Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Fifty Plus (50+)
Reload this Page >

Stay with racing frame or move to touring?

Notices
Fifty Plus (50+) Share the victories, challenges, successes and special concerns of bicyclists 50 and older. Especially useful for those entering or reentering bicycling.

Stay with racing frame or move to touring?

Old 01-26-19, 11:38 AM
  #26  
tcs
Palmer
 
tcs's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 8,576

Bikes: Mike Melton custom, 1982 Stumpjumper, Alex Moulton AM, 2010 Dawes Briercliffe, 2017 Dahon Curl i8, 2021 Motobecane Turino 1x12

Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1644 Post(s)
Liked 1,785 Times in 1,041 Posts
Originally Posted by Steve B.
I saw a good article somewhere about disc brakes. The concept was that the big change disc brakes have allowed is the idea that the frame designers have a lot of options to make the clearances in the fork and chainstay areas to allow for bigger wheels and tires. That had been somewhat limited when rim brakes were used.
Mountain bikes used rim brakes for 30+ years, but road bikes had to go to discs to allow room for bigger section tires? Shenanigans.
tcs is offline  
Old 01-26-19, 11:43 AM
  #27  
bruce19
Senior Member
 
bruce19's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Lebanon (Liberty Hill), CT
Posts: 8,456

Bikes: CAAD 12, MASI Gran Criterium S, Colnago World Cup CX & Guru steel

Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1722 Post(s)
Liked 1,272 Times in 734 Posts
Ride the bike you have for a good while. Just getting back on the bike is not going to feel the same as being in cycling shape and on the bike. If, after that time, you don't feel good on the bike, go try some other bikes. Forget the labels like "race" or "touring" and find out what works for you.
bruce19 is offline  
Old 01-26-19, 02:07 PM
  #28  
Steve B.
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: South shore, L.I., NY
Posts: 6,825

Bikes: Flyxii FR322, Cannondale Topstone, Miyata City Liner, Specialized Chisel, Specialized Epic Evo

Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3185 Post(s)
Liked 2,020 Times in 1,158 Posts
Originally Posted by tcs
Mountain bikes used rim brakes for 30+ years, but road bikes had to go to discs to allow room for bigger section tires? Shenanigans.
If you want V's or canti's, sure you have flexibility in frame and fork clearance. Lot's of shenanigans all over though, disc maybe not the worst of them. I'd say the idiocy with press-fit b-brackets is a more likely candidate for the "lets fix a problem that doesn't exist" category.

Disc's DO offer advantages over rim of any style, likely the only important ones are moderation and functionality when wet. Maybe you get some versatility in carbon rims, that want to be disc in any event. But when the major shifter manufacturers won't make brifters that play well with V or canti, then you move on, as we ain't changing Shimano's mind on this. And a side effect of disc on road bikes, is the frame designers get some leeway in the design and can allow clearance for larger tires. That's proven as a good thing. If the flexibility then exists to swap wheels for different surface conditions,than the user just got 2 bikes in 1, fast road with skinny tires and big tired gravel. Win/Win in my mind.
Steve B. is online now  
Old 01-31-19, 10:48 AM
  #29  
Koyote
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 7,762
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6881 Post(s)
Liked 10,869 Times in 4,634 Posts
I didn't read all the replies, so I apologize if others have already made similar suggestions.

You might try modding the old bike. Might be able to flip up the stem (or even replace it with a shorter one) to get a more upright and comfortable position. Might also be able to squeeze slightly wider tires into the frame. This might give more comfort, but might not address the "twitchiness."

