What type of bike(s) do you see in your long term future?

[simon.r]

Thread prompted by the situation my Dad is in - he’s 84 and recently had a seizure. As a result his driving licence has been suspended (which is probably a good thing) but he’s using his electric Brompton to get out and about for pleasure, some exercise and to do the food shopping.

I’m 54 and becoming more of a utility cyclist than a ‘racing’ cyclist, though I still enjoy both types of cycling.

I don’t feel the need for any form of assistance at present, but having cycled back from the shops with a fully laden Pashley Pronto earlier today (2 large bags of groceries, 2 large boxes of cat food and quite a lot of beer!) I can see an electrically assisted cargo bike on the horizon.

Given the advances in in ‘racing’ e-bikes I can also see a time when a 50 mile ride will be a lot more pleasurable on an an e-bike than a ‘normal’ bike.

I don’t want to get old before my time and I have no plans in the near future to use anything other than my legs to power myself.

But, it’s good to know that, increasingly, the options are out there that will enable me to keep cycling into old(er) age.

So what’s in your distant future? Just keep pedalling? An e-bike of some sort? Stop cycling and rely on cabs?

 

[Vapin' Joe]

More E bikes, but conventional road machines with the motor in the seat tube. These are already (Allegedly) being used by some pro riders now and development will mean costs fall dramatically.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

A recumbent , a brompton, and a mtn bike.

 

[Globalti]

Just had an offer accepted on a building plot in Scotland so I can see myself jacking in the Roubaix soon for a disc brake gravel bike for all those forestry trails and shooting tracks.

 

[ColinJ]

I know someone in his 80s who still races. I haven't ridden with him for years but I bet you that he is still quicker than me ...

I am planning (hoping!) to keep doing what I do now for another 18 years and re-evaluate things on my 80th birthday!

 

[Drago]

A Gold Wing.

 

[biggs682]

A Gold Wing.

Shouldn't that be a clipped wing!!

 

[Will Spin]

I'm 64, just built up a nice road bike with Dolan Tuono frame to add to my collection, hoping for more years of use of my road bikes. An electric bike would be the beginning of the end.

 

[fossyant]

I know a couple of folk with E-MTB's. They do get up hills quite effortlessly but weigh a tonne. They are great for those with joint issues and other ailments, but I'd steer clear until you really needed on.It's far better for you to be slogging up hills than breezing up. Most of the guys with them have had issues with the motors though, so the tech isn't quite reliable enough.

 

[Dave 123]

A Gold Wing.

More like a bingo wing....

 

[Globalti]

I'm 64, just built up a nice road bike with Dolan Tuono frame to add to my collection, hoping for more years of use of my road bikes. An electric bike would be the beginning of the end.

Agreed. That would be like installing a Stannah stairlift.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

More like a bingo wing....

Or Chicken Wings

 

[SkipdiverJohn]

I see myself running pretty much what I own now; British-made lugged Reynolds-framed flat bar Raleighs as "best", and any old heaps of crap I get out of skips as carefree hacks, so long as the frames are rigids and not suspension. I always wanted a Galaxy when I was a youngster but they were unaffordable to me at the time, so if one of those. or a Raleigh Royal 531 Tourer, turns up at the right money in my size, I'll add a classic drop bar bike to my collection.
I'm not remotely interested in owning anything modern, aero, carbon, oversized aluminium, and an e-bike is completely beyond the pale, as to me, a proper bike must always be purely human-powered.

 

[ADarkDraconis]

I want to fix up my old (sometimes) reliable- which is a crappy Sears special brand mtb, but has a special place in my heart, so I want to fit him out with better parts and maybe a new (but still red) paintjob as an alternate bike. It also has the advantage of being a bit smaller of a frame so easier to get on and off with my bad hip. The hybrid that I commute on now I see lasting well into my golden years as far as comfort but if I get to a point where physically a step-through frame or even an e-bike helps keep me out on the trail spinning pedals then that is what I'd do. Sometimes we must accept our physical limitations and find other ways to still do what we love without being miserable. Different doesn't mean less good.

Good on your dad for getting out and riding, even if he needs a little help! I get by with a little help from my friends...

 

[Old jon]

Yup, 67 going on one hundred here. I guess when the legs stop, so do I.