T-minus 51 days....

When I turned 30, I took stock of all the health problems my father was experiencing at 54. I tried to determine where he went wrong, and where I could go right, since I had a lot of time to make a course correction. Well, at least my intentions were good...

Six months before I turned 40, I did it again. My father was 64 This time around, and his health was still declining. No exercise, poor dietary habits, still smoking. That was me too. So I started making changes. Things started getting better.

Three years ago this week, a business associate and neighbor dropped dead at work of a massive coronary. He was four months older than I. That led me to make even more changes, re-evaluate priorities. It's all working, and working well. Now I'm ready to kick it into higher gear.

Today the old man is still around, doing the best he can at 74, but he's dealing with a lot of complications, taking a LOT of pills, and his arteries are hardening. He just celebrated the 5th anniversary of his triple bypass. Still, he's lived longer than his father, and doing better than both of his grandfathers at the same age.

I've been studying longevity in friends and family members. A big part of it seems to be mental attitude, but I've read and observed that the most critical time for preserving one's long-term physical fitness is the decade between ages 50 and 60. If you can get it right then, you've put yourself in a very strong position to reach 90. My hat is off to everyone here.

Two months ago I resurrected a 1987 Schwinn that my father-in-law had given up on. I'm getting stronger every time I ride it, but it isn't a long-term solution. I need a good bike.

My list, in no particular order:

Trek FX 7.5, Crossrip, District 9
Specialized Globe Roll 7 & 8
Raleigh Cadent I8/11, Port Townsend, Sojourn

There are other comparable brands and models, I'm not locked into any of these, they're just suggestions. If I find that I like, but don't LOVE any of the above, I may be forced to buy something off of my special "bike porn" list:

Budnitz
Schindelhauer
Shinola

Your input and suggestions would be appreciated. At this point, my fitness goal is simply 3-4 intense one-hour sessions per week. The most important thing is finding a bike that I love to ride. Comfort, quickness, and weight are probably my top three considerations. Price < $1750, but I might go higher if I fall in love. But I would prefer to get a custom fitting and develop a relationship with a LBS.

Thanks, in advance for your guidance.

Don't rule out road bikes. I hadn't ridden a road bike in 25 years when I test rode one in 2006. They really are comfortable now. Get some good tires in 25c, like Continental GP4000, after the cheaper stock tires are worn down. (Or get the LBS to change them out at purchase)

I found I really like group rides. They push me harder than I would do by myself. I have to make sure I ride a few times a week to be able to keep up with the groups, so it's good positive feedback and motivation.

You're likely correct that being a very fit 21 year old.... isn't going to necessarily affect anyone... forty years later. If you want to be fit and healthy when your in your 60's.... do what it takes to be fit and healthy while you're in your 60's. This is based on my own experience... not research. As far as living till your 90... best of luck with that one.

I disagree... the most important thing is NOT finding a bicycle that you love to ride.

I returned to cycling in my 60's when I developed a foot problem. I could barely walk... so I bought an old used Huffy and set out to get some fresh air. I never learned to like the Huffy... but I again... fell in love with cycling (I had been a cyclists years earlier). Later I got a better bicycle... then a new nice bicycle. Now I own a few. I like bicycles.... I really love bicycling. If you aren't attracted to cycling... it won't matter so much how much you spend on the bicycle.

Find an activity you truly love and enjoy. Not because of how it makes you look, or how popular it is, or how "healthy" some expert says it is.

You might spend the next 20 years trying this and that before you find your niche. But that is the key! Keep trying... keep looking for that great activity that gets your heart pumping and soaks you in sweat (even if its a water sport and you don't see the sweat).

Also a little weight training and balance exercise will come in handy as you age (but maybe wouldn't be so noticeable now).

Thanks, rm -rf, & Dave, you've given me some things to consider.

To clarify a couple things, I'm not a group rider, or at least I don't see myself as one. I like the solitude of a quiet Weekend morning ride before anyone is up. I should've been a paperboy. Or a late summer afternoon/early evening, maybe around 8:00. I missed a good opportunity tonight. I am considering a pure road bike, Trek's Domane line appealed to me but seemed a little pricey. I'll give them all a hard look.


