Tell me the truth about pain

[DeniseGoldberg]

Is it inevitable? ... I just want to know if my expectations are too high, and if I need to learn to accept ouchiness "down there" as part of the deal.

No your expectations are not too high!
It's a combination of the right saddle and the right saddle placement. Unfortunately - as you already know - the right saddle for me may not be the right saddle for you. Have you looked at any of the discussions in the Favorite Saddles topic (scroll down, it may not be showing when you enter the forums)? There is quite a bit of good information (and experiences) there.

--- Denise

[Bad JuJu]

No! Riding your bike should not be a painful experience. In fact, if you're going to tour, you need to be able to be comfy in the saddle for miles and miles.

Do you have an LBS you trust? Some of them will let you "borrow" a saddle and exchange it if it doesn't work for you. Also, talk to someone there about your bike fit--ask if they'll put your bike on a trainer and check your position. Then you can talk with them about changing components to fine-tune: handlebars, stem, saddle, offset seatpost, pedals, etc. I like the wrenchscience.com site too, but it's no substitute for discussing your bike fit with someone face-to-face.

Hey, get back on your bike and have fun!