Which bike to choose after 60? A new youth on 2 wheels! (2024)

We have saved your search. Check your e-mail regularly for our suggestions. See you soon!

Which bike to choose after 60? A new youth on 2 wheels! (1)

In this Article

In this Article

Published on September, 1 2023

Cycling is a ideal for senior citizens because it allows you to maintain good physical condition while respecting joints and heart rate. In fact, we very often come across older cyclists. In fact, it's a sport you can practice for a very long time because it's not traumatic for the body. But which bike to choose after 60 ? Road bike, city bike or electric bike? While it's always important to have a good riding position, it becomes more and more important as we get older. Pain appears more quickly. Having a comfortable bike adapted to your level, morphology and riding style is even more essential than before.

In this article, we'll give you some tips on how to choosing your bike after 60, whether you've been a cyclist for years or you'd like to take cycling again when you retire.

Which bike to choose after 60? A new youth on 2 wheels! (2)

Cycling in retirement

Restarting cycling after 60

Caught up in the daily grind of work and family life, we don't necessarily take the time to get on our bikes and ride for a few hours at the weekend. Even when you enjoy it, you have to admit that fatigue and other obligations sometimes get the better of you...

But after 60, a new life begins ! The children are grown up and it's finally time to retire! You can finally take the time to devote to your passions. And of course, cycling is one of them!
Only, your good old Peugeot bike is looking a bit shabby and your Renault jersey from the Bernard Hinault era is a bit dull... And anyway, you don't want to look like an old man!

So you've decided to invest in a nice bike and a nice outfit. It's time to treat yourself, and you're right to do so!


An ideal sport for senior citizens

Taking up cycling again at 60 is an excellent idea (you weren't counting on us to tell you otherwise?). 😉) because there are many benefits to cycling.

Of course, the most obvious is the physical aspect. We won't give you the whole list, but cycling is good for everything: the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems, blood pressure, joints, the cognitive system... Plus, it limits weight gain. In short feel great !

But that's not all! Cycling after 60 has many psychological benefits, including physical effort encourages the production of endorphins.

What's more, you're not the only person over 60 who enjoys cycling. So it's also a great opportunity to meet new people, get to know new people and make new friends. develop new social skills and share your love of cycling with fellow cyclists... 🚴‍♀️🚴‍♂️🚴‍♀️


Up to what age can you ride a bike?

It's a question that comes up a lot. As we used to say, cycling has the great advantage of not being traumatic for the body and joints. Cycling is therefore possible up to the age of 70, and even beyond.

Of course, it is advisable to regular check-ups with a physician to make sure all is well. You should also review your itineraries to avoid steep or long climbs which are hard on the heart.

Finally, it is advisable to adapt your gear ratios a little after the age of 60. Gear ratios that are too high will tend to put too much pressure on the knees. Conversely, a gear ratio that's too small will cause the legs to turn too much, which isn't ideal either. Depending on your level and the terrain you ride, you may need to modify your transmission. Don't think of this as a sign of weakness; on the contrary, it's a way of helping you to improve your performance. keep you in shape for longer without unnecessary damage.

What bike to choose after 60?


What type of bike should you choose after 60?

There's no such thing as a bike specifically for seniors, because it all depends on how you've been cycling up to that point. If you've been riding mountain bikes, gravel bikes or road bikes for years, then you can continue to do so without any problem. Your musculature is probably as efficient as ever, and your body is used to the pedaling posture.

On the other hand, if you want to take up cycling in retirement, you'll need to consider an endurance-type road bike, which offers a more upright position, or turn to an electric bike, which will give you the welcome benefit of assistance.

Unless you've been an avid mountain biker for many years, the mountainbike is not the best option for cyclists over 60 who are just starting out. It's a discipline that requires a lot of shocks.
If you really want to enjoy forest trails, away from the hustle and bustle of the road, gravel may be a good option.

