Bike Forums - Fifty Plus (50+) https://www.bikeforums.net/ Share the victories, challenges, successes and special concerns of bicyclists 50 and older. Especially useful for those entering or reentering bicycling. en Sat, 09 May 2026 04:23:16 GMT vBulletin 60 https://www.bikeforums.net/images/misc/rss.jpg Bike Forums - Fifty Plus (50+) https://www.bikeforums.net/ As an older guy trying to save his butt, what are some of the best https://www.bikeforums.net/fifty-plus-50/1320609-older-guy-trying-save-his-butt-what-some-best.html Fri, 08 May 2026 15:06:15 GMT bibs out there, not just brands but which bibs within a brand do you like?

I have some older riding gear but want to buy a few pairs of nice bibs but I’ve been out of the sport for a while so I’m not sure what’s hot these days. I don’t mind the cost, I just don’t want to have to buy twice so I’ll pay for good bibs. Something that will be comfortable for around 50 mile rides. ]]> Fifty Plus (50+) MulliganAl https://www.bikeforums.net/fifty-plus-50/1320609-older-guy-trying-save-his-butt-what-some-best.html How many summers do you have left? https://www.bikeforums.net/fifty-plus-50/1320433-how-many-summers-do-you-have-left.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 18:38:03 GMT As spring hangs on here in the Northeast, I am looking forward to summer. As I think about what I want to do this year - on a bike and otherwise - I go back to this video I watched last year: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlOtj3I0W0s I have decided this year - at least for riding - will be... As spring hangs on here in the Northeast, I am looking forward to summer. As I think about what I want to do this year - on a bike and otherwise - I go back to this video I watched last year:


I have decided this year - at least for riding - will be the Summer of Fun. I will not be so concerned about how many miles I ride or how fast I go (although I do enjoy longer rides at what I consider a decent pace). This year will be more about exploring places I haven't been and areas that pique my curiosity. Maybe I'll stop and actually read that historical marker I've been by dozens of times before. Maybe I'll take more pictures. Maybe I'll find a quiet brook along a country road, stop, and throw my feet in while having a snack. After riding primarily road bikes, then adding a gravel bike to the rotation, I completely overhauled a proper XC MTB over the winter (late teens Trek Marlin - was a 3x8, made it a tubeless 2x9) so I'll have some fun with that also.

None of us really know how many summers we have left in life - so take advantage of them while you can.
]]> Fifty Plus (50+) HMJ https://www.bikeforums.net/fifty-plus-50/1320433-how-many-summers-do-you-have-left.html Thats kind of far https://www.bikeforums.net/fifty-plus-50/1320337-thats-kind-far.html Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:42:40 GMT As I approach my 70th birthday, I have been feeling kind of bad about getting older fatter and slower. Still riding about 5000 miles a year, and good lord willing and the creek don't rise I think 6000 is well in sight for this year. But I am for sure a lot slower and fatter than in my bike prime. And this feels bad on occasion. So today, at the mid-point of a 50-mile ride, I stopped at a coffee kiosk to have a Mocha and a break. The 20ish barista asked where i was from and told her I was halfway through a 50-miles ride. She gave me one of those looks and said "that's kind of far" Told her that's mid-range for me, and I have been riding like this since I was 15/16 years old. and I thought about this some, and realized that even slower than i was its still Kind of far. My now mantra! ]]> Fifty Plus (50+) howsteepisit https://www.bikeforums.net/fifty-plus-50/1320337-thats-kind-far.html New England cold. https://www.bikeforums.net/fifty-plus-50/1320320-new-england-cold.html Sat, 25 Apr 2026 15:14:53 GMT Today I will wear leggings over my bib shorts, long gloves, shoe covers, and a ski vest over my winter riding jacket with a long sleeved shirt underneath. I will pull my headband down over my ears under my helmet. I am going to try to get 30 miles in today. The wind is not too bad today and it is... Today I will wear leggings over my bib shorts, long gloves, shoe covers, and a ski vest over my winter riding jacket with a long sleeved shirt underneath. I will pull my headband down over my ears under my helmet. I am going to try to get 30 miles in today. The wind is not too bad today and it is from a favorable direction. The temperature wil top out in the mid fifities. My average speed is unimportant. It seems to take forever for spring to warm up here. At 79 I like to get out as soon as the snow is gone. I have seen one group out there this year but they were going in the opposite direction. I avoid the groups now because you never know what to expect. Happy riding and peddle in circles not squares. ]]> Fifty Plus (50+) Ray9 https://www.bikeforums.net/fifty-plus-50/1320320-new-england-cold.html 60 plus, exercise hard and i just got a Coronary calcium scan over 400 https://www.bikeforums.net/fifty-plus-50/1320216-60-plus-exercise-hard-i-just-got-coronary-calcium-scan-over-400-a.html Tue, 21 Apr 2026 23:42:39 GMT I'm 60 plus. I thought I was fit for my age. Never had cholesterol issues. Over the weekend I did two rigorous bike rides of 25 miles at maybe 17 mph.
I do cardio everyday on the elliptical or stair stepper and I lift weights.

