Took a 15 mile ride today - the first halfway comfortable ride since I got the bike a couple of weeks ago, and the longest I've taken. I went through half a dozen saddles, and a Selle Royal Ellipse Athletic has been the first halfway comfortable one I've tried. It's a bit soft, but after I get used to it, I might go back to a firmer saddle. I also changed the stem on my Giant Defy 1 from a 110mm 8° to a 90mm 25°, because I felt I was reaching for the handlebar, couldn't keep my elbows flexed, and had too much pressure on the perineum, despite a level saddle with a deep, wide channel to protect said perineum. The change helped. I really can't complain about my comfort level after 15 miles. I could have kept going.

My only issue now is that my neck gets a bit stiff where the neck meets the shoulder on each side, sort of toward the back. I think it is from trying to look up. I'm keeping my elbows flexed, my back fairly straight, and my torso low enough that I'm not hunching my shoulders forward. Maybe it'll get better with time, as I haven't ridden in a long time, especially this much, but I would appreciate any input as to anything I might be doing wrong to cause this discomfort, mild as it is.

Thanks.