Old Guy And A Bike is about the celebration of cycling as a senior athlete. I bring my 35 years of experience as a mountain biker, road rider, and gravel bike lover as well as my two decades of reviewing and writing about cycling products to this channel as we ride, test, explore, and push ourselves to be the best we can be despite our age. It's not over yet. Just keep pedaling.
The thru axle is a great location for attaching racks as you're not adding much load to the bike frame; the weight goes straight into the hub. You should be able to use this even on carbon frames. However, if you need to remove the wheel for whatever reason, you would have to take off the rack first.
I'm a big fan of 3x7,,, ive done alot of off road and pulled off a few century rides... bull low of climbing and long legs for flying... $57 bucks for a complete gear set change less the shiftes... Western Canada Don
Thanks for the video. In process of deciding between a 10-52 set with the 44-52 jump or the new red xplr 13 speed but with 46 being lowest gear. Do you have thoughts on going mullet or the new Red Xplr? This is for my gravel bike that I use for several races a year on east coast with lots of climbing and chunky gravel but also using as my daily trainer which is mainly on hilly road courses with some gravel and singletrack portions on each ride. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Hmmm...well, it depends how badly you need that lower range of the 52 vs the somewhat tighter spacing of the new XPLR. 1x13. What I am not a fan of is the 38T 2nd cog down as that is a pretty poor low gear when paired with a 40T or bigger ring, at least for me. But there are options you are not considering...a 10-50 cassette so the 44 to 50 is tighter...or Garbaruk, IIRC, makes a 10-48 (all of this is eagle compatible). gg
Thank you for taking the time to make this video. I’m 65. I started cycling in 1987. I figure as long as I keep doing it, I’ll be able to keep doing it! Texas logic! All the best.
As someone who spent the entirety of my adult life being overweight and unhealthy before finally deciding to get fit at 37, I find myself at 41 trying to lay the groundwork to live the rest of my life as healthy as possible. I’m really happy I stumbled upon your videos. You have a way of speaking without preaching that is refreshing and enjoyable. Would you mind sharing your stretching routine you do by chance? That is my next area to tackle to ensure I my golden years are enjoyable.
Thanks...meaningful compliment, for sure. Well, I have a bit of a routine, but I am not sure it is all the great to share...but what stretching does it show where you are tight, sore, 'un-equal', etc. For instance, that knee pain might be from a tight part of the body you had not realized was not functioning well. It's so connected...all this stuff. But I will think about some kind of video in the future. I know I am working on a new functional strength routine this fall/winter as I am looking to minimize muscle loss with age. And hey...congrats on the changes you made. One in a million will. Most won't. Change is hard. gg
@@oldguyandabike thank you so much for the nice and thoughtful reply! I’m so glad I stumbled upon your videos while researching bike gearing! If you’re gonna be riding Rock Cobbler next year would love to buy ya a coffee! I’ll be in form Ohio for the second year in a row.
Stumbled across your channel. I enjoyed how you describe the attitude it takes to do these epic events. I currently ride a short wheelbase recumbent and have done three doubles on it so far at the age of 70. Have another one coming up at the end of September and plan on watching this video again before the ride. The walking segment was interesting. On my next double there are a couple of 17 percent grades and my plan is to walk them to save the legs. Trying to think about how to carry some old disposable running shoes for that purpose.
Excellent. Yeah, if I had one more gear lower I would have likely pedaled, but since I did not, and 3.5MPH was the same walking or pedaling with a lot of strain on the legs...I enjoyed the break. On the second half of Big Creek I did a lot of paperboy and that gave me a 5MPH average. Yaaay! If you used SPD (MTB type) shoes, It would sure be better for walking! I might do that next time. Yo...doubles at 70 on a recumbent. Well done, good sir. gg
I'm not even 40 and yet you inspire me. You know, I ride with people in their 40s, 50s, even 70s and I'm always amazed at how they can kick my ass sometimes and my wish is to age just like them and be healthy as long as possible. You don't have to wait before you're 60 to lift weights or have a healthy diet. It's never too late either, but all their experience and yours as well make me think : ok our days are all numbered anyway, how can we possibly make it a smooth travel. So yeah you could say I somewhat experience what people call "midlife crisis", I now understand what that means and what it's all about. I wish you the best
90% of the Media's its about fancy Bike's & Bikes components also those local Centuries rides most of the bikes are Cervelos, Sworks, BMC's etc.. It becomes a show of than ride benefits Actually you can hear talks that teirs bikes shocks in compared. Today the point of the new age seems mixed of pretty coltural intimidation.
