Do I need a modern bike?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: NW Ohio
Posts: 1,142
Bikes: 1983 Univega Super Strada, 1986 Panasonic DX5000, 1984 Fuji Team 85 Univega Gran Turismo, 1984 Lotus Unique, 1987 Centurion Expert, 1987 Centurion Ironman Master,
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 677 Post(s)
Liked 459 Times
in
182 Posts
Do I need a modern bike?
I've been riding a 1984 Lotus Unique and a 1987 Centurion Ironman. I'm 64 years old and consider myself in pretty good shape.
I've been riding 3 or 4 months and am slowly getting faster. I have a 12 mile fairly flat loop I ride and have increased my average
speed riding hard from 13 mph to 16.5 mph then read about older guys riding 50 miles at 20 mph. Now I can probably hit 20-25mph
for a very short distance but can't imagine riding 50 miles at that speed. So would a newer bike help me ride faster?
I've been riding 3 or 4 months and am slowly getting faster. I have a 12 mile fairly flat loop I ride and have increased my average
speed riding hard from 13 mph to 16.5 mph then read about older guys riding 50 miles at 20 mph. Now I can probably hit 20-25mph
for a very short distance but can't imagine riding 50 miles at that speed. So would a newer bike help me ride faster?
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 15,488
Bikes: 2015 Workswell 066, 2017 Workswell 093, 2014 Dawes Sheila, 1983 Cannondale 500, 1984 Raleigh Olympian, 2007 Cannondale Rize 4, 2017 Fuji Sportif 1 LE
Mentioned: 144 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7652 Post(s)
Liked 3,473 Times
in
1,834 Posts
I am sorry, did you mean to post, "I need to start a fight!"
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: St Peters, Missouri
Posts: 30,225
Bikes: Catrike 559 I own some others but they don't get ridden very much.
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1572 Post(s)
Liked 643 Times
in
364 Posts
Maybe a little, but it's the motor that matters by far the most.
I ride semi-regularly with a group of riders who roughly fit into your age group. I'd guess that the majority would also fit approximately into your speed range.
I ride semi-regularly with a group of riders who roughly fit into your age group. I'd guess that the majority would also fit approximately into your speed range.
__________________
My greatest fear is all of my kids standing around my coffin and talking about "how sensible" dad was.
My greatest fear is all of my kids standing around my coffin and talking about "how sensible" dad was.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Eugene, Oregon, USA
Posts: 27,547
Mentioned: 217 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18373 Post(s)
Liked 4,508 Times
in
3,351 Posts
I will say I like my late 90's Colnago with some newer parts. It just feels like a bike should feel like, and makes one wonder what one has been missing all these years.
Performance improvement... maybe a bit.
I think I should be able to average 20 MPH for long rides, but am not there yet. Maybe someday, but I'm not getting younger either.
Performance improvement... maybe a bit.
I think I should be able to average 20 MPH for long rides, but am not there yet. Maybe someday, but I'm not getting younger either.
#6
Senior Member
Need? No. But if you've got the itch, go take a couple out for test rides. No better way to find out how they compare to what you're riding now.
SP
OC, OR
SP
OC, OR
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times
in
1,417 Posts
No. But that's no reason not to get a new bike.
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 15,488
Bikes: 2015 Workswell 066, 2017 Workswell 093, 2014 Dawes Sheila, 1983 Cannondale 500, 1984 Raleigh Olympian, 2007 Cannondale Rize 4, 2017 Fuji Sportif 1 LE
Mentioned: 144 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7652 Post(s)
Liked 3,473 Times
in
1,834 Posts
Ahhh ... this thread will never get to 20 pages ... you're all too mature in here.
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 5,972
Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 2007 Dahon Boardwalk, 1997 Nishiki Blazer, 1984 Nishiki International, 2006 Felt F65, 1989 Dahon Getaway V
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1364 Post(s)
Liked 1,677 Times
in
827 Posts
#11
Palmer
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 8,621
Bikes: Mike Melton custom, Alex Moulton AM, Dahon Curl
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1665 Post(s)
Liked 1,818 Times
in
1,057 Posts
Many years ago Maynard Hershon wrote a piece 'It's Not For Sale', arguing that with bicycles, you can't buy speed.