Went and had a coronary calcium scan done Sunday. Thought my score would be low.
Find out this morning my score was way way over 400 !
Suddenly went from feeling indestructible to fragile.

I'm just starting to process this. For the moment, I'm frozen in time. So I went into work today. I was afraid to take the stairs at work with my 25 pound backpack. .
but I did...and by habit I went to the gym at lunch and did the elliptical.
Going to the Doctor tomorrow. Any advice? ]]> Fifty Plus (50+) AJW2W11E https://www.bikeforums.net/fifty-plus-50/1320216-60-plus-exercise-hard-i-just-got-coronary-calcium-scan-over-400-a.html What it takes to keep riding https://www.bikeforums.net/fifty-plus-50/1320185-what-takes-keep-riding.html Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:16:50 GMT Sadly, I finally had to give up riding my Cannondale road bike. My urologist told me that either I get off the bike saddle (I tried almost all of them) or I would continue having problems with the prostate- my body, my choice. I was in no way going to give up riding, but I also did not like the... Sadly, I finally had to give up riding my Cannondale road bike. My urologist told me that either I get off the bike saddle (I tried almost all of them) or I would continue having problems with the prostate- my body, my choice. I was in no way going to give up riding, but I also did not like the idea of continuing problems with the prostate thing. S-o-o-o, I decided to hold my nose and try a recumbent trike. Never thought that I would go that route, but here I am. If I want to continue riding, I don't see that there is another choice. BUT to be totally honest, I find that it isn't as bad as I thought it would be. I have always kinda looked down on trike riders as not REAL bikers, but I am finding that I am really enjoying riding once again. It is ALL legs, that's for sure. Very different, but different in a good way I will have to admit. So fellow old gizzers who are out there - keep an open mind to do what you have to do to keep riding. ]]> Fifty Plus (50+) Irishred https://www.bikeforums.net/fifty-plus-50/1320185-what-takes-keep-riding.html Beginner Bike For Old Man https://www.bikeforums.net/fifty-plus-50/1320184-beginner-bike-old-man.html Mon, 20 Apr 2026 23:59:08 GMT This is a "which bike" question so maybe I should ask it in a different forum, but I think you need some age to understand the question completely.

I used to ride about 120 miles a week on a road bike, and I had a mountain bike also. I also had a few other types like comfort, hybrid, and maybe more. I am 77 now and about to buy a new bike. I won't bore you with the details but I went through a series of health issues and have not ridden for the last two years. I am ready to ride again but not on my current Trek Verve 2. I can ride it OK, but I can't get on or off safely due to a variety of leg and hip problems. I am going to trade in my Trek on a new bike, but I no longer am current on the latest makes, models and features of bikes.

I will be riding less than 10 miles a day and it will be at a slow pace. I know I need a small step thru bike and hope to find one in a color not blatantly girly, but the truth is I need a little girl bike. I have no desire to spend a lot of money on a bike that will see such limited use. I have been looking online and identified a few bikes that might do the trick for me. I would greatly appreciate any comments any of you may have on any of these bikes. They are:
1. Jamis Citizen
2. Jamis Allegro A3
3. Jamis Boss Cruiser 7
4. Sun Retro CB
5. Any other bike you might recommend.

Thank you for any help on this. ]]> Fifty Plus (50+) spinconn https://www.bikeforums.net/fifty-plus-50/1320184-beginner-bike-old-man.html Is there a time later in life to back off? https://www.bikeforums.net/fifty-plus-50/1320141-there-time-later-life-back-off.html Sun, 19 Apr 2026 15:40:38 GMT At 65 years old, having been doing this physical fitness/endurance/cardio stuff since I was 15 year old — running, cycling, and swimming. I’m not slowing down. Well…I’m “slowing down” due to age, but I’m still getting out there just as frequently as ever, and doing as much, or more, mileage.... At 65 years old, having been doing this physical fitness/endurance/cardio stuff since I was 15 year old — running, cycling, and swimming. I’m not slowing down. Well…I’m “slowing down” due to age, but I’m still getting out there just as frequently as ever, and doing as much, or more, mileage. Whatever…I still push as hard as I always have but I’m just much slower than I was.

A couple months ago, a friend from my open water swimming group passed away from a heart attack unexpectedly while skiing. He was only 57 years old. For me, at 65, it was concerning. He was in otherwise great physical condition. No health issues that I ever knew about. But…I only knew him from open water swimming. He was ‘only’ a swimmer, but swam almost daily. In 2019 and 2020, he and I trained for, and participated in a couple of open water marathon swims events of seven miles. After that, I went back to more pedestrian swims of 2-3 miles at a time. He however, continued training for longer swims, and eventually did several swims of 15 miles. Now, whenever I’m ‘out there’…on the bike, running, or swimming…I constantly think about his passing, and what brought it on. And it makes me wonder if it’s time for me to back off. It’d be hard for sure…I love being ‘out there.’ I know it’s been beneficial to my health. But after a lifetime of pushing myself with cardio activity…I wonder if there’s a point at which I (we) should begin to back off.