Dave, I've always enjoyed cycling, but didn't always have safe places to ride like I do now. I've lived in three different houses on the same street corner in a tiny rural town since 1967. The town has now grown, and what used to be dirt roads and soybean/cotton fields are now upscale neighborhoods with smooth streets. I can ride ten miles without ever getting more than one mile from home. You nailed it when you said I should find that one activity that I love that gets my heart pumping and my body soaked in sweat. I think cycling is it. The only reason I said I wanted to fall in love with a bike is that would give me more motivation to climb on and go for a ride. I may be able to find that bike for under $500.

We have the foot problem in common, too. That's what took me off of the golf course. I'm back to normal now, but walking 7 hilly miles twice a week is not an option for me anymore. Cart golf bores me.

RideMyWheel, welcome to the 50+!

You will find every sort of rider here and the one thing we have in common is a love for riding. We have a few curmudgeons and a few luddites....but we are cyclists.

There are more than care to admit they love to ride fast.

As usual, I suggest buying used and building a stable of bikes. The differences among the bikes is what fascinates me. Variety is that spice you're looking for.

You are on the right track. Dont buy into the no pain no gain and intense training rides. Cycling at your own pace as often as you can will be rewarded. It is the just sitting around and doing nothing that will rust you out.

Thanks for the replies, everyone.

Just curious, does anyone ever buy off of Craigslist, or check pawn shops? I've seen some really nice bikes but they're never the right size.

My plan is to begin visiting local shops at the end of July, and settle on a new bike for my 50th. I still have some work to do, physically. The stamina isn't quite where I want it to be yet.

I've bought off Craigslist several times. You have to really know what your looking for and know the differing levels of components. Bikepedia is your friend as sometimes 'that bike' is listed by someone who doesn't know anything.

You'll get more bang for your buck, my replacement cost for my bike (owner upgraded the dickens out of it) as outfitted is five times what I paid off CL.

Only frustrating part I found was all the perfect bikes generously outfitted were always too small so it took a while to find the perfect bike, but find it I did. Hit your LBS up for new high quality saddle swap-outs - the saddle is key If your mechanical, sometimes just adjusting and plotting new parts is half the fun (ohhhh I am still soooo OCP).

You're plans sound good to me. I rode my bike almost everywhere I went when I was a kid. My bike offered me my first real taste of independence and it was also a great source of adventure. Although I didn't realize it at the time, my bike was also a key component to my physical development…. fast forward to middle age… I returned to cycling the year I turned 50. I realized my lifestyle wasn't particularly healthy and I decided to do something about it. I went to a local bike shop (LBS), purchased a "fitness" hybrid and started riding again (for both fitness and fun). I wish I could say that I have ridden consistently since then but that has not always been the case. I have never purchased a bike off of from Craigslist or a pawn shop. However, others who post in these forums have done so and have been able to save significant dollars or purchase a better bike than they could have afforded otherwise. My advice would be to visit some LBSs sooner rather than later and take a variety of bike for test rides. I believe you will find this very helpful, even if you are not ready to purchase a bike yet. You will be able figure out what size you need and can also start narrowing down what type of bike you really want. Then you can start keeping your eye out (via Craig's List, LBS, etc.) for a bike that fits your needs and desires. BTW, if you do find a used bike (from wherever) that you are interested in, I would strongly suggest that you take it to a LBS to have it checked out prior to purchasing it. The LBS will charge a fee for this, but it will be well worth it. My last advice is to be stay committed and keep working on your fitness. Make it a priority and (as best as you can) don't allow other things to distract or prevent you from doing what you have decided is important for your health. Best wishes and let us know what happens.

Our stories are similar.

I returned to cycling at age 49. I'd smoked for 35 years, and had recently been to the funeral of a friend who died of a heart attack at 54.

My dad, currently 78, had his first MI at 55. He immediately took early retirement and has worn out five or six reclining chairs and countless remotes since then. I too learn by his example of what not to do.

