Originally Posted by
downeaster59
Now it's a matter of getting my leg muscles used to bike riding again! I did nine miles yesterday and eleven miles today. I probably won't push it much more than that for the time being. I want to be able to tackle some longer rides in my area and at Acadia by September/October. Those months usually have the best bike-riding weather of the year in these parts.
I bought a few accessories, but decided to hold off on any others until I've used my bike for a while, and then have a better idea of what I might really need and use.
There's a little soreness in my behind. That could be simply from not having used a bike for several years. Or, it could mean that I may want/need a more cushy seat. We shall see. Cannondale recommends taking a new bike in for a tune-up or check-up 30 days after it was purchased. I'll do that, and I'll decide by then about the seat. Or, would padded bicycle shorts do the trick? Just thought of that...
I'm thinking of taking a trip to that beautiful Acadia area, and I appreciate hearing your season preference.
That's plenty of riding starting out. Your body has to adapt, and it will. I learned a long time ago to make sure I ride on the top of my femurs and nowhere else, and to monitor my position constantly, especially when I start to tire. I don't use any cushioning, but I do have a couple of Serfas Performance Rx saddles that I got through Amazon. The non-Perfomance version is the original, but although it's probably a little cushier, it was too cushy and especially to broad/wide for me/ for my inner-thighs. We are about the same size, so this may work for you. The other thing is to make sure the shop fits you -or better, fit yourself- making sure you're not riding to far forward. I like it where the top of the femur is resting on the softer back of the saddle, and where I feel as little else on the saddle -no soft tissue, or anything else. A good fit for me means that those bones are back there naturally given the ideal-stretch position I like to ride.
The other consideration is for bigger tires. The more air you're riding on, the cushier. And, try inflating your tires to the minimum, or at least less hard. These days I ride 70 psi, even on my road bike. On bigger tires, you can ride on even less. I just inflate more often to keep it there. You'll be sacrificing a little speed, but it's a cushier ride. I've matured to liking the compromise and enjoying the feel; BUT, you'll have to find what works for you, and a lot depends on the kind of riding you'll be doing. Finally, at this early stage, make sure you picked the right bike and the right size. Enjoy your new bike.