Bill (qcpmsame) asked to be banned. I sent him an email the day after he was banned. He told me, "I don’t mind emails and such, just didn’t need the distraction of any forums now. No issues with anyone there."
You can send him an email if you have it or I can ask him if he'd welcome emails from the "old timers".
He's also kind of active on a cycling FB group. Can't mention it here or I'll be in trouble.

OK, thanks.
Glad he's on a FB cycling group.
I don't need an email.

Thank you ...enjoy reading threads....nice to share a interest in cycling....all the best for us semi old timers..

I received an email from Bill (qcpmsame) this morning. He'd welcome emails and FB contacts for those who want to get in touch with him. If you want his email address or FB info send me a PM.

Welcome....same here ,I also get out 3 or 4 days..I think if you want a new bike you should get one...we are 70 and enjoy riding...that is not a bad thing...Raleigh are

That means I've got about a year before replacing my '15 model... which is good as I definitely want to see what's available in '19 before dropping ~$2K on a replacement . I'm thinking maybe CF next time and probably disk brakes so the frame accommodates at least 28s. I don't mind compact cranks but I would appreciate a lower gear on my next bike.

At 72 that's why I currently have a compact double with a 12/34 cassette and disk brakes with 32's. The bike also has flat bars and a slightly more upright position that the last few that I built. I don't put in the miles that I used to but I still get around and a proper fit for old backs is really nice.

Its only money. Buy what feels good to you. I'm 73 and that's what I've done with the last 2 bikes I've bought (2015 and 2018).
Back roads and pavement sounds like you're wanting a cyclocross or gravel bike. You can't take your money with you so buy the bike need or want. Then ride it like you stole it.

I recently searched for a replacement for my Specialized Crossroads. It served me well with some shorter pavement rides, but mostly trail riding (nothing too technical). My biggest complaint was the rim brakes. With riding gravel, cinder and forest roads the brake pads quickly became ineffective due to grime that accumulated. However, finding a hybrid type bike with disc brakes and upright bars, I was stymied. My LBS came to the rescue and suggested a Rockhopper. While I had been looking at the Ariel, I wasn't impressed with the components, especially the suspension. Never did a Mt bike cross my mind. But, wait a minute . . . . 2.3"/2.1" tires on pavement didn't sound appealing at all. But, I really liked the ride, even with the knobby Ground Control tread.

Finally, I decided I liked the RH and felt it was a better value for $115 more than the Ariel, it has better components (IMO). LBS suggested I ride it with the stock tires, then come back and discuss on road/off road options. I did a 20 mile ride on strictly pavement, but mostly flat and found the tires were no more hard to pedal than my Crossroads 700x45s, but they were terribly noisy. They did, however, give me a lot more confidence off-road with much more control than my hybrid.

Now what to do about longer pavement rides. We plan to participate in several paved 25-40 mi organized rides (Tour d Fronds - Powers, Oregon being one.) LBS again suggested a Gravel King 43mm. I want the ease of pedaling on pavement but also the ability to handle fitness riding on our property's rock/gravel roads. The GK seem to be just right - I rode a 25 mi paved charity ride, with some hills, a few weeks ago and they allow me to ride our rock roads, though not as well as the Ground Control. I have a biking son who says it is not hard to change tires and that I need to learn this if I'm going to be riding far. However, if I find we do more off-road riding, I just might invest in another set of wheels.
Back to the OP: I don't know if you are looking for drop or flat bars, but for less than $2,000 I have a nice gravel bike that will also handle pavement and trails. Yes, it does neither well (unless I use the bigger tires), but it makes me happy

This Saturday I am riding the Tour d Fronds for the first time. My son and DIL have done this ride for several years. One time he rode his singlespeed; another they rode tandem. The last two years they have pulled two children in a trailer. This year the older (4 yrs) is riding a tag along and the 2 year old still in the trailer. 30 miles total ride should be fun. Plan to get an early start because the weather forecast is saying 78 degrees by afternoon.

Tour d Fronds Daphne Grove


2016 Ride with toddler in the trailer and baby riding with Mom, in utero

Awesome. What bike did you get? Got pics?

I m 68, recently retired, and trying to extend my rides- both speed and distance. Progress is happening but not very fast. Currently average 13-14 MPH and have upped distance to 30 miles. Guy i ride with is bigger than me - and also accelerates a lot faster than i do. Should I be working on cardio? or strength training? Can i do both at once?


Len

Len-
We have nearly identical situations and age. And riding in serious hill country IS BOTH cardio and strength training. And I have to have two days to recover from a thirty mile ride.

Both at once? Find a gear and a cadence that is comfortable for you - then shift up a gear and keep the cadence the same... Works for me.
Brent

… let some air out of the guy's tires?

It's nice to know, I'm not nuts! I'm glad that at 71 (getting close to 72) that my regained interested in cycling is not that unusual. Where did I read recently that someone wrote: cycling is the new golf? I don't know about that, but I tried tennis last summer and got really bored with it. So, I'm back on a bike after a very long hiatus. I'd forgotten how much fun riding is and adding in the health benefits makes it, even more, a no-brainer if you're in fairly good shape. I've only cycled for a few weeks so I'm taking it easy as I regain long forgotten and dormant skills.

Really glad you shared that last part- I have been concerned that, after a 30+ ride, I am wiped out the next day . I have been doing a spin class to work on endurance and power- I am more willing to put it all out in a controlled environment rather than 20 miles from home... I hate to think I need to accept I am getting older.

Len

Just turned 69 years old yesterday and need help finding a new bike (and probably posting a thread?!) I LOVE riding & want to continue but my needs are changing

Got a Trek Verve 2 ... very heavy bike and need something much lighter to take me into my 70's since I need to lift the bike into my car or down stairs in my house.

Looking for:

Step thru bike

Carbon or VERY light material

Disc brakes

Bike I can ride on both trails and roads


I'm a fairly small woman so will need either a Small or XS -- 5' 2" 135 lbs

Have tried local bike shop but they honestly told me they don't have what I need

Any ideas or suggestions would be very appreciated

I'm new to this but How do I join the 65-85 group? Tried posting a new question but not sure it went through so guessing I missed a step (?)
Thanks for your patience...