65-85+ Thread
07-20-25 | 03:49 PM
#4151
Senior Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 4,048
Likes: 124
Bikes: 2015 22 Speed
Don't know anything about'm other than reading about'm, but... I wouldn't put a trike in the same category as an e-bike...
Just my prejudice, maybe but– I don't see an e-bike as being exercise; however... certainly a purposeful option for someone going to work everyday and needing to get there by a certain time and not being able to afford a car... I see a lot of kids going to school on an e-bike... not everyone is expected to walk home after a day's school in all kinds of weather for a mile or two and for a latchkey kid or for the folks who could care less, an e-bike sounds like a good idea.
Just my prejudice, maybe but– I don't see an e-bike as being exercise; however... certainly a purposeful option for someone going to work everyday and needing to get there by a certain time and not being able to afford a car... I see a lot of kids going to school on an e-bike... not everyone is expected to walk home after a day's school in all kinds of weather for a mile or two and for a latchkey kid or for the folks who could care less, an e-bike sounds like a good idea.
07-21-25 | 07:57 AM
#4152
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 1,948
Likes: 783
From: San Diego
Bikes: Columbine, Lynskey GR300, Paramount Track Bike, Colnago Super (4), Santana Tandems (1995 & 2007), Gary Fisher Piranha (retired), Bianchi Track Bike, a couple of Honda mountain bikes
After a visit to the cath lab, I've gotten crazy serious about my health and have been listening to Dr. Peter Attia's podcasts after reading his book "Outlive". Really, really good material. He rides a Pinarello instead of a Colnago, but I can probably adjust to that. One of the data points he discussed is recovering from broken hips at our age. They are devastating to "all cause mortality" due to the loss of muscle mass and bone density from the bedrest. For example, at our age, it takes 6 months to regain the same fitness level prior to one week of bedrest.
07-21-25 | 09:02 AM
#4153
just another gosling
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 20,555
Likes: 2,667
From: Everett, WA
Bikes: CoMo Speedster 2003, Trek 5200, CAAD 9, Fred 2004
I've been riding with the same group for over 25 years. The group has become much smaller in the last few years! Amazing how few people have staying power, i.e. will accept that can't do what they used to do and so give up. Several of our riders have gone to e-bikes. E-bikes are getting a bad rap here. Our e-bike riders try to "push the button" as little as possible, mostly on hills. They can still get a 3 hour ride at the same relative intensity that they've been accustomed to using. That's a very good thing. As we age, our watts go down, duh. So the thing to do is to add a few electric watts to make up for what's not there anymore. One is still working at the same percentage of max watts that one used to ride. The key element is that one can keep riding for hours at the same relative intensity. One of our founding riders is 83. She's gone electric and is still riding with the group which has many kids still in their 70s.
__________________
Results matter
Results matter
07-21-25 | 09:08 AM
#4154
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 3,678
Likes: 2,053
From: Sussex County, Delaware
I am heading for the OR this Thursday, 24th. I had my right shoulder rotator cuff surgically repaired last October. It had been repaired previously in 2011.
This time, it never healed properly, I am now having a reverse shoulder replacement done. Prognosis is for wearing a sling 24/7 for 4 to 6 weeks. Then gradually increasing range of motion and strength. PT will start within a few days of post-op.
I will permanently lose some mobility, which has been very limited since the original injury on 5/28/24, from a solo bike crash.
I have been getting limited, easy miles on a bike, and, doing low stress strength and balance exercises . Going into surgery in good physical condition pays dividends at rehab time. I will have a bike on a basic mag trainer to help with the conditioning.
I am looking forward to losing all the shoulder pain I have been dealing with.
I am soon to be 73, and live alone. I have a brother here now, then a sister to be here 8/4, to help me with the recovery.
This time, it never healed properly, I am now having a reverse shoulder replacement done. Prognosis is for wearing a sling 24/7 for 4 to 6 weeks. Then gradually increasing range of motion and strength. PT will start within a few days of post-op.
I will permanently lose some mobility, which has been very limited since the original injury on 5/28/24, from a solo bike crash.
I have been getting limited, easy miles on a bike, and, doing low stress strength and balance exercises . Going into surgery in good physical condition pays dividends at rehab time. I will have a bike on a basic mag trainer to help with the conditioning.
