big john

He also autopsied Jim Fixx in another thread. I don't usually respond to his posts and he seems harmless enough, but I don't get the medical advice stuff.

big john

Dude. Cool it.

gobicycling

If it's easier not to, then take the easy route and don't. That means don't post any more ridiculous diagnoses and your take on blood pressure, which is based on??. You fashion yourself an expert, you are not. You are more than likely just a troll, and I'm getting tired of reading your posts, which means I am now ignoring them in the future. I wish there was some way to block you and maybe there is, I'll check it out.

gobicycling

If it's easier not to, then take the easy route and don't. That means don't post any more ridiculous diagnoses and your take on blood pressure, which is based on??. You fashion yourself an expert, you are not. You are more than likely just a troll, and I'm getting tired of reading your posts, which means I am now ignoring them in the future. I wish there was some way to block you and maybe there is, I'll check it out.

rsbob 

Go to Your User CP, and in the left most window - select Ignore List. Add the name and you are good except where other people quote him.

oldbobcat

You, sir, should consider an Electra Townie, the bike with flat-foot geometry. https://electra.trekbikes.com/us/en_US?clear=true

oldbobcat

By all means test ride a couple in the fitness and comfort categories. I know I feel a lot more stable just sitting more upright with a flat handlebar. If these aren't stable enough, Trek also owns and distributes Electra, who makes the innovative Townie, which has the most stability you can get on two wheels.

Joe Bikerider

It’s actually advertised as “Flat Foot Technology”. In our overheated world of marketing crap that takes the cake. I borrowed a bike like that from my daughter and find it impossible to ride. I really like having a top tube to help me guide the bike with my legs.

spinconn

Well, again I would like to thank everyone who took the time to comment. Armed with all this sage advice, and a bunch of internet information, I went to look at several that caught my eye. I need not have been concerned. I fell in love with a Giant Contend4 AR as soon as I took the test ride. I bought it. The fit was perfect, and it had the quick and nimble feel I was looking for. I thought at the time it was a road bike, but I guess with 32 tires and the more relaxed geometry it is more like gravel and/or endurance bike. I feel very stable and secure on it and in two days have put 43 miles on it. Would have been more but for a flat today. I think agility and quickness might get you out of as many close calls as thin tires might get you into, at least on pavement. What a grand sport we have that allows one so much fun at such an old age.

shelbyfv

Apparently gone to the Big Chill. Many thanks to whomever.

oldbobcat

Thank you for your thoughtful opinion, Mr. Arbiter of Everything. Just because you don't like something doesn't mean it's crap. I'll know better next time not to try to make helpful suggestions to you.

arex

https://biria.com/series/easy-boarding

jdogg111

I had the same issues, went to a folding bike, lower center, easier mount and dismount and the smaller wheels are much less squirmy imho. Tires are your choice, but paul at origami has great choices of bikes for very decent prices. I use a 1.95 on mine, but have a few sets of different sizes. I feel like if I do start to go down on this 20 inch wheel bike it's much easier to save and if you do go over it's not as far to fall. Easier, as it were, to get feet on the ground faster.

FREEBIRD1

I would second the tadpole trike, I use mine on the MUP's when I feel a little fatigued, or just a little off, and still want to ride. You still get a good cardio workout, get outside and enjoy the scenery,and a lot less worry about falling.

TejanoTrackie 

Well, I guess I know why that brand name is Giant, since they don't make bikes for short adults like me. That model that you bought won't fit anyone under 5'-5", and I'm a lot shorter than that. Anyway, it looks like a nice bike and I'm glad that you like it.

GhostRider62

Balance declines steadily after the age of 50.

The highest percentage of cycling deaths are males aged 60+

I double flatted on a bad road at age 63. I could not keep it up and went down at 20 mph. Broke 10 bones. Trauma Center broke another one in order to access my shattered elbow.

I plan to be on three wheels in my 70's. A velomobile if the budget allows

TejanoTrackie 

I'm approaching 77, and still don't notice any significant balance issues. Now, perhaps my reflexes in an extreme situation such you describe would not be as good, but I try to avoid getting into those situations in the first place. I know many octogenarians who still ride and even race bicycles w/o any problems. Don't sell yourself short just because of one very unusual bad event.

