Finally got my bike, scared to get on it!

That is a beautiful bike!
As you improve you will change seats and position. Plan on it.
Your neck will hurt until those muscles get used to their new job. It gets better with every mile. If it is more comfortable, ride uprite for now. Stay out of the drops until you develop stronger neck muscles. Then ride that way for a short time during each ride. Remember to treat it like a really fun workout.
When you get to longer rides (20 miles) you might want to think about a different stem length. Your position will change.
Before I saw a pro, for a fitting, I bought a seat with the cut out for my girly bits. It was the right size, (155) but 7 miles on that sucker and I was in tears. I kept going and when I got done with my 20 (I cut it short) it took me 12 weeks to recover! I couldn't ride at all. I could barely sit! My ginny wasn't the same for a long, long time. No cut outs for me! That seat really set my training and weight loss back.
So the pro I went to tried 15 different seats with me. He was very patient. While many are saying that the Bontrager seats aren't that great, that's what I ended up with and it's the best (for me). It's actually an old model that the pro gave me.
Doesn't matter what it looks like, or what some people think you should be on. Get the one that makes you comfortable. You can always change it when you've gotten comfortable riding in a different position.
After 1,500 miles on my beautiful bike I still love my seat. I've tried a less cushy seat and it cuts my ride short because of the pain. I've tried a bigger, touring seat and it cut off my circulation and became really uncomfortable after just 5 miles.
Just call me Goldylocks. 'Cause my old seat is just right.

The stock Bontrager saddles that come with new bikes tend to be uncomfortable for just about everyone. There are other Bontrager saddles that you can buy that might be more comfortable. I've tried several of them and have found that none has the right shape/topography for me. But some women do like them.

As Muirenn suggested, it's worth it to read the various saddle threads here, to get an idea of how to measure your sit bones and figure out whether you need a saddle with a cutout.

Good luck!!

I was beginning to think that I was the only one here that rode a Bontrager saddle... it's a Satellite Gel saddle that isn't too cushy. The first times I rode my Trek FX I was in agony after only a quarter mile. That was until I lowered the seat. Having the seat too high put too much pressure on all my bits and wasn't pleasant at all.

Seat like the stock one here on this Gary Fisher is what I ended up with on my Trek FX named "Louisville"

http://commutebybike.com/wp-content/...008/02/sc3.jpg

With that said I have been wondering about the Brooks saddles and what that's all about and even put a B17 on my wish list, but me don't thinks Santa will be bringing that, at least not this year.

Shannon

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Originally Posted by Roadtrip

Having the seat too high put too much pressure on all my bits and wasn't pleasant at all.

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Good point -- I've had the same experience. Proper saddle position can make a big difference.

Don't assume we all get on a bike and the saddle is wonderfully comfortable. In almost 40 years of riding, I have never had a comfortable saddle nor have my friends.

That said, it is a matter of conditioning. If I am riding alot (like in the summer) the saddle won't start to bother me until I've gone 40 - 50 miles. Right now, riding only weekends, the saddle bothers me much sooner (last weekend - as soon as I got on!).

I've tried all the saddles out there. I think its a rite of passage for us bike riders. I've settled on the Terry Butterfly (Ti) as being the most comfortable out there. It's not that wide but its not narrow; just right (for me). Then there is the whole idea of positioning... is the saddle tilted up or down too much, should it go forward or back? Is the seat post height correct? Where exactly is the saddle bothering you?

Something to consider is getting a professional fitting. A good fitter can address all these issues for you. If you can afford it or find someone local, do some research on line.

But bottom line you just need to ride the bike. Do short distances and allow everything to used to the wear and tear. As you ride more (and that is the key) things will get easier. Right now at your weight everything is going to be hard. I admire that you want to get out and do something about it. I struggle with weight as well (5'8" - 230) and there are times I just struggle while my skinny friends have no problems (hate them!). But I keep at it and every week find myself getting stronger and more use to the bike.

A good bike fit makes a huge difference - so I would recommend that and an instructor. I have lost 30 pounds in 6 months, cycling burns a lot of calories, but you have to ride a lot. It is important to fell comfortable. I hurt all over when I started, but gradually felt more comfortable and the encouragement I got from group rides and an instructor was key to me persevering.

Conditioning certainly helps, but I know there are saddles that will make me cry no matter what my weight or fitness level.


It may take several tries to get something that will work, but keep trying until you get there.

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Originally Posted by malkin

Conditioning certainly helps, but I know there are saddles that will make me cry no matter what my weight or fitness level.

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Ain't the truth! The Terry Damselfly was an instrument of pure torture to me, and this was when I was in the best cycling shape of my life. The more miles you ride, the more the saddle matters, once you're no longer a newbie. For someone just starting out, though, pretty much any saddle will likely hurt for awhile until your soft tissue toughens up, so that makes it difficult to pick your perfect saddle until you've gotten over the "newbie hump". But it's hard to get over the "newbie hump" w/a torturous saddle. Tough dilemma. Definitely wear the best shorts you can afford and try to stick it out with a saddle for awhile before deciding it simply won't work for you.

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Originally Posted by drgynfyr

Hi Sillz, i have a Trek that came with a Bontrager too, it really is an awful seat, imo.

I have since then switched to the Body Geometry (Specialized) seat, it makes a world of difference.

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I also have a Body Geometry Specialized seat - mine is the Dolce 155cm model. It's really cheap. It came stock on my bike and I must be the only one on this forum who did not have to get rid of a stock saddle. Instead, I bought another one of the same model for my second bike. The stock seat that came on by Bike Friday hurt so much that I could hardly pee for a day. Does your saddle have a cutout? I think that helps alot.

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Originally Posted by Roadtrip

I was beginning to think that I was the only one here that rode a Bontrager saddle...

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You're not the only one. I bought one towards the end of the riding year and love it.

Any update, Sillz? Enquiring minds would like to know if you've been out on that beautiful bike again :D

I have found arnica tablets to be very good for after-ride soreness, especially if you take a couple as soon as you get back.

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Originally Posted by hebe

Any update, Sillz? Enquiring minds would like to know if you've been out on that beautiful bike again :D

I have found arnica tablets to be very good for after-ride soreness, especially if you take a couple as soon as you get back.

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I actually have not even had a chance to ride it yet! It has rained almost every day since I bought it and when it is not raining it is really windy and freezing cold! I think I'm going to get an indoor trainer for Christmas so I can get used to my seat faster. :)

Thanks for checking on me though, I appreciate you thinking of me. :)

I hope you didn't mind me asking :) I have friends in Seattle and I'd seen their posts on facebook about the rain, so did think maybe the weather was stopping you.

Welcome to TE and hope you get some better weather to enjoy your beautiful bike!

Beautiful Bike. Becky gives good advise. Don't be afraid to research other seats and find one that is comfortable. The majority of the time it's the seat, not you. :)