Fifty Plus (50+) - A Thread for Beginning or Returning Bicyclers - Welcome

Please share your thoughts about what is important for 50+ returning or beginning bicyclists.

Here are mine:

Some thoughts from someone who started bicycling "seriously" 10 years ago at age 58:

You will progress much more quickly than you think you will. A 15 mile ride may seem impossible right now. It won't be too long before you whack off 15 miles as a warm-up.

It's more about the motor than the bike. You can start to get in shape on almost any decent bike that "fits" you, and waiting a bit to spend lots of money on a new bike is beneficial, as your thoughts about what kind of riding you want to do most of the time will change, as will your thoughts about "bike fit" and other issues.

Don't be surprised if you find yourself going through a cycle you never suspected. 1st, you may think of a "comfort bike and short rides around the neighborhood." But then you will hear about "hybrids" or "mountain bikes" and you might start thinking about longer and different rides. All of a sudden you may discover a road bike and think about a metric century, or riding your age. And then you may think about a very expensive road bike, or perhaps a recumbent. Most of us have gone through this cycle - don't be a bit surprised if you do, also. Many of us own multiple bikes.

Don't ever ride a bike to get fit. Ride a bike for fun and get fit in the process. If you ride to get fit, you will not be riding very long.

My first bike was a 1998 Specialized Hard Rock mountain bike with slicks (smooth tires). About $300. I rode it for thousands of miles, and still ride it. It was the bike I used for my first "Ride the Rockies" (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=351024)353 mile week-long tour of Colorado passes in 1998, several months after I started riding.

FYI, here is an important thread on osteoporosis, which is associated with bicycling. (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=192661&highlight=osteoporosis)

Most of all, have fun. Use this forum for advice and encouragement. Introduce yourself when you feel comfortable.

Good riding.

Welcome: Jump right in, the water's fine! Try a lot of bikes before you buy one, and don't spend a lot of money on that first bike. You'll probably want to get a different bike once you figure out what you like to do, and this is easier to do if you didn't spend a lot of $$ on that first bike.

Distance riding- be warned but not put off. Follow the link below for suggestions .

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=299032

This topic is close to me right now, having come back to riding three months ago after 12 years of a sedentary life.

For the returning cyclist, especially one who used to race, I'd suggest taking it very slowly but ride often. Increase your mileage and your effort as long as it doesn't hurt, but if you have pain, back off because your muscles are likely to be stronger and get stronger faster than the ligaments and connective tissues. I'd also recommend re-adjusting your goals because trying to compete with your former self will only make you unhappy. Embrace all the other aspects of riding - social, familial, touring, and simply being out and enjoying the outdoors. It's a good life and a great activity.

-soma5

Take my advice, even though you won't understand at first. Get yourself a white bike. :D

Take my advice, even though you won't understand at first. Get yourself a white bike. :D

You and wobblyoldgeezer make quite a pair!:D

My chip-in: Don't worry about distance for a few months. Instead, have fun, ride frequently with rest days when you need them, stay patient, check in here lots, share your questions and achievements (we're not about speed, machismo, kool threads, $6K bikes..........we're (and right now you) are about becoming better than whatever we used to be, staying healthy, and having a ball.

Most people here, even the the few predatory OCP types like Digitial Gee, started or returned to cycling at mid-life. The more ya ride, the better ya get-- with a little common sense and encouragement from your friends here.

I think it's a great idea!!

The contributions so far have been right on.

Ride as many days a week as time allows. If you have just 20-30 minutes each day to ride, you'll be surprised how the benefits add up each week. Every little bit will build up your strength and endurance (my "brick by brick" philosophy). Increase your distance and time by only 10% weekly. Be very patient with your progress and don't give up, it takes time to build and repair muscle at this age. Just feel the wind in your face and think about how much fun it is to be a kid again. In a few months you will be amazed at how much you've accomplished.

Welcome back to bicycling! If you stay with it you are very likely to be much happier and healthier than before. Just a few things to remember:

1- Take it easy at first. Don't expect to start off riding long rides, riding fast and feeling great while you ride and after you ride. You will need a little time for your body to adjust to the activity and to adjust your bike to you.

2- Find someone to help you set your bike up so that you can be as comfortable as possible. It is important that your bike fits. It is very hard for people on a message board to understand what is wrong and tell you what to do about it. We will try. But someone standing in front of you can do a better job more easily.

3- Be patient. You can't buy instant fitness or comfort. As long as you are not doing something completely wrong or have terrible equipment, you will start feeling much better after several rides. Buying new saddles, new handlebars, new bikes, new clothing etc will come later. Until you get through the initial process of adjusting to this new activity, you won't really know what different equipment you need.

