saddle height to floor, to pedals, and fore-aft with a plumb bob. Same exercise with the stem and bar reach.
Good luck with your fit. Sore knees suck.