Riding in Retirement...

woodbloke

I'm due to take early retirement from the MOD shortly, aged 59. I've always been reasonably fit, a total non-smoker all my life and weigh in at around 12.5 stone. I've been cycling regularly for the last few years on my Trek 7.5 hybrid, but would like to take up road riding from a fitness viewpoint in retirement. I've joined my local road riding club (affiliated to Stonehenge Cycles in Salisbury) who will let me have 10% of the purchase price of a cycle in order to buy pedals, shoes, clothing etc. I intend to spend part of my 'deal' on a Biancci Sempre or something similar and would appreciate others views...hoping of course, I'm not making a huge and rather expensive mistake - Rob

EarlyGo

Hi woodbloke,

I've never ridden one but I think that they look absolutely amazing! The geometry is quite aggressive though so make sure you test ride it before you buy. For that money you are most unlikely to buy a bad road bike ... just one that doesn't fit you! So make sure you get a bike fit.

For a different idea have a look at Titanium frames, Van Nicholas, Sabbath etc. They look great and have a lovely smooth ride too!

Hope you enjoy whatever you opt for.

Regards, EarlyGo

PS If you get the Sempre we want pictures!!

Martincan

Hi woodbloke, what part of Wiltshire are you from? Stonehenge Cycles is my local. Although I have no experience of a Sempre, I purchased my Bianchi Via Nirone from Stonehenge Cycles, which I am chuffed with.

woodbloke

I live in Wilton up the Ditchampton Rd on the last estate as you go out towards the countyside, just past the riding stables on the left hand side. The local road club has only recently formed but they seem a decent bunch of guys (and gals) of all ages and abilities. I intend to get the bike through the LBS as they can fit it for me exactly and offer help and advice on pedals and cleats etc - Rob

Martincan

woodbloke wrote:

I live in Wilton up the Ditchampton Rd on the last estate as you go out towards the countyside, just past the riding stables on the left hand side. The local road club has only recently formed but they seem a decent bunch of guys (and gals) of all ages and abilities. I intend to get the bike through the LBS as they can fit it for me exactly and offer help and advice on pedals and cleats etc - Rob

I had a look at the Salisbury Road Club info listed on Stonehenge's site, but the link to their website didn't seem to work. I may go in to Stonehenge and get some info from them. They're very good in Stonehenge. Certainly know their stuff, and spent a good amount of time fitting me to my new Bianchi last year!! (Apologies for highjacking your thread!)

careful

Not sure if your concern about "making a huge and expensive mistake" relates to the Bianchi Siempre in particular, or buying an expensive road bike in general. I made a simailar decision on retirement a few years ago. Regarding cycling in general, my biggest dilemma has been deciding what I wanted to achieve. Now in mid sixties I am never going to be able to compete with younger riders and I gave racing my best shot 30-40 years ago - but I still enjoy trying to improve. I therefore only go for personal challenges and avoid competing in situations where I cannot win. My main focus is on enjoying the rides, even though some are quite hard.

Regarding the Siempre. I bought a Van Nicholas Yukon with mainly 105 kit. This is a great bike, comfortable to ride and fairly responsive. Best of all it is tough as an old boot and I reckon it will last longer than me. I now keep this with full mudguards and use it on damp/winter days and very long rides. I wanted something that would be a bit more responsive but still comfortable. I bought a Bianchi C2C infinito from Epic Cycles. It is very similar to the Siempre but is slightly less race oriented, having a slightly longer head tube. It has been ideal for me - comfortable, fast and beautifully finished. I reckon the Siempre would also be a good choice though you may possibly need to use a few more spacers on the head tube or maybe even fit the stem upside down.

woodbloke

careful wrote:

Not sure if your concern about "making a huge and expensive mistake" relates to the Bianchi Siempre in particular, or buying an expensive road bike in general. I made a simailar decision on retirement a few years ago. Regarding cycling in general, my biggest dilemma has been deciding what I wanted to achieve. Now in mid sixties I am never going to be able to compete with younger riders and I gave racing my best shot 30-40 years ago - but I still enjoy trying to improve. I therefore only go for personal challenges and avoid competing in situations where I cannot win. My main focus is on enjoying the rides, even though some are quite hard.

