Short newbie - having issues - help!!

[OakLeaf]

+1 on the push-pin adjustment. Five millimeters makes a HUGE difference in seat height, and those things usually adjust in increments of 20 mm or more. When you're small, it's an even greater issue, because the increment is a greater percentage of your leg length.

The other thing about those bikes is the crankarm length. Often they come with non-replaceable cranks of 175 mm or even longer - again, way too long for most smaller people. I can't ride spin bikes at all without hurting my knees. (Which is a perfect excuse for not having to learn to teach cycling at my gym. )

[Dogmama]

I'm assuming that when you extend your leg with a flat foot that your leg is straight and/or you have to point your toe? When you extend your leg with a flat foot, you should have a slight bend to your knee. I'm assuming that you just need an inch or two to get you in a correct position.

I looked at the link & the seat looks pretty padded. Maybe a change there would get you lower. Also, if you add shoes & clips, rather than cages, that might help. Do you have any old platform shoes? Just kidding...

A problem with the seat being too high is that your hips rock side to side & eventually may give you some problems with your lower back. I have some spin students who were told many years ago that their legs should be straight & now they're talking about lower back pain. They have bad muscle memory, so anything set up correctly feels wrong to them.