I’m considering a rather ostentatiously high-end bike for my 50th birthday which is about 18 months away. I’m thinking $100 per year of life is a good price point. I can’t decide whether I should admit that I’m as slow as a turd at a cheese festival and buy a nice steel art-bike tourer, or if I should get a carbon fiber wonder bike to feed senile delusions that I’m a demi-god Merckx-like stud who can hammer down the road and leave mere mortals whimpering behind. In other words, I can’t decide if I should enter my 5th decade as a Fred or as a Poseur. I’m thinking Colnago versus Waterford. Should I get seduced by wonderful, fleeting Lust or should I go for enduring Love? My other option is to count my age in binary and wait until I’m 1000000 years old before getting a nice bike.

I’m considering a rather ostentatiously high-end bike for my 50th birthday which is about 18 months away. I’m thinking $100 per year of life is a good price point. I can’t decide whether I should admit that I’m as slow as a turd at a cheese festival and buy a nice steel art-bike tourer, or if I should get a carbon fiber wonder bike to feed senile delusions that I’m a demi-god Merckx-like stud who can hammer down the road and leave mere mortals whimpering behind. In other words, I can’t decide if I should enter my 5th decade as a Fred or as a Poseur. I’m thinking Colnago versus Waterford. Should I get seduced by wonderful, fleeting Lust or should I go for enduring Love? My other option is to count my age in binary and wait until I’m 1000000 years old before getting a nice bike.


18 months gives you time for a sweet custom steel rig........

(spoken like another slow as a turd 50 year old guy)

I'd personally go for the speed machine! Go on, be the Merckx-like stud.

Hate to break it to you but you will be beginning your 6th decade when you hit 50! Im 43 so not far behind you. Buy whatever makes YOU happy, you only go around once! Buy it and ride it and enjoy it! Good luck, the looking and anticipation is half the fun!

Buy the one that you cannot stop thinking about. Generally speaking, there will always be a bike that you cannot stop thinking about. If that hasn't happened yet, keep searching. Don't settle on good enough, get what makes you WANT to ride it...

Zach

I'd really go for it and buy both ! We're in the same age ballpark, but I already have a custom Serotts (bash away all), but it's great. I really don't need another frame for a long, long time. If I did do another frame now, I'd probably go with the waterford. Nice ride, comfy and I would probably ride it quite a bit - but that's just me.

Enjoy whatever your decision is and don't look back. (There's a bunch of kids gaining fast!)

Hate to break it to you but you will be beginning your 6th decade when you hit 50! Im 43 so not far behind you. Buy whatever makes YOU happy, you only go around once! Buy it and ride it and enjoy it! Good luck, the looking and anticipation is half the fun!

I never would have made that mistake when I was 25. But like my mother-in-law says, you can do anything at 50 that you could at 25--it just takes twice as long and hurts twice as much.

I'm going spendy as well.
Settled on an all Ti DEAN.

So pose away, you'll have company.

Just in case you are one of the people who think that steel is heavy, a friend of mine just picked up his new Waterford R22. With Record components, and with his racing carbon tubie wheelset, it weighed out at 16.5 pounds (this is with pedals, tires, cages, and empty waterbottles. (60cm frame)

I'm 55 and a firm beliver that steel is real. I must admit that I felt the need to try carbon. I would love to have a C-50. But I've got racy and I've got bling. So I just bought a Specialized Roubaix. I pick it up Friday. Should be racy enough for an old man and still be comfortable. Just no bling.

New Master X-Lite- Full Record- riding on a set of Gravy's Best handbuilt. NICE

If you want a Colnago you better order it now. The new distributor is terrible, long waits. Somewhere inside of you, you are leaning toward one bike. Go with your gut.

I bought a Master X-Light when I hit 60 (5 years ago). This year I hit 65 and went the carbon route. When I'm 70, dunno, I'll have to wait....

old cyclists don't die, they just get hammered to death.

babe 50 is young.

