Congratulations for getting back on the bike!!!! I too am in my 50s and just started road biking in April. I can honestly say that having a lightweight new bike REALLY HELPS!!!! We traded from mountain biking to road biking, got the expensive light weight ones and am VERY HAPPY. THey have a GREAT SEAT, the one I got is made for women which helps alot with a narrower handle bar and stuff like that.

After the bike, the first thing I got were a GREAT PAIR of riding pants. They make ALL the difference in the world and have really helped prevent riding soreness and such. The gel gloves you got were right on also...............enjoy the hills!!! They DO GET EASIER the more you do them!!!!