I'll be 57 next week. I own three bikes, and no car. I'm the first male in three generations on both sides who hasn't had a heart attack by age 55.

As for stamina, should you turn into a cyclist, it will never be quite where you want it. You'll always want more. So don't worry about it. Just ride.

As for bikes, your first one should come from an LBS who can fit you properly, and take you through the process of becoming a cyclist. After that you can shop used. My favorite bike was 16 years old when I bought it secondhand. Two others I've owned over the years were also secondhand.

3 weeks away from 50 here. Don't make a list until you have riden each one first. Get proper fit at LBS and start riding bikes, make your list as you go. I'm on my 2nd Trek Domane and can't say enough about how comfortable it is to ride. Getr Done!

First my opinion on the bikes;
I have a Trek 7.5 FX, I got mine when the first model year. I was lucky to get one, they sold out quickly. I like it, it's fun to ride(after I put 25's on it), it shifts well, and has a wide renge of gearing. But, after a few years, I wanted a more. So, I got permission form shewhomustbeobeyed, and got a Specialized Roubaix. I also like, bordering on love, this bike. The position is similar to the 7.5, it has less road feel, but it rides better and smoother. Because it is higher at the head tube, you don't bend as far forward as other drop bar road bikes.
So, from my experience, I suggest you test ride the bikes on your list, and some drop bar road bikes. Then decided on one and pull the trigger before you change your mind. BTW you can also shop used to save some green.
My short history; My father, who started smoking cigars at 14, has had heart problems, ALL of his 6 siblings have had heart issues. From heart attacks, to bypasses, to a heart transplant. I figure this puts me in the barrel of the ***. But I have had an active lifestyle since my early teen years. Running, skiing, hiking, climbing, and of course cycling. Hopefully, this will keep me a bit safer, or make the recovery quicker when it does happen. I do have some bad habits, I don't really watch too much what I eat, and go through periods of inactivity, and like a beer or cocktailor two now and then. I tried smoking in college, but didn't want to spend the money to smell like an ashtray all the time. Still can't understand why people do it.

Good luck, and Enjoy the Ride.

BTW, that LeMond is sweet, don't ever sell it.

My father lived a fairly unhealthy lifestyle. He ate a lot of rich food, lot's of red meat and desserts, got nearly no exercise, and died of a heart attack at age 57. At the time, I was 35. I was already a relatively serious cyclist. But I know his death motivated me more. That was nearly 20 years ago. Now I'm 54.

There are so many opinions about what will bring good health. But as I evaluate things I tend to think "don't do what your father did". I was already thinking that a long time before he died. I became a vegetarian at age 15. Today I ride my bicycle about 15K miles per year. I don't own a car and I commute 40 miles RT to work each day. I run errands (like grocery shopping) with a Croozer cargo trailer. I look great, I feel great, I like myself.

There are no guarantees. I tell myself that I could die just like my father did. But what I'm not going to do is live like my father did. I love to bicycle. I love to vacation on my bicycle and tour the countryside. When I can retire I'd like to do that for probably multiple years away from home. I love the adventure.

So when I DO die, I want to go having led a happy and fulfilled life. I want to be a person that respects himself and loves nature. I'm well on my way to being that guy and that makes me feel good inside. Riding the bicycle is all about preserving my fitness and doing what I enjoy most.

^ Now that is inspirational! I will be doubling up on mileage this weekend after reading that.

I bought a 2012Trek mountain bike from E-Bay with about 100 miles. Saved about $1000. It looked barely used when I got it. I bought a Yakima Bike rack off Craigs list and saved about $300. I also bought a Schwinn Aerodyne for the winter. Picked it up off Ebay for $125.00, barely used.
Many folks buy good stuff with good intentions and wind up selling down the road. Take some patience, but you can find some good deals.

Sounds like you have a wonderful plan.

fit. fit. fit

you are buying a good LBS not a bicycle

almost 75yo here and swim, weight lift walk and bicycle. It all adds up.

Wow. This is outstanding. Really good stuff, guys, I appreciate your comments more than you know, particularly tsl & Walter S. Truly inspirational and affirming. I feel like I'm on the right track, even though I'm not sure where it will lead.

