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Over 50? What's great about your Bike?

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Fifty Plus (50+) Share the victories, challenges, successes and special concerns of bicyclists 50 and older. Especially useful for those entering or reentering bicycling.

Over 50? What's great about your Bike?

Old 09-16-09, 04:41 PM
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Over 50? What's great about your Bike?

Hello All,

If you frequent other parts on the forums, you may have noticed a couple of us design student from Colorado looking to pick some brains. I posted a thread in the general section trying to get a feel for what I should look for in bike design, and thanks to a great post by one of your 60+ members (thank you Velo Dog), I've narrowed my focus.

I've done some digging, looking at the stickies and some of other things posted here in the 50+ section and now would like a little more input from you guys.

As a preface: I'm a industrial design student and our class is working with Kestrel on designing a bike. However our teacher has given us liberties so...

If you wouldn't mind answering a few questions I'd really appreciate it.

1.) What kind of Bike do you ride (most often)? (Recumbent, road, Air Glide style, LandRider style...etc)

2.) Why do you ride that? What features make it the best choice?

3.) Do you feel a need, or would like the option, for a performance oriented bike (if it's not already) with the features you listed in #2?

4.) What are the least pleasant things (bike wise) of your rides? (I.E. butt pain, back pain, hand fatigue, getting on/off the bike, riding position...etc)

5.) Why do you ride?

6.) Anything else you'd like to add that you feel a younger person should know about being 50+ and still being an active rider?


I really appreciate any feedback you can give me, and thank you for your time.

-Dan


Edit: Sorry for the Over 50 part of the Title, kind of redundant based on the sub-forum eh?

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Old 09-16-09, 05:00 PM
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1.) What kind of Bike do you ride (most often)? (Recombinant, road, Air Glide style, LandRider style...etc)
I ride a road bike and a cyclocross about 50/50. (a cyclocross is very similar to a road bike. It is geared a little lower and will accept wider tires.)
2.Why do you ride that? What features make it the best choice?
The road bike because it is fun and goes fast for a bike
The cyclocross so when I commute I can use wider tires for the gravel and sidewalk portion of my commute. It also has a very comfortable ride.

3.) Do you feel a need, or would like the option, for a performance oriented bike (if it's not already) with the features you listed in #2?
No, my road bike already is much more performance oriented than I am.

4.) What are the least pleasant things (bike wise) of your rides? (I.E. butt pain, back pain, hand fatigue, getting on/off the bike, riding position...etc)
My riding isn't unpleasant but the least pleasant would be very minor butt pain (which I alleive by occassionally standing up)
5.) Why do you ride?
For exercise and for the enjoyment of getting out and enjoying the weather, the countryside, and the time by myself.
6.) Anything else you'd like to add that you feel a younger person should know about being 50+ and still being an active rider?
When you are 50+ you will figure out that exercise makes you feel much better, but for now you really won't listen to us.
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Old 09-16-09, 05:02 PM
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Originally Posted by MoclovFlop
1.) What kind of Bike do you ride (most often)? (Recombinant, road, Air Glide style, LandRider style...etc)
1) Classic European road bikes, ca. 1960-1980 (barcon or downtube friction shift, tensioned leather saddle, toeclips, drop bars)
2) Old school (late 1980s) mountain bike, onroad and off

Originally Posted by MoclovFlop
2.) Why do you ride that? What features make it the best choice?
I have been riding traditional road bikes since 1962 (age 12). I like the variety of hand positions afforded by the drop bars, and I like the good overall compromise among comfort, efficiency, and handling. Traditional tensioned leather saddles are hard to beat for comfort.

Originally Posted by MoclovFlop
3.) Do you feel a need, or would like the option, for a performance oriented bike (if it's not already) with the features you listed in #2?
I do not consider a newer, lighter, marginally faster bike to be cost-effective. I do not care for reduced spoke counts, paired spokes, etc., preferring the superior strength-to-weight ratio of a 3-cross 32- or 36-spoke wheel.

