I have been following the various comments regarding a rider's age coupled with whether its beneficial to ride the older or the newer type of machines. Now at the age of 75 I am in agreement with the theory that to ride the older models they do become harder to manage than the later lighter models. In my case the problem of riding the early classic machines is not the level of my fitness but the after effects on body and joint discomfort I experience for some time afterwards.There is no obvious remedy for this but only to remain positive and treat ones body with respect and do'nt over do it. The question of how much a bike weighs has never bothered me but the importance of frame size,selecting right saddle height and stem length has to be correct. I've always been particular in selecting moderate to lower gear ratios because I believe this to overlooked too often by many riders of today. I do find I am constantly having to reveiw and adjust my machines dimensions to get the easiest riding qualities possible .My weekly mileage and speeds have dropped considerably over the last few years but I intend to keep on as long as possible. Because I would never want to keep any of my collection as an ornament I have to say when I finally have to give up riding the bikes will be going as well. In my own mind this is still a long way off but one never knows do they!
Keep it up lads and lassies , young and old , ride those treasures and enjoy them as much as I do.
Doug Smith
North Dorset
UK.