Fifty Plus (50+) - Entry-level road bike for my non-biking husband

OK, I'm the wife and I'm the bike nut in this family. I would like to get hubby back in the saddle to A) lose a few lbs and help his heart and general overall health; B) accompany me on some easier rides; C) have fun!

Right now he has a really old and heavy mountain bike that he got free from a friend who's six-foot-three. My husband is five-eight. On a tall day. I've told him this bike doesn't fit him, but he smiles and hops on anyway, for 20-30 minutes. In baggy shorts and a baseball cap. What a guy. I love him.

So, we could do some paved paths and roads if I persuaded (OK, forced) him into an LBS. I am thinking, not a lot of money here. Like, $700 or so. Up to $800. We are not talking crouched over racing position and zillion-dollar components. He is 52. Not real limber. We need comfort position, but not a cruiser bike.

I am thinking, Giant Sequoia? Some kind of Trek? A Jamis flat-bar? You all are mostly guys in his age range. Whaddaya think?

I am thinking, Giant Sequoia? Some kind of Trek? A Jamis flat-bar? You all are mostly guys in his age range. Whaddaya think?

In the Trek bikes you might check out their hybrid or fitness lines. The fitness category is similar to the hybrids but lighter. They still have the upright riding position.

If you're looking for a relatively non-agressive road bike, how about a Trek 1000? Oh, and BTW, good for you- props for your efforts (and his)!

I have a 7500FX from 2003. I added an adjustable stem and bar ends.
I liked the forks on the fitness bikes better than the shock absorber front forks on some hybrids.

I really like the Jamis Coda line, and I am quite sure there are versions within your stated budget. That being said, I picked up a Kona Dew Deluxe last year ($600) and have been delighted with it. It hangs on the wall of the family room and is always luring me away from cutting the grass, painting, and other stuff I am supposed to be doing! Just have him test ride a few different bikes and pick the one he likes the best.

Pete

Get him a Lemond Buenos Aires. He'll be hooked forever.

Seriouly, I personally wouldn't get him a Trek 1000. It's not a geezer friendly bike.

If there is any chance he'll get into roadbiking, I'd get him a Lemond Reno. Great bike for the bucks. Several members of the old goat's forum ride them and love them. They handle a whole lot better than a Trek 1000, IMHO.

So, we could do some paved paths and roads if I persuaded (OK, forced) him into an LBS. I am thinking, not a lot of money here. Like, $700 or so. Up to $800. We are not talking crouched over racing position and zillion-dollar components. He is 52. Not real limber. We need comfort position, but not a cruiser bike.

I am thinking, Giant Sequoia? Some kind of Trek? A Jamis flat-bar? You all are mostly guys in his age range. Whaddaya think?
Crouched over racing position and zillion dollar components often go hand in hand with being 52. We like our toys. I know a lot of people in their early 50s and older, that ride bikes with fairly aggressive geometry and zillion dollar components. The components on my latest bike only cost 1/2 a zillion. What kind of bike are you riding? If I was your husband, I wouldn't want to be tooling around on a comfort bike if you are in a crouched over racing position. I would recommend you go with something like a Trek 1000 or Giant OCR, that can start out with a fairly conservative setup and then be adjusted as he gets more comfortable. Another alternative would be a cyclo-cross bike like a Bianchi Volpe or a Kona Jake. A touring bike like a Surly LHT might be a good choice. These bikes all look like something a younger person might ride, but are very comfortable.
Personally I am hoping for an IF Crown Jewel for Father's Day, but I think I am getting a coffee cup:)

The Jamis Coda is steel and has a flat bar and I think it goes for $500 or $600. You wont believe how smooth it is, good luck.

I think he'd be embarrassed to get aboard a totally upright geezer bike where he can plant his feet flat on the ground while he's in the saddle. Not ready for that. (Not that those aren't fun, too, as I used to have one before I became a biking addict and upgraded). He has a 25-year-old broken-in Brooks saddle and knows Campagnolo. From the old days. It's just that, well, he's a desk jockey and hasn't ridden much in probably 20 years. Now I'm looking at Giant OCR.

The Jamis Coda is steel and has a flat bar and I think it goes for $500 or $600. You wont believe how smooth it is, good luck.

+1 on the Jamis line of bikes.

Buy him a Coda in the right frame size and stand by for him to love it. Nice components, steel frame, and an adjustable stem that can move with him as he needs it. I like mine a lot. But I did change bars, I did not like the flat bar that came on the bike. The rest of the bike was really what I wanted though and that is an easy change out. You will not find a comparably priced steel framed bike anywhere.