Go with the Wateford. As you pass all the younglings on a steel bike while they ride carbon (I admit like myself) you can have the best of both worlds. Of course, this comes from a guy who got passed by a ?husband/wife team with small dogs strapped to their chest. Who's the slow turd now????????

No way am I as full of wisdom as you can be.

But the new bike should represent you, not HE whom you want to be, or He whom you've never been.

It's not even gonna be you last bike... But don't make it a one-night-stand affaire...

Like a tatoo; you know you want to get one, but not sure what or where? Wait.

Who are you... In for the long run, and sturdy? Nervous and agile?

Always remember that what is good stays with you... 15, or 50.

What's it gonna be?

I'll be 50 in less than two months, I own custom Ti and Custom Carbon road frames, what should I get next? I was thinking maybe a new stainless steel by either Pegoretti or IF, any thoughts?

If I were choosing between a top end carbon fiber v. a top end steel as you are I would go with the carbon fiber, just my two cents. What a wonderful dilemma to have.

Jeez! Bunch of kids. Gimme the Ford anytime. Nags just don't fit me right.

why not a seven. Ti is like high zoot steel.

Grandmas or college girls.... hmmm which would I hit...? Colnago.:thumbsup:

Get the bike that you lust after, no matter if you are a "turd" as you put it. My father bought himself a Master-X-Light when he hit 52 because he could. One year later he picks up a C50 because he could. :rolleyes: A couple of months ago (he's almost 54) he bought a Colnago World Cup CX bike. He's had a Colnago fetish for a long time and now he is cashing in on it. He may be slow but he is smiling from ear to ear whenever he rides one of his bikes. :thumbsup:

Carbon is pretty standard nowadays. You'd just be joining the herd.

You need something with identity -- a one-off rig that is you and only you.

Find a custom builder -- a lot can be done in steel for that kind of moolah -- and have the builder sketch out a dream machine that's like no other. Fine welds, Marilyn Monroe paint job, etc.

Doesn't have to be a Waterford retiree ride. Can be racy, wild and fast.

That'd be a hell of a ego boost for a 50-year-old.

Waterford all the way. Custom geometry for perfect fit. Pick any color or scheme you want. Hand-crafted in Wisconsin, land the the Cheesheads and Green Bay Packers.

Grandmas or college girls.... hmmm which would I hit...? Colnago.:thumbsup:


Lol... this is perfect. I couldn't say it better in a 1,000 years. Wrench science has some great deals on some colnagos- and you can get it equipped with Some SRAM RED. IMO, this bike, with a little RED on it, is the hotnezz.

http://www.roadcyclinguk.com/news/images/colnago_ferrari_side_hi.jpg

http://www.birota.ru/images/texts/2007/july/sram-red-add/lever1.jpg

EDIT: I could do without the Ferrari stickers on it.

I voted Colnago but the way the dollar is going against the Euro you might want to seriously consider from the economic standpoint. Nothing against Waterford but to compare Waterford against Colnago is like comparing Shelby Cobra GT vs. BMW M3. When it comes to flash for the cash Europeans may have the edge. *Your opinion may vary.

When I turned 50, now 5+ years ago, I decided to get back into cycling after a long layoff and I've never regretted that decision. Glad you are getting there too.
I think if I had it narrowed down to a carbon Colnago or steel Waterford, I'd opt for a polished Reynolds 953 like Waterford had at Interbike recently. One of the nicest bikes I've seen in a long time.

Definitely go custom steel. Custom is bespoke and unique. You can go just as fast on a custom steel as an off the rack carbon. Put the bling in some hand built wheels and a some carbon cranks like Stronglight Pulsion.

If you want a Colnago you better order it now. The new distributor is terrible, long waits.


I've heard others say the new distributor is not good, however my experience is different.

I just received a Colnago EP in Saronni Red and it arrived sooner than projected. Because this was a limited edition paint scheme, my LBS quoted 16 to 20 weeks because Colnago had yet to paint them all. Anyway, the bike arrived at the shop after only 8 weeks.

