748eric

Hi,

Went for my first ride last Friday night on my new road bike. 07 Specialized Allez Elite.

I only rode for about a half hour and I'm still numb? Now granted I didn't wear cycling shorts, I actually just tooled around the neighborhood with jeans on.

I know I need cycling shorts, just ordered a pair of cycling bibs last night in fact.

But I'm still sore right between my butt and the boys??? Is this normal?

botto 

new to cycling. no bibs. probably.

Sirrobinofcoxly

If it's a stock saddle, it's no surprise. They are usually the worst. It could also be saddle set up. Is your saddle mostly level, or nosing up or down?

Try playing with small adjustments, and failing that speak to your LBS where you got it. They should be happy to offer up some advice and saddle tweaks.
Still no luck? I would look into getting a better saddle that is better suited to your body.

Ramjm_2000

"Taint" or "Gooch" soreness is normal given your circumstances. It will only improve marginally with cheap shorts and significantly with time in the saddle.

supertj

Don't rush out and buy a new saddle. Keep riding. Welcome to cycling. Takes time for your muscles in your body to adjust if you're new to the sport.

ElJamoquio

+Whatever to what everyone else said. Get shorts, put time in, chance are you'll be fine.

mollusk

The "sitting" muscles are the last ones that get into shape.

nobrainer440

Give it some time. You'll probably end up getting a different saddle eventually (the search for the right saddle is like the search for the holy grail), but wait until you get used to it and you know exactly what needs to change.

BlackTaloN

The 2007 Allez Elite comes with the specialized Alias saddle, if my googling servers me well. These saddles come in various sizes. My 2006 came standard with the Avatar in the wrong size for me. I swapped it out for a 143 instead of the 155 that came with my XL frame. I'd suggest using the Specialized sit bone tester at the LBS. Its a gel pad they have you sit on to measure the distance between your sit bones. This should determine the correct size you need in Specialized Saddles. (BTW, Don't do the fit in jeans, you want a smooth contact area)

The Avatar was great for me, I'm sure the Alias would have been better IN THE CORRECT SIZE... I rode 35 mi on the wrong size, and it was an ass hatchet. I've since moved up to the Toupe and my taint is happy.

You'll need to get used to riding on your sit bones as opposed to a cushy feeling saddle. In the long wrong its worth it.

Good Luck and go buy some bibs...

-VELOCITY-

If time doesn't do the trick, get a Brooks B-17. You'll never want another saddle.

DocRay

There's good reason why roadies wear chamois.

Nothing wrong with your saddle. Far too much discomfort is blamed on the saddle, invariably, saddle discomfort is traced to the guys with the high bars and brifters, putting all their weight on their ass.

Riding style matters.

But, most guys won't believe this and just spend $200 shots on saddle after saddle, then post on how great the saddle X is after they finally get in shape.

"My size 12 shoes are comfortable. you should all wear 12EEE shoes." Same logic.

Adgooroo

OP - good advice in the previous posts - couple more for you:
- First-timers often think that "soft" cushy seats are the right choice - BUT - when your sit-bones sink into the cushioning, there is actually MORE pressure on the soft tissue that you DON'T want to crush. I wouldn't buy a new saddle yet either, but if/when you go looking, don't equate "soft" with comfortable. Your butt will toughen up rather quickly and you'll end up preferring a hard(er) saddle as you build up your mileage.
- You put the MOST weight on your saddle when you're pedalling the easiest. When you're working hard, cranking against a fair amount of resistance, you are putting a lot of pressure on the pedals, and LESS on the saddle. So one way to reduce the pressure you're feeling is to drop into a higher gear, mash a little harder, and use your legs/feet to take their share of the weight. It goes without saying your speed will pick up in the process.

748eric

Wow, thanks for all the advice thus far. Yes I'm new to the world of cycling having taken a 15 years off, since my days riding bmx bikes.

The seat is in fact a Specialized Body Geometry Alias and it does feel rather hard. I guess I'm freaking out a bit too after just read that article on why riding a bike is bad for your guy parts! Don't want to damage anything.

Hopefully my new bibs will arrive in a few days so I can give it another try. I'll also give my saddle some time before I look into another one.

That's also a good idea about getting fitted for a different sized saddle. I wonder if my LBS where I bought the bike will swap them out if I need a different size?

I also looked at the seat and at the moment it is pretty much level. Should I try and move it up or down to alleviate the pain?

Cromulent

A hard seat is good, believe it or not. The most uncomfortable saddles I have ever tried have been the cushy, gel saddles. That was some serious pain. And don't worry too much about damaging the guy parts. Your sit bones should at the back/widest part of the saddle with little to no pressure on the rest of the area. The goal is to keep pressure off the internal pudendal arteries (I learned that on the internets) and keep the blood flowing.

Since your LBS is a Specialized dealer, they'll probably have the Body Geometry butt measurement thingy. Get your sit bones measured, and have them swap out the saddle if needed. You may have to pay extra to upgrade the saddle, but you probably won't if you're just switching saddle sizes. Bib shorts (good call, btw) will also help.

Keep the saddle level.

dmotoguy

tip the nose of the saddle down slightly if you have too much taint pressure.

Alias is a (heavy) but good saddle

rufvelo

First level seat. Second it IS going to hurt especially on longer rides when you're new to biking. Third, discomfort why many have settled on odd or old fashioned saddles that they've experimented with. Saddles that look cool off the bike or at 30 miles often don't feel very cool at 130.

curiouskid55

Try sitiing on your butt instead of your n*ts.

bbattle

+1 If you rush out looking to buy that perfect saddle that is comfortable from ride one, you won't find it. And don't even think about getting one of those gel pads to put on top of your saddle.

Get some decent(not cheap) bib shorts and keep riding.

aham23

stating the obvious, but +1.

later.