Jamis is looking pretty good.....

Do it TWOgether! Get a used tandem!!!

Hwy 40 Blue,
A wild idea ... how about a recumbent. Cycle Genius has a mix of prices and styles ... it doesn't cost anything to look at the website. There are numerous manufacturers of recumbents and various styles. Most are light, quick and have great components. He may even be able to give you a run for your money on one of these bikes.
Tandem Edge
PS - I'm your husband height and six years older and my wife and I ride a tandem - Trek 2000. That may be another idea. You never have to wait for him and you can fly on a tandem. My single is a Trek 5700 carbon fiber .... a real "geezer" bike.

OK, I'm the wife and I'm the bike nut in this family. I would like to get hubby back in the saddle We need comfort position, but not a cruiser bike. I am thinking, Giant Sequoia? Some kind of Trek? A Jamis flat-bar? You all are mostly guys in his age range. Whaddaya think?

Brilliant idea - Let him pick. If he's not into the idea enough to enthusiastically select his own new toy then you are barking up the wrong tree. Maybe he likes to toodle around on the free bike he's riding now. Some of us older guys are like that, we happily enjoy the crap we get free, especially if we think the endeavor isn't worth much expense. That's me and fishing.

If you don't like my answer then I side with CardiacKid - $5000, Moots road bike with Record.

"We need comfort position, but not a cruiser bike": Get him to test ride a Bianchi Milano (Cafe Racer). Its well within your budget & that brooks saddle will look great on Celeste! Don

Jamis does make a great bike for the money.

Take a look at a Trek 7.3 FX or 7.5 FX and see how he likes that. They are fast for an upright bike and a good value too.

Chris

If you are looking for relaxed drop bar bikes take a look at the Trek Pilot 1.2 or Specialized Sequoia also Cannondale makes a bike like that but I can't remember the model R500 maybe.

Seriouly, I personally wouldn't get him a Trek 1000. It's not a geezer friendly bike.


Yep, I stand corrected, assuming that the Geezer Quotient is high. The Reno's a good choice. So too would the Trek Pilot (which is what I actually mean to suggest through my antihistamine-induced haze :rolleyes:)

I think a road bike with drops is going to be a stretch for a guy that doesn't want anymore than a mtb that doesn't fit. There are way too many road bikes hanging indefinitely from the rafters in people's garages.

Get a reasonably priced hybrid. If he likes it and starts to get into it, sell the hybrid on CL and buy a road bike.

Since you're in Golden, you're probably aware of craigslist. Might be an option too. I see decent hybrids pretty regularly. Here's an excellent hybrid still available in Evergreen for $125. It's probably early 90s, but it'll be more comfortable than the aluminum hybrids. Similar to a Jamis for 1/4 the cost. Spend a little $ to replace the saddle and tune it up and you're off to the races. Excellent Miyata quality:

http://denver.craigslist.org/bik/348719024.html

Jamis Quest. A few more bucks than what you stated but a good buy. Good geometry for a new roadie. It is one of (4) road bikes I own and the least expensive. I STILL go back to it often because I do love the comfort. Ive owned it for 6 years and not one moment of trouble. This is just one opinion, of course there are many other selections that would fit the bill. Good Luck!! You may not remember, but we ran into one another at last year's Sante Fe century.

I'm on a Trek 7.5fx, it's OK but not great. My wife has a Trek 7300 that she hates, but loves her Opus flat bar roadie. It combines an 12-25 cog set with a triple chain ring with a 52T bigie, unlike both Treks that have an 11-32 and a 48T big chain ring

Very similar to the Specialized Sirrus, but better

Chipcom reminded me of another great suggestion. Bianchi Strada. And you're lucky, you can steal one at Bicycle Village as they have a bunch of last year's model they are blowing out. Boulder had 5 or 6 a few weeks ago, and the Denver (Aurora?) store has a few. Call for sizes. They have the 06s marked down to either $549 or $499. Excellent bike. Good looking. Steel.

This is a hybrid that's just waiting to be converted to a road bike when and if your husband desires. All it will require is drop bars and brifters.

http://www.bianchiusa.com/06_strada.html

Jamis does make a great bike for the money.

Take a look at a Trek 7.3 FX or 7.5 FX and see how he likes that. They are fast for an upright bike and a good value too.

Chris

My biking wife loves her trek 7.5. She also loved the look, but not the riding, of a trek pilot - even though the frame and componentry are similar to the fx and the pilot is a less extreme riding position than a more conventional road bike, she was far more immediately at home on the 7.5 fx. And she's a bit quick on it too!

