If I could throw my two cent's into the discussion ....

Even after you've been fitted for your bike and you've put on a couple dozen miles if you start feeling a few aches that you know (or even suspect) aren't due to the amount of miles spent riding - you should have someone who is knowledgeable check to make sure your seat is the correct height (I am assuming that the procedure for checking is on one of the web sites that were sent in earlier messages). Moving the saddle up, down, forward or backward a fraction of an inch can make all the difference in the world.

If the front of the saddle is too high - even a fraction of an inch - it can cause a tremendous amount of discomfort ... especially for women.

Our son's girlfriend purchased a Trek 6700 from the lbs - it was the only one in stock and the owner (of all people) convinced her that it was the perfect size for her. A year later, it took a couple of different headsets and lopping off an inch of handlebar in order to have the bike fit her better (all performed by my hubby) ... still not the best fit but certainly better than it was.

I find it very empowering .. and helpful .. to be able to recognize when my body is telling me that there is something wrong with the fit of my bike. But that didn't come by osmosis ... I had to ask a lot of questions of people more knowledgeable about bicycles than myself ... and doing a lot of reading as well.

Don't be afraid to ask questions ... you shouldn't have to suffer in silence because you think your question is stupid.

Cindy