"I still feel that variable gears are only for people over forty-five. Isn't it better to triumph by the strength of your muscles than by the artifice of a derailleur? We are getting soft...As for me, give me a fixed gear!" (L'Équipe article of 1902)."

This quote made over 100 years ago is the basis for the header of this forum, and harkens to the days when all bikes were single / fixed. The derailleur was introduced at that time and it was several decades before it was permitted in road racing. The TDF was ridden on FG bikes until much later on. The average life span has increased significantly since then, and today there are elite athletes who are well into their 40's. So those of you now turning 45 are in the prime of your life and can look forward to many decades of SSFG enjoyment.