Coming in late to this discussion, but figured I'd add my statistics: just turned the ol' Double Nickels on July 8.
A Schwinn Super Sport was my first major purchase (well, it seemed that way to me back then, anyway) with money made from my first after-high school "real" job. Still have her, too, though I don't ride her much anymore.
While I'm huffing and puffing my way up some of the hills around here one thing that makes me feel better is to try to imagine how many 55-year-old women would be capable of making it up some of these grades...I think we're in a minority and I'm darned proud of it!
Cycling definitely helps keep you young!
Jane
Every human being must be viewed according to what it is good for; for none
of us, no not one, is perfect; and were we to love none who had
imperfections, this world would be a desert for our love.
--- Thomas Jefferson