swampyankee2

A number of years ago I witnessed an elderly gent take a nice vintage Italian road bike out of his trunk in a parking lot and ride off on the country roads in our town. I thought, I'd like to be doing that when I'm his age.
Well, here I am.
​​​​Maybe not quite elderly, but qualified to post here. I rode alot in my 40s and 50s, but hit a wall, energy-wise when I hit 61. It's been a losing battle these last 4 years to gain that momentum and drive I had. I'm still riding off and on, but since the gyms closed for the pandemic I've been thinking more about hitting the road on a regular basis - as soon as the snow clears...
Meanwhile, I'll try to stay motivated by working on a Raleigh resto, and looking for that vintage road bike...

sbrudno

When I hit 70 y/o, I was pleased with the collection of bikes that I had but wanted to "fix up" more. That has been done AND I am riding more as well. I would like to think that the exercise keeps my body healthy (exercise tolerance and lab tests) and maybe even to keep my weight right where it should be. But the best part of riding is just getting out into the world with just my body doing the work. Be well, be happy and do something that keeps your soul aligned.

frisky1

I tried to post a pic but was informed I had to have ten posts before submitting pics. Good to be new at something.
Today's ride: start 6am, 61 degrees at start, finish 80 degrees 15+ mph winds. My biggest problem is deciding what to wear and what to do with it when I need to take it off.
Knee warmers, toe covers, l/s jersey, wind jacket, long gloves. Kept bibs, short gloves, s/s wool base
This might be a good problem in February? and yes 60 degrees and windy is cold in SW Florida
Thinking to get a light backpack or hydration pack. Any suggestions? (for clothes storage)

Wildwood 

Nice vintage Italian road bike, ahhhhh...
There is a thread on Italian City bikes in C&V

My Italians:

easyupbug 

I have never noticed a member when posting bikes having some saddles nose up and some nose down. Mine are all up 1º at the most, I am now wondering if the nose might vary depending on the construction, say a brooks suspension vs. a noseless. Might have to give it a try.

Ballenxj

I've noticed this as well. I try to situate all of mine to be perfectly horizontal to keep me from sliding fore or aft. After seeing all these different angles I'm not sure what is correct anymore?

swampyankee2

Nice collection! I hope they are all getting a work-out! I'm on the cusp of good riding weather here in New England.

flan48

Love 'em!
Best regards

freeranger

Just like the saddle itself, there is no "correct" adjustment for everyone. And yes, the tilt may vary between different saddles. I had been riding a saddle that felt good for years. Then last summer, it just didn't feel "right". So tried some different adjustments and got it to feel good to me once again. Guess my one year older body must have needed a different saddle adjustment.

Wildwood 

I'm constantly dickering with my saddles, don't mistake the angle (as pictured) for the best way to ride it.








...as long as it's pointed forward....

easyupbug 

I think you are on to something. Blaming age related loss of flexibility, core strength, a few extra pounds, etc, won't get me anywhere with my saddles but tinkering with the level might and I love tinkering. Plus I found the level on my phone and it is brilliant.

philbob57

I'm 77, not far from 78. I know it. I have no problem giving my age when asked. But yesterday I saw 'age 77' on my medical record at a doc's office, and I thought, 'Boy, that's old.'

Bummer.

afm199

Why sure, blink twice more and you'll qualify.

afm199

My saddle is flat today. Completely. Used to pitch it more.

maddmaxx 

There's a blast from a decade or so ago.

swampyankee2

Took my first ride around the block in my town yesterday. Although I've ridden in the last couple years (not much), it was the first time on these roads, Western RI is very hilly, more up than down I swear! I was passed by a woman on a hybrid bike - twice! Very embarrassing! Just goes to show how much out of condition I've gotten in the last 3 or 4 years. The town I lived in when I was at my peak was pretty hilly as well, but that was 10-15 years ago, so I should expect to be a bit slower even after I get my cycling legs back.


I'll get there, but I might just take my bike to flatter terrain just to have some more enjoyable rides.

McBTC

Having a one-to-one gear ratio helps...

delbiker1 

I am 2 weeks out from starting to recover from my second case of flu in a six week period. Both bouts took a toll, but the second one was 9 straight days of misery. Almost went to the ER a couple of times. We have also had a couple of winter storms and quite a bit of very wet and windy weather. I have had a lot of days off from riding this year. I am not keeping numbers this year, but as near as I can figure, today was about the 38th of 76 days that I did not ride in 2022. Yesterday I did a 17 mile ride and the last 4 miles my legs were feeling worn out. I did keep up a faster pace than I have in quite a while, 15.8 mph.

I

swampyankee2

I might not need 1:1 but something better than my '72 Dawes has. (1.5:1). My flatbar bike has a 3rd chainwheel that gets me down to 1.07:1 not that I need it. Given the climbing gears I use, I'd probably be ok with 1.4:1 or so.

McBTC

Heard in a movie, having a lower gear means never having to say you're sorry...

philbob57

If all you need is a 1/15th improvement, more riding might give you the strength you need.

swampyankee2

very good point. I'm hoping to build strength and stamina.

philbob57

Ride more miles, build more strength and stamina. It's almost guaranteed.

EddyR

I am 81 and never thought of myself as old until my right knee got so bad it was making it hard to ride about a year ago. February 10 i had complete knee replacement. I wanted to be back on my bike in one month but bad weather and lack of motivation stoped it from happening. At week five I was using a cane so I just grabbed my 92 Cannondale aired up the flat tires and got on it and rode for 15 minutes. Not much pressure on knee at all. Found many other muscles had gotten week. I still use a cane and my balance is not good so riding slow is more difficult than moving along at a steady pace. Starting up was the hardest part of the ride. Wife Rebecca took pictures on her iPhone but they would not load,odd as i do my iPhone all the time.
Ed. Note i went in and changed the date

Wildwood 

@EddyR - I'm impressed.
81 and wanting to get back on the bike.
Be careful.