What should an elderly person be cycling on?

When a customer comes into my shop looking for a suitable bicycle to buy, the first question I will ask is if he will be cycling with a group of friends. If you are joining a group, you should actually consider what they are cycling on.

The reason is, if they are cycling on MTB, you will have a problem joining them when they ride off road if you have picked a road bike or a hybrid. If they are cycling on 29ers, you will have problem catching up with them if you have decided on cycling on a recumbent bike for comfort.

You should select the kind of bicycle the group members are cycling on with similar wheel size and tyre thread. It should be one with gears if you will also be cycling over hilly terrains.

Following are things you should note when checking out bicycles at a shop:

1. Are you still as limber? Try getting on the bicycle. Is it easy for you to get on and off it? Choose a bicycle with lower toptube if that is an issue. Most cruiser and leisure bikes are designed with lower toptube.
2. Do you find the saddle on the bicycle comfortable? Most bicycles are supplied with small narrow saddles. Ask the shop attendant to recommend a more comfortable saddle if you have a wider girth.
3. Straddle over the toptube. Does your leg touches the floor? As you age, your bones become more brittle and may break more easily. So, it is best to choose a lighter weight bike which is not too large for you to handle.
4. Feel the reach of the handlebar as you sit on the bike. Is it too far for your reach? You can request the shop to change a stem with shorter length or one that is adjustable so that the handlebar can be raised up closer towards you.

But before you start with any group, make sure that you have the stamina to join them. However, here is a quote to remember from a cyclist who had only learned to ride in his 50’s, “I’ve yet to discover the hill you can’t quite happily walk up. Why kill yourself doing it? I like biking, but I’ve no intention dying from a heart attack dressed in Lycra.”

So, if you find the exertion too much and have to get down to push your bike don’t be embarrassed to do so.

For my customers who are in their 60s, I usually ask if they will be cycling with their grandchildren. If they are, I will recommend them to get a 20” folding bike. That way they could ride along with the grandchildren who are usually cycling on 12” to 20” bicycles.

Moreover, a folding bike with high handlebar means that you do not have to lean forward as much to ride which is good for the back. In fact, one of my customers was advised by her doctor to get a folding bike as she has issues with her back.

Once you have reached a 100 years old, you may want to consider getting a tricycle.