Well, I did it! (long)

[allismarie]

Incase you all didn't see my post from a couple of days ago. I've been road bike shopping with the intent to cycle.

I purchased a Trek 7.3 FX. After riding the 17" Men's and Women's bike, the men's is actually a better fit for me. So, that's what I got. The guy spent about an hour showing me how to remove tires, and work the bike. How *not* to do the gears, etc etc.

I was excited leaving the shop with the bike in my trunk, and went home. I decided to go on a short ride through my neighborhood. After taking off, I realized that my front break was undone because I had to put the tire back on for transport. Then, I turned down a street that I haven't been down before. Boy was that a mistake. It had these steep rolling hills. I haven't figured out my gears, so I was in the wrong gear going up. I wore myself out!

Next, on my way home, I went with my front gear on 1, and my back gear on 8. (What the guy at the shop told me not to do) Guess what, the chain came off the gear. So, I had to stop and fix it.

All of that adventure in 30 minutes. I was totally wiped out. I had no idea how out-of-shape I really am, and I have never felt like more of a newb than I do right now!

Today, my butt and my female parts are sore. Not too bad, but how long can I expect this hurt to continue? What is the normal soreness expected, and when should I start looking for a new saddle?

[Biciclista]

Ha, you did everything I did wrong, but all in the first ride! congrats on that.
You will surely get better with time. I still mess the chains up sometimes when i think i am on the middle chain ring and i'm NOT.

About your sit bones being sore,that is to be expected. About your girl parts being sore, that means either the bike is not fitting you properly or the saddle needs to be replaced. That is unacceptable.

enjoy your new bike but go back and complain about that saddle pain!

[redrhodie]

Yay! You did it!

All these kinks are normal at first. Soon it will be second nature, and whole new world will open up to you!

[indigoiis]

+1 - it's always a learning experience at first.

Practice your gears on a neighborhood street. Don't worry about what gear or chainring you are in/on. Just flip through the gears and get the feel for them.

[allismarie]

Thanks for the encouragement. The feminine pain isn't severe. I'm thinking of angling the seat forward a little bit to see if that makes a difference.

I'm sad that I'm not going to be able to go again today. I've got a birthday to attend, and it's going to run late. I've been cruising the website looking for good places to go ride. I need nice and flat for the first little while.

Also, what does the +1 mean?

Thanks again! I'm looking forward to growing with you all!

[Biciclista]

+1 means she really liked it