If you do want a new bike, the market for stable, comfortable distance bikes has blown up in recent years, so you have many options. Look at bikes marketed in the "endurance" and "gravel" categories. I'm 56 now, and I'll never buy another road racing bike again.
Koyote is offline  
Old 01-31-19, 01:16 PM
  #30  
fietsbob
Banned
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: NW,Oregon Coast
Posts: 43,598

Bikes: 8

Mentioned: 197 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7607 Post(s)
Liked 1,354 Times in 861 Posts
I ride my Bike Friday, most , because it is functionally a step thru.. many people tour on those.. including this guy..


https://thelazyrando.wordpress.com/2...-pocket-llama/






...
fietsbob is offline  
Old 01-31-19, 08:21 PM
  #31  
Midway
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Seattle/Tacoma
Posts: 74

Bikes: Colnago Master PIU 90's era, Cannondale Synapse Hi-MOD Disc 2018

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 35 Post(s)
Liked 25 Times in 9 Posts
I picked up my Colnago from Tight Bike who did the tune-up tonight and it looks beautiful. I can't wait to take it for a spin but may wait until Saturday as Friday's forecast is for heavy rain.

Attached is a picture Mark sent me to let me know my bike was ready. I'll take some pictures of my own during the day when the light is better.

Midway is offline  
Old 01-31-19, 09:12 PM
  #32  
curbtender
Senior Member
 
curbtender's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: SF Bay Area, East bay
Posts: 8,680

Bikes: Miyata 618 GT, Marinoni, Kestral 200 2002 Trek 5200, KHS Flite, Koga Miyata, Schwinn Spitfire 5, Mondia Special, Univega Alpina, Miyata team Ti, Santa Cruz Highball

Mentioned: 52 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1589 Post(s)
Liked 2,486 Times in 1,188 Posts
Awesome, enjoy.
curbtender is offline  
Old 02-01-19, 06:50 PM
  #33  
TiHabanero
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,434
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1724 Post(s)
Liked 1,350 Times in 705 Posts
Ride the Ferrari, er... Colnago, for a while and see how it is getting on/off the machine. If it is OK, then venture into a touring bike if desired. If it is bothersome, then consider a step through frame. Bike Friday does the job, but my preference is for larger diameter wheels, specifically 700c.
TiHabanero is offline  
Old 02-01-19, 07:14 PM
  #34  
CliffordK
Senior Member
 
CliffordK's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Eugene, Oregon, USA
Posts: 27,600
Mentioned: 217 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18318 Post(s)
Liked 4,486 Times in 3,336 Posts
You can, of course, tour on your Colnago, and call it a "Touring Bike" like most people describe all Steel bikes on Craigslist.



You may choose a slightly larger cassette/freewheel if you do venture out on loaded tours with any significant hills. Long cage rear derailleur?
CliffordK is offline  
Old 02-02-19, 08:30 AM
  #35  
tcs
Palmer
 
tcs's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 8,576

Bikes: Mike Melton custom, 1982 Stumpjumper, Alex Moulton AM, 2010 Dawes Briercliffe, 2017 Dahon Curl i8, 2021 Motobecane Turino 1x12

Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1644 Post(s)
Liked 1,785 Times in 1,041 Posts
Originally Posted by Midway
I picked up my Colnago...Attached is a picture...
'Aero' handlebar stems like that were popular for a few years back in the day. From the https://www.sheldonbrown.com/handsup... Brown website:
'Also beware of any stem which has the handlebar clamp bolt behind the handlebar. These stems look superficially as sturdy as other stems, but in fact only half the height of the stem extension is carrying the load -- and there is a hole through it for the bolt. The stem shown below failed catastrophically, resulting in serious injury to the cyclist.'
tcs is offline  
Old 02-02-19, 08:37 AM
  #36  
tcs
Palmer
 
tcs's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 8,576

Bikes: Mike Melton custom, 1982 Stumpjumper, Alex Moulton AM, 2010 Dawes Briercliffe, 2017 Dahon Curl i8, 2021 Motobecane Turino 1x12

Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1644 Post(s)
Liked 1,785 Times in 1,041 Posts
Originally Posted by Steve B.
If you want V's or canti's, sure you have flexibility in frame and fork clearance.
Hey, if somebody wants to name their kid 'Disk Break' it's fine by me, but here are 37s under calipers with a fair amount of room to spare:

tcs is offline  
Old 02-03-19, 12:12 AM
  #37  
BluesDawg
just keep riding
 
BluesDawg's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Milledgeville, Georgia
Posts: 13,560