We got it and my older steel road specialised boxed up this afternoon, ready for a trip from London to Copenhagen. I'm counting the minutes - whee!

Best wishes for whatever you purchase. If you know what's what in bikes, why not take the responsibility away and choose one (even if it comes out of the joint account!). Most blokes hate decisions and love presents (or is that just me?);)

If you know what's what in bikes, why not take the responsibility away and choose one (even if it comes out of the joint account!). Most blokes hate decisions and love presents (or is that just me?);)

Nothing better than a gift that doesn't fit...wife is still ticked that the jacket she bought me had to be exchanged...

FWIW....Bicycling Magazine rated the Specialized Sequoia as the "most comfortable road bike" especially for supported touring.....

FWIW....Bicycling Magazine rated the Specialized Sequoia as the "most comfortable road bike" especially for supported touring.....

My neighbours recently bought his'n'hers Trek Pilot 2.1's...tell me that they're amazing, comfortable roadies

me?...I prefer a more upright position

I am thinking, Giant Sequoia? Some kind of Trek? A Jamis flat-bar? You all are mostly guys in his age range. Whaddaya think?

I made the same mistake once that you did: a Giant Sequoia is a tree; a Specialized Sequoia is a bike :D . But I happen to own one of those and can highly recommend it. Giant does make a bike called the OCR3 that is equivalent.

But if your hubby is not sure exactly what type of biking he will be doing, something more in the hybrid category might be better for him. The Sequoia does force more of a road-riding position, albeit not extreme, but a new rider might find it a bit too unfamiliar.

Lots of choices, lots of possibilities. Boils down to two things: fit and color. Make sure it's white. :D

Goals:


A) lose a few lbs and help his heart and general overall health; B) accompany me on some easier rides; C) have fun!

GMC Denali Pro. Aluminum frame. 14 speed STI. $330.

If he clicks, next spring he can buy himself a Trek Pilot 5.0. If he doesn't click, well, $330 won't break the bank.

TCS

I don't think you'd go wrong with any of the three you listed. However, it might be a nice date night for the two of you to go out to several bike shops to have him do a short test ride on several different bikes, followed by dinner somewhere. I'm just saying....

I think you need to take him to someplace to get 'bent! You mentioned that he isn't too flexible, so the obvious solution is a recumbent. Relax in the bike-o-lounge and pedal along side his love for a lot longer than 20-30min. Who knows, he may like the "snob appeal" of a 'bent! :p Try out a LWB, SWB, low racer, hiracer. He just may fall in love again!

Keep all the options open and look at more than a "standard" bike...............jim

Love the Giant Sequoia comment. There is a Giant Sedona & a Giant Cypress which is a hybrid mountain bike that is comfortable with adjustable handlebars. Maybe that's what the poster was thinking?

I'm going to 3rd (or is it 4th by now - oh heck, +n!) the Jamis Coda. Well built flat-bar road bike; can handle wider tires for touring or non-technical gravel/trails and has braze-ons for racks and fenders. The older model my son came with V-brakes but the forks and rear bridge are drilled for caliper brakes so there are several ways to mod it for drop bars if he ever wants them.

A good 'bent is another option; make sure it has low gears if you expect to ride many hills.

If he really gets into cycling, go on a few tours, then talk about getting a tandem for your anniversary. :)

I"ve got a Raleigh Cadent 1.0 as my entry level road bike. It has relaxed geometry and I find it very comfortable. It was $700, so it didn't set me back too much.

If you would like any first hand experience accounts, from a person who has ridden the bike in question, then feel free to ask. Here's my current list of bikes that I have ridden in the past 9 months:

When I add an (M) it means that I have ridden multiple bikes in that particular model line.

Trek 7000-series (M)
Trek FX series (M)
Trek 1000
Trek Pilot series (M)
Trek Pure
Trek 820
Giant Cypress series (M)
Giant OCR series (M)
Giant FCR3
Giant TCR3
Giant Suede
Raleigh Passage series (M)
Raleigh Route 66
Raleigh Gruv 1 & 2
Raleigh Cadent 2.0
Raleigh SuperCourse
Jamis Citizen 3.0
Jamis Coda (M)
Marin San Rafael
Marin Point Reyes
Marin Larkspur
Marin Lucas Valley
Marin Muirwoods
Marin San Anselmo
Cannondale Adverturer 800
Cannondale Adverturer 400
Cannondale Road Warrior 500
Cannondale Bad Boy
Fuji Crosstown (M)
Fuji Absolute
Fuji Newest
Gary Fisher Mendota
Gary Fisher Monona
Gary Fisher Nirvana
Gary Fisher Zebrano
Lemond Reno
Felt Z90
Specialized Sirrus (M)
Specialized Globe (M)
Specialized Crossroads Elite
Specialized Expedition Elite
Specialized Allez
Specialized Sequoia
Electra Townie
Scott SUB10
Schwinn Super Sport DBX
Schwinn Voyager
Schwinn Super Sport Ultra

