Older Dudes, Personal Experience Please

Daithi

If you want to do it and can afford it just go ahead, you're bound to enjoy riding it more. Sounds like you will appreciate it too if you were into the sport more seriously when you were younger. I bought a Ridley Helium last year, bargain at £1350ish from a "major online retailer" full carbon frame with 105 10 speed and entry level wheels. I already had a Ridley Boreas so knew frame geo was exactly the same plus a mate had bought the same frame year before in the US after testing Trek, Giant & Specialized and said it was the most comfortable of the four. I haven't regretted it once, my first carbon frame, lighter, stiffer & more comfortable than the one it replaced but with exactly the same riding position.

I'm 46 by the way, did my last race at 39 and now mostly ride with a few mates and do 2 or 3 sportives a year, sometimes I even enter them ;-) Did the Tour of Flanders sportive last weekend and glad I had a modern bike, why would you not want to have the best bike you can afford? There are great deals out there on "last years model" all the time. I would stick with mechanical gears & rim brakes myself, not sold on the whole electronic gear thing unless you need it due to arthritis or similar condition, latest dual-pivots have all the stopping power anyone needs on the road IMHO.

In short, go for it and enjoy it!

IanRCarter

If you have the money, go for it. A few of the older guys I know ride endurance road bikes such as the Specialized Roubaix for a more comfortable ride whilst still being quite nippy.

Frank Wilson

Thanks for all your replies guys, have my heart set on one particular bike but have been out looking at "bargains / old stock" today.

Philly8mt

I purchased my first ever bike at age 40 after rupturing my Achilies playing football. I spent £550 on a Specialized Allez and tootled around a bit. I knew I enjoyed it and wanted to spend more time/effort in pursuit of my new hobby. With that in mind, last year, I splashed a couple of grand on a Cervelo and absolutely love it. It's faster, gears shift better, climbs well and weighs bugger all.

I've kept the Allez for winter duties (it's a good bike) .. But .. I'm itching to get out whenever I can on "Miss P.J.Cervelo" .. So glad I did it. I'm sure you'll be the same

Frank Wilson

Had new bike a week now and have to disagree with the poster who said it won't make me faster, because it is so much lighter than previous bike it does indeed make it easier, therefor faster on my cycling achilles heel which is going up hills.

Also makes quick acceleration easier when it is needed.

foot_loose

I am 55. I bought my first bike on ride to work nearly 2 years ago. A Jamis Xenith with 105 group set. That is now my commuter bike and has been replaced as best by a Cannondale Super six with Ultegra Di2. I bought it new ( a 2013 model) last year. Got it for a decent price I guess as new colours and 11 speed was coming. Much more fun to ride. Might be a bit quicker / lighter but I shall never be really quick.

meanredspider

There's a few great things about getting older like not caring what anybody thinks any more. Another one is buying a bike that the younger guys lust over. It helps it you can keep up with them or show them the way. But, yes, a great bike is definitely worth it - I've been back to some of my original bikes and there's definitely a difference.

shipley

briantrumpet wrote:

. I justified the second one by saying that as I probably have fewer years of really being able to push myself than someone who's 20, I might as well buy the bike NOW, as every year is even more precious.

I love this 'man' logic - I shall use it for everything I want from now on !!