Regarding the Siempre. I bought a Van Nicholas Yukon with mainly 105 kit. This is a great bike, comfortable to ride and fairly responsive. Best of all it is tough as an old boot and I reckon it will last longer than me. I now keep this with full mudguards and use it on damp/winter days and very long rides. I wanted something that would be a bit more responsive but still comfortable. I bought a Bianchi C2C infinito from Epic Cycles. It is very similar to the Siempre but is slightly less race oriented, having a slightly longer head tube. It has been ideal for me - comfortable, fast and beautifully finished. I reckon the Siempre would also be a good choice though you may possibly need to use a few more spacers on the head tube or maybe even fit the stem upside down.

Thus far, no one seems to have made any sort of outright condemnation of what I propose to do, which is gratifying in itself, so thanks for that Choosing a bike is an absolute bleedin' nightmare, 'specially for a newb but my LBS have been more than helpful. From all the reviews that I've been able to read, it appears that the Biancci Sempre seems to be a machine that appeals to all, be they requiring a sprinter or something that will provide a more leisurely ride, which is what I'm after. I'm fortunate enough to be able to have the cash to go up to around £2K (plus cleats, shoes etc) so I really want to make one choice, get it right and not wish later on that I'd opted for something else. What groupset btw, would you guys go for as it's offered with different variations...whole new kettle of worms I know :? .... - Rob

PeeDee

Hi Rob, in your situation spending £1,000 will get you a bike that will do everything you need it to, and more. I doubt there are many riders of retirement age who can ride hard enough to actually use the extra performance from the higher end bikes, I certainly can't.

Still, you can't take the money to the grave, so if you like it, why not? Go for it and no regrets, thats my advice!

merak

woodbloke wrote:

From all the reviews that I've been able to read, it appears that the Biancci Sempre seems to be a machine that appeals to all, be they requiring a sprinter or something that will provide a more leisurely ride, which is what I'm after. I'm fortunate enough to be able to have the cash to go up to around £2K (plus cleats, shoes etc) so I really want to make one choice, get it right and not wish later on that I'd opted for something else. What groupset btw, would you guys go for as it's offered with different variations...whole new kettle of worms I know :? .... - Rob

On a Bianchi? It's got to be Campag, surely? :-) Which Campag gruppo? Best that budget allows.

And you are going to get celeste??...

cougie

Yeah I'd think you are overspending a bit. A grand buys you a nice bike. If it's wrong for you - sell it on and you'll lose a bit but you still have 1k left.

A 2k bike isn't twice as good as a 1k.

I'm very jealous of your retirement. There's guys in my club absolutely loving their retirement.

merak

PeeDee wrote:

Hi Rob, in your situation spending £1,000 will get you a bike that will do everything you need it to, and more. I doubt there are many riders of retirement age who can ride hard enough to actually use the extra performance from the higher end bikes, I certainly can't.!

Hmm - there are many fearsomely fit roadies in their 60s, 70s and even 80s as the VTTA (Veteran's Time Trial Association) demonstrates. Every club has some guys and/or gals who should be at home in their slippers but who are as hard as nails and more than hold their own with the youngsters. OK, so Dennis Milsom (sub-hour 25 at the age of 81) is a bit of a phenomenon but OP could have a so far undiscovered talent. But good call to suggest he buys what he fancies.

By the way VTTA is worth looking into for anyone who is older than 40 and who wants to compete because they organise time trials that are age-handicapped. Every TT distance has a standard time by age and results are calculated on the basis of how much better (or worse) than the standard for their age each competitor achieves. So an 81 year old can beat a 40 year old. And does.

jimwin

woodbloke wrote:

careful wrote:

What groupset btw, would you guys go for as it's offered with different variations...whole new kettle of worms I know :? .... - Rob

It's an italian frame so go for Campag 11-speed. In your area, you can get away with a standard 53/39 chainset and use the 12/29 cassette OR a compact 50/34 chainset with the 11/25 cassette. The gear inch range of both is almost identical, but using the compact chainset gives you the option of fitting a 12~29 cassette if you find some of the hills a bit hard.

I retired a few years ago and have lots more time to cycle. Enjoy it )

Peddle Up!

Something you may want to take account of, which hasn't been mentioned is the "feel" of a proper road bike. Like you I have a Trek hybrid which is great as an everyday bike and a Madone which I use for more serious stuff. The lighter road bike is much more responsive but needs to be ridden rather than sat on, if that makes sense.

