Help with getting seat and handlebar height correct

mel.b

I'm riding a ladies hybrid bike. I've been gradually putting up the seat height and I now feel like it is at a good, comfortable height and I'm not getting any knee pain anymore while riding which I was before. However since putting the seat up the last time, I've noticed I've started to get a twinge in my lower back on the left side. At the same time though my rides have been getting longer, so I don't know if it is the seat height or the longer rides and it is something that will adapt. It's not a bad pain but I would notice that it is there if I straighten my back towards the end of a longer ride and when I get off the bike.

Also I'm wondering about the height of my handlebars - bizzarely the tip of my pinky finger on my left hand gets pins and needles and nearly goes numb. I was reading something that said your wrists and hands should be more flat and when I look at mine they are at least at a 45degree angle and probably more. However I don't know if this is a difference between riding position on a hybrid when compared to a road bike. Would it be worth trying to put the handlebars up a bit?

thanks,
Mel.b

cdaly_

I'd say lower the saddle just a bit and see does the back pain go away.