You can buy efficiency. You could get 'fitted' on your existing bikes. You could fit lower rolling resistance tires. These are surely not bad things to do, but they're not a magic bullet.
You could buy a new bike with faster (index, brifter and perhaps even electronic) shifting and more, finer gear ratios, to keep your physiology at peak efficient output. You could get a lower air resistance frame and wheels. You could get a super stiff frame or one that 'planes', depending on which Church of Cycling you attend. The gains you will see from this will be modest - orders of magnitude less than the difference between 12 miles at 16.5 mph and 50 miles at 20 mph.
BobbyG's suggestion would actually get you there. Check out the Giant Road E+. (I think these are really cool. I think these are mopeds, not bicycles.)
You can buy efficiency. You could get 'fitted' on your existing bikes. You could fit lower rolling resistance tires. These are surely not bad things to do, but they're not a magic bullet.
You could buy a new bike with faster (index, brifter and perhaps even electronic) shifting and more, finer gear ratios, to keep your physiology at peak efficient output. You could get a lower air resistance frame and wheels. You could get a super stiff frame or one that 'planes', depending on which Church of Cycling you attend. The gains you will see from this will be modest - orders of magnitude less than the difference between 12 miles at 16.5 mph and 50 miles at 20 mph.
BobbyG's suggestion would actually get you there. Check out the Giant Road E+. (I think these are really cool. I think these are mopeds, not bicycles.)
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: In the foothills of Los Angeles County
Posts: 25,286
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8279 Post(s)
Liked 9,033 Times
in
4,471 Posts
If you want a new bike, get one, but don't think you will suddenly be a lot faster.
#13
Veteran, Pacifist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Seattle area
Posts: 13,328
Bikes: Bikes??? Thought this was social media?!?
Mentioned: 284 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3898 Post(s)
Liked 4,832 Times
in
2,229 Posts
Assuming the same cockpit and position on the bike:
On flat terrain = almost zero % faster, wheels most important.
On hilly terrain = a little faster, closer gearing options + brifters encourage sustained cadence
Sustained long climbs = somewhat faster, lighter and stiffer.
On flat terrain = almost zero % faster, wheels most important.
On hilly terrain = a little faster, closer gearing options + brifters encourage sustained cadence
Sustained long climbs = somewhat faster, lighter and stiffer.
__________________
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Last edited by Wildwood; 08-23-18 at 11:32 PM.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 233
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 85 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
I have two bikes that I ride on a regular basis, a '73 Peugeot PX-10 set up as a 3-speed and a new aluminum Evo Slay with carbon fork set up as a 2-speed. Both have the same Mavic A319 wheels with Conti Ultrasport 28 tires.
I find no speed difference between these bikes on my usual 20 mile loop over flat terrain.
I prefer to ride the aluminum Evo, smoother and not as twitchy as the Peugeot.
I find no speed difference between these bikes on my usual 20 mile loop over flat terrain.
I prefer to ride the aluminum Evo, smoother and not as twitchy as the Peugeot.
Last edited by pcf; 08-24-18 at 04:39 AM.
#15
On Holiday
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,014
Bikes: A bunch of old steel bikes
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 394 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 14 Times
in
12 Posts
Yes, this ^^^^^^^. I learned long ago that gains from "better" equipment always are less than anticipated. Also, going faster is not always the most important objective. Spend as much as you want as long as you end up with a bike that gives you the most pleasure.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: South shore, L.I., NY
Posts: 6,882
Bikes: Flyxii FR322, Cannondale Topstone, Miyata City Liner, Specialized Chisel, Specialized Epic Evo
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3238 Post(s)
Liked 2,084 Times
in
1,180 Posts
There’s enough of a difference between a steel with (maybe) downtube index shifting ?, to a carbon with brake-shifter shifting, to notice and enjoy the difference. Move to electronic shifting and even more a difference. A current bike with 11 cogs will likely offer closer gearing then a 6 or 7 speed would have.
If you enjoy the ride of the new, it’s often makes you want to ride more, that in turn develops fitness which results in an increase in speed. I find I ride harder having moved to Di2 electronic, as I shift more often thus can maintain cadence. So my avg. spd. is a bit higher this year.