If you've not done so, test ride a few bikes if you can before jumping in. Good luck!

woodbloke

Some great words of wisdom, guys, for which I'm very grateful. I'll certainly have a look at offerings round about £1k or a tad over, but the Sempre is just so droolworthy ... Jimwins technospeak regarding chainsets and cassettes has left me a bit confuzzled so could someone please translate into newbspeak?
In fact the next thing I intend to do is to approach the LBS and see if they'll fit some toe clips to a bike or two so that I can have a couple of practice rides - Rob

PeeDee

Jimwins is pointing out an important choice of kit - what gears to choose (chainset on front and cassette on the back).

Basically, if you are a powerful rider then a 'traditional' 53/39 chainset is better for you. If your fitness is more endurance and agility than brute strength then a 'compact' 50/34 may be a better choice.

Having made this decision, then the LBS will advise on the best cassette to match your chosen chainset. Cassettes are much cheaper than chainsets, and will need replacing every so often anyway, so getting the right chainset more important than choosing the cassette.

You can have more than one cassette if you want and swap them in and out.

cougie

Very good point about the fearsomely fit pensioners but in my club they dont necessarily have the best bike - just strong legs - they can blow away younger riders even on their winter bikes.

merak

cougie wrote:

Very good point about the fearsomely fit pensioners but in my club they dont necessarily have the best bike - just strong legs - they can blow away younger riders even on their winter bikes.

Just think what they would do on a Colnago C59!

pbt150

@woodbloke - what club do you ride with?

I used to live in Salisbury, and my advice would be to go with a compact crankset, it'll just ease the gearing a bit at the bottom end. Some of the hills around are very steep, but normally pretty short. Stonehenge are very helpful, should be able to point you in the right direction.

woodbloke

pbt150 wrote:

@woodbloke - what club do you ride with?

I used to live in Salisbury, and my advice would be to go with a compact crankset, it'll just ease the gearing a bit at the bottom end. Some of the hills around are very steep, but normally pretty short. Stonehenge are very helpful, should be able to point you in the right direction.

Salisbury Road and Mountain Bike Club. I think you're right about the compact crankset (or chainset)...I'll make enquiries at the LBS regarding a couple of test rides to confirm - Rob

cougie

merak wrote:

cougie wrote:

Very good point about the fearsomely fit pensioners but in my club they dont necessarily have the best bike - just strong legs - they can blow away younger riders even on their winter bikes.

Just think what they would do on a Colnago C59!

Blow them away about 0.1mph faster maybe ?

BeaconRuth

woodbloke wrote:

Thus far, no one seems to have made any sort of outright condemnation of what I propose to do, which is gratifying in itself, so thanks for that Choosing a bike is an absolute bleedin' nightmare..........

It's perhaps not surprising that you've had nothing but encouragement - you've asked about getting more into cycling on a cycling forum. Nobody's going to dissuade you around here!

My advice is to not worry unduly about the bike - the bike doesn't make the rider. Better to be a good rider on an inexpensive bike than a bad one on an expensive bike. You've potentially got many years ahead of you for enjoying your cycling and you'll only be limited in what you can achieve by your imagination, commitment and determination. My advice is get out there and spend as much time as you can with experienced riders - improve your riding skills, stamina and strength and then set yourself an exciting, challenging goal. Think big and never allow yourself to be limited by thinking you might be too old. You can easily ride for another 20 years if you wish - just how many things could you do on a bike in that time?!

Ruth

red dragon

I retired a couple of years ago and thoroughly enjoy it. Only downside at present is minor injury, but I still try to get out as often as I can. Regarding bikes the only advice I can offer is try to buy a bike that can be upgraded, and that it fits you (which is most important). Finally enjoy.

woodbloke

BeaconRuth wrote:

woodbloke wrote:

Thus far, no one seems to have made any sort of outright condemnation of what I propose to do, which is gratifying in itself, so thanks for that Choosing a bike is an absolute bleedin' nightmare..........

It's perhaps not surprising that you've had nothing but encouragement - you've asked about getting more into cycling on a cycling forum. Nobody's going to dissuade you around here!

My advice is to not worry unduly about the bike - the bike doesn't make the rider. Better to be a good rider on an inexpensive bike than a bad one on an expensive bike. You've potentially got many years ahead of you for enjoying your cycling and you'll only be limited in what you can achieve by your imagination, commitment and determination. My advice is get out there and spend as much time as you can with experienced riders - improve your riding skills, stamina and strength and then set yourself an exciting, challenging goal. Think big and never allow yourself to be limited by thinking you might be too old. You can easily ride for another 20 years if you wish - just how many things could you do on a bike in that time?!

Ruth

Thanks for that Ruth...sound advice which I'll take on board - Rob