Fifty Plus (50+) - Buying a Road Bike

This is a difficult question to frame properly, and might be impossible to answer.

I am riding a hybrid now. I want to get a road bike – I think.

My only concern is whether I will find a road bike comfortable enough to ride long distances. I haven’t been on a road bike since the 70s. I turned 50 last August.

So, I’m wondering, how long do I need to give it to know whether I will be comfortable on a road bike? Can I tell in a 5 minute ride that it is either the bike for me, or not the bike for me?

I realize every person is different, and each individual body reacts differently. Perhaps there is no way to know short of riding one for awhile.

I’m just hoping there might be a consensus opinion.

I wouldn't ride anything other than a road bike for any distance. If you are interested in a road bike, it certainly will take longer than a five minute ride to decide. I can think of several options. These include: (1) borrow a road bike from someone that's close to your physical dimensions, (2) go to a local bike store, explian your delimna, and get them to loan you a used/beater/employees bike for awhile, (3) go to a LBS and ask to test ride a bike over a weekend with the intention of buying a bike from them if you like it, (4) go to a gym that has spinning classes and sign up for some - the spinning class bike is set up like a road bike, or (5) buy a used bike at a garage sale that's cheap. Make sure it fits and either give it a good tune-up or take it to a LBS for the same.

This is a difficult question to frame properly, and might be impossible to answer.

I am riding a hybrid now. I want to get a road bike – I think.

My only concern is whether I will find a road bike comfortable enough to ride long distances. I haven’t been on a road bike since the 70s. I turned 50 last August.

So, I’m wondering, how long do I need to give it to know whether I will be comfortable on a road bike? Can I tell in a 5 minute ride that it is either the bike for me, or not the bike for me?

I realize every person is different, and each individual body reacts differently. Perhaps there is no way to know short of riding one for awhile.

I’m just hoping there might be a consensus opinion.


You want to focus on the riding position first, ask the LBS if they can let you try the bikes on a trainer first, I find this help determine 1) position on the bike and necessary adjustments before tryiog outside 2) eliminate bikes I definitly don't like. Not many LBS do that, always ask. Then I guess, come equipped and go for a long ride, they'll surely hold your credit card anyway :D
Many manufacturers now do a performance and comfort line (often called sport), the comfort/sport you will probably like better.

Thanks for replying.

I've been pretty sure it'd take awhile to determine whether I'd like a road bike or not, and that I'd have to figure out some way to accomplish that. I appreciate the suggestions.

..My only concern is whether I will find a road bike comfortable enough to ride long distances...

You'll probably find (as most do) that the road bike is going to be MORE comfortable than your present mount **once you get used to it**. There is definitely a "break in" period with a road bike while your butt bones develop a tough-enough hide to tolerate the saddle. After that, there are more positions to be had. You can ride upright with hands on the tops of the bar, forward with hands on the brake levers, down with hands on the drops, or forward and down with hands in the bends. This variety will allow you to vary the position and amount of weight on your seat over the course of a ride, allowing greater comfort than if you could only sit bolt upright.

Don't base your decision on a brief "test ride." You won't have benefit of the break in period, and you'll probably conclude that the road bike is profoundly uncomfortable. Instead, try to borrow a friend's road bike (that also fits you) for at least a week or two and ride it daily until you become accustomed. You may have to modify the seat height, bar height, and bar tilt until you find the right position. Keep in mind, also, that the seat may not be the best for you (one man's treasure is anothers trash).

If a loaner is not available, buy based on budget from the local store with the understanding that if, in the first week or two, you find it unsuitable for any reason, a return is allowed on another model. Most stores will offer this deal, even on inexpensive bikes. Also consult the store on saddle selection with the understanding that no matter what bike you buy, you MAY (not certainly, but possibly) have to buy another saddle that better suits you.

Good luck and happy shopping!