I am looking forward to losing all the shoulder pain I have been dealing with.
I am soon to be 73, and live alone. I have a brother here now, then a sister to be here 8/4, to help me with the recovery.
07-21-25 | 12:58 PM
#4155
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 1,948
Likes: 783
From: San Diego
Bikes: Columbine, Lynskey GR300, Paramount Track Bike, Colnago Super (4), Santana Tandems (1995 & 2007), Gary Fisher Piranha (retired), Bianchi Track Bike, a couple of Honda mountain bikes
I've been riding with the same group for over 25 years. The group has become much smaller in the last few years! Amazing how few people have staying power, i.e. will accept that can't do what they used to do and so give up. Several of our riders have gone to e-bikes. E-bikes are getting a bad rap here. Our e-bike riders try to "push the button" as little as possible, mostly on hills. They can still get a 3 hour ride at the same relative intensity that they've been accustomed to using. That's a very good thing. As we age, our watts go down, duh. So the thing to do is to add a few electric watts to make up for what's not there anymore. One is still working at the same percentage of max watts that one used to ride. The key element is that one can keep riding for hours at the same relative intensity. One of our founding riders is 83. She's gone electric and is still riding with the group which has many kids still in their 70s.
07-21-25 | 02:13 PM
#4156
Senior Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 4,048
Likes: 124
Bikes: 2015 22 Speed
Last edited by McBTC; 07-21-25 at 02:42 PM.
07-21-25 | 03:21 PM
#4157
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 776
Likes: 303
From: Locust NC
Bikes: 1992, Cannondale R900. Schwinn Prologue. 1991 Paramount pdg
Iam 85 and I am going in for day surgery this Friday on both feet for Mortons Neuroma . It is not uncommon for people to have this problem but most get it taken care of in there 50-60’s. Most of the time they will not do both feet at same time. Doctors
tell me I present as a 60-65 year old. My balance is bad and the pain in the feet make walking almost inpossible. But riding my road bike is easy. After my nkee replacement over three years ago I had a hard time getting on of bike . I had to lean against a wall to get on the bike. I kept at it and now it is just as easy as many years ago. Each person has to make up his own mind what he is going to do as they get older and then just be happy with what they can do.
Eddyr
tell me I present as a 60-65 year old. My balance is bad and the pain in the feet make walking almost inpossible. But riding my road bike is easy. After my nkee replacement over three years ago I had a hard time getting on of bike . I had to lean against a wall to get on the bike. I kept at it and now it is just as easy as many years ago. Each person has to make up his own mind what he is going to do as they get older and then just be happy with what they can do.
Eddyr
07-21-25 | 04:54 PM
#4158
Senior Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 4,048
Likes: 124
Bikes: 2015 22 Speed
That's a tough one... only had it on one foot long ago and only when I rode my bike. Very aggravating but a rolled up pad in a strategic spot relieved the pain and it went away I guess from wearing different shoes... back then it was cleated bike shoes (maybe too narrow and, went back to toe clips, also long ago).
Last edited by McBTC; 07-21-25 at 05:02 PM.
07-21-25 | 11:11 PM
#4159
just another gosling
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 20,555
Likes: 2,667
From: Everett, WA
Bikes: CoMo Speedster 2003, Trek 5200, CAAD 9, Fred 2004
Trek's Domane + ALR is said to have maximum continuous rated power 250 down from 350 from the originally introduced 2019 model. Seen the use of them increase exponentially since 2019 but in most cases it's usually a couple sitting upright on their balloon tire bikes doing over 15 mph... if I had one, pretty sure I'd probably lose the enjoyment I feel going that fast with a tailwind when I could pretty much do that anytime with a little auxiliary power and being a weight weenie wouldn't serve much purpose, let alone a racing saddle that's tough on the ischials. Might be fun enjoying a cigar while riding though (having a margarita in the water bottle)... could join a bike group and be the official draftee lead puller. Will probably open up the Bicentennial Bike Route from Oregon to San Diego for more riders (coast of Washington isn't that interesting).
For instance, my wife and I ride a tandem. We used to ride our singles, but if we rode together, I didn't get the workout I wanted, so we bought a used tandem. This is an analogy to having a helper motor on the bike. It happens that my wife will often outdo me in relative effort, as we can see by looking at our HR levels after the ride, even though her power is about 2/3 of mine. That's her choice. She wants to be strong, and she is strong, and she got that way on purpose. We went for a day hike in the mountains today. I wore ~25 lb. pack to even things out so we both got about the same workout. Same thing.
