Quote Originally Posted by CyclingJenn View Post
Instead of starting a new thread, I figured I'd just post some questions here.

First off, the saddle. I know this is more of an individual preference, but some recommendations would be a nice place to start. I'm riding the stock saddle that came with my bike. It's bothered me since the beginning, but I thought I would put some miles on it and then see how it felt. It still hurts. Even more so now that I am riding farther. I did 18 miles yesterday, with more climbing than I have done before. My lady bits were hurting pretty badly by the end of the ride. It feels like there is a lot of pressure on the soft tissue/sensitive area, plus some irritation from rubbing. I've tried tilting my seat down a bit in the front, but it hasn't helped. Any recommendations? What about places to buy? Ideally I'd like to try out some saddles first, but I'm not sure if my LBS carries any brands other than the specific bike brands that they sell.

Secondly, pedals and shoes. I don't think I'm quite ready to make the switch, since I am still getting used to riding and already concentrating on so many things. But, I do want to switch to clipless pedals sometime soon. I have small feet, so they would have to come in smaller sizes. I wear a 5 1/2 to a 6. Are there any pedals that are easier to get in and out of?

Lastly, are there any kinds of exercises or conditioning tricks that I can do outside of riding that would help me when riding?
Welcome to TE! Woohoo, another Giant owner! I have the women's model from a few years ago.

The stock saddles that come on Giants are horrible! (I think I gave mine a week...) You have to make sure that the saddle is wide enough for your sit bones and determine whether or not you need a cut-out or indentation, and from there it's a lot of trial and error.
Specialized's saddles have done well for me, and before that I had a Selle Italia Lady Gel Flow. Selle Italia makes nice saddles. They're just not the right shape for me. Take a gander at this thread for some tips.
A few other questions: Are you wearing bike shorts? Without underwear? If you're not wearing cycling shorts with a chamois, you might consider doing so--the lack of seams near soft tissue helps with chafing, as does not wearing underwear with them. Chamois butter may also help, but my money is on the implement of torture that Giant thinks is a saddle.

Speedplays are supposed to be pretty easy to get in and out of.