I concur on the comfort of a road bike on long rides. I have a MTB, hybrid and two road bikes; the road bikes win on comfort ‘hands down’ (pun intended). With the drop bars of a road bike you have 4-5 very different hand positions you can and should use. Each of those hand positions result in a different riding posture, forcing you to use different muscles and pressure points

Choose a road bike with a relatively short top tube, and substitute a short-reach handlebar stem, if necessary. If you are more interested in comfort than in performance, there is no reason your handlebars have to be lower than your saddle.

When you are test-riding, make sure the salesperson knows you are not interested in achieving a full time trialist's "tuck" position! An older salesperson may better understand your needs than a younger one.

I'm with John E. If you can get your handlebars UP near the height of your seat, that might be more comfy. When I had some back problems, it worked like a charm.

The Trek 1000c does the job for me. It is a nice mix. You can adjust the handlebars up or down. It truly is the mix of hybrid and road bike for me.
Performance Road Comfort Road

http://www2.trekbikes.com/Bikes/Road/Comfort_Road/Alpha_Aluminum/1000C/index.php

Try to get a loaner somewhere that comes close to a fit and ride at least an hour a day for a couple weeks, this should be enough to gice you a good idea if this is for you.

Hey, I had a similar situation. I hadn't ridden in some years and the last bike I had was a hybrid. I did not like the posture on that bike. So, I got my friend who teaches a spinning class at the local Y to give me advice on the purchase of a new bike. I bought a 2004 Specialiized Robaix. Although I am not loyal to any manufacturer I was impressed witht eh carbon fiber forks and seat post that dampens the road shock. Fuji and I suppose other companies make similar designs with the carbon fiber material. I recomend this bike highly. The only thing was that I got buyers remorse when I went to a local bike swap meet and could have bought a used one and saved a bundle. None the less I am very satisfies withthe bike.

Good luck

later dude

Went back to riding at 51 after a 30 year break. Started with a Hybrid/Comfort Bike (Giant Sedona DX.) I loved that bike. It was however, replaced after a year witha Giant OCR 1. This happened after I listened to someone in this forum tell me to draw concentric circles on a map around my house. The one mile circle is what he said I would see while running, jogging or walking. The 10 mile circle is what I would be exposed to on my comfort/hybrid. The 30 mile circle is the territory I'd be operating in with the road bike. Twas true.

In January, I traded the OCR1 on a Specialized Roubaix just to reward myself for quitting smoking at the end of 2004.

Truth be known sir, I am indeed much more comfortable on longer rides using the road bike. If you do decide to buy one, you aren't risking the entire amount you pay for the experience. You can always sell or trade it.

Hi,
I'm a bit older than you. I just got a Gunnar Sport. Rides like butter.

OK, I'm 49 so I hope it's OK if I post here. I'm a nice lady so y'all don't kick me out. ;)
I worried that a road bike would be uncomfortable for someone new to the sport--no interest in racing. I tried a Cannondale Sport Road (SR) 800. It's a road bike with some comfort features built in (check their web site). I am happy with it as I can be. Don't be afraid of the road bikes. You will love it once you get used to it, and it doesn't take that long, I promise. Work with a LBS that will help you tweak until it's just right for you. Have fun and go fast!!!

To see if you (and your body) can get along with a road
bike I suggest that you look for an older used road bike
from the 70's or 80's.

Why then??

Simple really, mate. Bikes from that time were often a bit
overbuilt of steel construction (better ride) with less & simpler
gearing. If you spend $100 or less (my guess would be way less)
you'll get to see if the idea will even work for you and at worst
wind up with a good beater /town bike.

OK, I'm 49 so I hope it's OK if I post here. I'm a nice lady so y'all don't kick me out

:crash: :crash: :crash: :crash: :D

Regarding comfort:

The bike is part of it, but don't discount the value of a good (ie not cheap) pair of padded riding shorts. That makes a world of difference in how you feel, how far you can go, etc. The longer you can ride pain-free and numbness-free, the more use you will get out of your bike.