Bikes: 2018 Black Mountain Cycles MCD,2017 Advocate Cycles Seldom Seen Drop Bar, 2017 Niner Jet 9 Alloy, 2015 Zukas custom road, 2003 KHS Milano Tandem, 1986 Nishiki Cadence rigid MTB, 1980ish Fuji S-12S

Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 173 Post(s)
Liked 33 Times in 22 Posts
It is quite possible to mount wide tires under caliper brakes. The short reach brakes (39-49mm) that are on most road bikes made in the last few decades are good for up to maybe 28mm tires. Mid reach brakes (47-57mm), like the Tektros that were on my Salsa Casseroll and the Paul Racer Mediums on my custom Zukas frame, can handle up to about 38mm wide tires. Long reach brakes (57-72mm) can handle up to maybe 45mm or so.

Problem is, the frame and fork have to be built to fit one of these standards. You can't juts put mid reach brakes on a bike made for short reach, the pads won't be in the right place for the rims. That's where disc brakes have a fit advantage. Disc brakes don't know or care what size rims and tires are on the bike. Whatever will fit within the frame and fork will work. Same for diameter. Want to change from 700c wheels to 650B wheels? Disc brakes couldn't care less. If the tire will fit in the frame or fork, the brake will work. Try that with rim brakes and you'll run into lots of problems.
BluesDawg is offline  
Old 02-03-19, 10:42 AM
  #38  
YankeeRider
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 77
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 13 Post(s)
Liked 24 Times in 18 Posts
I don't think there's any single right answer to these kinds of questions. So much is individual, whether it's fitness level, health issues, desired riding goals and style, terrain, riding partners, and simply what will make someone happy... Personally though, if you're not competing or trying to stay with someone else who's super fit on *their* high performance bike, I think you can ride more comfortably and enjoyably (and still pretty fast and far) on a bike that's less high-strung, and certainly you'll still get all the health benefits. Wider tires for example, are still quite low in rolling resistance as long as they have a smooth, rounded tread - near slicks... they'll be heavier, but you really only feel that when accelerating, not so much when you're cruising at speed. In addition to touring bikes, you might also look at fitness bikes, gravel bikes and hybrid bikes. You can do some research now to narrow down the field and take some test rides when the weather gets friendlier :-)
YankeeRider is offline  
Old 02-03-19, 11:32 AM
  #39  
fishboat
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: SE Wisconsin
Posts: 1,888

Bikes: Lemond '01 Maillot Jaune, Lemond '02 Victoire, Lemond '03 Poprad, Lemond '03 Wayzata DB conv(Poprad), '79 AcerMex Windsor Carrera Professional(pur new), '88 GT Tequesta(pur new), '01 Bianchi Grizzly, 1993 Trek 970 DB conv, Trek 8900 DB conv

Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 750 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 799 Times in 467 Posts
Originally Posted by Midway
I picked up my Colnago from Tight Bike who did the tune-up tonight and it looks beautiful. I can't wait to take it for a spin but may wait until Saturday as Friday's forecast is for heavy rain.

Attached is a picture Mark sent me to let me know my bike was ready. I'll take some pictures of my own during the day when the light is better.


Being on the north side of 60 myself..I'd ride the 'Nago until it was clearly no longer works for you. 60-plus "upgrades" might be 28mm tires (I run panaracer gravel-king slicks..measure about 27mm) and a rear cassette that tops out at 26 or 28 teeth...might come in handy and it may make your gear selection a little more user-friendly.
fishboat is offline  
Old 02-03-19, 12:28 PM
  #40  
Midway
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Seattle/Tacoma
Posts: 74

Bikes: Colnago Master PIU 90's era, Cannondale Synapse Hi-MOD Disc 2018

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 35 Post(s)
Liked 25 Times in 9 Posts
Originally Posted by tcs
'Aero' handlebar stems like that were popular for a few years back in the day. From the https://www.sheldonbrown.com/handsup... Brown website:
'Also beware of any stem which has the handlebar clamp bolt behind the handlebar. These stems look superficially as sturdy as other stems, but in fact only half the height of the stem extension is carrying the load -- and there is a hole through it for the bolt. The stem shown below failed catastrophically, resulting in serious injury to the cyclist.'
The link isn't working for me but you have raised a red flag. I wouldn't want a catastrophic failure. I've always wanted to upgrade to a proper Italian group set for a classic Italian frame. The handlebar alone is a stretch but I am always looking for excuses to spend money recklessly.

