NomarsGirl

Didn't have much to do with bikes growing up. I had the basic kids bike with the banana seat and streamers on the bar ends, of course, but once I outgrew it, that was it. I had been promised a new bike, but was instead given a 20-year old hand-me down from my aunt that was rusted and broken.

I've been riding pretty regularly for the last year and a half. My husband had bought a Trek Hybrid about 15 years ago and never liked it much. Last year, he picked up a used road bike and I started riding the Trek. This year, he started to complain about his road bike being uncomfortable. The day after I passed him on a hill, he went out and bought a new bike. (Trek FX3). I'm still riding his old cast-off. It's the best bike I have ever had, but it isn't mine. I have always had hand me down bikes and I feel like I want to finally get my OWN bike. I'll keep the hybrid for crashing through the trails in the state park because that's kind of fun. I'm just not overly fond of riding it on the road. Would it be crazy to go with some sort of road bike (at age 50) rather than another hybrid? Comfort is important. I don't want to be bent over like a question mark, but I don't need to be as upright as I am on the hybrid. Currently, I ride about 20-30 miles at a time. I'd like to be able to do 50 or more. And I need to go faster to do it.

2cam16

Best thing to do is to try different bikes out and different riding positions. I'm 54 and still ride road and have a pretty good fit on my bike as I never have any pains. Also the right saddle will help.

DrIsotope

Head down to your local bike shop. Ride some bikes. Take home the one that speaks to you.

JohnDThompson 

Go for it. I'm 63, with arthritis popping up in my hands, neck, shoulders, and back, and still ride a road bike.

NomarsGirl

I understand that plenty of people that have been riding road bikes all along are still riding them when they are much older than I am. I'm just not sure if it's crazy to get my first road bike at my age. I guess I can go test some out and see how they feel. Just don't know how much I can figure out from riding around the parking lot.

GailT

I think most stores will let you do a 15 minute or longer test ride on the road. You might want to search for "endurance" road bikes that have a more upright position compared to a traditional road bikes.

Harumph

I just replaced my 2001 CannondaleR2000 with a brand new BMC Roadmachine02. I'm 60 years old, (61 in another month). You're never too old/young to get a new bike. As NIKE states:"JUST DO IT"

pinsonp2 

I picked up riding again at 54. Bought a road bike when I was 56, so I have been riding road bikes for the last 10 years. Road bikes are my preferred ride, so I have multiples now. Go to a few LBSs and try what catches your fancy and are within your budget. Enjoy the hunt and get what feels right and makes you want to ride more. Oh, by the way, you'll probably still pass your husband on the hills.

Penny

Classtime 

ironwood

Your only fifty! That 's not old. You might have another fifteen or twenty years of cycling at a fairly high level.


Road bike? I don't know if a carbon fiber bike with skinny tires is right for you but there are other options: One would be a Randonneur style bike with 650B tires. The 650B tires are almost as fast and much more comfortable than skinny tires. I don't have to tel lyou about our lousy roads. There are also a lot of used steel bikes for sale in the Boston area. Check out CL , yard sales and the metal pile at the dump.

Maelochs

^^^ What they said.

I rode a ton and was really fit, then took almost a decade off and did Zero exercise beyond aggressive power-face-stuffing. Then i had some heart issues (Surprise!) and decided i was going to ride----partly for health, but mostly for happiness.

if you like to ride ... Ride.

I have a semi-racy bike and an "endurance" bike which is a lot more upright while still keeping me mostly under the wind (I have the aero of a cannonball, so .... )

I Love it. You probably will too.

At your age, you are young enough to ride like a kid and wise enough not to try to. I realized early I couldn't ride in the racer position, I couldn't keep up with the fast riders, and I couldn't climb .... pretty much at all. I also was old enough not to need to compete. now riding is a pure joy. I am slower than a slug on ice, but I am happy while I am riding.

Find whatever bike suits you. You can get stems for $15-$20, and spacers for $1 a piece----I have quite a collection. I have been adjusting my bikes from handlebars way up and real close, slowly downward and forward as my body adapted---and I can work my way back up as i continue to age. Find a comfortable set-up. Forget people who tell you to try to look like a pro racer.

As far as too late to start .... Only in that you missed out on a lot of fun. "Too old" for a road bike ... is when you get a recumbent and keep riding.

Wildwood 

Hmmmmmmn - I want to ride farther and faster - methinks you should embrace that question mark position. It's a matter of technique to roll your hips instead of bending so much at the back, at 67years it's still possible without effort. And as stated, it's the easiest way to go further, faster, with less effort.

50 = youngster, barely past 1/2 way through life.

Maelochs

LOL .... notice which forum this is?

if you think fifty is old ... hang a few days and find out what it's like to be a kid again.

Helderberg

I am 69, 70 in October, and had back surgery in 2002. I just retired and got back on a bike, a very used Hybrid, loved the ride hated the constant repairs. Bought a Cannondale flat bar and made a change or two but love the freedom of getting out and riding. I ride alone but that is my choice as I am not into trying to keep up or beat anyone else, just have fun and improve over my last ride.
Our local Trek and Cannondale shop were more than willing to let me have a decent ride time so go and ask. Hope you find what you are looking for.
Frank.

Biker395 

Easy peasy. 50 is waaay to young to be limiting what you do or how you do it. Go for the road bike and enjoy.

Maelochs

Yes, you are crazy. You are way too young to be making such important decisions. At least you were wise enough to ask your elders.

CliffordK

Uhh... Oh... the beginning of a slippery slope.

https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...kes-world.html

az_cyclist

the road bike will be a much better option for rides 50 miles, and longer. You will have more positions to shift your hands. If you can, keep the hybrid for other rides!

bruce19

Chances are you are not too old. At your age it's really about fitness unless, of course, you have some physical limitations. Didn't sound like it to me. I started riding in my mid-30's...quit for 8 years when I was 50...got back on the bike at 58 and am still riding at age 72. This year I am faster and better than I have been since I got back on the bike. It's about fitness and attitude IMO. Although I have a CX bike and ride the rail/trials, I am 95% a roadie. From what you have said, I'm guessing you will be fine if you have patience with your evolution and just keep at it. Good luck. Enjoy.

BTW...Nomar's girl? As in Mia Hamm?

2cam16

Wildwood 

Rotating hips is the trick to a low position. For many men a split rail saddle allows this total range of rotation without discomfort. No clue for a woman.

Ride at 18mph sitting up, then go low. BINGO, eye-popper. Convert the extra effort over 50miles to leg strength output and the equation dictates efficiency - especially in your 60s and 70s. Tip = core strength. Hands steer the bike, they don't support 100% of upper body.

Only new skill needed = looking thru your eyebrows.

edit: And don't forget your reading glasses.

rumrunn6

what "hybrid" do you ride now? got a pic? how about an FX3 for you as well?

Rotten

You're absolutely not crazy. I got back on a road bike about 3 years ago and haven't gotten back on a flatbar bike since. In fact I just dropped the bucks to pick up a Giant Anyroad Advanced 1. I chose it mainly because it had a more upright riding position designed in, that was important to me because an old neck injury really doesn't allow me to spend much time in a more aero position.

Find a road bike that is your size and above all get a bike fit. Then ride, ride, ride.

ColonelSanders

Something like a Giant Anyroad sounds like it could be just what you need.


It won't bend you over too much, yet give you everything you have stated you want in a bike.

NomarsGirl

I've been his girl longer than she has. He just doesn't know it. 😊