New Road Cyclist - Pain while riding

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I'm female, I just got a road bike and i'm equipped with bike shorts that seem to have good padding (approx $80 shorts). i'm experiencing pain in my crotch directly outside the private area. i'm not experiencing any pain in my butt. i'm riding the seat that came with the specialized dolce elite, and if i sit back, it takes pressure off the area. if i sit more forward, there is more pressure and more pain.

is my form incorrect? is my seat position incorrect (the bike shop took a lot of time with me and fitting me to the bike). what can i do? thanks!

p.s. i don't know if i am in the correct thread, i'll get used to the topic areas, but i'm new to thr forum.

I'm female, I just got a road bike and i'm equipped with bike shorts that seem to have good padding (approx $80 shorts). i'm experiencing pain in my crotch directly outside the private area. i'm not experiencing any pain in my butt. i'm riding the seat that came with the specialized dolce elite, and if i sit back, it takes pressure off the area. if i sit more forward, there is more pressure and more pain.

is my form incorrect? is my seat position incorrect (the bike shop took a lot of time with me and fitting me to the bike). what can i do? thanks!

p.s. i don't know if i am in the correct thread, i'll get used to the topic areas, but i'm new to thr forum.

It's likely your seat. Probably the equivalent of prostate pressure for a guy. Look into getting a proper seat and your pain should go away. Good luck!

How about moving the saddle forward a little bit? Might make a difference. Better still, get someone experienced to check your bike fit.

I'm female, I just got a road bike and i'm equipped with bike shorts that seem to have good padding (approx $80 shorts). i'm experiencing pain in my crotch directly outside the private area. i'm not experiencing any pain in my butt. i'm riding the seat that came with the specialized dolce elite, and if i sit back, it takes pressure off the area. if i sit more forward, there is more pressure and more pain.

(the bike shop took a lot of time with me and fitting me to the bike)
Are you sliding forward on the seat at all?
I would suggest the LBS spend some more time with you fitting you to a different and proper seat. I had the same problem and my wife also had the same problem, but was worked out through a different seat and proper seat positioning. The LBS should have a gel thing (dont know what it is called) that you sit on and it makes an indentation on it to measure you for a proper seat. I've found some of the pain is just getting use to the ride also.

Are you sliding forward on the seat at all?
I would suggest the LBS spend some more time with you fitting you to a different and proper seat. I had the same problem and my wife also had the same problem, but was worked out through a different seat and proper seat positioning. The LBS should have a gel thing (dont know what it is called) that you sit on and it makes an indentation on it to measure you for a proper seat. I've found some of the pain is just getting use to the ride also.what does LBS stand for?

what does LBS stand for?
Sorry, "local bike shop".

I'm female, I just got a road bike and i'm equipped with bike shorts that seem to have good padding (approx $80 shorts). i'm experiencing pain in my crotch directly outside the private area. i'm not experiencing any pain in my butt. i'm riding the seat that came with the specialized dolce elite, and if i sit back, it takes pressure off the area. if i sit more forward, there is more pressure and more pain.

is my form incorrect? is my seat position incorrect (the bike shop took a lot of time with me and fitting me to the bike). what can i do? thanks!

p.s. i don't know if i am in the correct thread, i'll get used to the topic areas, but i'm new to thr forum.This definitely sounds like you are experiencing a common bike fit issue for women. Have a look at the two articles:
sensitive issues
more sensitive issues
on this site:
http://www.cyclefitcentre.com/further%20reading.htm

I'd rather get a handlebar stem with less reach moving the saddle forward causes knee pain for me. A saddle with a cut out and the optimum wing width so you can comfortably slide back without feeling like you will slide off also helps.


How about moving the saddle forward a little bit? Might make a difference. Better still, get someone experienced to check your bike fit.

I also ride a Dolce. I had to tip my seat back somewhat. I found I was sliding which put pressure in some odd places up front.....:)