Road Cycling - Aging roadie contemplates new bike

I've been riding the same great road bike on and off for 19 years. It was custom made and was equipped with top-of-the-line components (at that time) I really like my bike, but I'm getting old and have started thinking that this may be my last chance to buy something with all of the latest bells and whistles (not to be taken literally). I figure I've gotten my money's worth out of the last one, so I'll probably be able to do the same with the next one no matter how much I spend. My question is this: will I see a big difference with a newer bike? Will hills be easier? Will I be able to go faster? (Will I be able to offset the ravages of old age?) What kind of changes can I expect from the newer stuff? All of this may be hard to quantify, but I'd really like to get a general idea...How will the technological advances of the last two decades benefit me?
Currently, I ride about 200 to 250 km a week with lots of hills. Alone, my avg. pace is about 30kph.

The first difference you'll notice, while riding, is psychological. The new bike will be lighter, more responsive and have more gear options. (Up to 30) ERGO shifters will be smoother. You'll just feel better.
What is "old age"? A new bike will not be the panacea for all ills. Probably won't make you considerably faster and the new gearing might make hills easier.
I wouldn't expect any "born again" revelations from a new bike. After all, YOU'll still be the one riding it.

A triple will add years to your riding by taking stress off the knee. I am in my Fifties, and just got a titanium bike because it wouldn't beat me up as much; allowing me to ride longer, and more often. I wouldn not focus on speed, but on comfort; this is the bike for your next 19 years.......how old will you be then?

19 years....

The weight difference is not that much since you had a high-end bike... The most significant changes you will feel is the gearing.. You can have as much as 30 to choose from if you will get a triple..

Well, there are a lot of materials available now.. Steel, Aluminum, Titanium, Carbon...

I like the traditional steel frames.. Nothing beats steel(for me).

Enjoy!

Welcome!!:D

You mention "aging," "getting old," "last chance," "ravages of old age." Just remember, you are not getting "older," you are just getting "better!!"

Some of us are what others might consider getting old, but I am 63 and consider myself young and plan on purchasing new bikes for years to come. We have some folks on this forum who are 71 and just starting bicycling.

For some info on folks on this forum who are successfully confronting the aging process, please see:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=28150

Also see:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?s=&postid=249820#post249820


As regards your bike, go ahead and buy one - it is good for the soul!!

Congrats on averaging 30 km. That is great. Hope you enjoy your new bike.

It's common knowledge that a new bike makes you much younger. In fact, the more new bikes you have, the younger your are. If you buy enough new bikes, you'll become a babbling infant. :)

I would say the most noticable change would be shifting. I am guessing you are shifting on the downtube. With the "new" brake hood shifters and the wide gear range you find yourself shifting more and thus riding more efficiently.

I personally like old steel frames. I upgraded most of my components and am happy with the results.

It is more cost effective though to get a whole new bike. But if you like your frame, consider keeping it.

what kind of old custom frame?
I ride an old Trek, semi old Serotta,
my wife has a modern Bianchi and a 1976 Eisentraut.
all are great rides.
The ergo thing is nice, but not the be all end all of cycling,
I still like my friction shifting.
while I'm not old, aging or any of that stuff (heck I'm only
50, got like 40 more good years left in me!)
a new bike will feel good, but its the riding that makes
the difference, not the ride.
like that young kid lance said "Its not about the bike".
Denver, lets not scare him off!

Marty

Denver, lets not scare him off!

Okay, I edited. Point taken. Hope he joins us in discussions.

Its funny how so many riders seem to be into SPEED.I almost never go over 18-20 mph and thats only with the wind to my back.I'm around 14-16,90-100 cadence which is what i watch,not speed.There's to many group riders SPEEDING around walkers and kids.Thats wrong.

I think you'll notice a BIG difference in any road bike now as compared to 19 years ago. That said, if you are feeling like you want a little more "comfort" on a roadie, be sure to check out the Specialized Sequoia. New for 2003, it's got a super compact geometry and you can get full Ultegra in the "Elite" model or 105 in the "Expert". Price range is $950-$1450. I've got one on lay-away 'cause I ain't getting any younger either and I want a road bike that I can ride long distances for many years to come also.

My two cents: "Age" is often all in your head, but cycling keeps you young in body and mind! :beer:

if I were you, I'd check out the ride of as many new frames as possible before making my decision. You may or may not like current fashions in design, angles, materials etc.- and it might suit you to custom order a new frame with ride characteristics that you know from experience that you like and will continue to like.

The increase in gear numbers and handlebar clutter since the 80's may or may not impress you; how many gears do you need to ride the flat anyway? :)

If you generally specify caliper brakes, you might like the latest top end sidepulls, which seem like an improvement on the 80's stuff.

good luck with your search, welcome to the forum

eric

Thanks to everyone for your helpful and encouraging responses to my first post. It was a nice welcome to the forum.

I think that if price isn't much of an object, you should keep your old frame, and buy a whold new gruppo and wheelset. you will probably knock a few pounds off the bike, (which will make getting up the hills easier :))and it will have all the new bells and whistles of a new bike.