If you enjoy the ride of the new, it’s often makes you want to ride more, that in turn develops fitness which results in an increase in speed. I find I ride harder having moved to Di2 electronic, as I shift more often thus can maintain cadence. So my avg. spd. is a bit higher this year.
#17
Junior Member
I am in the same quandary. I really like my old Cannondale, but am now jonesing for more than a six speed cassette (freewheel), and even a generation or two older than current stuff would be a big upgrade. However, I don't think I will get much more speed, and that's not really my objective. I think I will just find the experience more rewarding with newer, smoother, lighter stuff. I will test ride a carbon, but I may stick with AL as I do like it.
#18
In the wind
At 60, I do lots of rides with middle aged guys who are younger but not faster than me on the flats.
I really love my 23 pound steel bike, but once we get into the foothills or mountains my 17 pound carbon bike is the key to not getting dropped.
I really love my 23 pound steel bike, but once we get into the foothills or mountains my 17 pound carbon bike is the key to not getting dropped.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Lebanon (Liberty Hill), CT
Posts: 8,473
Bikes: CAAD 12, MASI Gran Criterium S, Colnago World Cup CX & Guru steel
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1743 Post(s)
Liked 1,281 Times
in
740 Posts
OP.....you cannot compare yourself to others based on what you hear or read. There are too many variables. A new bike will give you some things an older bike won't. Do you need one? Depends on how you want to ride and what you want from a bike. IMO, if you want a new bike and have the money...buy one.
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 8,550
Bikes: Wilier Izoard XP (Record);Cinelli Xperience (Force);Specialized Allez (Rival);Bianchi Via Nirone 7 (Centaur); Colnago AC-R Disc;Colnago V1r Limited Edition;De Rosa King 3 Limited(Force 22);DeRosa Merak(Red):Pinarello Dogma 65.1 Hydro(Di2)
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 551 Post(s)
Liked 277 Times
in
145 Posts
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 15,488
Bikes: 2015 Workswell 066, 2017 Workswell 093, 2014 Dawes Sheila, 1983 Cannondale 500, 1984 Raleigh Olympian, 2007 Cannondale Rize 4, 2017 Fuji Sportif 1 LE
Mentioned: 144 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7652 Post(s)
Liked 3,473 Times
in
1,834 Posts
I echo everyone who says at least try one, and if you can afford it, buy one.
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times
in
1,417 Posts
It is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend you pick one up.
#24
feros ferio
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: www.ci.encinitas.ca.us
Posts: 21,796
Bikes: 1959 Capo Modell Campagnolo; 1960 Capo Sieger (2); 1962 Carlton Franco Suisse; 1970 Peugeot UO-8; 1982 Bianchi Campione d'Italia; 1988 Schwinn Project KOM-10;
Mentioned: 44 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1392 Post(s)
Liked 1,324 Times
in
836 Posts
I could afford a new bicycle, but I have three reasons to keep what I have:
1) The bicycles I currently own serve my needs very well;
2) I am, by nature, a "saver," not a "spender";
3) I prefer the look and feel of a steel frame with a horizontal top tube and 32- or 36-spoke wheels;
1) The bicycles I currently own serve my needs very well;
2) I am, by nature, a "saver," not a "spender";
3) I prefer the look and feel of a steel frame with a horizontal top tube and 32- or 36-spoke wheels;
__________________
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
#25
Palmer
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 8,621
Bikes: Mike Melton custom, Alex Moulton AM, Dahon Curl
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1665 Post(s)
Liked 1,818 Times
in
1,057 Posts
So would a newer bike help me ride faster?
So anyway, in 1884 one Thomas Stevens rode his highwheel bicycle across America on wagon trails, railroad rights-of-way and occasionally trackless prairie, passing pioneers in covered wagons on the way. He covered 3700 miles in 83.5 riding days, coast to coast, averaging 44.3 miles a day. Today's Adventure Cycling groups riding modern multi-geared, purpose build touring bikes on a 100% paved roads take 92 days on a route of 4250 miles, averaging 46.2 miles a day. Admittedly, there are a boat load of variables, but somewhere in 44.3 miles a day vs. 46.2 miles a day is 134 years of bicycle improvements.