Originally Posted by
MulliganAl
Thanks for the feedback Richard.
I got a different feeling from this young guy because I met him when he was getting ready for a late night ride with a group or riders that actually had a number of guys in it that were in their mid 50s (very good riders though). I have always loved speed, hence my 100mm speed inline skates that I currently skate on, so I think I'd be bored if I purchase a bike that didn't offer a certain degree of speed.
Perhaps I'll talk with him then find a way to talk with the guys in this late night group that are in their 50s; they would definately understand the body changes we deal with over time and would ultimately be a better source of information.
One thing we are all forgetting is that you have a level of fitness already. Not BIKE fitness admittedly but at least you shouldn't be worrying about possible serious Heart- Lung- Leg problems, Unless you go completely mad on your first trips out. Then there is the fact that you do have some serious money to put down on a bike.
P.S- another important fact is what is your favourite colour- do you have a Back problem and what is Pie? Come back with the answers to these basics and and you might get a friendlier Welcome. Till then - Hello.
I also feel that you have enough sense to talk to people-- To several people-- to find out what they will suggest. First of all you have to find that LBS (Local bike shop) The local group can put you onto this hopefully. That LBS should be able to get the bike fit correct - but I can assure you that if you try a variety of bikes- You will know where the fit is going. Also try a couple of shops to try a wider variety of bikes.
Only you can tell what is right- but a few makes to check out Giant- Trek- Specialised. They make good bikes. So do Pinarrelo-BMC-Boreas- and a lot of other names that you may not have heard of. Stick initially with the BIG commercial names. And remember- as said by others- The first bike you get will only be to help you in your choice for your second bike. (And the 3rd, the 4th. and so on)