4- Don't think that you need the perfect bike. As long as you are on a bike that fits, that is in good working condition and that is reasonably suited to the type of riding you are doing, just ride it and ride it and ride it. Eventually you may come to the point that the bike is limiting your riding, but not right away.
Bicycling is more about legs, lungs and heart than about frames, wheels, handlebars and saddles.

5- Once you are riding comfortably, you must abide by the overriding rule of bicycling, "N+1".
The number of bicycle you should have is N+1, where N is the number of bicycles you have now.

Back riding this year on my 1988 DeRosa. I cannot stretch out like I used to, 61, so had a fitting today and found that there is only one solution, Custom. No one makes a 60 with a short enough top tube for my neck and lower back. So I placed an order and made a deposit on a Lynskey, fortunately I can afford it although I may need to work a year longer than planned. :D

Figure out what you enjoy about riding and just build on that.......there are lots and lots of things to enjoy so have fun figuring it out!!

You don't need and expensive bike, but you do need one that is of good enough quality that it will shift properly and you definately need to buy a pair of cycling shorts. And as others have said it is more important to ride frequently than to try to ride far.

Figure out what you enjoy about riding and just build on that.......there are lots and lots of things to enjoy so have fun figuring it out!!

+ 1000 ... and some days/weeks/months have different motivations than others but so long as the motivations are about being on the bike, run the string for all it's worth...:D

oh, and the N+1 theory is true: now that I have a Surly Long Haul Trucker and an Xtracycle, I'm thinking about the 3rd bike...but it won't be white unless someone gives me a custom 68 cm frame in that color!

1. If you even entertain the thought of a full carbon bike, do yourself a favor and buy one. You'll sleep better, and there will be some mountain range somewhere that will be glad it didn't have steel ripped from it's side.

2. Try some hills. They make you stronger. Or they kill you. Maybe both.

1. B.S. to everybody who says take it easy. Ride as often and as far as you can stand it.
2. Have fun while you are doing it.
3. Do not ever decide not to ride because the weather forecast sucks.
4. Buy the best bike you can afford right away, you'll never be sorry you did.
5. Wear a helmet.

...
4. Buy the best bike you can afford right away, you'll never be sorry you did.
5. Wear a helmet.
That should be:

4. Buy a bike you can afford.
5. Buy and wear the best damn helmet you can find, whether you can afford it or not! :)

The most important suggestion for a 50+ returning biker is.................

You are unique. A lot of what you will hear in the LBS (local bike shop) and on many forums applies to 14-30 year old cyclists. There are buckets of what to buy....how to fit...where to ride...information that may or May Not be appropriate to your situation. Ultimately you will have to make up your mind what fits...what works. Do some research. Ask lots of questions. This forum (50+) is full of some common sense information (and other stuff) about what works for us.

Whatever you do...........get out and ride. Go on, give it a try. Its as good as walking (better) and you will get to see a lot more of the world in the process.

My suggestions:

1. Determine what you goals are, weight loss, exercise, site seeing or maybe all of these
2. What type of terrain will you be riding, flat roads, bike paths, hilly areas
3. If you are brand new to riding and unsure of whether you will stick with it purchase a bike in the $500-$1000 range based on your budget. If you need to spend less look at a used bike.
4. Depending on #2 determine if a road bike, mountain bike, hybrid or comfort bike is best. Odds are a road bike may not be you best choice if you are brand new to riding.
5. Start out easy, say 5mi every other day and build up your time. Note I said time, as it is more important to be riding for longer periods of time rather than faster speeds, more hills etc.
6. If you want to really get into riding then look at picking up Friel's Cycling Over 50
7. If you find yourself doing >1000 mi per year be prepared to spend more money as you start upgrading

When I first started back I disdained cycling shorts and jerseys. I thought I would look like a poseur. Don't make that mistake. The padding in cycling shorts makes a huge comfort difference. The wicking abilities of cycling jerseys is critical -- cotton is death someone wrote here. Now I am about to try my first DC winter back in the saddle and am exploring appropriate cold weather wear.

A key advantage everyone has today is the absurdly high quality of bicycles. The performance per dollar is astounding. I doubt that any particular universal hint exists except fit. Fit is crucial, and I only know road bike fit.

So. Road bikes. I'm going to just address performance road biking, because that's all I know.

