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Fifty Plus (50+) Share the victories, challenges, successes and special concerns of bicyclists 50 and older. Especially useful for those entering or reentering bicycling.

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Old 01-09-12 | 11:50 AM
  #901  
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From: The Gardens, Roses & Orchids. Bulacan The Philippines and Red Mountain, Ca. USA

Bikes: Schwinn Mountain, Diamondback Expert Road & REI Randonee Touring

Lets see how it works for me


Fine, about 30 seconds
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Old 01-09-12 | 01:51 PM
  #902  
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From: Kansas

Bikes: 1986 Trek 720, 1986 Trek 520, two sets of plumbing pipes on wheels assembled somewhere in China by Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder and Hellen Keller.

I'm a 67-year-old, overweight male and I've shrunk. Need some advice, pease.

The short version is that the top tube is pressed firmly against the pubic bone. I can stand flat-footed in the shoes in which I cycle and there is no pain, but there's no room either. Ideally, I should have a two-inch margin, 1.5-inches at the least. I have only the good luck of no emergency stops, no fumbling for balance and no doctor wanting to put me in the home.

Any, all suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Because of several factors, a new bike is almost out of the question and I love this old Trek 720 and don't want to trade or otherwise give it up. I guess the question boils down to do I want to risk injury. Otherwise, the bike fits well, proper leg extension, etc. I am trying to keep all things on it original, that's why I keep the 27-inch wheels. Even the tires more than 25 years old are original, still hold air, casing not collapsed. Of course, I don't do 50 mph downhills either. I am a gifted, genetic coward.
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Old 01-09-12 | 02:27 PM
  #903  
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I am assuming a road bike??

IMHO, on a road bike, SO height means little or nothing. Due to my short legs, long torso, etc., I have been riding a Lemond BA for 13 years now with almost no SO height.

YMMV, but this works fine for me, and I still sing bass.

If it was a mtn bike, and Iwas doing techical stull, it would be a different response.
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Old 01-16-12 | 08:54 AM
  #904  
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From: Kansas

Bikes: 1986 Trek 720, 1986 Trek 520, two sets of plumbing pipes on wheels assembled somewhere in China by Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder and Hellen Keller.

Turns out, you are spot on . . . I had zero problems except I'm old, I faced a 25+ headwind that never got behind me no matter which direction I rode. Everything else seemed to fit exactly as it should have and had no poroblems mounting, dismounting, stopping for traffic or telling my son to pay his own tuition next semester. Very gld to have found someone with the same situation...bike fit, not the tuitionless son. Thanks in mass quantities for your help.
Originally Posted by DnvrFox
I am assuming a road bike??

IMHO, on a road bike, SO height means little or nothing. Due to my short legs, long torso, etc., I have been riding a Lemond BA for 13 years now with almost no SO height.

YMMV, but this works fine for me, and I still sing bass.

If it was a mtn bike, and Iwas doing techical stull, it would be a different response.
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Old 01-16-12 | 07:53 PM
  #905  
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Hello All,

Since everyone seems to have all their problems solved, I'll try not too over burned you with mine! What is the most overlooked feature that manufacturers fail to address for our age group?
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Old 01-16-12 | 08:13 PM
  #906  
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Originally Posted by rwt12
Hello All,

Since everyone seems to have all their problems solved, I'll try not too over burned you with mine! What is the most overlooked feature that manufacturers fail to address for our age group?
Bicycles with canes?
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Old 01-16-12 | 09:22 PM
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Hi Goat'head',

Didn't you mean tricycle with canes!
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Old 01-16-12 | 10:03 PM
  #908  
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Originally Posted by rwt12
Hi Goat'head',

Didn't you mean tricycle with canes!
Even better!!
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Old 01-18-12 | 01:54 PM
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No more than kindergarten
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Old 01-27-12 | 11:44 AM
  #910  
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From: Sequim, WA

Bikes: 2010 Specialized Roubaix triple/2015 Scott Solace compact

I started riding at 67 in 2009. Being old decided that I needed all the advantages of a racer but didn't want to race so I bought a Specialized Roubaix. Set a goal of doing the STP (Seattle to Portland ride) the next year and did it with ease following the training schedule. I did lose 50 lbs through Weight Watchers in 2007 and that was my real start. Before had to use a cane when walking any distance and felt like I was 75. Now I feel 20 years younger. In fact I'm not really old because that is someone who is 10 years older than me at any time, except when discounts are involved. I really encourage you to go for it.
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Old 01-27-12 | 02:52 PM
  #911  
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From: Not far from the Withlacoochee Trail. 🚴🏻

Bikes: 2018 Lynskey Helix Pro

Welcome sequimboy. Glad you found us.
My wife and I were out your way in May 2010, driving the Olympic peninsula loop. She really liked the ham and bean soup at the Hwy 101 diner. She said it may be worth another drive out there someday just for the soup.

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Old 02-04-12 | 03:09 PM
  #912  
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From: Not far from the Withlacoochee Trail. 🚴🏻

Bikes: 2018 Lynskey Helix Pro

We've been down here in Florida enjoying the warm sunny weather and riding on the Withlacoochee Trail. Better than Atlanta any day!!
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Old 02-22-12 | 03:58 PM
  #913  
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As Satchel Paige once said, "How old would you be if you didn't know how old you were?"
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Old 02-22-12 | 05:52 PM
  #914  
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Off your Donkey, lets go
 
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From: The Gardens, Roses & Orchids. Bulacan The Philippines and Red Mountain, Ca. USA

Bikes: Schwinn Mountain, Diamondback Expert Road & REI Randonee Touring

Getting my wonderful rides of 20 miles three times a week in 90f weather.

