I stopped riding in the 80's when my back went bad. I had a bike with an 'upright' riding position. At some point I found I could ride a stationary bike at the Y without ill effects if I could ride leaning forward, like a proper biker. So in 2006 if bought first a mtn bike, then a few months later a Specialized Allez road bike (low-end price range of that model). I am now 75 years old. So that's my history.
When I returned to biking I immediately found I could NOT ride 'no-hands' any more. When I was 12 it was natural as breathing. At first I thought it must be bike geometry, but no, it's me. (btw I have advanced stenosis, nerves scrunched up)
Like most of us I can't turn my head enough to look thru my glasses and evaluate traffic. Therefore I ride bike path almost entirely.
Recently I started riding with a guy I met on the path. About 20 years younger, he can turn his head like a damn owl! I noticed that he swivels his whole upper body when he 'looks'. When I try this, the bike wavers and I feel UNSAFE immediately.
So, my question, finally: how many of you old farts can still ride no-hands? Can you turn your upper body (while not peddling, sitting upright as possible, one hand on the bars), look back and not crash?