sbrudno

As someone who turns 73 next week, I get your issue. However, there are road bikes and there are road bikes. I have a venerable 1979 Motobecane Super Mirage that I have converted into a touring bike with front and rear racks, wider tires, converted 15 gears and a comfortable seat. It is fine for weekend treks and overnighters. I would not use it for longer. I also have a dedicated touring bike, Trek Verve that has disk brakes, dual racks, comfy seat and wide tires that give a very comfortable ride for hours at a time. I do not go particularly fast, not that I ever really ever did, and the reason for riding is the pure enjoyment of the trip. You may find that with the right bike, fitted correctly (and yes, you should have it fitted), you can do the 10-20 miles and probably more. Some ROUTINE stretches should be included in your riding. If you have a very old helmet, get a newer one. The technology has improved. If you are going on the road by yourself, you don't need to go fast. If you are joining someone else, establish what is OK for you in terms of time, distance and speed.
Good luck and keep the forum updated on your progress!

pelirary

In 1997 I bought my Trek 1220 and rode that for twenty six years. it is nowhere near an upright ride but I was fitted for the bike by a professional at a bike shop so really didn't question whether there might be a more relaxed option. Of course in 1997 I was forty nine years old. Last July I decided to buy a new bike, something I should have done years ago. I purchased a Trek Domane AL 5. It is still a road bike but there are a few things that are different and immediately noticeable. The geometry is the first thing I noticed. Compared to the 1220, this frame almost forced e into a more upright position, with the distance from the handlebars to the seat considerably shorter. And believe me this is noticeable when I hop on the 1220 which is set on the trainer for indoor riding. In addition the tires are wider. They come with a 700 x 32 tire which has less pressure and a softer ride. On my first ride I noticed the smoother ride. Of course going from a 1997 to a 2023 bike there had to be differences, but still the AL 5 is very comfortable, and I can be comfortable semi upright with my hands on the hoods. My rides are usually between 18 and 25 so I haven't really done any long rides over thirty. But I don't think that should matter.

Jtmav

I bought the same exact bike 3 years ago and I’m 72 years old. Unlike you I am not a long term rider, I was a runner for many years and then when that became too difficult I started to row on an erg a few times a week. When COVID hit and everything went dark I pulled out an ancient hybrid I had in my shed and started riding on a bike path near my house on Cape Cod. I took a liking to it so I ordered the Trek had it fitted and I have been on it ever since. One caveat is 10 weeks ago I had surgery for a total knee replacement of my left knee and in 2 weeks I am having my right knee replaced as well, so much for running to stay fit. Obviously I haven’t been riding outside for awhile and won’t till summer I would think. Love the bike and ride about the same as you roughly 20-30 miles 2-3 times a week.

Charles Lathe

I am only 70. I let my bikes go one at a time until I only have my touring bicycle left. The reason for that is that it became the only bike I wanted to ride because it's the most comfortable. 26x2" inch tires and handlebars that are about level with the seat. Typically I ride 10 to 30 miles two or three times a week on rolling North Carolina roads. I average 10 or 11 miles per hour and I enjoy myself. I haven't ridden in a pace line in 14 years.

When I start out, I most often think, "It's too cold, or too windy, or too hot, or I'm out of breath already." But, by the time I get past the first hill, I always think, "I like riding my bicycle." I am blessed to have a bike that is comfortable.

MarylandUSA

Thanks for sharing this, Charles. I'm 67; I won't retire for another 2 or 3 years. Like you, I own---and need---only one bike. Like your bike, mine lets me sit almost upright. Heck, mine has a big fat seat and only 3 gears! Reading the posts by "bike collectors," I've wondered, "What's wrong with me?" Now I know: Nothing.

sbrudno

Like Popeye says: I am what I am.

McBTC

74 ... recovering from revision TKA (cement on femur prosthesis broke). Doc says can resume bike riding in 3 months. Current road bike only accommodates 23 on the rear. Thinking, would like 28s all-around.

1989Pre 

Hi. I don't think I've posted on this string before, but I am sixty-six years old. I haven't yet seen any necessity of making any modifications to my riding or bikes. My bikes are same basic configuration as they were when I began riding at twenty-three years old. I do sixty miles on sunday in the summer, and a couple other 20-40 milers on the summer week days. I basically take the winters (6 months) off, riding just utility to pick up groceries. My pace is unimportant on my road rides. Riding is really my way to get out and enjoy nature. Yoga, foam roller, salt baths and plenty of rest keep me limber.

May 29, 2022 on forty-miler

Wildwood 

72. I'm still on road bikes with drop bars. Most of my miles, by far, are on roads not bike paths, and my roads have hills.

When I ride an upright bike or anything with flat bars it is only for a couple of miles or less; basically, goofing off miles.

Luckily for my body, I never worked at hard labor jobs.

edit: I would ride far less with only 1 bike. A dozen keeps it fresh, every ride.