That said, there is a rider in our group who uses an electric bike. He will turn up the electric specifically to pass folks who are not electric. He gets no respect and people talk about it behind his back. The older woman who uses an ebike works hard and usually comes in last. She gets respect big time.
__________________
Results matter
Results matter
07-26-25 | 06:26 AM
#4160
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 5,792
Likes: 3,363
From: Los Angeles
Bikes: 82 Medici, 85 Ironman, 2011 Richard Sachs
Any math geniuses out there? I go for a ride every 3 days. Went on a bike ride today which was just 1 day after the last ride instead of the usual 2 so, a new milestone there but... if I change to this every other day routine... what's the percent improvement? AI says... 50%
__________________
I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs. But I do hate all e-bikes.
I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs. But I do hate all e-bikes.
07-27-25 | 04:45 AM
#4161
Full Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 307
Likes: 99
From: Vermont
Bikes: Kona Libre
07-27-25 | 07:32 AM
#4162
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 5,792
Likes: 3,363
From: Los Angeles
Bikes: 82 Medici, 85 Ironman, 2011 Richard Sachs
I’m assuming the poster I quoted is riding a few miles in zones 1 and maybe 2 since they just recently went for their first ride with only one day rest between it and the previous one. In general, “excercise” 3 days a week is maintenance. 3 days a week of HIIT, or increasing the distance/effort with each ride leads to adaptations.
__________________
I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs. But I do hate all e-bikes.
I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs. But I do hate all e-bikes.
Last edited by Classtime; 07-27-25 at 07:35 AM.
07-31-25 | 07:42 PM
#4163
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 15,378
Likes: 8,290
From: Seattle area
Bikes: Bikes??? Thought this was social media?!?
I pose a question to this astute group
Maybe I should start a thread - in 50+ forum - Is this the definition of MAMIL?
I grabbed a comfortable jersey and bibs, maybe without thinking…? That’s easy…., eh?!
I grabbed a comfortable jersey and bibs, maybe without thinking…? That’s easy…., eh?!
__________________
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
08-01-25 | 02:31 AM
#4165
Reminds me of a Bike Forums post from some years ago that began, "Now that I'm 68 and rapidly approaching middle age . . ."
08-01-25 | 10:00 AM
#4167
just another gosling
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 20,555
Likes: 2,667
From: Everett, WA
Bikes: CoMo Speedster 2003, Trek 5200, CAAD 9, Fred 2004
[QUOTE=Wildwood;23575401]Maybe I should start a thread - in 50+ forum - Is this the definition of MAMIL?
I grabbed a comfortable jersey and bibs, maybe without thinking…? That’s easy…., eh?![QUOTE]Looking really good. I didn't ride RAMROD this year, just volunteered to help at the finish line. Bibs are numbered in order of age, 1 being the oldest. #2 this year was 80, came in way, way before a lot of quite young riders. You might think of giving it a try next year. Only ~154 miles and ~10,000'. One has to pre-register and then there's a lottery. Only 800 riders allowed. The route is quite lovely. Next year's course should be the same as the 2024 one, run on 9/3/26.. 5 AM start, course closes at 8:00 PM. REDMOND CYCLING CLUB
I grabbed a comfortable jersey and bibs, maybe without thinking…? That’s easy…., eh?![QUOTE]Looking really good. I didn't ride RAMROD this year, just volunteered to help at the finish line. Bibs are numbered in order of age, 1 being the oldest. #2 this year was 80, came in way, way before a lot of quite young riders. You might think of giving it a try next year. Only ~154 miles and ~10,000'. One has to pre-register and then there's a lottery. Only 800 riders allowed. The route is quite lovely. Next year's course should be the same as the 2024 one, run on 9/3/26.. 5 AM start, course closes at 8:00 PM. REDMOND CYCLING CLUB
__________________
Results matter
Results matter
08-03-25 | 10:34 AM
#4169
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 15,378
Likes: 8,290
From: Seattle area
Bikes: Bikes??? Thought this was social media?!?
