I haven"t purcased a new one for myself in at least ten years, and don't know the modern market. My old bike is a Schwinn Impact Pro . I'm looking for light weight, simplicity, durabilty, and comfort. Most use will be on road or hard packed trails, rides of 15 miles or less. At 47, I have problem with hand numbness. My present bike doesn't have any suspension, will front shocks help? Thanks MartyD

I’m 48 and have the same problem. I found a front shock helped, but did not eliminate the problem. See if you are gripping the handle bar too tight. Check out the comfort bikes at the Trek, Specialized and Giant web sites. Bianci also makes some comfort bikes. You can also consider the cruises (Electra, Sun, Schwinn, Bianci, and others). I was in a similar position and was riding a Trek 7300. Great bike but I wanted a change. Wound up with a 3 speed cruiser and I am loving it. Let us know what you look at and what you get.

The shocks may help some, but I think the geometry of the comfort or hybrid bikes that tomsanborn suggested is really more of a factor because it places more of your weight on your butt...which can be it's own problem. The one disadvantage when compared to a road bike is that they don't have as many options for hand placement, and that alone can be a big help on a road bike. I guess it's a give and take situation, but riding a Specialized Expedition, I find that I really need to make a conscious effort to keep the weight off the hands. When I do, it's all good.

Try a recumbent. It fixed all pains for me, and it put the fun back into riding.

'bent Brian

I'm going to look at a used name brand SWB(P38) recumbent, 1200 miles on it. Is there still life left in this bike? When I was younger, I could wear out LBS bikes. Are the custom components that much better? MartyD