Originally Posted by MoclovFlop
4.) What are the least pleasant things (bike wise) of your rides? (I.E. butt pain, back pain, hand fatigue, getting on/off the bike, riding position...etc)
1) Removing and replacing the tires -- some are a very tight fit on the rims.
2) Tensioned leather saddles do not hold up well in wet weather.

Originally Posted by MoclovFlop
5.) Why do you ride?
1) Exercise/fitness
2) Fun
3) Environment -- I do a fair amount of transportation / utilitarian cycling
4) Economics (since I ride old classics that I have bought used)

Originally Posted by MoclovFlop
6.) Anything else you'd like to add that you feel a younger person should know about being 50+ and still being an active rider?
Evangelize. Too many folks your age do not get enough exercise, and they rely too much on motor vehicles. Our country's health care crisis is mostly a result of the obesity pandemic, which in turn leads to type II diabetes and heart disease. Get your friends into lawful, safe bicycling.
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Old 09-16-09, 05:09 PM
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Originally Posted by RoMad
[...]The cyclocross so when I commute I can use wider tires for the gravel and sidewalk portion of my commute. It also has a very comfortable ride.
Would you mind elaborating on this a bit? What makes it more comfortable?
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Old 09-16-09, 05:23 PM
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Originally Posted by MoclovFlop
1.) What kind of Bike do you ride (most often)? (Recombinant, road, Air Glide style, LandRider style...etc)
If I were forced to limit myself to one bicycle, it would be a road bike.

2.) Why do you ride that? What features make it the best choice?
Typical rides are on the Katy trail and group rides with friends. They pretty much all ride road bikes too.

3.) Do you feel a need, or would like the option, for a performance oriented bike (if it's not already) with the features you listed in #2?
I just want everything to work.

4.) What are the least pleasant things (bike wise) of your rides? (I.E. butt pain, back pain, hand fatigue, getting on/off the bike, riding position...etc)
n/a

5.) Why do you ride?
Partly to feel like I'm exercising and staying in shape. Partly just for the hell of it.

6.) Anything else you'd like to add that you feel a younger person should know about being 50+ and still being an active rider?
Never quit bicycling and don't die.
See above.
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Old 09-16-09, 05:24 PM
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Answer to your question above OP.It is more comfortable than a newer style road bike for a couple of reasons. It is made of steel which makes it ride smooth (that is one reason why so many people like the old classsic road bikes). Another reason is because the chain stays are a little longer than my road bike, also adding to the smooth ride. It also has a Brooks saddle that is made of thick leather and has formed to the same shape as my sit bones making for a very comfortable ride. (if you check on back threads you will find that people have many different opinions of which seats are comfortable).
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Old 09-16-09, 05:26 PM
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Recombinant DNA
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Old 09-16-09, 05:30 PM
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Cool, an academic survey.

1.) What kind of Bike do you ride (most often)?

A track bike (steeper angles, fixed gear, extremely responsive) with brakes on the road.

2.) Why do you ride that? What features make it the best choice?

Because I can. I have always been very concerned with "doing things properly," and a fixed gear bike can only be ridden to the edge of its performance envelope if pedaling technique is absolutely correct. A fixed gear bike is also the height of elegance - there are no extraneous parts, such as derailleurs or cogs that go unused - and there is no extra drag on the chain from derailleur pulleys. Fixed gear bikes also have stronger ties with cycling's past. Back around 1900, anybody who rode used a fixie. However, the bike does have some modern features in addition to its basic steel frame, such as an all-carbon fork, threadless headset, carbon handlebars, and carbon seatpost. These supposedly increase rider comfort, but I haven't noticed it. Good thing I enjoy the way the bike vibrates.

3.) Do you feel a need, or would like the option, for a performance oriented bike (if it's not already) with the features you listed in #2?