Carbonfiberboy 

I dunno. I still ride my rollers just fine at 77, don't notice a difference. Had 2 syncopes on them, went down, no damage other than floor rash. IME speed doesn't matter except for road rash and ruined clothing. It's probably individual. BTW I had my balance nerves and some audio nerves severed in one ear when I hit a tree with my head while BC skiing. Took me a while to recover from that, but soon I was back to putting my shoes on while standing. My brain filled in for the missing frequencies, too. Brains are amazing.

big john

They list an extra small and if that doesn't work Giant has a line called "Liv" which goes smaller. Supposed to fit riders down to 4'11".

TejanoTrackie 

That XS is only available in the most expensive Contend AR 1 model, which is nearly twice as much as the Contend AR 4 model that the OP bought. It is also only available at select dealers for local pickup, the nearest dealer to me being 750 miles away. As to the Liv models, I found just one road model that will fit riders down to 5'-2", which would work for me. Still, in its totality, Giant has very few offerings for shorter adults when compared to other brands. This is academic, since I've found small models from Trek (Emonda SLR 7) and Specialized (Sirrus X 5.0) that fit me and suit my needs that I was able to purchase from local bike shops.

Edit: It appears that the Liv lineup is meant for women, so they might not fit men properly. Looking at the geometry charts, the top tube lengths are too short for men in the XS sizes. The problem is that women tend to have longer legs and shorter arms relative to men. Also, the handlebars are very narrow, since women tend to have narrower shoulders than men.

zandoval 

I have a Mixte waiting for a build. I got it a few years ago anticipating the days I would not be able ta get up on my bikes. I have not fixed it up yet but it is there waiting.

What has really helped me in my transition into Geazerdom after a critical fall is just being careful, all the time. I have made no really big changes in my bikes. My seat is a little lower, my bars a little higher, my tires a little wider, and that big gear in the back certainly has more teeth now, but really not that much as far as the bikes go.

The way I ride is MUCH CHANGED!

I no longer ride at night. Weather needs to be good. Routes with traffic, never. Single track very infrequent. Yep... Its just pitiful... But my rides are very nice and almost everyday. Not far. Not too long. But most enjoyable!

The one thing that has helped me to get along now days is just being careful. My Pre-Flight check list is long. And I am always picking out the next spot I will land, planed or not...

Ya do what ya gotta do... To ride.

big john

I know certain models don't work for those of us who have a fit outside of the "normal" realm. You seem to know what you need.

The debate about "women specific" geometry went on a few years back and several manufacturers had bikes made that way. I think Giant is the only one left.
Whether one of the Liv bikes will fit a man depends on the body of that man and the geo of the bike in question. Bars, stems, saddles, etc. can be swapped at time of purchase. with my last road bike I swapped the bar, stem, saddle, post, crankset, and cassette to make it work. As I'm sure you know, we are not all the same.

GhostRider62

I do know.

Speed is a risk factor, hit something/anything at 1 mph isn't the same risk as at 10, 20, or 30 mph. Physics.

There are plenty of studies showing reduced balance for older adults to the extent it is not even debatable. You are a backpacker, which is probably THE best way to maintain balance. When I was doing the Appalachian Trail a few years back, everyone was so happy to see an old person like me on it. Most 77 year olds have a hard time getting off the sofa. Basically, you and I are something like 2 or 3 or 4 standard deviations from the norm. The average newborn male will never get up once they hit 74.5 years of age. I used to play ice hockey at a high level, might have been able to go pro. When I skate now, those fast movements that require balance, strength, and perfect vestibular function leave me very frustrated.

A balance board is also a good way to maintain a steady foot.

Syncope is a balance problem. Imagine if you lost balance in that manner at 20 mph. I would imagine you did not have fainting spells at a younger age?

I notice my balance weakens at about 160-220 miles into a brevet. I have to be careful dismounting. I never had such concerns as a younger man.

CAT7RDR

After a couple crashes that exacerbated rotator cuff injuries, I swapped a Salsa steel fork onto my Trek Marlin 6 and put on some Marathon touring tires to make it my hybrid.
Heavy 35+ lbs but stable and the 47-622 tires roll well but are heavy.
I am more concerned with a 3-5 hour solo fitness workout rather than speed or group rides.
If you are primarily on flat or rolling terrain, I would not sweat the weight of the bike.
Just my 2 cents if you are exploring just keeping the Marlin.

gobicycling

I have been on blood thinners for a number of years now, and don't let being on them influence my riding choices or locations. I think too much is made of the supposed dangers of blood thinners. Otherwise my stability is very good in my mid 80s, riding a mountain bike and a skinny tired road bike circa 1999.