Life's wonderful, ENJOY

PS: I would be 45, that's what I feel like!!!

Last edited by Burr; 02-22-12 at 05:53 PM. Reason: To say how great I feel
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Old 03-22-12 | 04:57 PM
  #915  
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From: Mesa Arizona

Bikes: Felt AR4 and Cannondale hybrid

Originally Posted by rwt12
Hello All,

Since everyone seems to have all their problems solved, I'll try not too over burned you with mine! What is the most overlooked feature that manufacturers fail to address for our age group?
A motor.
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Old 03-22-12 | 06:31 PM
  #916  
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From: The Gardens, Roses & Orchids. Bulacan The Philippines and Red Mountain, Ca. USA

Bikes: Schwinn Mountain, Diamondback Expert Road & REI Randonee Touring

I love to turn the cranks!
What I need is faster disconnect peddles so when I stop and leand the wrong way I can get my foot down!!!

Or padding in the right side of my riding shirts!!

Getting old is WONDERFUL, ENJOY
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Old 03-23-12 | 02:16 PM
  #917  
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From: Not far from the Withlacoochee Trail. 🚴🏻

Bikes: 2018 Lynskey Helix Pro

Originally Posted by Burr
I love to turn the cranks!
What I need is faster disconnect peddles so when I stop and leand the wrong way I can get my foot down!!!
That's a problem I was having with my beloved SPD-SL pedals. Many times I got unclipped "just in the nick of time". I made the move to Speedplay Light Action pedals/cleats last week. MUCH easier to get out of.
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The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8

I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
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Old 03-23-12 | 05:29 PM
  #918  
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From: The Gardens, Roses & Orchids. Bulacan The Philippines and Red Mountain, Ca. USA

Bikes: Schwinn Mountain, Diamondback Expert Road & REI Randonee Touring

Yhanks Ron, don't know what I can get over here but I'll look around!

Thanks
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Old 03-23-12 | 05:35 PM
  #919  
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From: Denver, Co.
Originally Posted by RonH
That's a problem I was having with my beloved SPD-SL pedals. Many times I got unclipped "just in the nick of time". I made the move to Speedplay Light Action pedals/cleats last week. MUCH easier to get out of.

at the risk of being labeled a BOF(backward OF,,toe clips and straps,with no cleats are much better,and easier to deal with..
Bud
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Old 03-26-12 | 06:07 AM
  #920  
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From: Kansas

Bikes: 1986 Trek 720, 1986 Trek 520, two sets of plumbing pipes on wheels assembled somewhere in China by Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder and Hellen Keller.

Originally Posted by Burr
Getting my wonderful rides of 20 miles three times a week in 90f weather.

Life's wonderful, ENJOY

PS: I would be 45, that's what I feel like!!!
Hi Burr...are you in CA now or the Phils?
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Old 03-26-12 | 07:08 AM
  #921  
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From: Not far from the Withlacoochee Trail. 🚴🏻

Bikes: 2018 Lynskey Helix Pro

Originally Posted by oldster
at the risk of being labeled a BOF(backward OF,,toe clips and straps,with no cleats are much better,and easier to deal with..
Sorry but I gave up on toe clips and straps in the late 80s. Those things are death traps.
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The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8

I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
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Old 03-26-12 | 08:50 AM
  #922  
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From: The Gardens, Roses & Orchids. Bulacan The Philippines and Red Mountain, Ca. USA

Bikes: Schwinn Mountain, Diamondback Expert Road & REI Randonee Touring

I haven't been home in five years.
I'm in Guiguinto, Bulacan!

Why?
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Old 04-02-12 | 03:25 PM
  #923  
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Time for a change.
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From: 6 miles inland from the coast of Sussex, in the South East of England

Bikes: Dale MT2000. Bianchi FS920 Kona Explosif. Giant TCR C. Boreas Ignis. Pinarello Fp Uno.

Been retired for just on a week now and mileage has gone up on the bike- Garden is looking straighter and tidier and lots of piles of sawdust round the garden from construction work. Got a nice little ride tomorrow to see one of my old customers. Only 15 miles away but the wrong side of the "High and Over". The name says it all so I wondering whether to go on the Pinnie or take my granny with me on the TCR.
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Old 04-02-12 | 06:41 PM
  #924  
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Off your Donkey, lets go
 
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From: The Gardens, Roses & Orchids. Bulacan The Philippines and Red Mountain, Ca. USA

Bikes: Schwinn Mountain, Diamondback Expert Road & REI Randonee Touring

Great Stap, glad you are here, retired and enjoying yourself!!!

Take it easy or you won't have anything to do next month.

Enjoy your retirement as we have and stay healthy
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Old 04-07-12 | 11:07 PM
  #925  
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From: Indiana

Bikes: Felt Z85

I am 69 years old and just now in the process of buying my first road bike. There are so many options out there. Just wanting to get started after riding an old mountain bike for the past few years. I am still undecided about the type of pedals to buy as I have never had anything but platform type pedals. can see my self now trying to unclip and falling on my butt. Not a pretty picture for an old fart.
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