65-85+ Thread
#3851
Old age cyclist
Join Date: Oct 2021
Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 141
Bikes: Motobecane Grand Record, Motobecane Super Mirage (3x5 speeds), Motobecane Mirage, Atala (unknown model), Peugeot mixte frame Tourist and Schwinn Sport. A bunch more kids bikes. Most recently a Trek Verve One, tricked up for serious touring.
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39 Posts
I don't think I have posted here before, despite turning 75 a couple of weeks ago. I fast skimmed through the posts to see what older folks are riding and was surprised to see mostly road bikes in the photos. I am thinking of switching from a road bike with a relaxed geometry to a hybrid or comfort bike for a more upright position. Everyone likes to go fast and long but for me long is more important than fast and by long, at this age I mean 10 to 20 miles a day 5 or 6 days a week, but not fast. I am wondering if many older folks are riding hybrids or comfort bikes for rides over a few miles. Is it too difficult to go 10+ miles on a more relaxed bike?
Good luck and keep the forum updated on your progress!
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#3852
Newbie
Join Date: Jun 2023
Location: Old Bridge, NJ
Posts: 41
Bikes: Trek AL-5
Likes: 0
Liked 31 Times
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18 Posts
I don't think I have posted here before, despite turning 75 a couple of weeks ago. I fast skimmed through the posts to see what older folks are riding and was surprised to see mostly road bikes in the photos. I am thinking of switching from a road bike with a relaxed geometry to a hybrid or comfort bike for a more upright position. Everyone likes to go fast and long but for me long is more important than fast and by long, at this age I mean 10 to 20 miles a day 5 or 6 days a week, but not fast. I am wondering if many older folks are riding hybrids or comfort bikes for rides over a few miles. Is it too difficult to go 10+ miles on a more relaxed bike?
#3853
Junior Member
In 1997 I bought my Trek 1220 and rode that for twenty six years. it is nowhere near an upright ride but I was fitted for the bike by a professional at a bike shop so really didn't question whether there might be a more relaxed option. Of course in 1997 I was forty nine years old. Last July I decided to buy a new bike, something I should have done years ago. I purchased a Trek Domane AL 5. It is still a road bike but there are a few things that are different and immediately noticeable. The geometry is the first thing I noticed. Compared to the 1220, this frame almost forced e into a more upright position, with the distance from the handlebars to the seat considerably shorter. And believe me this is noticeable when I hop on the 1220 which is set on the trainer for indoor riding. In addition the tires are wider. They come with a 700 x 32 tire which has less pressure and a softer ride. On my first ride I noticed the smoother ride. Of course going from a 1997 to a 2023 bike there had to be differences, but still the AL 5 is very comfortable, and I can be comfortable semi upright with my hands on the hoods. My rides are usually between 18 and 25 so I haven't really done any long rides over thirty. But I don't think that should matter.
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#3854
I am only 70. I let my bikes go one at a time until I only have my touring bicycle left. The reason for that is that it became the only bike I wanted to ride because it's the most comfortable. 26x2" inch tires and handlebars that are about level with the seat. Typically I ride 10 to 30 miles two or three times a week on rolling North Carolina roads. I average 10 or 11 miles per hour and I enjoy myself. I haven't ridden in a pace line in 14 years.
When I start out, I most often think, "It's too cold, or too windy, or too hot, or I'm out of breath already." But, by the time I get past the first hill, I always think, "I like riding my bicycle." I am blessed to have a bike that is comfortable.
When I start out, I most often think, "It's too cold, or too windy, or too hot, or I'm out of breath already." But, by the time I get past the first hill, I always think, "I like riding my bicycle." I am blessed to have a bike that is comfortable.
#3855
Newbie
I am only 70. I let my bikes go one at a time until I only have my touring bicycle left. The reason for that is that it became the only bike I wanted to ride because it's the most comfortable. 26x2" inch tires and handlebars that are about level with the seat. Typically I ride 10 to 30 miles two or three times a week on rolling North Carolina roads. I average 10 or 11 miles per hour and I enjoy myself. I haven't ridden in a pace line in 14 years.
When I start out, I most often think, "It's too cold, or too windy, or too hot, or I'm out of breath already." But, by the time I get past the first hill, I always think, "I like riding my bicycle." I am blessed to have a bike that is comfortable.
When I start out, I most often think, "It's too cold, or too windy, or too hot, or I'm out of breath already." But, by the time I get past the first hill, I always think, "I like riding my bicycle." I am blessed to have a bike that is comfortable.
Last edited by MarylandUSA; 04-15-24 at 05:18 AM.
#3856
Old age cyclist
Join Date: Oct 2021
Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 141
Bikes: Motobecane Grand Record, Motobecane Super Mirage (3x5 speeds), Motobecane Mirage, Atala (unknown model), Peugeot mixte frame Tourist and Schwinn Sport. A bunch more kids bikes. Most recently a Trek Verve One, tricked up for serious touring.
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39 Posts
Like Popeye says: I am what I am.
#3857
Senior Member
74 ... recovering from revision TKA (cement on femur prosthesis broke). Doc says can resume bike riding in 3 months. Current road bike only accommodates 23 on the rear. Thinking, would like 28s all-around.
