Cyclotron

I turned 56 in December. Many years ago I used to be an avid cyclist and due to job responsibilites, a motorcycle accident with injuries, and sheer laziness, I left the bike and gained weight. I tried a recumbent but found it slow. Over the last 6 months I have been using the exercylce inside to gain strength and also lose some weight (~51 pounds so far).

Then I decided to try my old road bike again. Please don't laugh at this old school situation - I cleaned up my Schwinn Prelude, shined up the Sidi's with Shinola (yes they have laces not velcro), cleaned my cleats, put a new battery in the Cateye computer, and installed a new set of old stock Shimano 105 brake levers (yes just the levers - my shifters are still on my down tube - and yes they are indexed shifters) I told you this was old school stuff all the way. Anyway, the exercycle time really improved my condition, because I was flying fast on my first real ride. The thrill, excitement, satifaction, and the joy were all back. I decided to try some hills. I had always been a strong climber, and to my amazement I found that I still am. Just a bit slower. Well maybe a little slower than I would like.

Then I saw the picture of the Cannondale with the American flag paint job that one of our fellow BikeForums members posted in the 50+ forum. I thought that it was a most beautiful bike, and that got me thinking about a new bike -for me. I went to a local bike shop and the owner, 10 years my senior and still riding strong, told me that at my age carbon was the only way to go. THIS WAS AN EYE OPENING MOMENT! I had never ever considered CARBON for MY bike's frame - other guys maybe - but not my bike. I always thought that some how it was just not right to own a bike made out of anything but METAL. Then he showed me an ORBEA. Maybe carbon is OK!??? The Orbea was nice but the frame style didn't thrill me enough to buy one. I mean I want to be fast, but I would never trade speed totally for beauty. The intrinsic beauty of a bicycle is actually a great deal of its appeal. And beauty is subjective.

Then a friend of mine, who rides a SCOTT, told me about SPECIALIZED ROUBAIX. I read about them, looked at them on the website, then went down to the dealer. THEN IT HAPPENED. I FELL IN LOVE. These bikes are unbelieveable! Awesome!

So here I am - 56 - in love - and ready to spend some serious cash to cure my disease - Needabetterbikeitis. Should a guy my age buy a Specialized Roubaix? Or should I ride my Schwinn until the cows come home? Help me please!

Rick@OCRR

Buy the Roubaix. You know you want to.

Okay, I ride a Calfee, but the Roubaix is an excellent bike; several of my friends ride them and love them. You will too.

Yes, you are crazy, but in a good way (I know this from personal experience!).

Rick / OCRR

Allegheny Jet

I will turn 56 next month. My main squeeze (bike that is) is a Specialized Roubaix Expert. I think you should buy the bike you deserve.

Jet Travis

Yes, buy the Roubaix, but don't get any wrongheaded ideas that it is a cure. It is only a symptom of a curious lifelong condition that will make most of your life much more enjoyable while simultaneously ruining your credit.

PlatyPius

You're crazy.


Yes, buy the bike. You should always buy the bike that makes you smile the most.

Yen

Congratulations on your weight loss!

Hubby's 1972 Schwinn Sports Tourer (down tube shifters) hung in the garage until about 2 years ago. He'd wanted to change the spokes and start riding again. Finally, he did. At the same time, we got the bug to buy a couple of bikes to ride around the neighborhood, so in early 2007 we bought a pair of hybrids. Went on a couple of long group rides with faster riders and decided we wanted some lighter bikes, so in early 2008 we bought a pair of.................... Specialized Roubaix Experts. Then, late last year, I bought a Surly Long Haul Trucker as my all-around/commuter/anything bike.

Hubby rode his Schwinn today and I rode the Surly. You'll find people in both camps -- CF and steel -- so ride what you like and enjoy the most. If you buy the Roubaix or any other bike, keep the Schwinn around; it's fun to have a choice to ride one or another, and either will get you where you want to go in its own special way.

billydonn

I am 61 and have a carbon bike and I don't care who knows it. The Roubaix is a great bike and you must get it. PICTURES ARE REQUIRED.

jimblairo

I'm 66 and put 9,000km on my Roubaix Expert last year. I use it mostly for long rides of 100 to 300 km and it never leaves me sore. Also, the 50-34 comact with a 12-27 cassette gives you just about the same gear inches you would get with a triple and a 12-25.

