When adjusting a bike saddle to a higher seat height, what effect does this have on knee extension?

Adjusting the bike saddle to a higher seat height generally results in increased knee extension during cycling. When the saddle height is raised, the hip joint is positioned higher, which allows for a greater range of motion at the knee. This increased height enables the cyclist to extend the knee more fully with each pedal stroke, promoting a more efficient and effective pedaling motion.

With a properly aligned higher saddle, the leg can reach a more optimal straight or extended position at the bottom of the pedal stroke, enhancing power output and reducing the risk of injury due to excessive knee flexion. As the knee extends more fully during this action, the muscle activation around the knee, particularly in the quadriceps, is optimized, leading to improved cycling performance.

A lower saddle height would allow less extension at the knee, while keeping the seat at the same height would not alter the extension mechanics. Therefore, increasing the saddle height is directly linked to enhancing the degree of knee extension while pedaling.