Going in circles here

[Swan]

Thank you both! I slapped on some thick gloves, strapped a pillow onto my seat (and boy did that help a LOT), and adjusted its height for today's ride. Unfortunately the saddle's angle and forward/backward position or the handlebars' height cannot be altered, but I won't use that as an excuse to not ride. I've found that the most comfortable riding position for me is the same one I'd use for riding horses, but the handles are a little too low for that... My chain came loose today and my gears were super hard to shift -- this is something I'm very well versed in when it comes to riding bikes though, so I was very surprised and frustrated when it happened -- so overall I think I'm just going to need a different bike. This one is less than a few months in my possession and is already having so many troubles.

I'll make a few calls and see if the shops closest to me offer comprehensive fittings and saddle parts. It wouldn't hurt to check their costs and whether or not they offer test rides either. It sounds like it's going to be needed! Thank you all for your advice on this and all of the pointers/links. I super duper appreciate it!

[goldfinch]

Besides making sure your bike fits right and that your saddle is right for you, probably one of the most important things you can do is to strengthen your core. Here is an excellent slide show of core exercises. You don't have to do them all, you can skip ones that are too tough.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/core-strength/SM00047

[smittykitty]

Well you have come to the right place. Forget all the other forums! The ladies here know all!!!!!!

My two cents: As stated before, engage core. Wear gloves. Your hands should not be holding you up, your core should be. Unlock those elbows. That will take a lot of the weight off the hands. Also, invest in good bike shorts (worn commando). I wouldn't get on a bike without them. If you need a pillow, you need a new saddle! I'm assuming you also are wearing a helmet and glasses.


You may want to consider whether the bike you have in worth the expense of a complete fit. You may be throwing good money after good. You may want/need a new bike (that's ok. We are a bunch of new bike enablers here!) Not sure what type of bike you need for your mix of terrain, but you definitely need to keep that in mind. Hopefully a few of the ladies in the know will chime in on that topic.

Sounds like a road trip (by car) is in your future. Spend some time in a few lbs's (local bike stores). Ask questions, ride bikes, ask more questions, sit on bikes, etc.

Bike fit is so important. You may not need a complete fit to get the right bike, but a good sizing-type fitting as a minimum is critical. I found Specialized stores usually have offer pretty good sizing, possibly included in the purchase price.

By, the way, you have had excellent questions.

Enjoy riding, and welcome

[Swan]

You may want to consider whether the bike you have is worth the expense of a complete fit.

Ah whoa this threw a wrench in what I thought I knew! I read and appreciated your posts before, but this part only just sank in.
So you don't go in for a fitting before you get a bike... you get a bike first, and then it's fitted to you?

You are lucky to have us.

Indeed I am! I've thought this several times throughout the past few days... I'd still be lost without all of the answers everyone has provided that are tailored to my situation. You all are so lovely!

[smittykitty]

Ok, its good money after bad! I would edit, if I good figure out how! Sorry for the typos!

[laura*]

Is this your bike: Walmart Roadmaster Granite Peak

Unfortunately the saddle's angle and forward/backward position or the handlebars' height cannot be altered, but I won't use that as an excuse to not ride.

All those items are adjustable!

The saddle tilt and fore-aft position can be adjusted by loosening the two nuts (one on each side) right underneath the saddle: Loosen both nuts; wiggle the saddle around; and retighten the nuts evenly.

The handlebar height can be adjusted by loosening the (usually) Allen head bolt that is accessed from the top of the steerer. Loosen the bolt just a little; if it is now sticking up, bash it with a hammer so that it drops back down; now adjust the handlebar height; and finally tighten the bolt.

[Swan]

Is this your bike: Walmart Roadmaster Granite Peak



All those items are adjustable!

The saddle tilt and fore-aft position can be adjusted by loosening the two nuts (one on each side) right underneath the saddle: Loosen both nuts; wiggle the saddle around; and retighten the nuts evenly.

The handlebar height can be adjusted by loosening the (usually) Allen head bolt that is accessed from the top of the steerer. Loosen the bolt just a little; if it is now sticking up, bash it with a hammer so that it drops back down; now adjust the handlebar height; and finally tighten the bolt.

So it can be done! I never knew... and now my newbiness is showing more than ever... lol! Thanks for the great information, Laura! I thought touching those things would break the bike itself!

[Melalvai]

So it can be done! I never knew... and now my newbiness is showing more than ever

Please don't feel embarrassed about what you don't know. We've all been through the learning curve. Some of us were lucky enough to have mentors in person helping us through this stage, some of us learned on our own. You are lucky to have us.

(Wow, that sounded conceited. But it's true! lol)

I love it when people new to biking start asking these questions. It reminds me of when I was new and every day there was something new to learn. It was so interesting and fun. It made me happy to learn new things, and to connect with others who could teach me. Now that I'm experienced, it makes me happy to share my experiences, and connect with others who can teach me (and maybe even learn from me).