The most pragmatic and useful (generally) road bike fit discussions appear on Dave Moulton's bike blog. http://davesbikeblog.blogspot.com/ For the older rider, http://davesbikeblog.blogspot.com/2007/08/position-is-all-about-comfort-and.html should prove interesting. The bent over position presents a clear problem for new road riders. The position gets one's *ss into things, gives better handling, etc. And is ultimately more comfortable. Competitive cyclist also has a nice fit page: http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY?PAGE=FIT_CALCULATOR_INTRO

A few problems for the older cyclist. First, bike shops tend to sell what they have and sell performance road bikes for a younger group of riders. But some tend to automatically fit more mature folks on comfort bikes. So there's confusion. Unless you're very lucky, you have to do the fit. I'll make an assumption that someone looking at a performance road bike either has or is willing to develop pretty good flexibility, can fit about like a performance rider who is 25, and is looking for nice performance, not flashing criterium cornering etc. So. Figure the top tube length, stem length, and handlebar drop. Don't worry too much about the other details, but that stuff is needed for fitting. A little drop to the handlebar really helps comfort and handling.

Fit

Most shops fit too big. This is particularly a problem with compact frames.

Compact frames are the ones with the sloping top tube, look small, fit all bodies with few sizes. They're great! But very easy to get fitted wrong.

Geometry. Two main types these days. Racing type with a 73 to 73.5 degree head tube and the "GT" type (my term) with slightly slacker head tube, down to 71.5 degrees. Depending on size. Both seem to work nicely for performance riding so long as the centerline of the most forward handlebar bend is within 1 cm of the axis of the front wheel. This is a trap. Many of the slacker angle bikes have stems way too short, giving lots of understeer and providing less control. I don't know why this is. Let's a rider fit on a frame too big. Anyone driving a performance bike hard isn't going to like the bars back from the front wheel that far. This is really important. Dave's fitting chart gives a good view of this. http://www.prodigalchild.net/Bicycle6.htm#FrameChart

An example will show the trap. Let's look at a 5'10" rider. Fits 54.5 cm CTC frame w/ 55.25 cm TT and 115 / 120 stem. I'll pull up the Specialized line. 54 & 56 available. 54.8 or 56.5 cm TT available. Stock stems are 100 mm for both. 100 mm might be too short for this bike! But is it? That's a C-C - so you need to figure the horizonal run. Probably more like 105 given the angle of modern stems. But still, a bit too short. Very likely to understeer with the stock stem. This one is easy. An older rider is likely to run short on the reach, and possible have a slightly farther back saddle. No more 120 rpm up the hills spinning, a bit more laid back. So the 54 cm with a 115 equivalant stem (I'd try a 110) would be where I'd start. I'd also be starting with about and 8 cm drop to the bars: http://davesbikeblog.blogspot.com/2007/02/handlebar-drop.html. That's a great starting fit for a 5'10" rider. But go into a shop and you'll get the 56, possibly with an 80 mm stem done high rise. Handling is out the window, tension builds in, and the bike gathers dust!!!

Now, the fit on the equivalent slack angle bike, the Roubaix: Surprise, same seat tube angle, slacker head tube angle. This one will fit even better if you can handle a 115 stem, giving effectively 120 reach. The head tube is taller, making getting the drop right easier.

Handling difference: The Tarmac will feel racy, can dive into turns, feels very quick and nimble. Roubaix feels smoother, carves turns, can still be leaned through turns very very hard. But more forgiving. With the long stem! Get the Roubaix with a short stem and it will understeer, feel unsteady, and generally be more difficult to drive.

Take a good hard look at bikes in the pro peloton. Plenty of the support riders are on basic stage race bikes like the Roubaix. Great for long distance smooth riding, can handle the tough parts. Not necessary to have a super snappy handling bike for the average rider. If you're leading out a pack in a criterium, yes, but if you're just running fast along country roads and whipping through normal road turns at reasonable (say, below 40) speeds, then the Roubaix type design is plenty. Only if sized correctly.

Anyway, there's the sizing trap. "You're 5'10" - you need a 56." Well, maybe for a long bodied young fellow to stetch out on and spin like a demon!

Frame Material

I never thought I'd be writing this. Plastic. I've been riding a long time. I've had aluminum, composite, steel, and borrowed Ti. Plastic is the ticket. Folks refer to it as "carbon," but it's plastic. Comfortable, stiff, fast. Just be careful with it, and keep in mind this is for performance road. I'm setting up my commuting bike right now, this morning, and it is aluminum/carbon. I am much less likely to kill the frame doing stupid at 7:30 am. And if I do, it's a cheap frame relatively speaking.

Carbon offers the designer the chance to most effectively contour the behavior of the frame as a whole and build in the right flex. I cannot push myself hard enough to break the carbon frame bikes I've ridden free. They stick. They're also very comfortable in general. Great material.

My second choice would be top-end steel or Ti.

Third choice is aluminum. There's something about even the best aluminum frames that rubs a certain high percentage of longer-distance riders wrong. Usually in the *ss. I've got an excellent AL / carbon frame right here. Fast, comfortable, great handling. But it is still a bit clunky compared to the nice carbon frames, and it's still harsh after 60 miles.