I'm thrilled with it, and would suggest to the OP that he go with Colnago too.

I've heard others say the new distributor is not good, however my experience is different.

I just received a Colnago EP in Saronni Red and it arrived sooner than projected. Because this was a limited edition paint scheme, my LBS quoted 16 to 20 weeks because Colnago had yet to paint them all. Anyway, the bike arrived at the shop after only 8 weeks.

I'm thrilled with it, and would suggest to the OP that he go with Colnago too.

Beautiful frame. I made some comments on the manufacturer/Colnago forum.

I voted for the Waterford because if they were both sitting in my garage Sunday morning I'd be much more likely to hop on it than the Colnago.

forget all those silly high end common bikes. Have Bart make something that will really turn heads.

http://www.lustracing.com/index.htm

have him make you some shoes while he's at it. No idea the lead time but have heard he's a busy guy.

of course at 5k you're only looking at a frame... :eek:
you only turn 50 once...

forget all those silly high end common bikes. Have Bart make something that will really turn heads.

http://www.lustracing.com/index.htm

have him make you some shoes while he's at it. No idea the lead time but have heard he's a busy guy.

of course at 5k you're only looking at a frame... :eek:
you only turn 50 once...

Holy carp I want one of those 'cross bikes.

To the OP...go for the Colnago! I saw the Ferrari bike pictured earlier in a bike shop in Florence (Italy) while I was there and very nearly orgasmed.

****Well, Fred. I turned 61 this year, and am back to riding a classic steel
frame Marinoni with all orig Campy stuff, except for a sexy Selle saddle and
yellow tape. I have no interest anymore with carbon or aluminum or anything
clever and quick and new, but still love the classic geometry of what looks
to me, any any sensible Italian, as A ROAD BIKE.

For street use,, in NYC, daily, I use a Raleigh M-80 with shocks and disc
brakes, which are amazing.


Oh, and the goofy horn is really nec in the city.

Gene

since I'm sure you will keep a good sense of humor about whichever way you decide to go. The key is to not take yourself too seriously I think you are already there . I bought the trophy bike 3 year ago and ironically I converted my old bike to a fixie and that has become my favorite bike. I remember when I was anxious about dropping an obscene amount of money at my local LBS, my friend who worked there, said, "Well, it's not heroin" Truer words...... I'm 50 this year and I'll celebrate it by (I hope) doing a 500mi. race and 50mi trail run to prove I still got "it". I think your way is a better choice. BTW, I vote Waterford.

I’m considering a rather ostentatiously high-end bike for my 50th birthday which is about 18 months away. I’m thinking $100 per year of life is a good price point. I can’t decide whether I should admit that I’m as slow as a turd at a cheese festival and buy a nice steel art-bike tourer, or if I should get a carbon fiber wonder bike to feed senile delusions that I’m a demi-god Merckx-like stud who can hammer down the road and leave mere mortals whimpering behind. In other words, I can’t decide if I should enter my 5th decade as a Fred or as a Poseur. I’m thinking Colnago versus Waterford. Should I get seduced by wonderful, fleeting Lust or should I go for enduring Love? My other option is to count my age in binary and wait until I’m 1000000 years old before getting a nice bike.

I'm a techno geek but honestly if I wasn't into racing I'd get a nice custom steel bike with LOADS of style. If you don't go fast might as well ride something cool looking. Buy it, you only live once.

Well...for that money, why limit yourself to those frames?

Custom steel........you could do a Kirk easily & have money left over. Why go with a company where you don't know the builder? Waterforfd would be one of my last choices for steel.

Carbon........Colnago would be on my list, but for that money, why not do a custom? Calfee, Parlee or Crumpton.

You are limiting yourself waqy too much.

Len

Well...for that money, why limit yourself to those frames?

Custom steel........you could do a Kirk easily & have money left over. Why go with a company where you don't know the builder? Waterforfd would be one of my last choices for steel.

