A correctly adjusted saddle height will help ensure fatigue-free riding. The minimum saddle height is the height at which you can fully extend your leg with your heel on the pedal at the bottom of the pedal stroke. [See Fig. 1]

This test must be performed in the planned riding position (e.g. forward-leaning sitting position) because the height of the hip joint will vary with the position of the pelvis on the saddle (even by several centimetres for men).

When you ride on a saddle that is too low, pedalling will require more energy, and the knee joints will be subjected to potentially damaging stress. If, after you have ridden your new bike a few times, you have the feeling that a higher saddle would be better don’t hesitate to try it.