Recommendation

For a performance road bike for a reasonably fit or will be fit person, I'm driven to recommend a carbon compact. The compact runs great out of the saddle, especially up hill. If you're sitting down, no difference. But out of the saddle, any time the bike is flipping back and forth, the compact just feels great and goes like a rocket. Geometry? Doesn't matter too much, but I like the old Colnago approach, slightly slack head tube, long stem. In major brands, the Roubaix, Giant OCR, Madone is a bit racy, but would do (The 520 is tempting - a 21" would be a great commuter for me!); Fuji CCR.

Also, for those with stiffness problems, the woman's bikes with shorter TT are great!

Have fun. I'm riding a tiny bike for me, with a long stem, and a long seat post. Feels great!

Mandovoodoo nailed it, but I’ll add my 2c.

I started out with a Cannondale hybrid: shocks on seat post and forks, but lighter than on a MTB. This served me very well as a getting back into the saddle motivator. As others have said, ride often and add to your distance. Your fitness will improve quicker than you might think if you keep a regular schedule. As my fitness improved I made changes to the bike; first off I tossed the gel saddle and bought a true road saddle, next I dropped tire size from 32 to 25. These two things made a big difference, but not one that I would have noticed/appreciated when I first returned to riding. I added. Time pedals and bar end grips for more hand positions as my rides grew from 14 mi to into the 20s and time in saddle went from 35 min to 75 min. At the end of 4 months I was ready to move to a true road bike, and with my albeit limited experience I was better prepared to make a more informed purchase. I bit the bullet and purchased a TREK PILOT 5.0. Three seasons later, and riding over 4000 miles a season I LOVE my PILOT. BTW - I have changed out the seat post on the Cannondale to a nonsuspention post and have added fenders, this is now my rain/winter ride.

Soo… the advice to not spend too much on bike no1 is one I agree with, mine was $900 plus mods as described. Don’t go too cheep as you want it to be reliable and to function well i.e. shift/break ($800-$1100). Initially, tires should be 25-28s. These will ride smother and flat less than traditional roadie 23s. (I now ride 23 on front and a 25 rear) Ride often but do not push yourself too hard as some injuries take a long time to recover from and this can be very discouraging, but do add miles as you can tolerate. Most noobies spin too slow – i.e. mash. Learn to spin at 90 rpm, this saves knees and builds lungs… Start every ride with tires properly inflated. Bike fit is VERY important. Purchase bike clothing, it makes riding much more enjoyable. You’ll need to experiment with sizes as they vary from mfg to mfg.- NO COTTON. You’ll need to try on pants so a LBS is the place to get these. EBay is a great place to grab other cloths until you get picky about fit and fabric etc. Wear bright colors to be seen. Learn how to change a tire and carry both a spare tube and pump. Drink before you are thirsty. Carry a cell phone and $5, just in case. Wear glasses, a yellow jacket or fly in the eye at 30mph can ruin a day. Aim for smiles / mile rather than MPH, if it isn’t fun you’re not going to get bit by the bug! Oh, and if you live in a snow belt, as I do,get a good trainer or develop a winter cardio program so that you do not have to start ea spring from scratch and 20 lbs heavier. :rolleyes:

For what it's worth, I'd offer to a new rider or a returner -

If you're not smiling, you're doing it wrong, if you're smiling you're doing it right. Don't get too grim and earnest about having to 'ride right, ride harder, get fit fast'. The most important thing is to like it and to want to do it again.

A ten minute pootle to get coffee is a bike ride. Leading your six year old round the park is a bike ride. Test riding bikes to clarify what you might possibly one day want instead of your yard sale clunker, is a bike ride. (Actually, one of the best kinds).

Maybe, so long as you keep smiling, you might find yourself smiling with a few other friends trying to cover a bit more distance. Or smiling through an organised charity ride. Or building some bike hire into a vacation. Maybe taking a 'cycling for softies' type vacation tour.

And then, guess what, presto-imperceptible-changeo, you're a cyclist. Passed through the 'to do is to be' door.

(That's when the trouble starts. You can't smile unless it really really hurts, and you write to strangers on web sites about just how important white bar tape is).

Take my advice, even though you won't understand at first. Get yourself a white bike. :D

Does it count if I paint it white?

Does it count if I paint it white?

Yep! You appear to understand, grasshopper.

Clipless pedals are worth it even if you must overcome some intimidation and fear of falling. Practice with them. Think about them before you come to a stop.