Now for the bad/good news. There's been a change in plans. We need to accelerate the program.

i had a minor fall tonight. I was on a roll, too--no pun intended. I was doing great, but had a little problem stopping in some loose gravel. My bike is just too damn big, that's all. My foot slipped, and I had to perform an awkward dismount. Banged up my knee, but I remained vertical. I may have mentioned, I was given a 1987 Schwinn Sierra by my father-in-law. He was 6'3". In my prime I was a little over 6' but now I'm 5'11". Sitting at a desk for the past 28 years (smoking until 2004) really did take a toll.

So, tomorrow morning I'm making my first visit to a LBS. I'm starting with the Trek dealer because there are at least three models there that I'm interested in looking at. If there's a second visit tomorrow, it will be to a Specialized dealer.

My my thinking right now is to start with a simple but "fun" bike, single chainring, 7-10 gears should be enough. I do not like the 18-speed triple chainring on the Schwinn I'm on now, I don't need it and there's so much overlap I could accomplish the same thing with my first 10-speed in 1974. My objective is to find something I'll love to ride, and get on it 4+ days per week. My commute to work is 3.7 miles, so that's on the agenda, too.

i don't think I have any business riding a Domane, but from what I've read I can see myself on one someday. The FX 7.6 looks right, but it may be more than I want to spend right now. We'll just have to see. If the LBS has a good salesman/consultant, I could end up looking at something entirely different.

It's not whether you live to 90 or not. It's your quality of life while you live to whatever age. Today, I did a full workout of TRX, rode with the wife (she is almost 77yo) for a few miles, rode another section to 24 hour fitness, swam for 40 minutes, rode back and met my wife for lunch. 20 miles of riding, 40 minutes of swimming, 40 minutes of resistance training and stretching. Great Day.

That is awesome. I would like to get back into swimming someday.

One thing I neglected to mention about tonight's ride, there's a nice little pond I pass by with a "no fishing" sign. A 12-year-old boy caught a 4-lb bass just before I got there. I stopped and took his picture for him. He was so proud. We released the fish. I wouldn't have had that experience if I had stayed home drinking scotch.

Echo the idea it is Qality Not Years. Too many factors in daily life to worry, or even think about living long except in the most general way.

Do two or three things you really like. Ride your bike. Lift weights. Swim. Climb mountains. Whatever stirs your juices.

Combine that with something, other than your occupation, that interests your mind.

Learn, really learn, about nutrition and the food industry.

Then, if you are killed tomorrow, or live to 100 you will be a happy camper. You might even make a contribution to your community.

Passion, Variety, Quality have worked for my 77+ years. I suspect they will continue to work.

Test drives today:

Trek 7.5 FX. -- loved it, was a little rough but I could get used to it. I liked the way it's geared. Seemed really fast. Very light, quick acceleration.

Specialized Sirrus Elite. -- liked it, but not as well as the Trek. Seemed heavier, but probably due to the triple ring crank. Not as fond of this one's gearing. The cables were concealed through the tubes, which was a nice touch.

Giant Defy 2-- I loved the way it handled and turned. The word "nimble" comes to mind. It's a very light bike. But that was all I liked about it. That must be a geometry thing, short wheelbase or something. Didn't like the drop bars, but that could just be a fit problem. This shop just wasn't as good as the trek shop.

The main thing is that I confirmed that the bike I've been riding is way too big for me. It's a 23" frame, and today I was testing 20-21" frames. Made a huge difference to me.

These shops do not stock the cute commuter bikes like I initially intended to test today. Maybe suburban stores are different than inner city stores. I dunno. I don't like being limited to so few floor models. The stock at the specialized dealer was meager. They're waiting for the 2015 models.

The purpose of a "first" bike is to find out what you really want in the second bike - and so on . . .

I'm sure I wasn't the first to come up with this idea, but it worked out pretty well if I do say so myself. I've had four wine crates collecting dust in my shop for as long as I can remember. I think my father got them over 35 years ago.

I used it to deliver Father's Day presents tonight.