I doubt Swift says this because, pretty sure that leg bend of more than 100° is required, even for a tall rider using shorter 165s (more like 110° to 120°)...

'...says Swift, “Research has shown that 70 degrees is the maximum extension you should have when you pedal, and more than that, you’re putting a lot of external force on the knee joint, which can lead to injury or discomfort.”'
https://www.bicycling.com/racing/a62...ng-crank-arms/

It's possible to ride a bike with knee flexion of less than, e.g., 90° but, a crank length of even less than 145 may be required. That can be accomplished with crank shorteners, but those devices usually increase the Q factor (although, I've never noticed that to be much of an issue).

Just ordered one of these at my LBS:

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/cr...ext=91425-3149

It’s a 1 x 12 gravel bike that could end up being the only bike I ever need. It’s very light so performs like my road bike, but accepts very wide tires, so I can ride it anywhere like my hybrid fitness bike. Gearing range is 25 to 110 gear inches, so can climb anything but also go plenty fast. It’s on backorder, so won’t receive it until late January next year. :)

Great choice! I absolutely LOVE my gravel bike. I ride it everywhere except vintage rides and “racing group” rides (I get weird responses when I ride it in a peloton).

It’s every bit as fast as my best road bikes and a plush ride!

The SRAM drivetrain is fantastic!

Enjoy!

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...81729c9b6.jpeg
Specialized Crux Expert gravel bike

My Specialized Crux Expert gravel bike arrived early, and I’ve had a chance to ride it a few times on smooth and rough pavement, but not yet on gravel or dirt. It is surprisingly easy rolling on pavement and doesn’t feel heavy or sluggish at all. In fact, it only weighs 1.7 lbs more than my Trek Emonda SLR7 road bike. One pleasant surprise is that it has mounts for three water bottle cages, and there’s clearance on all three for extra large water bottles. So, I should be able to take long rides without having to wear a CamelBak. The gearing is 1 x 12 with a 40T chainring and a 10-44T cassette that provides a 25-110 gear inches range with a 700x38c rear tire. It comes stock with a 700x38c hybrid tire that is suitable for all surfaces, but has clearance for up to 700x47c tires. I find the flared drop bars particularly comfortable, and can see myself riding for many miles at a time on the drops. This is my first experience with SRAM electronic shifting, and I’m very impressed. It is smooth, precise and very quiet. Overall, I’m very pleased, and I can see this becoming my main bike.

Not criticizing you choice but interesting that there are no attachment points on the fork...
Sweet ride; something to which I will aspire to.

If you mean mounting points for low rider pannier racks, then no it doesn’t have them. It’s a gravel “racing” bike rather than a touring bike, although I won’t be racing it. OTOH, my Specialized Sirrus X hybrid fitness bike does have a plethora of mounts for fenders and racks. But it’s a lot heavier than the new gravel bike and the upright riding position is brutal into the wind.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f9483f962.jpeg
Specialized Sirrus X 5.0 hybrid fitness bike

I'd agree...

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...141a124ac1.png
...my sport, entertainment, hobby, satisfying recurring event, therapeutic...


https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/...im/ar-AA1vpab0

I'm finding that 40*s and cloudy and damp and traffic - are killing my desire to ride with any regularity. Got the clothes and a couple of fendered rides, but,...

Maybe my soul has turned cold?

Same here as far as lower temps. Each advancing year my threshold ticks up a few degrees. I have the gear to stay warm riding, but the idea just isn’t appealing. On the other hand I’m fine with Nordic skiing and snowshoeing. As much as I miss riding sometimes, I think the break winter provides is good and gets me up to other things.

20s with a 15 mph wind blew me into the gym for a 12 mile stationary ride and some strength training and stretching. I can deal with the high 30s with some wind but anything less is off the table, also petrified of black ice with two new knees recently. YMMV

Patriot Ledger - boy, that brings back memories of living back in Quincy when I was growing up.

60-year-old here once again saying thanks for this thread. I like to learn from you all to be prepared.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...534fe9a0de.png
That'll be a tailwind for me... last half of ride later today. Usually out of the West/Northwest in my area. Temp estimated to warm up to about 61° at that time (wool-weather).