I’m 53 and I’m 5 years alcohol free. At that point I started my fitness journey, for the first time ever, with running and strength training. Found the bicycle about 2 years ago and I’m about 1 year into serious cycling. I’m hitting PRs on almost every ride with no signs of slowing down. And I don’t intend to! Right now age is just a number because I feel younger every day. I’m living proof that it’s never too late to start! My first race, a gravel race, is next month. This is just the beginning!
I recently found your channel. Good work! My personal philosophy is; "Don't let your age keep you from achieving your goals". You're right on track with your exercise and dietary comments. I've been a vegan for 16 years and road cycling for 30 and see the benefits. When I was in my 60's, I road half way accross America 2 times and I just completed a 73 mile ride for my 73rd birthday. This fall my goal is to ride100 miles. I strongly believe proper exercise and diet is critical for people in their senior years to achieve a long healthy life.
I'm 76 with a prosthetic knee and stay in the top 10 men for the year on Strava on my local MTB single track trail. Thanks to my Giant Trance X riding in mid "Trail" mode.
So I'm confused, your hat in the last video had a purple bill and this one is all blue. Are you messing with me or did your loved ones have a whole bunch of hats made up in different colour combos?
I'm 65 and here are some things I do to keep riding. I use a full-sus XC bike with wide 700x47 Gravel tires at 26psi as my Gravel bike. This provides a lot more cushion for the my old joints. I use a 10-52 cassette with a 32T chainring. I live in the Colorado Rockies and riding at 7000+ feet elevation is normal and every ride is steep. If I didn't have the low gears, I would probably have given up on riding. I installed a stem riser(also called a steerer tube extender). Getting the handlebar up a couple of inches is a lot easier on the back. I ride for 2 hours 4 or 5 times per week. I ride year round unless snow, ice, or rain keep me indoors. If I can't ride, I hike. I also ride a long travel mountain bike with 29x2.6 tires and a 28T chainring. Once again, low gears and lots of cushion.
Strava segments are what keep me going. Just rolled over 70, but set a PR on the Boquet Canyon climb from 2 years ago. Going for Lake hughes next week.
I was a 14 year old wannabe racer in the 70s. I did training rides and time trials with the Stockton (Cali) bike club. I was pretty scrawny and the college age guys had no time for me, but I could keep up (for awhile) with some of the older guys. Those older guys were the inspiration for my lifetime of riding. I thought they were super cool with their chill manner, their sturdiness despite their age, their look of ease on the bike, and the way they wore their kit with a certain flair. Most of all they just seemed to have a certain zest and appreciation for life and riding. The younger guys were all just pure power, but the older guys seemed inspired. Now I'm 62 and still riding strong and feeling great, and I still think about and appreciate those older riders.
Thanks for sharing that, Great story! One of the things I love about cycling is how it allows us to live our lives pedaling; faster at times, slower at others, then finally with a grace and ease that only comes with time and experience. It truly is one of the sports that becomes a lifestyle. Like surfing. I walk the beach front often past 'Surfer's Point' and I see old guys that have been doing this since they were young men...maybe even boys. It is obvious to me as an older atlhete, that they are 'well seasoned'. I love that vibe they give off. They are comfortable being a surfer and they will be till they die. I am a cyclist. And always will be. And I think that is just fine. gg
@@oldguyandabike Yeah, surfing. And with seasoning comes a vibe that gets you into zen mode, being in the flow, seeing everything without overthinking or fighting. What a good feeling, so natural.
I’ve been a cyclist for over 40 years. I stopped two years ago for a five year period due to an accident. My health declined. I went to the doctor. The doctor said my bloodwork was bad. He wanted to put me on meds immediately no questions ask I said no I went home flipped on the switch got back on the bike. I am now three years back to training. I do multiple 100 mile rides a week. I’m in the gym the other times slim down put more muscle mass that I have than when I was younger, I’m stronger and faster than I was in my 20s eat healthy get plenty of rest
Awesome video, thanks for that! I’m generally in shape and cycling is a big part of my life, but more than that, at almost 50, we’re expecting our second child in November and I want to make sure I’m around for a long time… you’re inspiring!