I took the bike out for the first time in 15 years yesterday although just up and down the street a few times and it felt great. I'll need to practice clipping in and out a few times so I don't fall and mess up my new hip and improve my flexibility. Stepping over the seat isn't easy. I plan on keeping the Colnago but may add a second endurance style bike and still be behind most on this forum.
Midway is offline  
Old 02-04-19, 06:54 AM
  #41  
jlaw
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 988

Bikes: 2015 Spec. AWOL Elite,2022 Spec. Diverge, 1984 Trek 620 1985 Trek 620, 1979 Trek 710

Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 394 Post(s)
Liked 194 Times in 110 Posts
Originally Posted by tcs
Hey, if somebody wants to name their kid 'Disk Break' it's fine by me, but here are 37s under calipers with a fair amount of room to spare:

Those Tektro 559's are a great product for providing clearance around larger tires and fenders on frames/forks not originally intended for such. And the quality of the braking action is comparable to the short-reach 105's I have on another bike - no noticeable flex despite the long reach of the 559's.

jlaw is offline  
Old 02-14-19, 05:22 PM
  #42  
Midway
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Seattle/Tacoma
Posts: 74

Bikes: Colnago Master PIU 90's era, Cannondale Synapse Hi-MOD Disc 2018

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 35 Post(s)
Liked 25 Times in 9 Posts
I have decided to do both, keep my Colanago for its sentimental value and the fact it is a blast to ride and get an Endurance Bike to get me back in shape and be more comfortable on longer rides.

I just was notified the 2018 closeout Cannondale Synapse I ordered came in today and if I can free up my schedule, I will pick it up Saturday.

I am looking forward to the 50/34 - 11/30 gearing to help me getting up my hill. Now I need the snow to melt.

Thanks everyone for all the input.
Midway is offline  
Old 02-16-19, 07:09 PM
  #43  
Midway
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Seattle/Tacoma
Posts: 74

Bikes: Colnago Master PIU 90's era, Cannondale Synapse Hi-MOD Disc 2018

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 35 Post(s)
Liked 25 Times in 9 Posts
My wife will hate the poor light iPhone picture but she is still my favorite bike stand. I made it to the bike store and picked up my new Synapse today. Can't wait to ride it.

Midway is offline  
Old 02-16-19, 07:36 PM
  #44  
DiabloScott
It's MY mountain
 
DiabloScott's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Mt.Diablo
Posts: 9,991

Bikes: Klein, Merckx, Trek

Mentioned: 70 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4310 Post(s)
Liked 2,953 Times in 1,601 Posts
That looks like a fun bike! Enjoy
DiabloScott is offline  
Old 02-21-19, 11:52 AM
  #45  
fastcarbon
Full Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: SoCal
Posts: 325

Bikes: SL6 S Works Tarmac, 7 series Trek Madone, Saris Hammer Smart Trainer, Eddie Merckx, Ciocc, Trek 5900, DeRosa, Peugot, Diverge Gravel

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 38 Post(s)
Liked 55 Times in 32 Posts
Stay with racing frame or move to touring

I moved to an endurance frame and didn't like it; it didn't have the snap and handling I like for group rides. But what I did do was go to 700x25 tires and am now experimenting with 700x28's. The Colnago should accept 700x25's so I would try that.
fastcarbon is offline  
Old 02-21-19, 02:52 PM
  #46  
Midway
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Seattle/Tacoma
Posts: 74

Bikes: Colnago Master PIU 90's era, Cannondale Synapse Hi-MOD Disc 2018

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 35 Post(s)
Liked 25 Times in 9 Posts
I don't think I'll have a problem riding the Colnago once I learn to ride again. I've got it all tuned up and have ridden around the neighborhood and it feels great. I took the Synapse out on a bike trail for the first time today and boy am I out of practice after 15 plus years. It was a cool but beautiful day in the Seattle area for a ride and most of the snow is gone. Getting used to new Shimano style pedals caught me once while at a stop and the shifting and components will take some getting used to. It felt so good to be out on a bike again.