Carbon........Colnago would be on my list, but for that money, why not do a custom? Calfee, Parlee or Crumpton.

You are limiting yourself waqy too much.

Len


You're right. My two bikes that fit me best are 66 cm and 67 cm c-t seattube with 58 cm top tube. I'm not going to get this off-the-shelf. I've admired Colnagos since I was 15 years old, but a Colnago with a 4" riser stem and a 26 tooth granny gear would be kinda sad, so I'll probably end up going custom steel. I plan to contact Southwest Frame Works in Dallas, the company who built Dave Hickey's beautiful fixed gear. I'd put a high value on meeting the craftsman and artist who builds the bike.

When I get too old to ride, I'll buy a Colnago like the one on Ebay below and hang it above my deathbed.

You're right. My two bikes that fit me best are 66 cm and 67 cm c-t seattube with 58 cm top tube. I'm not going to get this off-the-shelf. I've admired Colnagos since I was 15 years old, but a Colnago with a 4" riser stem and a 26 tooth granny gear would be kinda sad, so I'll probably end up going custom steel. I plan to contact Southwest Frame Works in Dallas, the company who built Dave Hickey's beautiful fixed gear. I'd put a high value on meeting the craftsman and artist who builds the bike.

When I get too old to ride, I'll buy a Colnago like the one on Ebay below and hang it above my deathbed.

Contact Dave Kirk.

He is a tall guy and will make you an incredible bike. Good guy to work with also.

Len

I’m considering a rather ostentatiously high-end bike for my 50th birthday which is about 18 months away. I’m thinking $100 per year of life is a good price point

...for the frame, sure. If you meant $5k for the entire bike, that's not nearly ostentatious enough! You deserve better! :)

I'll turn 50 in 3 years...which is still 3 years before the Sachs I ordered is scheduled to arrive. But there's no way in hell my mid-life gift-to-self bike was going to be anything that wasn't A) built expressly for me; and B) something that would outlive me, that I could hand down in my will.

But I'm intrigued by the Power Of Two option in your poll, what's that all about?

...for the frame, sure. If you meant $5k for the entire bike, that's not nearly ostentatious enough! You deserve better! :)

I'll turn 50 in 3 years...which is still 3 years before the Sachs I ordered is scheduled to arrive. But there's no way in hell my mid-life gift-to-self bike was going to be anything that wasn't A) built expressly for me; and B) something that would outlive me, that I could hand down in my will.

But I'm intrigued by the Power Of Two option in your poll, what's that all about?

I ordered my Sachs or my 50TH on my 49th B-day.......needless to say, I didn't get it by my 50th.....more like just before my 52nd! :rolleyes:

Len

Jeez! Bunch of kids. Gimme the Ford anytime. Nags just don't fit me right.



If you were after 8/42 you are younger than the old dino.

...for the frame, sure. If you meant $5k for the entire bike, that's not nearly ostentatious enough! You deserve better! :)

I'll turn 50 in 3 years...which is still 3 years before the Sachs I ordered is scheduled to arrive. But there's no way in hell my mid-life gift-to-self bike was going to be anything that wasn't A) built expressly for me; and B) something that would outlive me, that I could hand down in my will.

But I'm intrigued by the Power Of Two option in your poll, what's that all about?


It's an idea that the really big birthdays should be every year that you have doubled your age--2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64 instead of being based on decades. This is closer to actual time perception. When I was 8 years old 16 seemed to ba as far away as 64 seemed when I was 32. I'm 5.6 powers of 2 now. Life develops urgency when you realize you'll be lucky to get 6.5 powers of 2. Thinking about this urgency makes me wan tto work less, ride more, and get my dream bike now. I really like Len's Kirk. I'm nearly convinced to go for an art and style statement.

I voted for the Colnago, but after owning two, I'd say they don't have my favorite geometry. The steering is on the slow side.

The paint job is important to me. I stumbled upon the special edition red/black LOOK 585 and jumped on it, even though I only got free freight an no sales tax in the deal - no discounted price. $3k is a lot for a frame, but cheaper than most Colnagos.