This month finishes 20 years on BikeForums.
Not much has changed on the Forums.
Not too much (unusual) has changed with me.
Lost a few pounds, got uglier, and slower on the bike.
Don't ride as much in colder months, ... or the warmer ones either.
The brifter bikes are the same, the C&V all different now.

I've enjoyed it. Roll On! With vigor.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...1c6cc82cf4.jpg
the pic is only about 15 years past. Day 6 of a 6 day trip across Washington state

Hot damn! After a series of heart troubles which started in October '22, went out on our tandem, did 21 miles and 1200'. I took the kinks out of the ride posted for what was our usual group Sunday ride, 34 miles and 2100', but we did all the significant climbs. This was huge for us. Finally back at it and a good start. Hopefully we can keep at it. Had a beer and some great Mexican with the group after the ride and toasted another Perfect Ride™.

Was talking to one of my cardiologists the other day. He said, "I don't know how you do it. I have a trainer at home but I get on and after 15' my legs hurt so bad I can't continue." He's only in his 60s. I'll have to have a serious talk with that boy.

That's awesome! Congrats!!

On a similar note, my cardiologist's office called and suggested another stress test. I asked my GP about it (who knows my cycling details) and she laughed and said: "You do a stress test 2-3 times a week".

Also good to hear- 'ya sometimes wonder 'bout some random pain in the chest and think, whoa... is this it?

No, you'll know. It's quick. Seen it. That said, I've had a minor one which felt like malaise, just didn't feel good, short of breath. About 20 hours later was able to get a stent. I just felt like crap and nothing helped. In the ER they take some blood and look for a chemical which is only present when blood has been cut off for a bit of your heart, certain diagnosis of a heart attack..

By any chance do you remember bicycle revival or something like that on the back side of Main Street down the other end where sears or Jordan's was. I can't remember I know way latter the DMV went in there. I bought My first real bike a Bianchi, in 72 or 73. Child World was at the other end.

I do remember a shop there, can't recall the name. Child World was like the local version of Toys'R'Us. So many of the stores in downtown are just memories now. No more hot dogs at the Woolworths lunch counter. This time of year my parents would always bring us to the window displays in Remick's. It's been a few years since I was back in the area - had to clean out my Mom's house after she passed - and I almost got lost with all the new roads that were put in.

Yeah... had (having) about every chemical I think they throw at a heart these days but it's my right knee that's been trying to kill me for the last 50 years and now between the two (knees) it's my best?! Hooray for modern medicine!

Memories. I grew up in Milton. My dad was in Milton politics so we got the Milton Transcript, not the Ledger. My grand dad had and my brother has Quincy as first and middle names. A house built in 1630 got uprooted by the Southeast Expressway and they moved to be almost our neighbor. (Shuttered windows that could serve as arrow-proof gunports. Never needed.)

Since no one has posted this thread in 2025…..
 

Here’s a pic of the Big bike plans I have upcoming; even tho somewhat of a shadow of my former self, athletically speaking.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f2e5de621.jpeg

I was able to get out at 2:15 pm (waiting for the temp to get warmer before heading out) for a 15 mile ride today. I was on new to me areas and route due to looking for the Duke energy trail which I thought crosses rt 590 most of my ride today was on the road.

I got out on the 3rd and... it was the fastest I've ridden this year!

I see that you mentioned the Duke Energy Trail. Are you in the Saint Petersburg area ? The Pinellas county trail is one of the best I have ridden on

I'm in. 70 in April...

I turn 65 next month so I can officially start posting in this Section.
My rides this year have been almost nonexistent. Mostly due to the fact I picked up a Vespa after returning from vacation in Italy :)....

trying something new
 

I just turned 66 and I am the owner of over a dozen road bikes all over 50 yrs old . Today I bought my first 21 century road bike . with those funny brifters. a 2200 trek from 2006 .an aluminum bike with carbon fiber stays and fork . I hope I can get used to this new fangled machine

I had wondered why a 65-85+ thread? Now that I have been 66 for almost a year, I think I get it. One thing and then another...acting 20 years younger has gotten me into trouble. I am promising myself that while these nagging tendon strains dissipate, I will recover some range of motion, in EVERY joint, and no longer be so fragile. I've got riding goals that won't be met unless I cop a new attitude.