My story is very similar to Webist's (3/29/05). I'm 49, and returned to riding
about 7 yrs. ago. I started with a Schwinn Crosscut hybrid with Exage LX drivetrain
(very nice bike, I still use it to ride around town). Then, I bought a 2001 Giant OCR 1, because it was time to switch to a roadie. After realizing my discomfort was due to the improper fit of the OCR 1, I have just sold it, and bought a new '05 Specialized Roubaix. (FANTASTIC !!!), which my LBS spent over two hours fitting me properly.
My advice to you....Try a road bike with a "more relaxed geometry" (Roubaix, Trek Pilot, Giant OCR series)...BUT make sure you get fitted properly at a good LBS.
The proper fit on the right bike will make you want to ride forever ! Godd luck !!!

My return to a road biking was 3 years ago, I'd been riding mountain bikes, but hadn't been on a road bike for at least 10 years. The first ride felt very strange and uncomfortable, but after that I was back in business in no time.
I also suggest a used bike if you still have doubts, my return to roading was on a $35 yard sale Bianchi ( a firend of mine still has it -I sold it to him for $50 after replacing tires and bar tape)

Rlodewell-sounds like you're getting lots of sound advice. You will find that probably the majority of us have recently traveled the same path as you and I'm no different. I'm 52 and have only been back on the bike about 3-4 years. I started with a hybrid as well thinking it would do all I ever wanted. Let's see, I'm now on my 3rd road bike so can offer my perspective and some hard learned lessons.

Go to someone (probably a well known fitter at a LBS) who knows what they are doing. Tell them what you would like--if it's comfort for longer rides--they can accommodate that. It probably means exactly what others have already said-a slightly shorter top tube with the handlebars at about the same height as the seat. I started that way and found it very enjoyable. Now, I'm actually in a very agressive riding position and find it very comfortable as well. My handlebars are now about 4" lower than my saddle and I even ride a lot in the drops. I even had the fork tube cut off a couple inches on my new bike so it would not look so bad sticking up above the stem. It's not unusual for me to do 60-80 miles with 5000 ft and up worth of climbing.

It's very important to get the right size bike. It's also extremely important to have the seat position in the correct location. The saddle needs to be the right distance (within a range) from the pedals for your leg length plus it needs to be in the correct fore/aft position above the pedals. I've found even sliding my saddle forward a centimeter can create real knee pain for me.

You can easily be fitted with what you need. They make every gadget you can think of from saddles to bike stems, etc that focus on comfort and position. Go with a road bike and come out and join us!! You'll ride longer, and easier and pick up a lot new friends along the way.

Hi rlodewell,

I'm 54 and was off my bikes for 2 years due to a health issue. When I began riding again a little over a year ago I had to get myself back into physical shape and needed to reacquaint my butt with sitting on the saddle. I'd say it all boils down to a good fit, getting accustomed to the riding position and having the right saddle. The best saddle I've found for comfort on long rides is the Fizik Arione. I like it so much I've installed one on 3 out of my four road bikes. That doesn't mean it will work for you, but you might want to take a look. I hope you enjoy your transition to road biking!

The best saddle I have found is the Brooks Pro. I just put a used Team Pro on my mountain bike, and it's a vast improvement over the narrow padded vinyl thing it came with.

I'm "only" 48 (almost!), but I have to agree with making sure the handlebars are about the height of the saddle...for anyone who is NOT a racer--at ANY age--this seems to be the best arrangement.

I know that this formula, when I'm using drop bars, works for me!! Any lower, and I'd not be able to use the drops at all.

If you can't use the "drops", why bother with a drop bar in the first place?