[QUOTE=Carbonfiberboy;23575680][QUOTE=Wildwood;23575401]Maybe I should start a thread - in 50+ forum - Is this the definition of MAMIL?
I grabbed a comfortable jersey and bibs, maybe without thinking…? That’s easy…., eh?!
Only in my nightmares would I dare attempt RAMROD.
2 hours in the saddle kinda tests the limit of my enjoyment. 4 hours (with breaks) if friends are around or a metric century.
Results Matter - for me that means waking up every day and feeling my best. A day after RAMROD would be beyond brutal. Would much rather be an OMIL who rides 3-5 times a week, ~100mi, 40 weeks/year until I die. That's my best possible result and actively working to make it matter.
QUOTE [You and I have to face it: we're OMIL now.]QUOTE
Fine by me.
I grabbed a comfortable jersey and bibs, maybe without thinking…? That’s easy…., eh?!
Bibs are numbered in order of age, 1 being the oldest. #2 this year was 80, came in way, way before a lot of quite young riders. You might think of giving it a try next year. Only ~154 miles and ~10,000'.
2 hours in the saddle kinda tests the limit of my enjoyment. 4 hours (with breaks) if friends are around or a metric century.
Results Matter - for me that means waking up every day and feeling my best. A day after RAMROD would be beyond brutal. Would much rather be an OMIL who rides 3-5 times a week, ~100mi, 40 weeks/year until I die. That's my best possible result and actively working to make it matter.
QUOTE [You and I have to face it: we're OMIL now.]QUOTE
Fine by me.
__________________
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
08-04-25 | 11:34 PM
#4170
Senior Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 4,048
Likes: 124
Bikes: 2015 22 Speed
Don't know how many this may apply to now or in the future but if you notice a problem shifting gears on the cluster where certain gears develop a tendency to want to hop to the next larger cog, the issue may be a bent derailleur hanger and if so it's simple $25 fix. The bike shop has a special tool for that. I've got an aluminum road bike and the derailleur hanger is integrated into the rear dropout. It looks very beefy compared to the wall thickness of aluminum tubing but apparently it's made to bend so as not to damage the frame in the event it's exposed to some force or another. In any event, no amount of adjusting would've returned things to the normal operation I had become accustomed but a local bike shop took care of it (very simply too given such a reasonable cost).
08-05-25 | 05:43 AM
#4171
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 5,959
Likes: 1,380
From: SW Fl.
Bikes: 1999 DAHON Mariner, Day6 Semi Recumbent "FIREBALL", 1981 Custom Touring Paramount, 1983 Road Paramount, 2013 Giant Propel Advanced SL3, 2018 Specialized Red Roubaix Expert mech., 2002 Magna 7sp hybrid, 1976 Bassett Racing 45sp Cruiser
I am heading for the OR this Thursday, 24th. I had my right shoulder rotator cuff surgically repaired last October. It had been repaired previously in 2011.
This time, it never healed properly, I am now having a reverse shoulder replacement done. Prognosis is for wearing a sling 24/7 for 4 to 6 weeks. Then gradually increasing range of motion and strength. PT will start within a few days of post-op.
I will permanently lose some mobility, which has been very limited since the original injury on 5/28/24, from a solo bike crash.
I have been getting limited, easy miles on a bike, and, doing low stress strength and balance exercises . Going into surgery in good physical condition pays dividends at rehab time. I will have a bike on a basic mag trainer to help with the conditioning.
I am looking forward to losing all the shoulder pain I have been dealing with.
I am soon to be 73, and live alone. I have a brother here now, then a sister to be here 8/4, to help me with the recovery.
This time, it never healed properly, I am now having a reverse shoulder replacement done. Prognosis is for wearing a sling 24/7 for 4 to 6 weeks. Then gradually increasing range of motion and strength. PT will start within a few days of post-op.
I will permanently lose some mobility, which has been very limited since the original injury on 5/28/24, from a solo bike crash.
I have been getting limited, easy miles on a bike, and, doing low stress strength and balance exercises . Going into surgery in good physical condition pays dividends at rehab time. I will have a bike on a basic mag trainer to help with the conditioning.
I am looking forward to losing all the shoulder pain I have been dealing with.
I am soon to be 73, and live alone. I have a brother here now, then a sister to be here 8/4, to help me with the recovery.
