Well, first I reckon take the bike into your closest cycle shop and make sure it's set up correctly for your height, that can solve a lot of pain related probs lol. The saddle shouldn't really be to blame... Unfortunately you'll havet o toughen up your butt or give in to stupid looking shorts lol.. The padding in cycling shorts really helps and you naturally should lube up if you're doing long rides. Or whilst you're getting used to being back in the saddle. You could try out some sort of trendier looking mountain bike/downhill riding shorts that have the padding inside but look more like board shorts or we call them 'baggies' here. They'll be a bit more pricy or be brave and go for the lycra ones like we all do lol... At least the next time you go to the beach with your cycling short/sock and shirt tan other cyclists will look at you with that knowing look of respect lol. Tape is a bugger but I swear by it. Pain having to try to wind it on properly and when it gets sticky or really tacky you should replace but it should't be too often. Gloves are as important as a helmet in my books (you're wearing a helmet right?) Not only will it stop yo u sliding around the handlebars if you go down, you will be very thankful to still have skin on your hands... that takes forever to heal up if you don't have gloves on. The amount of times I've looked at my ripped up gloves and breathed a sigh of relief.... can't count them!
It gets easier on your body the more you ride and when running season starts up again you'll see your core is stronger and you'll feel stronger!
Hey Joe, you'd be proud of me. I've been biking like crazy lately. Decided that running in 100 degree F heat wasnt' enough so I refurbished my old road bike. Just figured out that it was now "vintage!" LOL! Old Nishiki Olympic 12 roadbike. Tried to restore everything back with original parts. So far, so good. Handlebar tape sucks, though. Cork the way to go? Also, I have ridden enough to say that my ass hurts! HAAAA! New seat or stupid biker shorts? Comeon now, tell the truth, do they make biker shorts that don't look stupid? Gloves worth it? Do tell.
I am just figuring out what the gears do. BWAHAAAAAAA! Pity the newbie!
