Advice please for 70 y.o. in deciding on new bike

[joe1942]

A bit of background first ,my present bike is a Giant CRS hybrid, reason for change find it too heavy.I try to get out on the bike at least 3 times a week weather permitting.In the winter I do about 15/20 mile per trip,summer it is 20/30milles no of road stuff.I am riding on 32mm. tyres.After having had a good look round had narrowed my choice to,Trek 7.3 or 7.4 FX. the Giant Escape 1 and the Specialized Sirrus sport.My budget is between 500/600 pounds.After talking to some LBS I was told to consider the ride I would be getting from my selection they would be a lot lighter,faster (this is not a priority) and importantly a much harder ride on my body, they have suggested I look at front suspension bikes,but my limited knowledge on this subject meant a heavy bike so any thoughts and guidance from fellow cyclists would be appreciated particularly people in my age bracket the type of bike they are riding

 

[vickster]

A bike with carbon forks and perhaps a carbon seat post will feel more comfortable

I wouldn't want suspension if riding on roads, not the weight more the energy sapping, a bike with fatter tyres will also be more comfortable 28mm minimum

I have a Whyte Cambridge, an extremely comfortable ride for me and has good gearing

This older model (the one I have incidentally) is close to your budget (£900 RRP)

http://www.discountcyclesdirect.co....m='Whyte Cambridge 2011 Hybrid/Commuter Bike'

 

[ColinJ]

Hi Joe. Well done for carrying on cycling into your 70s! I hope I still can when I get to that age.

I agree with you that suspension on a road bike is unnecessary extra weight, and you would be spending money on suspension that could be better spent on other parts. I would go for a standard road bike.

If you need more comfort, fit the biggest (slick) tyres you can, and use slightly lower pressures than you would for maximum efficiency. (There is a bit of a trade-off, but knocking 5-10 psi off can make a bike much more comfortable without it becoming too sluggish. Experiment and see what suits you best.)

You should be able to get a nice bike for £600 if you shop around, and especially if you buy an older model in a clearance sale.

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

My dads in his 70 and riding a Specialized Sirrus, he really likes it

 

[joe1942]

A bit of background first ,my present bike is a Giant CRS hybrid, reason for change find it too heavy.I try to get out on the bike at least 3 times a week weather permitting.In the winter I do about 15/20 mile per trip,summer it is 20/30milles no of road stuff.I am riding on 32mm. tyres.After having had a good look round had narrowed my choice to,Trek 7.3 or 7.4 FX. the Giant Escape 1 and the Specialized Sirrus sport.My budget is between 500/600 pounds.After talking to some LBS I was told to consider the ride I would be getting from my selection they would be a lot lighter,faster (this is not a priority) and importantly a much harder ride on my body, they have suggested I look at front suspension bikes,but my limited knowledge on this subject meant a heavy bike so any thoughts and guidance from fellow cyclists would be appreciated particularly people in my age bracket the type of bike they are riding

First of all would like to thank everyone for their imput, and decided to go for the carbon forks, have included an att. hope you all can make sense of it, briefly it is a 2011 Giant escape 1 has anybody ever dealt with this bike shop Pauls cycles from Norfolk, once again thank you

 

[Kies]

My dads in his 70 and riding a Specialized Sirrus, he really likes it

How MANY times have i told you to STOP calling me DAD !!!!!

 

[SteCenturion]

No advice from me Mr Joe
(D.O.B 1942) ?

Just a great big Chapeu' to you for being gutsy enough to ride in your 70's & probably inspiring other seniors too.

 

[Globalti]

*cough* My mum aged 83 has just traded up from a heavy slow shopper to a very nippy Specialized hybrid. She loves riding it fast down the local lanes and the rest of the family are waiting to blame me for talking her into buying it, when she falls off and breaks a bone. However I reckon that the benefits of fun, freedom and exercise far outweigh the risk of an accident.

Gti Junior and I are even planning a trip down to Wiltshire this summer to teach her the basics of drafting, through and off, etc.

 

[screenman]

Growing older is compulsory, growing up is not.

 

[youngoldbloke]

Growing older is compulsory, growing up is not.

Phew - that's good to hear, was beginning to wonder whether I really should have bought my Rose CRS at my time of life - YOB age 66 years 4 months

 

[David Garside]

Well that puts my 58 years into perspective then....well done...hope I'll be able to do the same.

 

[screenman]

My brother started cycling at 78, last time he rode a bike we had a king on the throne. Age is just a number, 35 year old number 58 here.

 

[Globalti]

I'm 57 and still a hooligan.

 

[Koga]

First of all would like to thank everyone for their imput, and decided to go for the carbon forks, have included an att. hope you all can make sense of it, briefly it is a 2011 Giant escape 1 has anybody ever dealt with this bike shop Pauls cycles from Norfolk, once again thank you

Reference PaulsCylce in Dereham, I have bought several bikes there and never had a problem.

 

[BSRU]

I met a guy last year training to do the LEJOG in September 2013 in just ten days, just after his eightieth birthday, respect.