Not really. The bike as I have built it up is a very personal statement, and I doubt very much that anyone else would build up such a bike in the same way. And for a corporate bicycle company to come out with such a bike would make me very suspicious of that company.

4.) What are the least pleasant things (bike wise) of your rides? (I.E. butt pain, back pain, hand fatigue, getting on/off the bike, riding position...etc)

The carbon bars don't solve the problem of hand discomfort. I still have to shake out my hands every now and then, and I change hand positions often. I am still looking for a saddle that will remain comfortable on a fixed gear bike for longer than 300 km. (I will be testing a San Marco Regal starting this weekend.)

5.) Why do you ride?

Like they say, "I didn't choose cycling, Cycling chose me." I have been passionate about riding bikes ever since I bought a really cheap Centurion in 1971, rode it all day, and that night dreamt about riding it. I have been riding bikes ever since. At that time I smoked. I quit smoking, but found that if I did not ride for more than 3 days straight, I would feel like having a cigarette. So it was either ride daily or smoke. I think I chose wisely.

Also, I like to ride to work because it's efficient use of time, it's cheaper than any other way of getting to work, it's the easiest way to get thru horrendous auto traffic, and because it's a neat way to screw the system. So far, the establishment hasn't figured out how to make money off commuter cyclists, so I can avoid paying into the corporate transportation establishment. My employer even provides a free place to park the bike securely, and a free shower. How much more can you take advantage of the system than that?! Anyone who brings a car has to pay something like $9/day!

6.) Anything else you'd like to add that you feel a younger person should know about being 50+ and still being an active rider?

Cycling regularly will keep you looking young, but you have to start when you are in your 20's. If you start cycling too late, you never regain your youthful appearance, you only slow down aging. Cycling is better than being a vampire; you can remain young-looking without sucking other peoples' blood!

Luis
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Old 09-16-09, 05:37 PM
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1. Mountain bike exclusively, but then I'm currently living in the middle of a huge national forest and mainly ride unimproved forest roads.
2. Sort-of answered this question already--given where I live, I mainly ride unimproved, gravel forest roads. A mountain bike is the best choice for my current location.
3. Performance features for the topology and roads I ride now isn't speed, but good suspension, handling and braking coupled with knobby tires.
4. Actually, I don't have anything to list with this question. I added a power-assist electric, non-hub motor to my bike this summer. I was having knee pain due to the steepness of the mountain roads that I ride. Now, I can use the power assist when I'm climbing and I'm not experiencing knee pain. (I'm also riding much more frequently now that I don't have knee pain--everyday, in fact.)
5. I ride because I love exploring my surroundings on a bicycle. You see so much more. Plus, it's fun and helps keep me in shape.
6. Youth is fleeting, stay active or you may find yourself aging much more quickly than you'd like.
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Old 09-16-09, 05:41 PM
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Originally Posted by JanMM
Recombinant DNA
Fixed thank you, sorry wrong mind set...
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Old 09-16-09, 05:48 PM
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1.) What kind of Bike do you ride (most often)? (Recumbent, road, Air Glide style, LandRider style...etc)

I ride a road bike with classic European road geometry 99 % of the time.

2.) Why do you ride that? What features make it the best choice?

Don't know that it's the best choice, but it's fast, nimble, and comfortable for all day rides. I also have a fondness for titanium and this bike has a ti frame. It will probably outlast me.

3.) Do you feel a need, or would like the option, for a performance oriented bike (if it's not already) with the features you listed in #2?

????

4.) What are the least pleasant things (bike wise) of your rides? (I.E. butt pain, back pain, hand fatigue, getting on/off the bike, riding position...etc)

Automobile traffice that doesn't know how to share the road. No pain or complaints about riding position.

5.) Why do you ride?

The sheer joy of it.

6.) Anything else you'd like to add that you feel a younger person should know about being 50+ and still being an active rider?

