65-85+ Thread
#3501
Full Member
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...
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...
Last edited by swampyankee2; 02-15-22 at 06:52 AM.
#3502
Old age cyclist
Join Date: Oct 2021
Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 119
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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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.
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#3503
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2021
Location: SW Florida
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Bikes: 2 Bikes both silver
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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)
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)
Last edited by frisky1; 02-16-22 at 11:01 AM. Reason: clarification
#3504
Veteran, Pacifist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Seattle area
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A number of years ago I witnessed an elderly gent take a nice vintage Italian road bike......
Well, here I am.
Maybe not quite elderly, but qualified to post here.
Meanwhile, I'll try to stay motivated by working on a Raleigh resto, and looking for that vintage road bike...
Well, here I am.
Maybe not quite elderly, but qualified to post here.
Meanwhile, I'll try to stay motivated by working on a Raleigh resto, and looking for that vintage road bike...
There is a thread on Italian City bikes in C&V
My Italians:
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#3505
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,710
Bikes: too many sparkly Italians, some sweet Americans and a couple interesting Japanese
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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.
#3506
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 920
Bikes: Diamond Back Apex, Mongoose IBOC Aluminum Road Bike, SR road bike
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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.
#3507
Full Member
#3509
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 2,615
Bikes: 06 Lemond Reno, 98 GT Timberline mtn.bike
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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.
#3510
Veteran, Pacifist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Seattle area
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...as long as it's pointed forward....
__________________
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Last edited by Wildwood; 03-10-22 at 10:04 AM.
#3511
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,710
Bikes: too many sparkly Italians, some sweet Americans and a couple interesting Japanese
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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.
#3512
Senior Member
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.
Bummer.
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#3513
Junior Member
#3514
Junior Member
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.
#3515
Boomer
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 7,214
Bikes: Diamondback Clarity II frame homebuilt.
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#3516
Full Member
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.
I'll get there, but I might just take my bike to flatter terrain just to have some more enjoyable rides.
#3517
Senior Member
Having a one-to-one gear ratio helps...
#3518
Mother Nature's Son
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Sussex County, Delaware
Posts: 3,139
Bikes: 2014 Orbea Avant MD30, 2004 Airborne Zeppelin TI, 2003 Lemond Poprad, 2001 Lemond Tourmalet, 2014? Soma Smoothie
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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
I
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#3519
Full Member
#3520
Senior Member
#3521
Senior Member
If all you need is a 1/15th improvement, more riding might give you the strength you need.
#3522
Full Member
#3523
Senior Member
Ride more miles, build more strength and stamina. It's almost guaranteed.
#3524
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Locust NC
Posts: 726
Bikes: 1992, Cannondale R900. 1991 Paramount pdg
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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
Ed. Note i went in and changed the date
Last edited by EddyR; 04-13-22 at 07:21 PM.
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#3525
Veteran, Pacifist
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__________________
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.