My advice - you will never win the Tour De France no matter how much drugs you take - it is too late. Therefore, relax and enjoy. No matter how fast you are, some skinny scrawny kid will be faster. It doesn't matter. He only hopes he is riding when he is our age.

If you remember riding a bike as a kid, remember the freedom you felt to be able to go where ever you wish - now reclaim that feeling. Pedal all day if you want knowing the only consumable you are burning is what you put in your mouth - and if there is anything we learn in 50th years, it is how to enjoy eating! Do as I do - I pedal from bakery to bakery. One must refuel you know...

And ignore people with white bikes - buy one that doesn't show dirt since surely you will be riding yours unlike some people we could name. :rolleyes:

My $0.02:
Try to get out on a regular basis, every other day then build up to maybe 5 days per week. Take some days off, don't let the bike rule your life - there is more to life then riding a bike (I might get voted off the island for a comment like that here:)). Start slow - there will be plenty of time to be a Lance wanna be.

If you have difficulty getting motivated to ride - remember that you will begin to feel great after the first mile or two, always remember that feeling. Don't try to go fast at first - just try to go. If you are going for fitness, set challenging but obtainable goals and celebrate when they are achieved.:beer:

The most important feature of a modern bike are the shifting components. Make sure the bike shifts well when you are applying pressure to the pedals, make sure it does not easily throw the chain. Make sure to get it adjusted after a few weeks of riding. You will most likely give up if the bike doesn't shift properly:crash:. Also - don't worry about what bike is best, a hybrid or comfort bike is a great place to start - any moderately good one will do at first. Unless you have a physical reason for doing otherwise, start out with a main stream bike.

You don't need to spend a lot for a bike, some times a used bike is the best way to go - there are a lot of bargins. If buying new - try to buy in the late fall, shops dump great bikes for great deals at this time of year. You first bike should be considered an experiment.

Most new riders set the seat too low, thats OK until you start climbing hills, then get it adjusted properly - you won't believe how high it will go and how much better you will ride. Low seat = knee pain. If, after awhile you do get knee pain, post about it, there are lots of things to try.

Your tail bone will hurt at first, this is normal. Time in the saddle will cure that.

Try a bike club if they have a social riding group which rides 15 miles or less or get a riding buddy to help you get out.

Check in with us from time to time - share your triumphs, ask about your cycling problems and questions. No attitudes allowed here, no agendas, it's a safe place.

there'll be days when you look at the bike in the garage, and say to yourself, "I'm tooo tired", "I'm sore","The weather stinks", "Its toooo cold/hot", "I have more important things to do" and then you might walk away to other things...
or
you might just throw a leg over and go for a bimble.
when you get back, you'll lean the bike back in its spot, and always say "Boy, I'm really glad I went for a ride!"

Learn to fix a flat and carry necessary tools, patch kit &/or spare tube, and CO2 or pump. Also available is fix-a-flat for bicycles-in different brand names-works for schraeder valves (like on your car tire), I've never tried it on a presta valve. Might want to learn some other basic mechanical adjustments, but do learn to fix a flat.

Cycling is one exercise that minimizes or reverses the natural effects of aging and does it gently, smoothly, and this also goes for ALL ages, not just 50+

While it's true, there are no guarantees in life, cycling certainly gives you a much better chance at a healthier life.

Before I took up cycling again just recently, I was on a steep, downhill path to ill health and it's consequences were already beginning to show. It shocked me when getting off the bus, my knee almost gave out. I knew then, my leg muscles were getting weak as I suspected for a while. Another indicator was getting easily out of breath with just a short flight of stairs or carrying some grocery bags.

That did it. Not accepting this situation any longer, I went home and took inventory of my old cycling stuff, said hello to the old mountain bike and began riding again. It brought back a thrill lost in almost 20 years of sedentary living. At first, all I could manage was 2 miles before the legs turned to wet noodles and the lungs felt like exploding but, I kept it up. Soon, made it to the beach 3 miles away, later the zoo 5 miles away and it has been getting better with each ride.

Today, I am up to 60 miles and have no limits in mind, the blood pressure has returned to low normal from being "borderline" hypertense and I'm on the way to losing the last 15 pounds of what used to be a HUGE, 46 inch "spare tire" and everything is again looking uphill.

Crusing down those tree lined country roads again with the tires humming, a warm breeze in your face and attacking those hills, wonderful! and welcome again old friend named bicycle.

Without cycling again, I'm sure, medical intervention would have been a step away like it is with many friends in my 63 year old age group.

So get yourself checked out and if things are OK, get riding!

Thank you Mr. Bicycle!

(My total miles for 2000 through 2006 were probably less than one hundred, Miles so far this year are about three thousand.)

In my (always) humble opinion, the comments above are generally excellent. If new riders were to take them seriously, the roads and paths would be filled with happy riders.

