So, I got a bike. Now, some questions...

[thom]

Yes, we went back to the LBS & got bikes. 2 of them.

Mine is this: salsacycles.com/bikes/vaya/

H's is this: salsacycles.com/bikes/fargo/

Sorry, haven't taken any actual pics yet. I'll get on that soon!
I looked at some of the other brands you ladies mentioned, but in the end with our gravel roads & the discounts on these specific, in-stock, bikes we both got Salsa.

I got a 2012 close-out model in a nicer trim, and saved over 1/3 off of new. It's got the 700, 29 inch, tires (thanks sadlebred for this recc!). It's got enough tread to handle gravel, but it definitely has the feel and set-up of a road bike, which is very new to me. I've done some biking this summer but all mountain bike.

I did 5 miles this morning, and here's where the questions come in:

Does a seat need a break-in period? Or maybe I just need a break in period & more experience on this bike? Or a different seat?

My butt isn't too sore, but my delicate lady parts were not happy after just a few miles. Maybe I need to buy bike shorts? Looking for any ideas to make things more comfortable.

For those of you that bike a lot, when did you start feeling more confident on the roads? It's not like I don't know "how to bike" but I'm definitely tentative on the turns and just feel kind of alien out there. I know it will come with time, like running, but I want to get the most out of my rides as I'm learning. Kwim?

[Brit]

Get bike shorts! And keep in mind that, like with running shoes, not all bike shorts are created equally. Unfortunately, bike shorts are not usually returnable.

[Susie]

Cycling shorts will help a lot. There's also a break in period (more for your butt than the seat). It's possible (probable?) that there is a better seat out there for your butt than what came stock on the bike, but even your theoretical perfect butt-mate saddle won't feel comfortable if your butt is not used holding a lot of your weight on a bike.

So, my advice is to get some cycling shorts and spend some time on your bike. Your butt will get used to it, even if it isn't perfect. In time you will figure out what parts of the saddle aren't working for you (if that is the case) which will inform and narrow down the choices for something to try next. Narrower nose, wider nose, cut out, wider back, etc., etc.

As for confidence, it comes slowly and gradually, but it definitely comes with miles.

[sadlebred]

Nice bikes!!! Good choices!

1. Yes. Let yourself get used to it. If in 50 miles you don't like it, get a new saddle. Your LBS can make some recommendations as to what their women customers like. See if they have a demo program where you can try saddles to see which one you like. Some LBSes do, some don't. I have plenty of saddle buying advice in the link below. Also, your girlie bits will get used to being on a smaller saddle. It takes time to get "callouses" (although you won't really get them) and to toughen up a little bit.

2. If you don't have padded shorts, buy them. I recommend buying them at the LBS first, so that you can get a good fit. If you can't, mail order is fine. Like running shoes what works for me may not work for you. Padded bike shorts should be mandatory along with a helmet for the type of riding you are going to do.

3. Give yourself 100 miles or 10 rides to get comfortable! Do any local bike clubs offer cycling classes or maybe "confident cycling classes"? It's something to check into. It will come, don't worry!

[thom]

"It will take time." I'm know this is totally common sense, but it helps to hear you all say it. I will try some shorts soon. I thought about buying some earlier, but then I looked at the price & decided I should ride more first to see if I really needed them. Apparently I do! And I can look at bike seats in a few weeks if I'm still having trouble.

I do wear a helmet. I'm far too accident-prone to skip that.

[trigal]

One other thing...make sure your saddle is wide enough. Women have wider sit bones than men and most bikes don't come with a wide enough saddle.

[katinthehat]

shorts are a for sure! I like Sugoi Endurance shorts as I have pretty narrow sit bones and these have a very narrow width of padding, so it doesn't make me feel like I'm wearing an overly large diaper.

it took me probably six months to get over the normal butt pain issues of having a new bike, lots of tinkering with position, trying some new shorts, etc happened in that time. after six months, when I was still having soft tissue issues (as one of my friends called it) I realized it was the saddle, not me.

as I'm as timid as a mouse on a bike, I'd say it took six months to a year for me to feel comfortable riding on the road. I'm still not nearly as comfortable as I'd like to be though.

[trigal]

Oh, and it takes a little time to get used to riding a new bike. Remember to keep your core engaged!