I am 49. Rode a hybrid for a couple years until I decided I was serious about riding and went to a road bike. I explained to the salesperson at my LBS what my intentions were and some goals and objectives. He took some measurements. I did not want to race. I simply wanted to ride building my endurance, loose weight and improve fitness and riding skills to a point I could do a century etc.. He fit me with a bike that had a more comfortable geometry, shorter positive angle stem and a tripple crankset. If I had wanted to race I would have ended up with another type bike. My point is this. Knowing what you want to achieve means a ton when picking out a bike and getting the right bike for you. A good salesperson will listen, understand and give you good direction. Good Luck.

What's with all these youngsters posting on this 50 and over forum? LOL

What's with all these youngsters posting on this 50 and over forum? LOL

Well, you might take it as a compliment to the forum! :D

Well, you might take it as a compliment to the forum! :D

It could be debated whether the "youngsters" (like me) are really the "old farts" around here!

We know that we cannot possibly compare with the true YOUNG PEOPLE here...that especially includes you, Denver!! ;)

I mean it....:)

If you can't use the "drops", why bother with a drop bar in the first place?

Well, they look sort of "cool." - especially if you are 65 :D :) :D

(Don't use them much, but glad they are there!)

What's with all these youngsters posting on this 50 and over forum? LOL
Well for us yonger folks (49) we are posers in this forum and have been called out. But we do it because we strive to be more like the 50+ members. :) Kinda like a "newspark" for us. LOL :)

Well for us yonger folks (49) we are posers in this forum and have been called out. But we do it because we strive to be more like the 50+ members. :) Kinda like a "newspark" for us. LOL :)

50's wanna be's. . .

Anyway, to follow up Joe Woody's contribution - I just got an '05 Specialized Roubaix to upgrade the Fuji Finest I got last year. It's very comfortable so far (about 60 miles). No impulse to replace the saddle yet either. The stem is a 4 way adjustable stem that would give you lots of riding options. Be sure to get a fitting done. Then you'll be sure to be happy with your new bike & you'll ride more.

I just got an '05 Specialized Roubaix..

I'm GREEN with envy! I plan to reward myself with the same bike once I've dumped an additional 40#. Enjoy it!

I also used to ride a lot in the 70s, my grad school years, and started back into riding a year ago. I began with an inexpensive hybrid (Jamis Citizen) and quickly upgraded to a better hybrid (Bianchi Boardwalk). I thought that the upright riding position would be gentler on my now 51 year old frame. I was wrong. The hybrid has wide, rough tires and is pretty tough to move along. The upright position made my tail end major league sore. I have been riding a Trek Pilot 5.2 for the past six weeks, and it's twice as easy to ride at good speeds (16 mph+) and MUCH easier on the butt. - Jim

The thing that takes time on a road bike is to get the proper fit and for your stomach muscles to get used to the new riding position. If you're weak in the abs, then it might take longer. If your bike fit is not optimum, then it will take longer to get the best fit. Your body will tell you when its time to get a professional fitting.

The more miles you put on the road bike, the more likely you will find aches and pains here and there. This is the time to listen to your body. There is no question that the road bike position is different than the upright position of a hybrid. The professional bike fitter will also show you some "bad habits" such as a hunch back or drifting knees. The fitter will also examine your feet for flat feet and what it means to the muscle groups that may be under-used and the muscle groups that are over-used.

You will like road biking because its all about the use of efficiency, speed and power, resulting in a well tuned body. Hybrids cannot come close to this, mile for mile.

Im 58, first took up roadbiking in 85-86.. It took me at least 4 to 5 rides back then to get used to the feel of a roadbike.. Ive been away from it for a couple of years and bought a new bike to give me some incentive to burn some fat off of my fat a-s.. New pedals shoes etc..Ive been out 5 + times plus double that on the wind trainor and can say that Im getting used to it again..It shouldnt take more than a ride or two to get generally used to the bike, but it does take time to understand gears and when to change them, seat positions,hand positions, effort, etc..

I dont think that this is an age thing.. Last month while at the lbs I watched a young women trying out a roadbike for the first time.. I could sense how she felt, it brought me back 20 years...I bet if she road abit the last two weeks she would tell you that shes feels 100% better on the bike..