It is nice to have options with both bikes and it may be awhile before I find myself in a drafting line.

Thanks.
Midway is offline  
Old 02-22-19, 09:54 AM
  #47  
ctpres
Senior Member
 
ctpres's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Creede CO in summer & Okeechobee, FL or TX Gulf Coast in winter
Posts: 742

Bikes: Zenetto Stealth road bike & Sundeal M7 MTN bike

Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 90 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times in 4 Posts
Midway - Two years ago I was following same train of thought. Ended up with mtn bike for casual rides. My Zenetto is also "twitchy" - but that only seems to be a problem when I am on aero bars - I just need more space around me. Your new bike looks great but I bet your old faithful will get the most miles.
ctpres is offline  
Old 02-28-19, 11:22 PM
  #48  
ocsawdust
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: costa mesa ca
Posts: 117

Bikes: 85 botteccia, 85 mcmahn tiatainium, 90 something trek clyde, early 70s schwinn tandem single speed, early 90s gary fisher aquila (the daily rider now!)

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Liked 18 Times in 11 Posts
Well, since your asking...... your not new to bikes, your road bike there is not your everyday run of the mill bike. I have a few years till 60, but I threw in the towel some time back. My recommendation would be something comfortable and that's something only you can decide. I could say 1 bike for each day of the week, or a bike for each mood. A fast bike or a leisurely riding bike, or off road. When I say threw in the towel it means making it comfortable. The comment about step through is a great thing to consider. Pretty much all my bikes are setup for a sitting up position. Even my old road bottecchia road bike is set up that way. Stems are all higher with swept back bars. To make something like that to work though involves the riser quill stem, angle and length of the clamp stem, shifters and brake levers and the configuration / shape of the bar, and then lengthing of all the cables and housing as they will probably be short. When that "sweet" is found you will know.

I also make my bikes able to do some basic work, carrying a lock in a bag plus some other stuff, coffee cup holder... I like small front racks and a smaller basket to make that all happen. I've found some low profile baskets that I like that are sold as cooler baskets. Yeti, and other rotomolded coolers have 3" high baskets that work great. REI sells them as an accessory then you add a rack you like.

some things to think about.

That's my .02
ocsawdust is offline  
Old 03-08-19, 06:40 AM
  #49  
Garfield Cat
Senior Member
 
Garfield Cat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Huntington Beach, CA
Posts: 7,079

Bikes: Cervelo Prodigy

Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 475 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 87 Times in 67 Posts
Originally Posted by Midway

I am concerned the frame is a bit too twitchy for me. I don’t plan on much racing and my bike seemed a bit too responsive even 20 years ago. I plan on asking the bike shop to check my set up, seat and handlebar configuration etc.

It is a Colnago Master PIU with an Ultegra group set. It is still in great shape and I plan on giving it some miles but wonder if it would be more enjoyable to lean more towards a touring style bike?
Isn't twitchy closely related to the frame geometry? Short wheelbase. But your bike isn't that right? Must be something else that makes you think its twitchy.
Garfield Cat is offline  
Old 03-08-19, 10:35 AM
  #50  
Midway
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Seattle/Tacoma
Posts: 74

Bikes: Colnago Master PIU 90's era, Cannondale Synapse Hi-MOD Disc 2018

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 35 Post(s)
Liked 25 Times in 9 Posts
Originally Posted by Garfield Cat
Isn't twitchy closely related to the frame geometry? Short wheelbase. But your bike isn't that right? Must be something else that makes you think its twitchy.
I think you are on to something. I was always led to believe the Colnago Master Piu had a relatively short wheelbase but whether it does or not, I was beginning to think it could be something else. I seem to have more weight on my hands then I would like and I'm finding that can magnify some of the twitchyness I feel. I plan on getting some time on my bikes while building up core fitness and then checking my bike setup and go from there. Thanks.
Midway is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.