Thanks - This was a good video. I'm no athlete and I love junk food. However, several years ago I had gout. How did this happen? I wanted to know why. I walk and listen to books on tape. I think I listened to all the books on nutrition I could download from the library. Prior to that, I didn't even know that carbohydrates essentially turn to sugar in the body. So, I gave up the junk food (well the lion's share of it.) Lots of green leafy vegetables have taken it's place. As in the video, I realized I don't have the aches and pains that I used to. The bike riding has become easier. It's not a competitive thing. It just makes you feel better. I think the advice to exercise the upper body is good. I will attempt to follow that advice.
Incorporate that rise into the Kitchen sink bar that would be awesome !! Love the bar I run 2 red shift kitchen sinks on 2 of my bikes and love the feel and position
I’ve been running 38t for some years now- took the 40 off after my first bike pack trip down the oregon coast on my 11x 11-42 rival setup. Let the folks at Garbaruk know it was ur recent video on the 10-52 that got me off my dime, and did the ratio technology 12x conversion w the Garbaruk cassette. Spin city. Love it!
Hey Great review! I'm also in Socal and doing tire research to possibly replace my Resolutes. After watching this I will probably just get a new set. Since making the video have you had a chance to try the Pirelli Cinterado Gravel M ? Also thinking about going up in size to a 45 on my XXL YT Szepter 1. because I think more volume might be fun as I'm tall and over 200LBS and I like doing light mtb tracks on the Szepter 2. A test that I read shows the Cinterado Gravel M in a 45 has less rolling resistance than the Resolute in a 42 .......anyway ....let me know you thoughts on the various degrees of compromise.....
No, never tried that one. I did a video on the Gravel RC in a 45mm though so you can search for that. At your height and weight and So Cal conditions, I would totally go to a 45mm tire just for the sake of scale. Maybe even a 50. I'm riding a 50mm resolute right now but the jury is still out on how that tire is. But I do have 4 45s in d'house so I think I will do a 4 way tire test here soon as I think I might be moving up to a fast 45 as well. Ooh...the UPS guy juts dropped off so tires...think bigger than any of these other tires. gg
Personally I think the 40-50mm gravel tire market is a damn scam!! Why are "gravel bike" tires as much as hotdamn motorcycle and car tires!?!?! I'm lucky if I get more than 1,000 miles out of my rear tire on 99% "gravel" there's nothing wrong with the quality or durability of the tires it's the frickin 2.5mm deep treads!! The best rides I had on my Fargo were with 2.2 tires, plenty of cushion and good rolling resistance and you dont need to run a suspension stem and seatpost like I do on my 40mm gravelbike! Lol
Maybe the last little quip about stretching was rather pertinent. When you are on the bike, you are moving. You think all of you is moving, but is that the case? Thanks for reminding me.
Coming from the road, how the geometry felt meant a lot to me when getting a gravel bike. So, I went with a 2x gravel race bike in the Cervelo Aspero 5 which gave me a more aggressive geometry that was closer to my road bike feel. With that frame I run 30c tires on 45mm deep wheels for the road and swap out for 43c tires on 32mm deep wheels for gravel. Got rid of a couple road bikes and a gravel bike for this one and it's been working great.
Hah! Yeah, but I think I am changing the tape. I hate the way that the bar tape separates on the Lizard Skins...last time I spend 50 bucks on that tape. Wow. Love the color though. Been using a cheaper Cinelli cork tape on another bike and that stuff is great. gg
Sounds like a place for a multi-factorial design of experiment. 😂. But yes I was thinking my new 58cm Checkpoint would be more stretched than my Domane 58cm. Nope the shorter stem and shorter bar reach bring it back. Oh but I’d like less drop on the bars.
I was planning to but the stem is a hard to find item in the US and the AliExpress order was taking forever...lowering was free and fast. And I am glad I tried it! gg
Ive been thinking about changing my bars on my mtb. They have a swept back thing that puts a bit too much angle on my wrists. But when i do it, my reach will increase. Im glad to hear you say change 1 thing @ a time. I was thinking of shortening the stem at the same time. Now that i think about it the increased reach could be good as the bike is a hand me down that is 1 size small for me. Im actually thinking about a seatpost with some set back all of a sudden. P.S. Im looking @ time cycles, I live in socal, and would be interested in maybe going for a ride some time. (No pun intended) I'm scoping the ADHX 45. Im a size 58 frame if your the same size maybe you would be interested in getting a feel? Hearing your bars were 44cm makes me think you might just be on a 58?