For the most part any wisdom I might be able to impart to a younger person is likely to be misunderstood or ignored. As you live you can always look back and remember, but it's a hell of a thing to try and look forward with any accuracy to your vision of the future.
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Old 09-16-09, 05:48 PM
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1) I ride mostly performance road bikes. The three I have now are a Cervelo SLC-SL, a Seven Aerios, and an old steel Waterford. I also have a Fuji fixed gear track bike and a mountain bike for winter rides where the road conditions aren't that good.

2) I ride because I enjoy working out and staying in shape. The road bikes are challenging me to go harder and faster.

3) See above

4) I really don't have much of a problem except lack of flexibility getting off. I've seen a physical therapist who gave me exercises to stretch and get back flexibility.

5) For physical and mental well being

6) The big thing is set goals and keep at it with slow and easy advancing. Don't try too much at once.
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Old 09-16-09, 06:02 PM
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1.) What kind of Bike do you ride (most often)? (Recumbent, road, Air Glide style, LandRider style...etc)
I put the most miles on my road bikes (I have two) but I commute on my mtn bike

2.) Why do you ride that? What features make it the best choice?
The road bikes are so efficient, fast and responsive, mine have excellent components that shift precisely - they are just a joy to ride.

3.) Do you feel a need, or would like the option, for a performance oriented bike (if it's not already) with the features you listed in #2?
Mine are both performance bikes already

4.) What are the least pleasant things (bike wise) of your rides? (I.E. butt pain, back pain, hand fatigue, getting on/off the bike, riding position...etc)
In my Specialize Tarmac Expert - a full CF performance bike the ride is a little stiff so even though the bike is efficient, it can be tiresome for rides over 60 miles. I am trying to change that by going to a saddle & bars that absorbs more road shock. My Steel road bike (Columbus SLX tubing) is a very smooth and responsive ride but does not accelerate quite as well. So if I could combine the two bikes it would be ideal. A bike that spun up as fast and climbed as well as the Tarmac but held it's speed and had the ride of the steel Simoncini, it would have a campy drive train because it shifts and pedals just a hair smoother than Shimano (IMHO). BTW - I also love when things went to 10 speed tightly spaced cassetts, you can fine tune your cadence - not sure 11 is needed though but have not ridden it.
5.) Why do you ride?
Fitness and pleasure. There is also quite a bit of joy from the accomplishment of the sport, climbing that mountain, pulling a group home at speed after a long ride, riding a century. There is also the joy of mentoring new riders to the sport, watching them get better and sharing thier accomplishments as well.
6.) Anything else you'd like to add that you feel a younger person should know about being 50+ and still being an active rider?
I'd say that there are a lot of 50+ riders who's aspirations about bikeing are just like 20+ YOs, we like the personal competition, and we like to go fast. Some like to smell the roses, some are new to biking after many years. Many of us know quality, don't like gimmicks some are pure newbies and will get sucked into anything. So in general we are just like the rest of the population. I would only hope though that the distribution is more waited towards those that use thier experiences to make better choices.

I hope this helps you design us a better bike (put make sure it is not a white bike - they suck).
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Old 09-16-09, 06:19 PM
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1. Recumbent
2. Comfortable. Great visibility. Easy to ride longer distance. Faster for me. Love to hear children yell "Hey, cool bike!"
3. Considering a high bottom bracket long wheelbase 'bent that would be faster.
4. This bike is somewhat heavier than ideal. Steep hills are a challenge.
5. Fun
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Old 09-16-09, 06:23 PM
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1.) What kind of Bike do you ride (most often)? (Recumbent, road, Air Glide style, LandRider style...etc)
Road bikes

2.) Why do you ride that? What features make it the best choice?
The Twin Cities area has an extensive network of bike paths and bike lanes so a road bike is a good choice.

3.) Do you feel a need, or would like the option, for a performance oriented bike (if it's not already) with the features you listed in #2?
Mine are already performance bikes.

