How to Choose the Right Bike for Older Riders

Cycling is a great, low-impact form of exercise that can help anyone maintain their health and well-being. Staying active becomes more important as we age, especially since reflexes and mobility become more limited than when we were younger. For older adults, choosing the right bicycle can be intimidating, especially if they are new to cycling, coming back to cycling after injuries, or have mobility issues. Here are some tips on how to choose the right bike for older riders and make it an easier process for you or a loved one.

Type of Bike

Please note, here at Bikes Palm Beach, we see many riders of all ages shredding the mountain bike trails, leading group road rides, or setting records on the triathlon circuit. For the purpose of this article, we’ve chosen to focus on leisurely riders rather than the performance riders.

For many leisurely riders (of all ages, but especially those who are older), a comfort hybrid or cruiser bike is a great choice. Comfort hybrid and cruiser bikes have relaxed, upright riding positions that are more comfortable for people with back, neck, or joint issues. Hybrids and cruisers usually have wider tires, which provide a smoother ride on bumpy roads.

Featured Hybrid Bikes Available

Desirable Features

Comfort is vital when choosing a bike for older adults. A comfortable bike makes all the difference in the enjoyment of the ride and the ability to ride longer.

A comfortable seat or saddle (preferably gel or memory foam) is critical to riding comfort. Another feature to look for is adjustable handlebars, which can help a rider sit more upright and can also reduce neck and shoulder fatigue or pain while riding. A bike frame that allows for easy mounting and dismounting, such as a low-step or step-through style, is also beneficial, particularly when a rider may have some injuries or joint limitations.

Additional features that enhance the riding experience include baskets or rear racks for carrying or transporting groceries or, in some cases, your fur babies.

Size and Weight

Choosing the right size bike is essential for comfort and safety. A bike that is too small can cause discomfort and sometimes injury, while a bike that is too large can be tough to control, especially for riders who may have insufficient physical strength.

When choosing a bike, the frame size should be appropriate for the rider’s height, weight, mobility, and bike handling skills. Aluminum or carbon fiber frames are typically lighter than steel frames and can make a big difference in ease of use. Our team members at Bikes Palm Beach can help you find the most appropriate bike for you and your needs.

Price

Bikes Palm Beach offers well-built, reliable hybrid and cruiser options that begin at $599, the current sale price of our Eagle Venture hybrid and Eagle Playa cruiser bikes, for example. We even carry e-bikes priced as low as $1199, such as the Eagle E-Playa electric cruiser bike. A high-quality bike built to last and provide a comfortable, enjoyable riding experience is essential, and each bike we stock carries a lifetime warranty on the frame.

At Bikes Palm Beach, we strongly encourage customers to test-ride different types of bicycles to find the one that feels the most comfortable. We want our customers to get the most enjoyment from their bikes, so let us help you find the right one for you and your loved ones.