08-05-25 | 05:48 AM
#4172
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 5,959
Likes: 1,380
From: SW Fl.
Bikes: 1999 DAHON Mariner, Day6 Semi Recumbent "FIREBALL", 1981 Custom Touring Paramount, 1983 Road Paramount, 2013 Giant Propel Advanced SL3, 2018 Specialized Red Roubaix Expert mech., 2002 Magna 7sp hybrid, 1976 Bassett Racing 45sp Cruiser
Don't know how many this may apply to now or in the future but if you notice a problem shifting gears on the cluster where certain gears develop a tendency to want to hop to the next larger cog, the issue may be a bent derailleur hanger and if so it's simple $25 fix. The bike shop has a special tool for that. I've got an aluminum road bike and the derailleur hanger is integrated into the rear dropout. It looks very beefy compared to the wall thickness of aluminum tubing but apparently it's made to bend so as not to damage the frame in the event it's exposed to some force or another. In any event, no amount of adjusting would've returned things to the normal operation I had become accustomed but a local bike shop took care of it (very simply too given such a reasonable cost).
08-05-25 | 11:11 AM
#4173
Senior Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 4,048
Likes: 124
Bikes: 2015 22 Speed
AI- Based on available information, Shimano 12-speed road cassettes, including those in the 105 groupset, feature a cog spacing of approximately 1.8 mm
Last edited by McBTC; 08-05-25 at 11:40 AM.
08-10-25 | 06:51 AM
#4174
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,139
Likes: 877
Bikes: too many sparkly Italians, some sweet Americans and a couple interesting Japanese
I'd like to address the most recent posters who either have had a crash or know someone who had a crash, resulting in major alterations to their cycling habits.
I'm 72 and I was forced (by health issues) to convert from riding two wheels to three wheels about 3+1/2 years ago. It was either that, or quit riding altogether. I can't afford to crash, but life without pedaling is not worth living. I have e-assist on my trike and it helps me keep up with my wife on her traditional bike. Since my conversion, I have put just under 11k miles on my trike odometer.
Honestly, I never thought I would ride a trike or need e-assist, but the money I've spent on my trike has been the best money I've ever spent. I normally ride paved roads, but changing my tires to knobbys and lowering the pressure let's me ride the more civilized gravel on Forest Service Roads and rail trails without much discomfort. There are trikes with more sophisticated suspension than mine has, for those who need it.
I'm guessing that most members of this forum would reject the need to get e-assist or convert to three wheels, but if your life situation changes, you may find a solution on the path that I've followed. I find the experience remarkably similar to pedaling a bike, and it's definitely better than not riding at all. That's just my opinion.
I'm 72 and I was forced (by health issues) to convert from riding two wheels to three wheels about 3+1/2 years ago. It was either that, or quit riding altogether. I can't afford to crash, but life without pedaling is not worth living. I have e-assist on my trike and it helps me keep up with my wife on her traditional bike. Since my conversion, I have put just under 11k miles on my trike odometer.
Honestly, I never thought I would ride a trike or need e-assist, but the money I've spent on my trike has been the best money I've ever spent. I normally ride paved roads, but changing my tires to knobbys and lowering the pressure let's me ride the more civilized gravel on Forest Service Roads and rail trails without much discomfort. There are trikes with more sophisticated suspension than mine has, for those who need it.
I'm guessing that most members of this forum would reject the need to get e-assist or convert to three wheels, but if your life situation changes, you may find a solution on the path that I've followed. I find the experience remarkably similar to pedaling a bike, and it's definitely better than not riding at all. That's just my opinion.
08-10-25 | 01:37 PM
#4175
Senior Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 4,048
Likes: 124
Bikes: 2015 22 Speed
I see the future: combining our love for outdoor cycling we've known since youth, with the psychic element of riding without restrictions imposed by age, impairment and ailment, not to mention safety and sobriety concerns, and a desire to maintain health and vigor with an activity we all enjoy, we can combine them all with an recumbent indoor trainer hooked to a drone flying outdoors on whatever ride we wish to do that day. The sky's the limit- consider that, the drone could be anywhere, from tracking your favorite course to the foot of Alpe d'Huez with a margarita or a cold beer and a cigar within reach!
Last edited by McBTC; 08-10-25 at 01:43 PM.