Fifty Plus (50+) - My first visit here

Usually in the Clydesdale, Road Cycling or Tandem Cycling forums, but this year I turn 50. I have started reading all the stickies here and there is a lot of interesting stuff. One thing I wanted to ask;

As each of you have turned the big 50, was it a time to purchase a new bicycle/frame/components? If so what did you buy? Was it a big deal? etc.

I am thinking about either a new bicycle or a new component group (SRAM Red, at the moment).

Thanks in advance,

Welcome. It's ALWAYS time to buy a new bike, components, clothes, etc...especially on your birthday.

I was riding a 1987 Trek 500 when I turned 50. I did upgrade to a Trek 1000 in 2004, then a Trek 1500 in 2006. I did not upgrade because of age but as a result of riding more.

I was away from cycling for 17 years, returned March 2006, since then I have bought/sold/ridden several bikes. We have a 2005 Cannondale RT-1000 road tandem, two Pedal Force RS (one DA, one Ultegra), a Leader TT bike, and a generic AL frame winter bike (also Ultegra). All of these are within the last two years (2006, 2007). It is not a case of needing a new bike, it is to mark the mid-century mark. So I am curious if others have marked the occasion the same way.

As I mentioned, I am thinking about SRAM Red, perhaps just buying the group and sitting on it until a frame comes along. Else the other option is a true Euro bike (Campy equipped of course).

Welcome aboard WheresWald--

Until I was 50, I rode a fairly nice bike that I bought in 1983. It was fun getting the upgrade (if that's the right word), and I guess I was kinda marking the occasion. I went a bit nuts checking out all sorts of new gear for awhile, but I've settled down and am happy with both my old and new bikes. Don't care to buy any more frames/bikes at this time.

Wow, I just read your profile. Sounds like you already have an impressive stable of bikes. As one of the resident bikaholics I can assure you that if you can afford it and you enjoy new bikes then something like a 50th birthday present to yourself is nice. Having said that I can also point out that 50+ prides itself in being the land of steady habits and conservative thinking. So bottom line is that 50+ is an everything group from "ride what ya got...its all about the engine" to true believers in the N+1 theory as in "the proper # of bikes to own is one more than you currently have."

Personally.....I could mark a monday as enough reason to buy another bike. :)


By the way...which Leader TT frame/bike do you have?

Wisdom comes with age. At the half century mark, some of us still have kids in college or even high school and its a money issue. Spending on health related issues is a valuable way to go. And at this age, biking is definitely that. Overspending digs into the budget.

I think you'll find a mixed bag here just like in the road bike thread. The aging baby boomers are us. Even though I can afford to get a nice carbon Cervelo Soloist, I know that my two existing bikes are more than I can ride now. Besides, with the Soloist, I couldn't sustain 30 mph for long.

Welcome. I am considering SRAM red for a new bike. I could use my existing stable of Shimano compatible wheelsets and get all the schwag of the carbon / red trim.

At 50+ ....everything you are considering is quite appropiate and then some! Mostly though .keep that tandem rolling!
Bill J.

Whatever you get make sure it has the right gearing for the SEBF Spring ride in May.

Whatever you get make sure it has the right gearing for the SEBF Spring ride in May.

Not committed to that ride yet. Thinking compact 50/36 with a 11-26 cassette. I did manage last Septembers ride with a 53/39 12-27.

I was thinking about either upgrading my components to SRAM Red or buying a second home. :)

Welcome to the monkey house.

Welcome. It's ALWAYS time to buy a new bike, components, clothes, etc...especially on your birthday.

+1 50, 51, 52, 53, etc. any and all are good reasons to buy a new bike. Almost all the top brands are excellecent these days, even a few levels down from their best. Personally, I've stayed with Shimano, because I have more extra parts that are Shimano than anything else.

I had to settle for SRAM Rival for the new brakeset. They are nice though.....that sort of machine work that feels good to touch and hold.

"Buy me......take me home.....Buy me...... "

Oh wait. That quote should have gone with Hermes post in "riding for health"...:p

Welcome to the group. As you can see, you will always be advised to buy a new bike. And you will always be advised to post pictures. :D

Welcome to the group. As you can see, you will always be advised to buy a new bike. And you will always be advised to post pictures. :D

And let's not forget, you will always be advised to eat pie. :)

And you will always be advised to get your Colonoscopy...:eek:

Hmmm pie

A box full of Shimano parts and every bike has Shimano. Told my daughter I wanted a Merckx AXM or a Pinarello Prince with Campy Record of course. More than likely it will be something I build up myself, some good Taiwan Carbon frame and SRAM Red or Shimano DA.

Thought about custom, but I do not need custom geometry. Its an expense I just can't justify. Now if someone wants to buy me a Vanilla .....

Its a good thing that I'm still in my forties until September. I still have plenty of time to decide.

Can't remember what I was riding when I was fifty- Feels like it was only yesterday so Altzeimers- or a long time ago. As to that new bike- Get one whenever you can.
Thanks to the memory Loss- Can't remember when i last got a bike- So I had better get down the LBS.

Riding a Tandem is not unusual on this forum- but pics of the steed(s) are obligatory so get posting.

Its a good thing that I'm still in my forties until September. I still have plenty of time to decide.

To decide what?.............to turn 50 or run..............too late! :D

And let's not forget, you will always be advised to eat pie. :)

And you will always be advised to get your Colonoscopy...:eek:
But not at the same time.:eek:

Welcome to 50+ Waldo.

Its a good thing that I'm still in my forties until September. I still have plenty of time to decide.

Yes but your racing age is 50.

Yes but your racing age is 50.

Yep, I was surprised to find that out last season. They didn't even give me any time to get used to the idea either.