4.) What are the least pleasant things (bike wise) of your rides? (I.E. butt pain, back pain, hand fatigue, getting on/off the bike, riding position...etc)
Most of my bike have friction shifters so sometimes shifting is a pain. I've been thinking about getting a bike with Brifters but I haven't gone there yet. Also all of my brakes are older side-pull or center-pull. It's getting harder to find pads for them and I hate adjusting them.

5.) Why do you ride?
It's fun and it keeps me in shape. I feel like I'm 16 when I am on the bike. Also I build up most of the bikes I ride from old steel frames. It's as much fun in the shop as it is out on the road.

6.) Anything else you'd like to add that you feel a younger person should know about being 50+ and still being an active rider?
You'd really be surprised at how much you can do on a bike at any age. I've ridden away from people 30 years younger than me and I've had guys 15 years older than me leave me in the dust.

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Old 09-16-09, 06:28 PM
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1.) Road

2.) Riding position, gearing, weight

3.) One of my road bikes is aggressive enough, the others are more relaxed

4.) Lack of time to ride consistently (not retired yet)

5.) Fun, health, utility

6.) It sure beats the alternative
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Old 09-16-09, 07:04 PM
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1.) What kind of Bike do you ride (most often)? (Recumbent, road, Air Glide style, LandRider style...etc)

Road mostly but also a Time Trial bike

2.) Why do you ride that? What features make it the best choice?
Lightweight, overall positioning/comfort, mutes road buzz the best, can ride for long periods of time

3.) Do you feel a need, or would like the option, for a performance oriented bike (if it's not already) with the features you listed in #2?

All my bikes are performance oriented already

4.) What are the least pleasant things (bike wise) of your rides? (I.E. butt pain, back pain, hand fatigue, getting on/off the bike, riding position...etc)

Nothing in the list you mentioned, but I would like something lighter with the same performance characteristics (muted road buzz but stiff enough for pedaling efficiency). I ride frames that are 57-58

5.) Why do you ride?

Purely recreational. I ride 6000-7000 miles a year, do about 12- 100 milers, 24-30 metrics. I enjoy traveling to do organized rides to see different areas and meeting other cyclists.

6.) Anything else you'd like to add that you feel a younger person should know about being 50+ and still being an active rider?

I know a number of 50+ cyclists that continue to be very strong riders. They have just as much passion for cycling as they did years ago.
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Old 09-16-09, 07:34 PM
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I feel uncomfortable sharing these kinds of details with total strangers.

I'd be willing to tell you about my sex life though.
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Old 09-16-09, 07:44 PM
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1.) What kind of Bike do you ride (most often)? (Recumbent, road, Air Glide style, LandRider style...etc)
Recumbent

2.) Why do you ride that? What features make it the best choice?
Comfort and performance make it the best choice for me.

3.) Do you feel a need, or would like the option, for a performance oriented bike (if it's not already) with the features you listed in #2?
DNA

4.) What are the least pleasant things (bike wise) of your rides? (I.E. butt pain, back pain, hand fatigue, getting on/off the bike, riding position...etc)
Cold weather, bad roads, short days.

5.) Why do you ride?
Enjoyment and fitness.

6.) Anything else you'd like to add that you feel a younger person should know about being 50+ and still being an active rider?
Well, you condescending young snot of a questioner, it's about like being 20, 30, 40, 50 and "still" being an active rider.
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Old 09-16-09, 07:52 PM
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Originally Posted by The Weak Link
I feel uncomfortable sharing these kinds of details with total strangers.

I'd be willing to tell you about my sex life though.
Haha I can make a list of q's for that conversation if you'd like...

These answers are amazing! Every bit helps so thank you so far. And the words of wisdom are a nice treat, I wish I was older so I could socailize in this forum more frequently, it feels more welcoming (compared to general and road).

