Originally Posted by
DannoXYZ
...As for knee pain, be careful of a too-low seat, it will cause way more damage and pain than a too-high seat of the same amount. Too low will cause pain above the knee-cap, too far back will cause that pain as well as in front/below the knee-cap. This is due to applying force and stress at the maximum force point (downstroke) with a bent knee. A straight knee can transfer forces more directly without wobble and stressing the ligaments & tendons. Also flexibility issues with the hamstring will cause a lot of discomfort when the seat is too low and you're trying to spin and apply a lot of force while bent over.
A too high seat will actually not cause any knee pain, but rather ligament pain behind the knee. But if your're unsure, err on the side of a little too high.
agree completely with the bit I snipped
disagree completely with the bit I left - sorry dude
having trashed my knees once from too high a saddle I'd definitely say that:
too high = mucho pain and permanent, long term damage. Please folks do not, under any circumstances, ride with a locked or straight knee at the furthest point of the pedal stroke, i.e., when your cranks line up with your seat tube.
too low = sore buttocks and quads with no lasting effect unless you consider fitness - you can pretty much ride any lower height with your knees bent and suffer no permanent damage. Your efficiency will suck though.
The only exception I can think of is pushing a huge gear at very low rpm but that'll trash your knees at any saddle height.