My knees hurts from biking, is it my bike seat?

Question

My knees hurt, I think because my bike seat it too low. i have a 26 inch bike and I'm 5'2, and my seat is all the way down. If I raise the seat i will barely be able to touch the ground.

Should i get a 24 inch bike and raise the seat on that?

Answer 1

Your knees hurt because your seat is too low and you can't get any leg extension-- The seat needs to be high enough so you can get a comfortable amount of extension in your leg when you pedal.  That way it won't feel like all the pedaling effort is coming from your knees.

When the seat is at the proper height to allow for comfortable leg extension when pedaling, you aren't supposed to be able to touch the ground with your feet.

To put your feet on the ground while the seat at the right height, you need to learn to slide forward off the bike seat as you brake to a stop.  It does require a bit of learning and coordination, but once you get used to it, it becomes second nature.

Answer 2

it most likely is your seat height needing adjustment. but you also need to stretch after riding. especially your hamstrings. this will alleviate pain behind your knees.

as to reaching the ground from the seat, that's what the standover measurement for your top tube is for. I'm 6' 2" and can't reach the ground from my seat..

Answer 3

Seat Height can have something to do with it - you should be able to extend your leg such that your knee is bent slightly at the bottom of the pedal stroke.  

But...... two other things I would like to point out:

1.  You need to go ask your doctor about this knee pain.   It may be the sign of a bigger problem.  Don't assume it's just being caused by a maladjusted seat.  Cycling can just make an existing problem worse.

2.  Try riding your bike in a lower gear.  Sometimes knee pain is being caused by trying to turn to big a gear when you start out.  As you get more comfortable with shifting, put the bike in a lower gear and shift through the gears as you pick up speed.  Also when you climb hills, don't try to "muscle" your way to the top.  Shift down and let the mechanical advantage of the gears help you.  A LOT of knee pain is caused by too much stress being placed on the knee by the surrounding muscles.

I also agree that stretching before/after a ride helps.  But most important point would be to see your doctor and make sure you don't have an injury that needs tending to.

Answer 4

it probably is because of seat height and i would move it up a cm and see if it helps

and keep your 26 inch

Answer 5

Could be. The size of the frame, not the size of the tires is what is important. Find a frame size that will let your knee be slightly bent at extension. A good bike shop can help you with this. Fortunately there is quite a good selection of smaller framed bikes available now. The other common cause of knee problems in cycling is using the wrong gear. Always stay in a gear that will allow you to pedal freely. If you are pushing hard, you are in the wrong gear! With men it is common to want to use the highest gear you can move..it's a macho thing, shows your strength, but your knees do not appreciate that strain!

Answer 6

Hi Loen.

Most likely is that, as you say, the saddle is too low.  But, you're not supposed to touch the ground with your feet when sitting on the saddle.

When you're starting, it's easy to feel insecure if you can't touch the ground, but having your saddle at the right height does help and make riding more pleasurable.  The 'correct' saddle height is when you're almost able to stretch your foot when it's on it's lower position, so no matter which bike size you have, you won't touch the ground sitting.

What you need to do is start lifting the saddle.  When you want to stop, you just hop in front.  It gets easier with practice.  But, don't lift the saddle all the way right now, but try doing it slowly each ride.  Maybe lift it one inch for the next ride, and then another for the next day, until you feel confortable riding without touching the ground when sitted.

Answer 7

The seat should be set at a height where your leg is slightly bent when you are seated and the pedal is all the way down.  Put the middle of your foot on the pedal.   A seat too low is very dangerous to your knees if your ride any distance at all.

Answer 8

The first answer is correct. The seat should be adjusted to where when you sit and the pedal is at its lowest, the leg should slightly bend. Now if you can sit and still touch the ground with your feet then the seat is too low.