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#3858
Standard Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Brunswick, Maine
Posts: 4,350
Bikes: 1948 P. Barnard & Son, 1962 Rudge Sports, 1963 Freddie Grubb Routier, 1980 Manufrance Hirondelle, 1983 F. Moser Sprint, 1989 Raleigh Technium Pre, 2001 Raleigh M80
Liked 1,055 Times
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524 Posts
Hi. I don't think I've posted on this string before, but I am sixty-six years old. I haven't yet seen any necessity of making any modifications to my riding or bikes. My bikes are same basic configuration as they were when I began riding at twenty-three years old. I do sixty miles on sunday in the summer, and a couple other 20-40 milers on the summer week days. I basically take the winters (6 months) off, riding just utility to pick up groceries. My pace is unimportant on my road rides. Riding is really my way to get out and enjoy nature. Yoga, foam roller, salt baths and plenty of rest keep me limber.
May 29, 2022 on forty-miler
May 29, 2022 on forty-miler
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"Chim-chiminey, chim-chiminey, chim-chim cheroo"
"Chim-chiminey, chim-chiminey, chim-chim cheroo"
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#3859
Veteran, Pacifist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Seattle area
Posts: 13,819
Bikes: Bikes??? Thought this was social media?!?
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2,502 Posts
72. I'm still on road bikes with drop bars. Most of my miles, by far, are on roads not bike paths, and my roads have hills.
When I ride an upright bike or anything with flat bars it is only for a couple of miles or less; basically, goofing off miles.
Luckily for my body, I never worked at hard labor jobs.
edit: I would ride far less with only 1 bike. A dozen keeps it fresh, every ride.
When I ride an upright bike or anything with flat bars it is only for a couple of miles or less; basically, goofing off miles.
Luckily for my body, I never worked at hard labor jobs.
edit: I would ride far less with only 1 bike. A dozen keeps it fresh, every ride.
Last edited by Wildwood; 04-17-24 at 12:53 PM.
#3860
Full Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: MidSouth
Posts: 357
Bikes: Mr.White Mr.Green Mr.Orange Mr.Red
Likes: 0
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5 Posts
I put my Trek FX3 hybrid up for the Summer. I now alternate between my Wabi Special Single Speed and my Bianchi road bike. I had been riding the FX3 exclusively the past 2-3 years. But after losing 64 lbs, I feel more comfortable riding the other 2 lately. Age 71.
Last edited by MidSouthBiker; 05-26-24 at 07:46 PM.
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#3861
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 2,663
Bikes: 06 Lemond Reno, 98 GT Timberline mtn.bike
Liked 768 Times
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471 Posts
If you have, when did you start to ride an e-bike? I'm 73 and still riding an "analog" bike. I haven't been able to find riding time often, and many I used to ride with are now using e-bikes. I'm fairly (maybe more than fairly) fit and it may be due to lack of rides this year, but just don't feel as "bike fit" as I have been (yeah, I know, years accumulate!). Still working to try and get my climbing legs and endurance up to my satisfaction, maybe when our rainy season ends. Gotta admit, an e-bike is tempting, but even though I may be huffing and puffing by the time I get to the top of the hill, there's a certain satisfaction I find when I get up the hill on my own (when/if I do!). Won't own both types of bike--might find it too tempting. If you have begun riding an e-bike, curious as to when/what finally had you take that step?
#3862
Old age cyclist
Join Date: Oct 2021
Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 141
Bikes: Motobecane Grand Record, Motobecane Super Mirage (3x5 speeds), Motobecane Mirage, Atala (unknown model), Peugeot mixte frame Tourist and Schwinn Sport. A bunch more kids bikes. Most recently a Trek Verve One, tricked up for serious touring.
Liked 79 Times
in
39 Posts
If you have, when did you start to ride an e-bike? I'm 73 and still riding an "analog" bike. I haven't been able to find riding time often, and many I used to ride with are now using e-bikes. I'm fairly (maybe more than fairly) fit and it may be due to lack of rides this year, but just don't feel as "bike fit" as I have been (yeah, I know, years accumulate!). Still working to try and get my climbing legs and endurance up to my satisfaction, maybe when our rainy season ends. Gotta admit, an e-bike is tempting, but even though I may be huffing and puffing by the time I get to the top of the hill, there's a certain satisfaction I find when I get up the hill on my own (when/if I do!). Won't own both types of bike--might find it too tempting. If you have begun riding an e-bike, curious as to when/what finally had you take that step?
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#3864
Talk about embarassing....I've always had a 'men's bike, even though I'm female because there seemed a time that all what we used to call '10 speeds' were male frame. But I've had a women's one for a while now and when it was getting repaired, I borrowed a friend's racing bike and couldn't get my leg over it! Something I've done THOUSANDS of times! (though not recently....) Still felt as fast as normal when riding but I had to lay it nearly on the ground every time to mount. Getting old sucks.
