I met some newbies on the path today

[Evie]

A too-low saddle can lead to front-of-knee pain and robs you of power on your pedal stroke.

I'm so glad you mentioned that! My right knee started to hurt about two nights ago, and I was really worried. Maybe raising my seat an inch or two will help.

I'll see if I can get my mom to help with my leg position...although she's as clueless about bikes as I am.

[KSH]

I'm so glad you mentioned that! My right knee started to hurt about two nights ago, and I was really worried. Maybe raising my seat an inch or two will help.

I'll see if I can get my mom to help with my leg position...although she's as clueless about bikes as I am.

It's best to try to adjust your seat while you are sitting on the bike. In a shop, they put the bike on a trainer, so you can sit and pedal. They do measurements, etc... to make sure the seat height is just perfect... as your leg should be stretch out some, but with a slight bend in the knee.

Knees can also hurt from riding a bike... if you are mashing your pedals... which means your cadence is low (85 and lower) and you aren't spinning (cadence 90+)... so riding becomes more muscular (mashing) than cardiovascular (spinning).

[bcipam]

Evie:

Your saddle definitely needs to be raised but do it a little at time. What most fitters do is measure where the saddle is supposed to be and then over a period of time the saddle is very gradually raised to that position. Shouldn't go more than several cm at a time. That way no real shock to your body and your knees.

The most common cause of knee problems is a saddle too low but what KSH say is also true. Just get your activities whent he knee problems come up adn see if yiou can tie it to a specific event.

Good luck. Once you get that saddle raised, you will be amazed at the pwoer and strength you gain!