This is all true but I think you need to be a pretty experienced cyclist with a bit of sensitivity to know exactly where to intervene. I think a lot of people who feel fairly comfy on their bikes have just got their bodies used over the years to poor posture.
I think it takes being able to feel what you want to change, then researching how to effect said change, and implementing it. I would think it does require some sensitivity, but also numbness or something like that is not good. I think some changes also develop from trying to make changes for speed, like narrower bars, or turning in your levers. Then after you make the 1 change, you may need to change other things to compensate. Again research/ knowledge would be key here. Its also the type of thing that could get sorted out in a good fitting. A bike fitter may suggest multiple changes based off measuring you on your bike. I feel its still best to implement them one at a time. And support your fitter if you use them, help them out and buy at least one thing from them. If their prices seem non competitive, ask them if they price match. The other thing about shopping with them, is you can discuss your upgrades as you do them with the fitter, potentially dialing in a better fit. The two things that have increased my comfort on my bike the most. Are upgrading the seat and upgrading to butt pads from elastic interface. Elastic interface works with many top brands. I chose giro based on availability. Their tripple density pad is dreamy, i can put down 30 miles without getting off and my tail bone doesnt hurt when i sit in a chair! Im still somewhat new to being a cyclist, ive got 4 months under my belt of regular riding. The seat i hunted down based off youtube recommendations and ergons fit guide which asked how regularly I ride as well as my sit bone width. The bibs i hunted down based off recommendations for an italian shammy, and elastic interfaces website which lists who they do business with, giro was my 4th choice. The 1st 2 didnt ship to the US, the 3rd was Fox racing which only had a $200 bib, and then i found giro. Their bibs are/were on sale 50% off 170 for $85 out the door, SOLD! Edit: I have a broken back, and comfort on the bike is important for my back. Riding 30 miles feels better than walking 3 blocks.
Yes! I agree that it takes a bit of a sense of 'right' when you make a change. Yeah...seems like most riders just run the bikes the way they were sold. And many folks buy a bike that is not a good fit to begin with ie flipped stems and rotated controls on road bikes with low stack and steep angles. That can really mess up the handling. gg
Yup. Change more then one thing and you don't know if it's this or that, and I found that in most troubleshooting instances. Sounds like a good time and I am interested in hearing about your pedaling changes. I have been trying different things too try new things. Working on your body is great and it's helped my mom be more capable compared to 5 or even 10 years ago.
Yeah...I need to sort through all this first, and the miles and hours are the proof yet to come. You know...as long as I (or you) have been doing this cycling thing, we can still learn and refine and improve. I love that! gg
When I buy a new bike, it often takes many rides to get that fit just right. I try different handlebar widths, stem lengths, and bar heights. Every bikes geometry is different, so every bike needs a slightly different fit. You're absolutely correct. Adjust one thing, ride it a couple of times before adjusting the next thing.
Hey Old Guy, great video..just found your channel.. question for you- was the ADHX 45 available when you got this bike, and, if not, would you have considered it if it had been available? I'm looking at a bike that can do gravel as well, but not looking for a drop-bar MTB ;), I would assume a 45mm tire (as on the ADHX 45) would be more than enough for anything i want to ride one and also give me the option of a second wheelset for road tires.. thoughts? Thanks!!
It was not. That come out later on and I was looking for a true road bike, although the ability to run up to a 38mm tire on the ADHX was nice (I have never done that though). So I would not have taken the slight geometry hit on the '45' version (pretty much just longer chain stays) as it would have done nothing for me. That said, I think the '45' would be a GREAT choice for a one-bike-solution build. Based on my time on the ADHX, I think it would be quite good as a road bike as long as you were not looking to be the pointy end of the spear and, while it would be a bit steep in geo for my tastes here out west, it should be quite good in the dirt as well. gg
Timely video deciding on 2x or 1x at the moment , currently running xplr 1x 40 44 but it ain't low enough for me, old man in south wales but love the look of 1x
