roadnsnh

Hello All,

I have been thinking about what I'll be riding in my 70's (now 65). Right now it is a Specialize Allez A1 Sport. As the reflexes, etc., slow, should I consider a touring bike, which would be less twitchy? Should I go for a recumbent, which would decrease the falling distance? I'd especially like to hear from those who have gone through this stage of cycling. If there are any who have quit, but still follow this forum, I would like to hear from you too.

Thanks.

Leland

bernmart

No offense, but you're assuming things will happen to you as you age that may not, or which can be compensated for. The oldest guy in my riding group (84) rides a Litespeed Tuscany--and he rides it like hell. I'm a year older than you, and I make only those concessions to age that are forced upon me, by illness and bad luck. Having never been well-coordinated or naturally athletic, I've noticed little decline in what I can do, provided I work at it.

So maybe you'll still be riding your Allez at 75!

Velo Dog

I'm far too young (60) to have any personal experience, of course.... But my dad, who died last year at 83, rode pretty regularly until he was 79. At that point he developed prostate cancer, which kept him off the bike during the initial treatment. He intended to start again, but then went through a long middle ear infection (not related to the cancer or treatment) that screwed up his balance.
The point, though, is that until his terminal illness, he was able to ride comfortably, so the things you (and I) are worried about may not happen to us.
If you do look for a new bike, you might consider something like a Rivendell Rambouillet or Atlantis (www.rivbike.com). I have one of each (got the Atlantis new, then scored a great deal on a used Rambo). They both have room for big tires (at least 700x38), which makes them pretty stable, yet you can swap for skinnier ones and go as fast as you want. I weigh 240, and I use 700x35s on the Atlantis, usually 28s on the Rambouillet. Works great.

lookinUp

I ride with a 74 year old lady who just bought a new Trek 1000! I see on the roads an 86 year old man named Bob who has three different bikes - 2 road bikes and a hybrid - and swaps them out depending on how he's feeling.

Old Age is 'partly' a state of mind!

late

Maybe a Thorn XTC with the short top tube option and inline brake levers.
https://www.sjscycles.com/thornwebsite/xtc.html

stapfam

I ride aggressively on a Mountain Bike at 58. I cannot imagine being able to not ride aggresively, but I know the time will come when the body will not be able to take the knocks that I currently get. What I will do then I do not know, but one thing for sure- I will still be riding.

One thing I have noticed though is that I have had to adapt the bike, and my riding style to my aging body, Better saddles, Riser bars and wider bars, and even on the Tandem I have had to concede to a couple of comfort measures. It may be nature telling me that I ought to take it a bit easier, but by modifying the bike, I am still able to do the distance rides that I prefer, and do them easier, faster, and with less recovery time afterwards.

Make concessions to comfort as we age- probably, but they will still keep me riding for as long as possible.

DnvrFox

I don't plan on giving in easily.

Why plan now for thing that may never happen (also 65, and never given your question a thought)?