Bicycle saddle height/ first few rides

So you have a new bike, be it a shiny new one or an old rusty tub.
At this point i am going to presume your bike has been checked over and is in roadworthy condition.
Cycling is like hell on earth, legs hurting, back hurting or feel like you been kicked in the rear by a horse.
Been looking at new softer saddles, maybe even another bike???
Feeling vulnerable while cycling.
Ok do not panic or worse still give up or buy another bike..
Most of the above problems will pass as you get more miles under your belt.
Here are a few simple things worth checking out, is your bike been set up to fit you properly.
Sounds obvious but being able to peddle the thing and hold the handlebars, does not mean its right for you.
One big mistake that i See is people with the saddle set way to low, this is a killer for the legs and make it bloody hard work to go any distance.
 A good starting point is to set the height of the saddle so your leg is nearly fully extended at the bottom of the peddling stroke.
This may make you feel like you are a lot further from the ground, or way to high, don't worry and please read on.
Now that the saddle height is about there you may find that you are leaning fore ward a lot more,  if its to much raise the handlebars to compensate.
 You will find that if your bars are way to low, you bear down on the bars with more weight.
As a result of this you may end up with an aching back or numb fingers, or both.
 Now if you are one of these people who like to be able to put both feet on the ground while sat on the saddle, you will notice that you now cannot do it.
 Practise a little by stopping and putting only the one foot down,  while getting off the saddle by moving foreword..
 Trust me you will be ok riding like this, and your legs will not tire half as quickly.
You may end up adjusting the bike a few times before you get it just right.
Feeling vulnerable while cycling is pretty normal, if you do feel to uneasy get some miles in on either off road or quieter side roads.
Cycle in those quiet places until you feel in better control of the bike,
Wear a high vis jacket i find  i feel a lot safer just knowing that people can See me from a long way away.
No matter what saddle you have on your bike, at first its gonna be uncomfortable.
Stick with it for at least a few weeks, then after that ((if it still hurts) maybe look at getting something a bit more comfortable.
Cycling should be enjoyable, and a lot of fun if you ride with a friend or other half.
Bedfordshire cyclist