The Trek 1000C also worked for me. I had it upgraded to a Shimano 105 rear der., a Tiagra front der., and Tiagra shifters. The frame was perfect. I started riding again a few years ago but I never realized how much more enjoyable riding is with a bike that fits perfectly. I think you have to just find what that bike is.

Another great "comfort" road bike is the Specialized Sequoia. I've got an 03 Elite and it is the most comfortable of the 3 road bikes I've had. It allows me to sit up a little more and relieve the pressure on the wrists, arms, and shoulders. I was "fit" to it and that is important to your enjoyment as well, which has already been mentioned.

I have always enjoyed triples, since the 60s (Schwinn Sierra "15-spd"). All of my previous bikes have been steel and my last two had 700x23 tires, which are surprisingly durable.

Even so, my new favorite is a CF machine: the Trek Pilot 5.2 which has the latest 10-spd components from Shimano and comes with 700x25 road meats (for added comfort? They're still less than an inch). Whatever, the setup is super compliant and responsive. The brake levers even have a new riding positon (on top of the hoods). Enjoy shopping.
:)


This is a difficult question to frame properly, and might be impossible to answer...

I also used to ride a lot in the 70s, my grad school years, and started back into riding a year ago. I began with an inexpensive hybrid (Jamis Citizen) and quickly upgraded to a better hybrid (Bianchi Boardwalk). I thought that the upright riding position would be gentler on my now 51 year old frame. I was wrong. The hybrid has wide, rough tires and is pretty tough to move along. The upright position made my tail end major league sore. I have been riding a Trek Pilot 5.2 for the past six weeks, and it's twice as easy to ride at good speeds (16 mph+) and MUCH easier on the butt. - Jim

oy! bikes to me are like cars, (specific models) I never know what people are talking about. so i googled your bike, yikes, 3 grand. for that price it better be a sweet ride.

I haven't seen anyone address gearing. I suggest a triple or compact crankset. It gives more flexibility on days after hard rides or when you just have a low energy day and it takes a while to get up to speed. I can tell you from experience that more/lower gear options comme in handy at the end of centurys too.

I rode Mountain bikes for years and, although we have wonderful MTB trails in East TN, I don't like to be on some trails (especially the more technical ones) alone with no cell phone coverage (never know what might happen). After riding my hart tail MTB on the road for two years I added a road bike to my "stable" a year ago. Long rides are easier and, yes, there is a difference in position. Maybe it is my MTB background but it took me a while to get used to the lower bar position (which I raised above stock and also shortened stem so I did not feel as "stretched out").

Do give yourself time to get used to a road bike as it is a different feel and be prepared to experiment with your bike to get the fit that feels right to YOU, because everyone is different in their preferences. But a road bike definitely gives more range. I tried 50 mile rides on my mountain bike but would never have tried a century without the road bike.

Before you ask how long it will take to know if you're going to be comfortable on a road bike, you must first ask yourself why a road bike. My hybrid is more "creature comfortable". I ride in an upright position. It has front shocks and a seat post shock. After a year of riding on the hybrid, my first adult bike, I knew that I wanted to ride faster, be more efficient, and be able to transfer power to the bike on climbs. A road bike does that but you have to give up something....comfort.

On my hybrid I didn't have to buy those special shoes. But those shoes helped me with efficiency and the transfer of power. I felt more comfortable with my regular shoes and it took a while to get used to being literally buckled into the pedals. Yes, I got used to it but even now I don"t really like it.

On my hybrid the entire seating position was meant to be in an upright position. Personally I think this is the best position to avoid back injuries, especially if you're getting older. The incumbent bikes are also suppose to be better for the back.

On my hybrid, I didn't need all that fancy bike fitting stuff. But on a road bike, its mandatory because your body is being pushed for speed, efficiency, and for the transfer of power. So before I got too old, I wanted to sacrifice the comfort for the experience of riding like a racer. No regrets.