George

Hi, I am new to cycling, six months in at age 52. Hadn't been on a bike in 15 years! I started walking first for 8 months , worked up to two miles a day. Could barely walk around the block when I started. I walked six days a week and lost a lb a week consistently. If I cut back on the days, I would not lose. At the 8 month mark I switched to a mountain bike, 10 speed that I got through a local Freecycle group. It was a bit small for me, but I made it work. After a couple of months my husband purchased two Landrider auto shift bikes for us. We are now riding 5 and 6 miles a day now. I know that doesn't sound like much for most riders out there. I took my first spill and met the pavement last night. A few scrapes but I survived and hope to be back on the bike tomorrow. I have a question. Since riding the bike 30 minutes a day, at least six days, sometimes seven days a week my weight loss has plateuted. Anybody have any suggestions.
Do I need to rest more or just ride longer? By the way I did lose 32#, just won't budge any more.

I too have seen tremendous benefits of cycling. First off there is nothing like the crisp morning air and seeing the sun rise. My blood pressure is normal and somtimes low normal. There are many good changes in my blood work. Weight is down 32#. My stamina is much better. I can do a flight of stairs with no problem and I can walk the parking lot at Wal-Mart to the store with ease.
This is the exercise for me, I love it. Even after my first encounter with the pavement last night, a few scrapes, a few aches today, I am ready to get right back on. Who says you can't change at 52? You certainly can! My husband and I have even inspired a few more to get started. I turned over my old bike to an upcoming and willing rider.

SInce no one else has answered your question, I will give it a shot.

"I have a question. Since riding the bike 30 minutes a day, at least six days, sometimes seven days a week my weight loss has plateuted. Anybody have any suggestions."

A couple of things might have happened.

1. You most likely (indeed almost for sure) have built up considerable muscle, and now your weight is composed of a much higher percentage of muscle, which you don't want to get rid of.

2. As a result, you likely burn calories more efficiently, and have more muscle with which to propel yourself. Therefore, you are not burning as many calories per mile or hour as you used to.

So, eat less calories and exercise more. And add some other types of riding - intervals, hills - anything different to challenge new muscle groups. Or, perhaps you are or could be happy with where you are now?

I am sure others will have aditional comments. :D

Exercise is a supplement to weight loss - it will not cause you to lose weight without changing your diet. There are only three real rules for dieting:
1. Eat less junk (you know what it is).
2. Eat more of the right stuff (you also know what that is).
3. Eat smaller portions.
Then, add 4-5 hours of biking each week and the weight will fall off, guaranteed.

That's it. No books, no plans, no diets, no cost.

You don't lose weight with exercise alone because exercise makes you hungry. I ate a 1200 calorie lunch today, but I rode 50 miles and burned probably 2200 calories. Also, it's not true that the only consideration is calories in vs. calories out. Two hundred calories from an apple is different than 200 calories from a donut. Click here (http://www.wisegeek.com/what-does-200-calories-look-like.htm) for the single best dieting website I've ever seen.

Here are some additional random thoughts:
Drink small amounts, often. On warm days I drink one large bottle of water in 45-60 minutes. I typically drink a couple mouthfulls about every 5 minutes.
Consider wearing a heart rate monitor. I wear one because it helps me determine when I'm pushing too hard. It provides quantitative feedback that helps me know that I am indeed working harder than I planned. Without it, I might conclude that I'm being a wuss and push harder.
Buy cycling shoes. Their stiff soles reduce the strain on your foot. They don't have to be the streamlined type used by roadies, they make some that look like more normal shoes or sneakers.
Find some other people to ride with. You don't have to do this every ride, but sharing rides with others can be a great social, and fun, event.
Stretch, stretch, stretch! You're not getting any more flexible and if you don't stretch, you'll get even tighter, which will increase the odds of an injury. Do some online searches and find some good stretching routines.

If you are like me, you don't know what type riding you want to do and are shocked at the high price ($350 and up) of new bikes. But you know you want to ride, so don't let the prices dissuade you. Take a look at the sport and visit the local bike shop(s) and talk shop for a while. Get used to how the sport has changed since you last bought a new bike 40 years ago. ;)

Instead of buying a new bike (do NOT get a cheapie from WalMart or equivalent), see if your LBS (local bike shop) has a good used bike you can start with... or check Craig's list, local paper, etc. for a quality used bike. Ask here if in doubt as to what constitutes a good used bike.

As someone else mentioned, I too initially refused to ride with appropriate cycling gear (padded shorts, jersey, clipless shoes, etc.) because I did not want THAT look (poseur). But then I discovered the benefits of padded shorts. I'm still iffy on the jersey, but recently became a clipless convert. It makes a difference. And I have one jersey with another 1 or 2 coming.

