Humlan and Dancer - I did not take up cycling until 5 years ago at age 62. A cyclist friend kept urging me to try it and so I bought a "hybrid" (a little heavier and with knobbier tires) for about $400. After a couple rides, I was hooked, and later bought a woman's road bike and started a bike group. Best thing I ever did. A lot of it has to do with attitude. If this is something you really want to do, go for it and look at it as another adventure in your life. You meet wonderful people cycling.