Adjusting the bike saddle lower increases which type of stress on the knee?

When the bike saddle is adjusted lower, it can significantly impact the biomechanics of cycling, particularly on how forces are transmitted through the knee joint. A lower saddle height causes the cyclist's knee to flex more at the top of the pedal stroke, which increases the degree of knee flexion required to complete each rotation. This heightened knee flexion places greater stress on the structures within the knee, including ligaments, tendons, and the joint itself.

Increased flexion can lead to a greater load on the patellofemoral joint, increasing the risk of patellofemoral pain syndrome. Additionally, the muscles that surround and support the knee may also become more strained due to altered angles of contraction and increased work required to stabilize the knee joint during cycling. Overall, lowering the saddle affects not only the mechanics of pedaling but also the distribution of forces exerted across the knee, thereby leading to greater stress on the joint during cycling activities.