George

When out buying bicycling gear, or looking at new bikes I feel that I wont get the use out of them, to justify putting out the money. I'm thinking about just wearing out the things I have now and call it a day. Doe's anybody feel this way, or am I just thinking crazy? I'll be 73 in August.

cplager

Look at it this way. You only have 27 years to train to repeat this guys metric century record.

I don't know what your bank accounts look like, but spending money on bicycles and the related toys have got to be one of the best bang-for-the-buck purchases. The more you ride, the longer you'll be riding.

MRT2

I went out for a Wednesday club ride this week. I am not retired, but many of the people on the ride were. I didn't check IDs, but I would guess that at least 4 or 5 of the riders were around your age or possibly older. All of them were strong riders and while they kept a mostly leisurely pace, I did find myself bringing up the rear by the end of the 35 mile ride., despite being 15 to 25 years younger than most of the people on the ride. I found it most inspiring as it showed me that it isn't necessarily all downhill after 50.

miss kenton

This is precisely the time in your life you should using your money for the things you want- when you are healthy enough to use them! Do you imagine yourself on your deathbed saying, "Boy am I glad I didn't lay out the 75 bucks for that pair of Pearl Izumi shorts I wanted, now I can rest in peace."

Biker395 

lol. That pretty much sums it up right there.

FWIW ... you may well have a LONG way to go on that new equipment. I used to ride in the Santa Monicas with a guy well into his 80s. The dude not only rode all around in some pretty mountainous terrain, he typically did it in the company of beautiful women.

jdon

If the wheels aren't falling off the cart, keep driving it like they never will George!

rydabent

Never, I say never admit to being old. Keep doing every day what you can do. Buy that new bike or trike. Never give up. Once you do, you start that slide that ends up you know where.

BTW I bought my trike when I was your age, and am enjoying the hell out of it!!!!!

BluesDawg

Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Dan Burkhart 

So what are you saving it for, your heirs? Let them inherit your bikes and gear instead of the money.
My goal is to live long enough to spend ALL my kid's inheritance.

tsl

My father, who in his mind has been dying for 21 years now, likes to tease salesmen about "lifetime" warranties.

"I don't have that long to go. Don't you have anything longer, like ten or twenty years, so I don't have to worry about my wife?"

or

"It must be pretty shoddy if it's only going to last a year or two."

George, of all the things your executor will have to deal with, a nice bike and some good kit is probably the least of the concerns. As for good kit, you need to be buried in something, right?

Jseis 

My father had a pacemaker installed at 91. He asked the doctor how long "that thing would run on its battery" and the doc said "Oh, about 10 years". We all started laughing. He's a triple cancer survivor (melanoma, prostate, leukemia) and treats every day as the first day of his life. He said "10 years will do".

David Bierbaum

I always wear out things and call it a day, aside from a new pair of jeans (and undies and socks of course), none of my clothes are less than 10 years old, and my lone suit is over 20 years old. My bicycle looks to outlive me with most of it's original components in place.

Of course I don't do this because of age, but because of the moths fluttering out of my billfold whenever I open it...

CenturionIM

DnvrFox

I just finished taking one of those "life expectancy" thingies and it tells me I will live to 101.7 years. Right now I am 73.5 yo

Aarrgghh!! I don't think I could stand to live that long. If I had extra income I would buy new equipment ASAP, but we have decided that we will use any xtra funds for mutual trips, etc. So, I just keep the 1999 Lemond, along with the 2006 Specialized Rock Hopper, the 2002 Windsor Leeds, the wife's 1998 Specialized HR, her 2004 or so Trek hybrid, the two tricycles for my son, and the Spec HR as a trainer in the basement. I find I can't ride them all at once.

volosong

I really like this, BluesDawg. Thanks for posting it.

George ... you have decades to go. Carpe diem.

cplager

I think it is a fair statement to say that Rydabent and I don't always agree. But here we do.

If you want a new bike, buy a new bike. If you are worried about balance or feel that you can't risk a fall, get a trike. (There are a lot of trikes that are actually quite cool, if that's what you're looking for).

I don't care what you ride. I don't care how you ride. Just go ride, *#$& it!

Cheers,
Charles

p.s. Don't forget to have fun.

stapfam

My sentiments exactly. Good gear is worth it so why not get it. Spend the kids inheritance while you can.

overthehillmedi

BluesDawg, you forgot the link to the source of your comment. Here it is for you.
https://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/15377

George

I guess I've had a lot going on and feeling, or wishing it would end. I like what tsl said lol. Thanks everybody, for all the replies and safe riding to you all.

I know I don't post much anymore, but I sure enjoy reading the threads you guys start and keep going. Keep up the good work.

rumrunn6

... can't take it with you, might as well enjoy the good things in life while you're here ...

ModeratedUser150120149

I've known a bunch of people who feel that way. Can't say I disagree with them making that choice. After all, it is Their Money. So, since it is Your Money you get to make all the decisions.

So, if you have the money and want to buy something do it. There is no moral, ethical or financial reason why you shouldn't have the best lifestyle you want with the money you have. On the other hand, if you get joy from an old friend they use that. That applies across the board, not just with bikes.

noglider 

Great stuff, folks. Some of it is funny, too.

eja_ bottecchia

OP, there are no guarantees in life. You could be 20 yo, buy the most expensive bike gear and then one day you get hit by a car and it is all over in a flash.

OTOH, you could be 75 yo, buy an expensive Colnago and ride it for another 20 years.

Buy what you like and enjoy it...stop worrying about the Grim Reaper.

LAriverRat

If you think you are to old, you are. Take up shooting, only takes about 1.5 to 2.5 pounds of pull, and you can lay down while enjoying the sport.

DnvrFox

LAriverRat - nice to see you posting.