And sorry about the above, I meant "still" as in the continued passion for the sport
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Old 09-16-09, 08:59 PM
  #21  
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1-trek T1 track bike fixed gear

2-I like the way it looks,handles and rides ITS FUN

3-maybe a all cabon track bike or a custom lugged steel track frame with components of my choice

4-I wear bifocals when I ride in high traffic areas I have to hold my head up to see whats going on this causes neck pain.

5-I have ridden bicycles and motorcycles all my life its what I like to do

6-riding is more fun than sitting on the porch in a rocking chair waiting to die lol


Originally Posted by MoclovFlop
Hello All,

If you frequent other parts on the forums, you may have noticed a couple of us design student from Colorado looking to pick some brains. I posted a thread in the general section trying to get a feel for what I should look for in bike design, and thanks to a great post by one of your 60+ members (thank you Velo Dog), I've narrowed my focus.

I've done some digging, looking at the stickies and some of other things posted here in the 50+ section and now would like a little more input from you guys.

As a preface: I'm a industrial design student and our class is working with Kestrel on designing a bike. However our teacher has given us liberties so...

If you wouldn't mind answering a few questions I'd really appreciate it.

1.) What kind of Bike do you ride (most often)? (Recumbent, road, Air Glide style, LandRider style...etc)

2.) Why do you ride that? What features make it the best choice?

3.) Do you feel a need, or would like the option, for a performance oriented bike (if it's not already) with the features you listed in #2?

4.) What are the least pleasant things (bike wise) of your rides? (I.E. butt pain, back pain, hand fatigue, getting on/off the bike, riding position...etc)

5.) Why do you ride?

6.) Anything else you'd like to add that you feel a younger person should know about being 50+ and still being an active rider?


I really appreciate any feedback you can give me, and thank you for your time.

-Dan


Edit: Sorry for the Over 50 part of the Title, kind of redundant based on the sub-forum eh?
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Old 09-16-09, 09:17 PM
  #22  
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1.) What kind of Bike do you ride (most often)? (Recumbent, road, Air Glide style, LandRider style...etc)
Recumbent mostly but not exclusively, also Mtn. Comfort and road bikes.

2.) Why do you ride that? What features make it the best choice?
Recumbents are comfortable, fast, and fun. They're different, some might say odd. Cars certainly notice me and give me plenty of room. The Mtn. Bike makes a great commuter in the winter and is a lot of fun in the snow. Good on camping trips too. The Road bikes are great for a change of pace and make for a nice, fast nostolgic ride.


3.) Do you feel a need, or would like the option, for a performance oriented bike (if it's not already) with the features you listed in #2?
Many faster models out there, but I'm happy with what I have. One recumbent for commuting and use in crowded areas, and another for long road trips....both perfectly suited for those purposes.

4.) What are the least pleasant things (bike wise) of your rides? (I.E. butt pain, back pain, hand fatigue, getting on/off the bike, riding position...etc)
The end of the ride. Those other conditions don't exist on recumbents.

5.) Why do you ride?
I enjoy it...always have.

6.) Anything else you'd like to add that you feel a younger person should know about being 50+ and still being an active rider?
It's no big deal!!!

Last edited by cranky old dude; 09-16-09 at 09:28 PM.
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Old 09-16-09, 09:54 PM
  #23  
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1.) What kind of Bike do you ride (most often)? (Recumbent, road, Air Glide style, LandRider style...etc)
Lemond Buenos Aires road bike. I have 3 other bikes, which are designed for specific use - such as shopping, relaxed rides, night riding, etc.

2.) Why do you ride that? What features make it the best choice?
Responsive, speed, ease of use.

3.) Do you feel a need, or would like the option, for a performance oriented bike (if it's not already) with the features you listed in #2?
Well, I guess the Lemond might be classified as at least a modified performance bike. Depends on what you mean by performance.

4.) What are the least pleasant things (bike wise) of your rides? (I.E. butt pain, back pain, hand fatigue, getting on/off the bike, riding position...etc)
Ending the ride.