Recumbents:
Sun EZ-1
Sun EZ-3
Sun EZ-Rider CX & AX
Bacchetta Cafe
Bacchetta Agio
RANS Stratus
RANS Tailwind

You probably have more test ride miles than the rest of us have miles total.

I also prefer a more upright riding position and have difficulties with my back and hands when riding too far forward.

In a drop bar road bike, the most upright riding positions were from the Trek Pilot series, Raleigh Cadent, and Schwinn SS DBX.

You probably have more test ride miles than the rest of us have miles total.

That isn't true. But I was thinking a couple of days ago that I have many more miles on the bikes that I don't own than the bikes that I do own.

Hopedale ... do you sense just a little bit of my INTP working here???

Tom-I can't believe you haven't tried any Scott bikes!?!

The Scott SUB10 is on my list. But that is the only one ... so far.

That isn't true. But I was thinking a couple of days ago that I have many more miles on the bikes that I don't own than the bikes that I do own.

Hopedale ... do you sense just a little bit of my INTP working here???
Not only have you tried nearly every bike known to mankind, several multiple times, but you have a record of it. I'm guessing you have far more written down than just the name of the bike. I'm guessing you have recorded on your list the date and time of the test ride, the components of each bike, and your physical reactions to each one. Not to mention price, year of the model, store located, etc. Am I close? :D

Well ... I have few written notes. That's almost always true for me, and is a common misperception of an INTP - that they keep detailed, meticulous notes. We generally tend to being a bit sloppy & disorganized at the personal level.

But as I review the list, I can recall every single test ride, how the bike felt & handled, my comfort level, how the saddle felt, how responsive the bike was, and can recall most of the components on each. I could certainly tell you the price, year of the model, store located and more.

If I was asked to write reviews for each bike off of the top of my head, I'm sure the collective report would run to over 100 pages. But being an INTP, I would find that tedious and it would never get finished.

For example, I didn't have this list written down until I wrote the post above, off the top of my head/helmet.

If you would like a second list, showing the bikes that I have walked around and given a good look at, but not ridden, it can be supplied.

Did you note that the Specialized Roubaix is not on my list?

Did you note that the Specialized Roubaix is not on my list?
Didn't notice that, actually. But here's another question: how many (and which ones) of those bikes were predominently white? :D

Well ... I have few written notes. That's almost always true for me, and is a common misperception of an INTP - that they keep detailed, meticulous notes. We generally tend to being a bit sloppy & disorganized at the personal level.

But as I review the list, I can recall every single test ride, how the bike felt & handled, my comfort level, how the saddle felt, how responsive the bike was, and can recall most of the components on each. I could certainly tell you the price, year of the model, store located and more.

If I was asked to write reviews for each bike off of the top of my head, I'm sure the collective report would run to over 100 pages. But being an INTP, I would find that tedious and it would never get finished.

For example, I didn't have this list written down until I wrote the post above, off the top of my head/helmet.

If you would like a second list, showing the bikes that I have walked around and given a good look at, but not ridden, it can be supplied.

I can atest to this being typical INTP behavior.

The ones I can remember which were white were: Scott SUB10, 2006 Trek Pilot 2.1, and the Fuji Absolute LX.

My eyes light up when I think that it isn't long now until the 2008 bikes start coming out!

:)

I may have to start hitting the Chicago area bike shops ... fresh territory.

Whatever brand/model you get, I would stick with a road bike with drop bars.
You can have the bike set up with the bar at or higher than the saddle for comfort. You can roll the bar back a little to make the brake/shifters easier to reach.
I would also recommend a triple crank and the lowest gearing you can get. Folks our age need to take our of our knees by being "spinners" not "pushers.
Down the road when he gets more experienced,and wants to ride greater distances, he will be glad he has the road bike set up.

Most importantly....BROOKS Saddle!!!!! and matching leather bar wrap....
When the time comes for a change.....merely lift the Brooks and install a new bike under it....