Saddle height is one of the fastest ways to make a bike feel better or worse.
Signs it is too high
- hips rock side to side
- toes point down at the bottom of the stroke
- hamstrings feel overstretched on steady efforts
Signs it is too low
- front-of-knee discomfort shows up quickly
- power feels choppy instead of smooth
- you feel cramped even with a reasonable bar position
A useful starting method
Set the bike level, clip in or use your normal shoes, and spin on a trainer or quiet flat road. Aim for a leg extension that feels complete without forcing your hips to chase the pedal.
Small changes matter here. Five millimeters is often a lot.