Why does it hurt so much?

[liv198288]

Like really sore bum and thighs only after like 5 mins of riding. I am wearing normal primark cycling shorts as well but not seem to be doing the trick. And not to mention the awful wedgies.

No gain without pain is what they sometimes say, but just easy off a bit, go easy.
But be assured cycling is great for you, so don't give up.
Also, look into getting a female specific saddle for your comfort, ask at the bike shop, it matters depending on the size of you..ahem, rear 😊

I find the thin saddles hurt like buggery the first few times I start cycling again and after 4 or 5 times I’ve broken the pain barrier and it’s weirdly really comfortable but it’s quite painful until then!
I don’t use gel seat covers or padded shorts or anything, just put up with what feels like internal bruising for a bit and it all comes good. Until I take a break from it of course…

With padded shorts you shouldn’t wear underwear. You can use a barrier cream to protect your bits, and don’t shave/ wax off your pubic hair underneath as it really helps protect you. After a ride shower and apply Sudocrem or similar, and keep hydrated as it stings when you pee if you don’t. Once you are fitter and have better core strength you will naturally lift your bum off the saddle more and it will get less bruised, but it takes time. There are lots of people trying to sell you fancy saddles and gel covers but as long as the saddle fits your geometry reasonably well anything will do. I like a firm Brooks saddle, tilted slightly down at the front, and have been using it for 15 years. It gets better with age!

Another vote for thin, narrow saddle. Save the padding for your shorts.
Commando only, but if you are really not comfortable with the image, wear a looser pair over the top.
And get a proper bike fit, even if it is 'just' for casual rides. The difference that a cm or two in seat height can make to comfort is amazing.

Then unfortunately you’re going to rub and chaff which will make you sore

the cycling shorts are your pants, they don’t have seems to rub and won’t slide about to make you sore

you can get padded pants to wear under leggings instead https://velovixen.com/product-category/bottoms/padded-underwear/ but they aren’t cheap - you’ll find others if you seatch

Don’t double pad either, padded pants and a padded gel seat will also make you sore, too much padding creates sweat and friction which equals sore bum

the funkier shorts are my favourite and have 4 panels to hold your legs - which helps creat comfort

buy a pair of football shorts to wear over the top but make sure the cycling shorts are tight so they don’t rub and don’t wear anything between them and your skin - think of them as your pants

Use padded cycling pants. If you feel self conscious, you can always wear mtb shorts over them. If you have the right size, they are very comfortable as they stretch properly. I don't cycle particularly far, but always wear padded pants and a normal (non padded seat). Then it is perfectly OK.