Bob S

I started up again after over ten years off by rinding my 20+ yr old DeRosa, I ended up needing a new bike that fit my older body so I got a new bike also. Make sure that you ride several different bikes and sizes before buying any. Make sure that you work with a LBS that can fit you properly and who is willing to change parts if you need say a different front stem. Make sure to take a long ride, at least 1 hour on your choice be making it your final choice. You will have fun and by the end of the summer you will be in really good shape.

JanMM

Go ahead and get the Roubaix but,then, act your age and get a recumbent, too, so that you'll have something to ride when you come to your senses. The American economy needs you to buy two bikes, not just one!

oldbobcat

Take your time thinking about it, and enjoy the Schwinn. You might want a Tarmac instead.

Hermes

That's just wrong.

wmodavis

"the owner, 10 years my senior and still riding strong, told me that at my age carbon was the only way to go."

If he told you that I'd go elsewhere.

I ride for exercise, though I do just enjoy being out doing it. I'm 65 and started mountain biking just over a year ago. I'm chided in the group for having a heavy bike (37#). Again I ride primarily for exercise - so what's the sense paying big bucks to shave off ounces or even grams when all that does is gives you LESS exercise and mostly adds to your weight weenie braging rights. If that's what you're after by all means shell out the big bucks for less. You can still get your exercise from the exercycle rather than your weightless bike.

cccorlew

I'm not sure I even understand why this is a question.

Mojo Slim

Buy something.

JimF22003

When I got my first nice roadbike a few years ago it was like Rip Van Winkle waking up from a long dream about the 70's I rode a very nice Reynolds 531 Frejus with Campagnolo components and sew-up wheels 30 years ago.

Then I went to college and got very, very, very fat (about 475 pounds at my highest.)

When I finally went back to looking for a road bike they had switched to clinchers that had higher pressure than my sew-ups; measured frames in cm not inches; put the shifters on the BRAKE LEVERS of all things; and had passed beyond titanium and aluminum to carbon fiber.

I got the fancy carbon bike with no shame whatsoever.

stapfam

There is no doubt you are crazy- but membership form to the madhouse is in the post.

In a way- I would agree with your LBS owner. If you want to get the best out of your cycling- you need good equipment and The Roubaix is a darn good bike. Usually it is not the first bike on return but providing it fits- the feel is comfortable and you like the colour- then go for it. Just choose the colour carefully and come back to us for our vast knowlefge on this detail before you buy.

pastorbobnlnh 

Ride the Schwinn. Your Prelude is nicely aged and mellow. Come and visit us at Classic & Vintage and bring your pictures. My '72 Super Sport still rides with great charm and spunk. Don't be seduced by these CF disciples. Save your money for retirement.

maddmaxx 

Your crazy................ride the Schwinn forever...................buy the roubaix for me.

BikeArkansas

A bike is such a personal item. I actually went from a Specialized to the a 2009 Orbea Onix. I feel this is the bike that will keep me from making another purchase for quite some time. What is great for one person is not necesarily good for another. However, for these older bones it is carbon fiber to the rescue. It absorbs much of the road chatter so that you can enjoy the ride so much more.

Retro Grouch 

So what's going to happen with that money if you don't buy the bike?

My worst nightmere is all of my kids and grandkids standing around my coffin and talking about how "sensible" I was. I feel obligated to leave them a better legacy than that.

Sorry, kids: The last check out of my checking account is going to pay the undertakers and it's going to bounce.

Jet Travis

So, based on the collective wisdom of the 50+ Forum, you should:

Keep your old bike
Buy the Roubaix
Buy Something Else
Buy a Recumbent
Save Your Money for Retirement
Spend Your Money before you Kick the Bucket
Think It Over
Quit Thinking and Just Do It

Hope we've helped sort this out for you.

Allegheny Jet

Also included from the collective:

agonize over the compact/standard crankset decision

DnvrFox

It's a lot cheaper than a new Porsche.

Buy it!

big john

Talk about a buzzkill! If you've worked hard all your life and can afford to buy a nice road bike, why not?
Might as well buy something you want and enjoy it while you can. A lot cheaper than a Porsche or a divorce. Is this the Cannondale you refer to? I have one of those frames but mine is all red. Kinda harsh ride.