Dan
]]> Fifty Plus (50+) _ForceD_ https://www.bikeforums.net/fifty-plus-50/1320141-there-time-later-life-back-off.html AI suggested zinc oxide for saddle sores. https://www.bikeforums.net/fifty-plus-50/1320131-ai-suggested-zinc-oxide-saddle-sores.html Sun, 19 Apr 2026 01:35:36 GMT I'm 79. I have been riding since 1983. I now use AI for questions I have. I asked AI what the pros do about saddle sores. I have one spot that is always tender. AI suggested something and I tried it. Not bike measurements, seat height or anything like that. I long ago figured that stuff out. I use Body Glide for Butt butter and that works well but I ride 300 plus miles a week in the summer and I still get a little sore down there. I told AI that I get right in the shower after I ride and sometimes use a little hydrocortizone on the spot. AI said to nix the cortizone and try zinc oxide. I tried it and the spot is nearly gone. I really like AI. I am not writing this for medical advice or to start an argument. ]]> Fifty Plus (50+) Ray9 https://www.bikeforums.net/fifty-plus-50/1320131-ai-suggested-zinc-oxide-saddle-sores.html Moment of the day https://www.bikeforums.net/fifty-plus-50/1320056-moment-day.html Thu, 16 Apr 2026 13:58:08 GMT Three years ago, while riding across the Indian River Inlet Bridge, DE, I saw an old guy walking up the north side of the bridge using a walker I stopped and talked to the gentleman, he was 92 years of age, and, I took a picture of him and posted it on BF. Today, I had a recurrence of the same... Three years ago, while riding across the Indian River Inlet Bridge, DE, I saw an old guy walking up the north side of the bridge using a walker
I stopped and talked to the gentleman, he was 92 years of age, and, I took a picture of him and posted it on BF.
Today, I had a recurrence of the same event. I saw the guy walking up the walkway using a walker, and knew it was the same fellow. I stopped and talked to him again, his 95th birthday was yesterday.
He is still walking, I am still riding, my moment of the day, for sure. ]]> Fifty Plus (50+) delbiker1 https://www.bikeforums.net/fifty-plus-50/1320056-moment-day.html Not many helmets to go https://www.bikeforums.net/fifty-plus-50/1319922-not-many-helmets-go.html Fri, 10 Apr 2026 23:46:24 GMT I've been holding on to a helmet for 10-15 yrs that I've loved. I know, should replace every 3-5 yrs but just don't buy into that, never fell or landed on it. Finally time to give it up.
I've a bad neck so lightweight is important. I'd like something I can wear for 3-5 hrs without feeling neck pain. I also sweat quite a bit so ventilation is important, especially now that I wear a skull cap. I've a big noggin that ,unfortunately , does not translate to brainpower so I'm looking for advice. I tried to replace my helmet a few yrs back and found that large or xl is subjective, Love the Smith helmets but their large is insufficient for a 7 5/8th-3/4 head. I did buy a MIPs type a few yrs back that fit but was just too large and too heavy, now use it when I take my little motor scooter out but can't cycle with it.
I don't mind spending money given that I get a lot of mileage out of my helmets and should I crash a decent one will be worth what I paid, At 73 yrs old, this could be my last helmet. Any suggestions? I've looked at some pricey ones that are attractive, just looking to eliminate the buy/send back thing.
Thanks so much. ]]> Fifty Plus (50+) Champlaincycler https://www.bikeforums.net/fifty-plus-50/1319922-not-many-helmets-go.html Lol- the hits just keep coming https://www.bikeforums.net/fifty-plus-50/1319899-lol-hits-just-keep-coming.html Fri, 10 Apr 2026 03:33:18 GMT I rode today for the first time in at least a couple of weeks. I went for a yearly low dose CT since I used to smoke and the results this time mentioned a thoracic ascending aorta aneurysm. Doc sent me for a better CT and it confirmed a 4.6cm x 4.0cm aneurysm. He says right now it’s stable... I rode today for the first time in at least a couple of weeks.
I went for a yearly low dose CT since I used to smoke and the results this time mentioned a thoracic ascending aorta aneurysm.
Doc sent me for a better CT and it confirmed a 4.6cm x 4.0cm aneurysm.
He says right now it’s stable and I will be getting a CT every 3 months to see if it’s growing and how fast.
The good news is I have no restrictions. When I said I was afraid it would pop while climbing on my bike he laughed and said no, it won’t do that.
After a short 6 mile ride my legs are letting me know I haven’t ridden in a while.
I feel good though. ]]> Fifty Plus (50+) pepperbelly https://www.bikeforums.net/fifty-plus-50/1319899-lol-hits-just-keep-coming.html