The cost of this sport is like anything else. You can spend whatever you want to spend... and more. But you don't have to spend all that much, and it's probably cheaper than boating, motorcycling, golf, or many other sport hobbies.

Get in as cheaply as you can but with quality gear. Once your interest level is qualified, then spend what you can afford to support your habit.

But it's a good habit.. and healthy too. It can be as specialized and technical as you want it to be... or not at all.

But until you get that first bike and start riding, you may not know what your interest level will be and what type riding you eventually end up doing. I thought I'd ride neighborhood roads and some light trails. Had no idea I'd be interested in eating up the road. But it turns out that's exactly what I love to do. I may not be as fast as others, but I'm comfy knocking out 40, 50 or 60 miles a day now and 200 mile weeks are pretty common.

Remember... that first bike you buy will help you learn what you really want and your 2nd bike will be much more in line with your interests. That's how it has worked for me.

Just get started and enjoy the ride. The Bikeforum will be here to help.

My short two cents:

Buy a nice used bike that you feel comfortable riding. Ride.
Find a place to ride that works for you.
Find a good, customer oriented local bike shop. Visit them all and see what you think.
Get a comfortable saddle - you can use it on your next bike too.
Buy Joe Friel's book - "Cycling past 50"
Get a heart rate monitor so that you can gauge your effort.
Keep a regular biking schedule - weather permitting.

I think this bike forum is primarily an advertising thing with banners and the attraction is what's called "content" in the industry.

To get riders, one needs to identify them. I think that's the first step. The Baby Boomer age group are those born between 1957-1946. So there's your 50 +.

Once you get more people into this forum, your advertisers will get more hits.

I think content is one way and this is what you're asking. But try this in reverse. Consumers want a deal and these advertisers may not be the ones that give the best deals. Take a look at your banners and now take a look at the posts specifically targeted at consumer preferences. I think you have a gap to fill.

I think this bike forum is primarily an advertising thing with banners and the attraction is what's called "content" in the industry.

To get riders, one needs to identify them. I think that's the first step. The Baby Boomer age group are those born between 1957-1946. So there's your 50 +.

Once you get more people into this forum, your advertisers will get more hits.

I think content is one way and this is what you're asking. But try this in reverse. Consumers want a deal and these advertisers may not be the ones that give the best deals. Take a look at your banners and now take a look at the posts specifically targeted at consumer preferences. I think you have a gap to fill.
Huh? I thought this thread was for providing tips to new or returning RIDERS, not how to attract more advertising. And to be quite blunt, I pretty much ignore the banner ads. I know some people have issues with boards that sell ad space, but when you compare the features on the advertiser supported forums with those that aren't, the benefits (additional features) usually outweigh the (imagined) downsides. People often forget that it takes $$$ to run a board. The more members, the more money it takes. A board owner can go after ads, or they can ask for, or require, money from the members. Given these choices, the ads seem like a good choice. :)

- Don't be afraid to ride with folks much younger; there are a lot out there that enjoy people of all ages

- Get some good lights; as you age, your night vision is not as good, and lights can help. An extremely bright taillight will help keep some of the cars at a reasonable distance.

- CO2 + spare tubes get you back on the road faster.

- Try doing some volunteering at your local Bike Advocacy Group; they can usually use the benefit of your extra experience and it will make you feel good as well...

Huh? I thought this thread was for providing tips to new or returning RIDERS, not how to attract more advertising. And to be quite blunt, I pretty much ignore the banner ads. I know some people have issues with boards that sell ad space, but when you compare the features on the advertiser supported forums with those that aren't, the benefits (additional features) usually outweigh the (imagined) downsides. People often forget that it takes $$$ to run a board. The more members, the more money it takes. A board owner can go after ads, or they can ask for, or require, money from the members. Given these choices, the ads seem like a good choice. :)

Precisely, the ads seem like a good choice. The existing riders will be attracted to the forum for several reasons, one for content, and the other is for good deals on stuff. The "tips" is the content. So its both: content and ads.

Clipless pedals are worth it even if you must overcome some intimidation and fear of falling. Practice with them. Think about them before you come to a stop.
I would supplement this with a recommendation I recently read on another thread. If you forget to unclip and tumble over, try to hang onto the bars and swivel your butt in the direction of the fall. That may just keep you from breaking a wrist or whacking your hip bone.

I would supplement this with a recommendation I recently read on another thread. If you forget to unclip and tumble over, try to hang onto the bars and swivel your butt in the direction of the fall. That may just keep you from breaking a wrist or whacking your hip bone.