5.) Why do you ride?
I enjoy the freedom, like to see nature, like to go fast at times, time for solitude, exercise/fitness.

6.) Anything else you'd like to add that you feel a younger person should know about being 50+ and still being an active rider?
I will be 70 in 2 months.

Soapbox:

I feel it is important to have a well-rounded fitness program. I swim, walk, lift weights, bicycle and stretch - all quite regularly.

Young folks need to get into a fitness habit where they don't feel good unless they exercise.



I really appreciate any feedback you can give me, and thank you for your time.

Last edited by DnvrFox; 09-16-09 at 10:12 PM.
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Old 09-16-09, 10:06 PM
  #24  
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Originally Posted by MoclovFlop

1.) What kind of Bike do you ride (most often)? (Recumbent, road, Air Glide style, LandRider style...etc)

Currently riding a fitness/commuter/touring (I think); either a Jamis coda sport or a Trek 7.2 FX. Haven't yet decided if I like one better but lean toward the Jamis.

2.) Why do you ride that? What features make it the best choice?
the Jamis was just the most comfortable, felt "right" when I was testing bikes for long bike path and neighborhood rides. This after several years of riding a very cheap "mountain" bike instead of my old steel touring bike. It is stable, easy to ride, responsive but not twitchy, & I don't feel every little jolt. I sometimes at the end of a long ride feel like I would like to be a bit more stretched out, though, like on the tourer. The Trek has turned out to be a good fit and pretty comfortable as well but is not quite in riding shape yet.

3.) Do you feel a need, or would like the option, for a performance oriented bike (if it's not already) with the features you listed in #2?

Sometimes I fantasize about gaining enough fitness to need/want one--but not yet.

4.) What are the least pleasant things (bike wise) of your rides? (I.E. butt pain, back pain, hand fatigue, getting on/off the bike, riding position...etc)

My shoulders & neck get fatigued, which leads to pain from an old injury, and my hands get tired also. I also stand to avert/relieve fatigue in the buttocks. I am not sure that I have the bike quite dialed in either, but it is close.

5.) Why do you ride?

I like the feelings of a long ride out in the sun & wind; it is cross-training for my running; I get a real sense of accomplishment too.

6.) Anything else you'd like to add that you feel a younger person should know about being 50+ and still being an active rider?

I'm only 30 inside, even though the outside regularly tries to convince me otherwise.

I am not the same rider that I was at age 30, sad to say, because I let it go for so long.
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Old 09-17-09, 06:23 AM
  #25  
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1.) What kind of Bike do you ride (most often)? (Recumbent, road, Air Glide style, LandRider style...etc)
My wife and I both ride fairly high end cyclocross bikes.

2.) Why do you ride that? What features make it the best choice?
It is sort of a "do all" bike. The wider tires (32C) are good on roads and trails. It has high end components like a road bike but a somewhat more relaxed geometry. We have racks for light touring and I like to carry everything but the kitchen sink on routine rides anyway. The wider tires are easy to change by hand when I get a flat.

3.) Do you feel a need, or would like the option, for a performance oriented bike (if it's not already) with the features you listed in #2?
It is pretty performance oriented already. What I really want is a folder that folds into a very compact package for travel (like a Brompton), unfolds in 20 seconds, and is good for 40+ mile rides on roads and trails (Bike Friday). Design that and I will be happy


4.) What are the least pleasant things (bike wise) of your rides? (I.E. butt pain, back pain, hand fatigue, getting on/off the bike, riding position...etc)
A little butt pain now and then.

5.) Why do you ride?
Fun and fitness. I started seriously riding at age 58. Before that I rode about 200 miles a year.

6.) Anything else you'd like to add that you feel a younger person should know about being 50+ and still being an active rider?
Many of the 50+ riders I know who started late (including myself) are better fit than we were 20 years ago. Those that started early are in even better shape. Start early kids and mix it up with other activities including weights. Also live below your means and save a ton of $ so you can retire at a reasonable age and ride
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