Save the steel bike for you're 60th. Tommasini would be my choice.

As I near 55, I'm getting slow too. Arthritis is taking it's toll on my knees and now my spine. I really don't expect to ride much after 60. At least I haven't gotten fat. I still manage to drop 5-8 pounds to get to my usual 134 by late spring.

If you were after 8/42 you are younger than the old dino.
OK - ya got me. :( Mine is 12/42.

OK - ya got me. :( Mine is 12/42.

I dunno, guys thinking they are 'getting old' when they hit 40 and 50. I think most of it is in the head, although sometimes I need a jump start to get going...

Damn?!?! Not to knock Waterfords, but do you have one foot in the grave? Are you sliding into retirement or just catching your stride? Do you like the response of your bike when you hit the pedals or like the satisfaction of smoothly shifting your way up a hill?

If you want to tour, get the touring bike. If you are doing fast club rides and an occasional race, choose the Nag.

Personally crossing that line in shortly. Have a '96 DeRosa Primato to satisfy that desire for classic Italian steel ride. The other steed is a Look 595 - a rocketship that just loves to hammer. Can't imagine parting with either.

Next bike, hmmm probably the IF touring bike. Load her up and see the world. Did a lot of touring in my youth before settling down with family, job et. al. Approaching a new stage in life where the touring lifestyle can return.

I am not a big fan of nouveau classic steel, it seems anachronistic, not that I do not appreciate classics which have either remained in production or are NOS...they have a tangible link to when steel was material of choice so that is different. I guess it is like a classic car vs a reproduction??

Have you thought about a custom frame, made of steel, but using modern techniques (non lugged)? To me this would seem great option if one wanted a steel frame.

I think the C-50 would be great but why limit yourself to Colnago Carbon?

i like the idea that someone else suggested:

http://www.richardsachs.com/
Richard Sachs Cycles

http://www.richardsachs.com/images/signaturered_large.jpg

but, if you insist on riding a classic italian steel framed bike- the kind that you could never have as a 16 year old kid and can now finally buy :) i'd say go for one of these:

http://www.albertomasi.it/Inglese/Index.html
Masi Biciclette

http://www.albertomasi.it/Jpg/BRB6.jpg

or the american version (not as cool because they say milano3V instead of alberto masi) :

http://www.milano3v.com/
Milano : Home


http://www.milano3v.com/images/inventory/vlight_blumix.jpg


then there's always a custom mondonico :

http://torelli.com/mondonico/mndnico.html
Mondonico Bicycles

http://www.smartcycles.com/images/torell82.gif

and a " run of the mill" cinelli supercorsa:

http://www.cinelli.it/scripts/prodotti.php?Id=1&lang=EN&IdBici=239
Cinelli


http://www.cinelli.it/prodotti/telai/zoom/T_supercorsa_zoom_06.jpg


everyone claims that waterfords are for old geezers, call me an geezer then because i want one of these:


http://waterfordbikes.com/images/upload/tn/tn_RS-22-54844.jpg




i just went through the same conundrum you are going through, and in the end, i went for the classic italian steel- it's got sex appeal. though, lately, i've been eying some of those carbon techo marvels. maybe next year...i'm still building up my italian steel and getting her ready for the spring.

spoil yourself and get both carbon and steel. build one up quickly and ride it, take your time with the other one- a long term project. i didn't wait until i was 50 though! life's too short!



enjoy!

Fred Mathey, RoadbikeRider.com, purchased a new Waterford R-33 last year and posted his review. You have to join the premium forum to read it. He paid $2,400 for frame and fork. He had been riding for decades and is knowledgeable about bikes. He chose the
Waterford.

When I made it past 50 I bought both a sedate steel Rivendell Ramboullet and a carbon-fiber boy racer Time Edge Translink. The Rambouillet is long sold. The Time, meantime, gives me a jolt of happiness every time I put a leg over it. Viagra for the legs.