And I thought you were supposed to sacrifice your body (butt) to save the bike!

Hello all! As a new 50 y/o I thought I would post here.

I started road cycling in 1970. Got my 1st really good road bike in 1973. Rode lots until college and grad school. Lead many club A rides until the birth of my 1st child. Took 12 yrs off parenting. Now the oldest child can help watch the other 2 so I am back in the saddle. However, I now lead B rides. Have lost 12 lbs since getting back on the bike. If I lose another 5 and keep my mileage up I may yet go out on A rides with my club.

As a present to myself I bought a carbon fiber bike last month. It does everything better than my steel bike. I call it "soulessly competent".

Regards

Gerry

My wife and I road mountain bikes until our son came along. Last spring we brought the mountain bikes out and they were too uncomfortable for our various afflictions (old age and about +30 lbs each *grin*). Bought a couple of low end recumcbents and we started out with 7 miles a day in sheer comfort. Bike riding's fun again, so we get out and do it. 7 became 15 (we live a block away from a bike path) and 30+ miles is not a problem. We're not fast as we used to be, but we're having fun and getting back in shape.

Suggestions?

Find a bike that's comfortable and a fun place to ride, find someone whose company you enjoy, and start out just to have fun. Stop often for fun or necessity. Take a camera. Meet other people.

Next year - commuting.

Just started cycling seriously this summer although I had been commuting the short distance to my part-time job. I had been running with my wife so it wasn't too difficult to quickly reach the 20-mile plateau. I gradually worked up to a hilly 40+ ride and then went on my first group ride, a century, but I did the 65-mile option with no particular problems. I'm hoping to do a century and possibly a 2-day double next summer. I need a new bike before I do that and all of the advice on fit that I have found in this thread and in BF in general have been very helpful.

+1 on the bike shorts and clipless pedals. The former plus Chamois Butt'r went a long way towards making the 20+ rides comfortable...in fact my butt was no longer an issue. It was my fingers which were always going numb on the longer rides. I changed grips and got gloves and bar-ends and that helped some. But I think bike fit has a lot to do with it too as I feel like I was having to lean harder on the handlebar than I should. I think when I get a new road bike, if it is fit properly, it will help to alleviate this problem as well. At any rate, if I can ride a hilly 65-mile course and just have tingly fingers to complain about, I guess that's okay, especially since I had just turned 60 before I started riding. And I've dropped from 189 to 174 lbs. since I started and I'm still losing. I agree with the diet advice...excercise alone won't do it. You have to eat better and eat less....sorry.

Good for all you weight losers. I seem to be stuck in a Plateau. It has gone down since bike riding. Have to add something else or change the eating habits, although I don't think they are that bad. Couldn't gain muscle that fast could I? Six months of riding. My fingers go numb too. Sometimes worse than other times. I have to wear gloves now or they go numb from the cold. I bought some of those chamoise bike tights from Longcycle.com. Check them out, good prices. Also got some gloves with the finger tips open. I noticed I have built calluses on my right hand. But those do nothing to keep the hands warm. So switched to my leather gloves this morning. Only problem is they are a bit bulky. Riding for fun is the way to go, if it isn't fun you won't continue. I stop now for water breaks, something I was not doing for months on my (1/2 hour bike ride). I drink some orange juice before I leave too. This all seems to help with my muscles not getting sore and my stamina. I know I need to work on riding longer. Hubby can't ride any longer with me in the morning because of work, so I have to go further without him or go another time or take a walk. I am wondering if just 1/2 hour walk will start the weight loss up again if I add it to the biking. Guess I won't know until I try it. It is cooling off here in Az, it was 53 this morning, really perfect for riding. But I am not looking forward to 40 or below. Guess layers of clothing will help that. You all keep up the riding, I love it, just don't like getting up before it is light out now. My body clock is all messed up now.

Thanks for the suggestions, what you are saying makes sense. I know my weight loss without changing my diet before was a few things, getting off of Paxil after ten years, exercise six days for 45 minutes, and probably eating a bit less because I did not crave carbs as much being off Paxil.
I would like to lose another 32#. Right now I am at a Women's 14-16, sometimes 18, depends on how it fits. My upper body sure needs more. The belly and upper arms. I know I need to add strength training, but I also know aerobics is what gets rid of the fat. I have a layer of fat over the muscle in my tummy. But I have to look at my progress and realize I am in a better place than a year ago. I have a "happy heart." Being 52 I don't expect or even want a size 10 body. Only if it comes naturally. I would be happy with an average body for American women, 12-14! I have dropped 3 sizes.

Checked out the website, it does make sense. But so do a lot of diet sites. Is this worth spending the money on? Are there foods that are off limits?
Thanks,
Linda