Is it Me? Or is it Something About the Bike?

[mimitabby]

Hey Karen
check out these threads:

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/forumdisplay.php?f=36
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/forumdisplay.php?f=37

one is favorite saddles the other is hated saddles.
This is one of our favorite topics.

also check this out:

http://www.cyclefitcentre.com/further%20reading.htm

[Kano]

Thanks for the thread suggestions, Mimi!

As you can probably guess, though, I've been there and keep going back looking for more! somehow, a sore butt will do that: you find any and all information on seats! It's all been great info, and I'm glad I found it.

Since Earl will likely call on his way out the office door this afternoon to suggest I take care of what he considers the fussy details* of getting ready for a ride as soon as he gets home, I stopped by the bike shop first thing this morning. Yes, taking care of this is a priority! I am trying the Dolce saddle after gently steering the bike guy away from trying to sell me a "unisex" seat that looked very much like a cross between the two that my bottom is currently rejecting. Popped it on the bike, checked level -- I'm not making THAT mistake again! -- and granted, I'm wearing jeans instead of jammies or lycra at the moment, but a brief sit felt much better than either of the first two seats I've had on this bike. (the tractor seat and the one from my old bike) I can hardly wait to see how she rides! You see, in spite of the aches and pain in the a** I'm rapidly falling in love with this biking stuff!

If I'm learning nothing else so far -- I used to think a seat is a seat is a seat. I can see differences now, and have discovered how much there is to learn about this sport! Once I get this seat thing solved, I think I'll start thinking about pedals -- heck, I'm already reading everything I see you ladies posting about them!

I have also noticed that female employees in bike shops seem to be a rarity.

Karen in Boise

*anything more than "shorts, shoes, helmet on and out the door" is too time consuming. Making my butt more comfortable counts as one of those fussy things, which surprises me, since I am sure he's not comfy!

[faroe78]

Since Earl will likely call on his way out the office door this afternoon to suggest I take care of what he considers the fussy details*....... I'm rapidly falling in love with this biking stuff!

If I'm learning nothing else so far -- I used to think a seat is a seat is a seat. I can see differences now,
I have also noticed that female employees in bike shops seem to be a rarity.
..........*anything more than "shorts, shoes, helmet on and out the door" is too time consuming. Making my butt more comfortable counts as one of those fussy things, which surprises me, since I am sure he's not comfy!

Thinking a seat is a seat is a seat is like thinking a chair is a chair or a bed is a bed, and so forth and that isn't true (nor is a bike is a bike is a bike).

Not that I can speak from experience about bike seats, my first bike is on order, but I've already had questions for the bike dude about the seat. He says if it doesn't come with what I need, we can swap it out.
I'm getting stoked about this bike stuff too. I can hardly wait till I am one of the gang!
I have seen only one female employee in a bike shop, although I did see a female employee at REI who was teaching a class on women's biking. I took it without a bike, hoping for some tips and ideas. Biggest thing I came away with is that changing a tire is totally doable, and that tools are important. Unless you want to walk your bike home. She has 6 bikes, and rides almost everywhere, which impressed me gobs.
I think fussy details are important, and if your south end ain't happy, you won't want to ride.
I'll have my bike a week from Friday. I can hardly wait! I have to look for a helmet and toolkit etc. I need a bike rack too, but I think I can get the bike home in my camper bus. Sorta wishing it was just a bus right now.
Susan