Introduction

[amnesiac]

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?

I love your pink accents! I think I may need to get myself some of that pink tape!

I have been happy with my Terry Butterfly but IME the bike fitting has been super important because in the wrong position any saddle can be really uncomfortable.

I also chose Shimano SPD mountain bike pedals & shoes. Partially because the shoes are comfy for walking around in & partially because that way I wouldn't have to buy another pair of shoes (because I have a MTB also). They're really user friendly which is good considering I'm super clumsy!

[CyclingJenn]

So, I thought I'd like to have a flat pedal on one side, but now I'm reconsidering. I rode 25 miles yesterday (my longest ride yet, Yay!) in my toe clip pedals, and hated having to flip the pedal over to get my foot into it. I don't want to have to make sure the pedal is "right side up" to be able to get my foot clipped in.

I think I'd like pedals that I can clip into on either side. My boyfriend has on old pair of mtb pedals that clip on either side. I think I want to try those, but I'd like to stick to a road shoe. I'll probably eventually switch to a traditional road pedal and I don't want to have to buy new shoes when I do. So, I'm looking for a shoe that can accomodate both a 2-hole and 3-hole attachment.

I'm considering these shoes: http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...28_-1___202527

Has anyone tried this brand, Exustar? I haven't heard of them before. I read the reviews of the men's version and they are all pretty positive.

And thanks for the compliments on my bike! The bar tape is Bontrager "Serious Pink" gel cork tape.

[MGM]

If you want road shoes seriously look into Speedplay Light Action pedals! Since these are so popular, I'm surprised no one has mentioned them yet. They're small, lightweight, double sided, and easy to get in and out of. They have float so your knees (and feet) won't stay locked in a fixed position if you need to move a bit. AND they sell these things called Platformers to go over the pedals - they're like small covers or mini flat pedals, so you can still use your Speedplay pedal if you want to ride with other, non-cleated shoes.