#3865
Newbie
Swinging a leg over the top tube
Talk about embarassing....I've always had a 'men's bike, even though I'm female because there seemed a time that all what we used to call '10 speeds' were male frame. But I've had a women's one for a while now and when it was getting repaired, I borrowed a friend's racing bike and couldn't get my leg over it! Something I've done THOUSANDS of times! (though not recently....) Still felt as fast as normal when riding but I had to lay it nearly on the ground every time to mount. Getting old sucks.
I didn't expect to develop osteoarthritis. But last month, I did, in my left thumb.
#3866
Veteran, Pacifist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Seattle area
Posts: 13,819
Bikes: Bikes??? Thought this was social media?!?
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2,502 Posts
But for me it is not either/or. 8 vintage roadies (7 w/ DT shift), 4 modern roadies w/ Ergo10, 2 mtn bikes, + others, 1 e-roadie Class 1 (EU standard of 20kph max assist). The mtn bikes, beach cruiser, city upright do not get ridden, but every roadie, except 1, only needs air in tires. Esp those w/ latex tubing.
I'm not a hater.
One car family, one less car.
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Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
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#3867
Senior Member
Sure would be an easy way to go, credit carding it down the coast doing the bicentennial bike route from Washington to LA...
#3868
Veteran, Pacifist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Seattle area
Posts: 13,819
Bikes: Bikes??? Thought this was social media?!?
Liked 5,822 Times
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2,502 Posts
Quote me on that, if you like.
edit: Want to keep it a genuine cycling adventure? Get a Class 1 ebike with EU 20kph max, with no throttle. Help where it is truly needed, none at cruising road speeds.
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Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Last edited by Wildwood; 05-31-24 at 07:45 PM.
#3869
Newbie
I understand your point. I want my bike ride to be physical exercise, not a motor cruise. What I found with my pedal assist ebike, however, is that it is insurance against the weather. I use the assist motor very sparingly, but if I turn the corner and find myself face-to-face with a strong wind, I just press a button and I can equalize the pedaling effort. I also find that getting across an hilly intersection after a full stop is much safer when I can boost acceleration to avoid traffic and cross the lanes.
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#3870
just another gosling
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Everett, WA
Posts: 19,758
Bikes: CoMo Speedster 2003, Trek 5200, CAAD 9, Fred 2004
Liked 2,097 Times
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1,484 Posts
Talk about embarassing....I've always had a 'men's bike, even though I'm female because there seemed a time that all what we used to call '10 speeds' were male frame. But I've had a women's one for a while now and when it was getting repaired, I borrowed a friend's racing bike and couldn't get my leg over it! Something I've done THOUSANDS of times! (though not recently....) Still felt as fast as normal when riding but I had to lay it nearly on the ground every time to mount. Getting old sucks.
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Results matter
Results matter
#3871
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,829
Bikes: too many sparkly Italians, some sweet Americans and a couple interesting Japanese
Liked 676 Times
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463 Posts
Carbonfiberboy said it well for me. All but my lovely Italians have been heavily (freaky) modified for my mid 70's body with very high stems, largest tires that will fit, minimum drop handlebars with lots of gel padding, Selle Anatomica saddles, gloves that all day jackhammer operators use, etc. I just started the lean for dismounting and all together these let me get in a terrific 60 to 80 miles a week and join our kids and grandkids for rides.
#3872
Old age cyclist
Join Date: Oct 2021
Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 141
Bikes: Motobecane Grand Record, Motobecane Super Mirage (3x5 speeds), Motobecane Mirage, Atala (unknown model), Peugeot mixte frame Tourist and Schwinn Sport. A bunch more kids bikes. Most recently a Trek Verve One, tricked up for serious touring.
Liked 79 Times
in
39 Posts
I'm a 67yo man. In 2023, I bought my first bike in 43 years. I chose a stepthrough frame in anticipation of the problem you've described. I can get my leg over a top tube today. But tomorrow? Who knows.
I didn't expect to develop osteoarthritis. But last month, I did, in my left thumb.
I didn't expect to develop osteoarthritis. But last month, I did, in my left thumb.
#3873
just another gosling
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Everett, WA
Posts: 19,758
Bikes: CoMo Speedster 2003, Trek 5200, CAAD 9, Fred 2004
Liked 2,097 Times
in
1,484 Posts
Carbonfiberboy said it well for me. All but my lovely Italians have been heavily (freaky) modified for my mid 70's body with very high stems, largest tires that will fit, minimum drop handlebars with lots of gel padding, Selle Anatomica saddles, gloves that all day jackhammer operators use, etc. I just started the lean for dismounting and all together these let me get in a terrific 60 to 80 miles a week and join our kids and grandkids for rides.
__________________
Results matter
Results matter
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#3874
Newbie
A question for those of you who set a daily riding goal:
Which goal best describes your goal?
Usually my butt cries "Uncle!" before my legs do.
Which goal best describes your goal?
- I'll ride for N minutes.
- I'll ride until I've ridden N distance.
- I'll ride until I've burned N calories.
- I'll ride until I've met whichever of these goals I attain first?
- Something else?
Usually my butt cries "Uncle!" before my legs do.
Last edited by MarylandUSA; 06-03-24 at 09:50 AM.