Originally Posted by
cobolman
…I’m 67 and have been riding about two months. The bike is a Schwinn Frontier which I bought fifteen or more years ago. …I retired last year and for the life of me I don’t know why I didn’t start riding then… but I need something that is better suited for longer rides...
As on older rider I’m quite surprised at the progress that I have made. I never thought that I’d get up to a 20 mile ride in this short period of time. Like most sedentary people who sat at the desk for the last 30 years I’ve put on weight…Biking allows me to get my heart rate up without wrecking my body…
Right now I’m trying to figure out what model bike that I should buy after I’ve put some more money aside. There are so many choices. I want a road bike which will also be good for one day tours. My budget will be in $1000 $1200 range…
Originally Posted by
Dan Burkhart
Welcome. As you are finding, being older does not mean you can't improve your fitness and endurance.
$1,000 to $1,200 should get you into a really decent bike, probably with a Sora or Tiagra group set. Nothing at all wrong with those.
Find a good shop where they will take the time to ensure a good fit, and back the bike up with service, and the name on the head badge won't matter a whole lot.
Originally Posted by
DnvrFox
,,,Find a great LBS, not a great bike. A great LBS will steer you to a great bike that meets your needs - size wise, fit wise and otherwise. Not all LBS's are great, so shop around until you find someone knowledgeable and who asks about and listens to the type of bicycling you like to do, or think you would like to do. In my experience, many smaller shops fill that bill. But, some larger shops do also.
Again, welcome - and -
I've got about 7 years on you, so don't pull the "I am old" routine 
- and I don't think you will.
Dittoes to the other greetings. I’m lucky that I found a cycling lifestyle in circa 1973, and though it may have waned a bit, I never lost it, and it’s now stronger than ever.
I have a
fabulous LBS I have used for about 30 years, and they know me well. In 2013, I had the difficult task of buying a new road bike after my beloved steel Bridgestone RB-1 was totaled in a serious accident that kept me from cycling for five months. I decided to see if those carbon fiber bikes were worth the premium price.
I went in planning to spend about $2000 and tried a couple. The store manager who is a racer and experienced bike fitter said here’s the bike you want:
Originally Posted by
Jim from Boston
…My trusted mechanic said here’s the bike you want, knowing my riding style. Well the MSRP was $8000, but he got it for me at half off.
Now, considering the attitude most non- or occasional cyclists towards bicycles and prices, I’m frankly somewhat embarrassed to admit to paying so much, sounding like some over-the-top conspicuous consumption. Personally, I can afford it, and it was an offer I could not refuse. Cycling is that important to me and I’m fortunate to be able to continue the lifestyle, so that puts it in perspective for me.
I’m not that conversant with the technical specifics, nor may anyone asking the price, so the price becomes a common reference to tell what a fine piece of machinery it is…
Originally Posted by
Jim from Boston
I once read this description of a "nice" bike,
"Lighter than a f@rt, and more expensive than a divorce." 
So I paid twice what I wanted at half off---such a deal! That bike is so unbelievable that now I crave riding it. Considering that much (most) of my cycling life is behind me, riding that bike is a perfect way to make every day count, to
“Carpe Diem.” 