Which bike to choose after 60? A new youth on 2 wheels! (3)


Endurance bikes: the best road bikes for seniors

On the road, the most comfortable bikes are undoubtedly those usually used for endurance events. The rider's position, less forward-leaning thanks to higher handlebars than on an aero bike, means long hours of pain-free riding for the lower back.
Another advantage is that endurance bikes are designed to resist road shock, which reduces the risk of injury.

👉 To ride a quality endurance bike at lower cost, take a look at our attractive selection of bikes Certified Pre-Owned by professionals.


Gravels: the best bikes for nature-loving seniors

Which bike to choose after 60? A new youth on 2 wheels! (4)

Are you a nature-lover who doesn't think of cycling in any other way than among the trees? 🌲
Then gravel is for you ! With these comfortable, all-purpose bikes, you can enjoy remote gravel trails without the bumpy terrain of a mountain bike. A good compromise for those who want to have fun on their bikes after 60.

Like endurance road bikes, gravels have relatively high handlebars, so you don't have to lie down too much.

All these features make gravel bikes the best for traveling... After all, now that you've got the time, why not discover France and Europe in a different way? 😉


Electric bikes: the best bikes for seniors who don't mind a little help

It's a well-known fact: retirement is a new lease on life! You want to take full advantage of the free time on offer, and that's just fine!
But let's not mince words either: after 60, 65 or 70, we lose a little of our former energy, and a little electric help doesn't hurt... 🤫

Electric bikes will enable you to go further, ride longer and climb hills without getting too tired. Of course, you'll still have to pedal, and you won't lose the benefits of physical activity. You'll just be a little less out of breath.

Electric bikes are ideal for people over 60 who have not done much cycling in recent years. On the other hand, if you're an avid cyclist, keep pedaling for as long as you can. As long as you look after yourself, your level of fitness will decline only very slowly.

⚡ To help you make the right choice for your reconditioned electric bike, we invite you to reread our comprehensive article on the subject.

The good life is yours! On your new reconditioned bike, you're ready to rediscover the world, and on two wheels, the feeling of freedom is even greater. Many beautiful routes await you. We wish you a long and happy journey.

To find out more about the world of bikes, subscribe to our newsletter. 🙂

Which bike to choose after 60? A new youth on 2 wheels! (6)

Florian Topin

A lifelong cycling enthusiast, Florian can't stop talking about it! As a web editor, he's free to write for hours about his favorite sport. From Lille, where he lives, he frequently crosses the Belgian border to tackle the Flemish mountains on his Giant TCR Advanced. Cobbled roads, wind, rain... Florian is used to difficult conditions, but he never really shines on the slopes of the dreaded Mount Kemmel. A convinced environmentalist, he is convinced that certified pre-owned bikes are the way of the future!

  • Gravel /
  • Shopping guides /
  • Road

2 comments

  • My father is 86 and has been a racing cyclist all his life. He goes to Mallorca to ride up mountains for 5 weeks twice a year. He has a trainer set up in his bedroom and rides every day. He has 6 bikes currently but has shrunk a couple of inches (he was 5 ft 1 in and is now 4 ft 11 in) and is having problems when he stops his bike as his ability to get his leg down/over the cross bar in time to stop himself falling over is causing anxiety and issues. He doesn’t want a trike – he still wants a proper racing bike with proper gears so he can still ride the mountains – does anyone have any suggestions please?

    Vicky Bray

  • J’ai 85 ans en décembre 86 ans, je roule toujours sur mon Canyon non electrique, cela me permet d’être toujours en forme, j’ai encore fait le Ventoux cette année en moins de deux heures, a 67 ans j’ai accompli les cinglé du Ventoux en 6h, la preuve que le vélo vous maintient en bonne santé et surtout ne rien prendre pour augmenter vos performances

    Ranieri osvaldo

You may also like...

Look or Shimano Road Pedals: Which Ones to Choose?
L'Alsacienne cyclo: details and analysis of the route
Giro 2024: route, stage profiles and favourites
Mont Ventoux by Bike : how do you prepare?
The best road bikes of 2024
Paris-Roubaix 2024: route, mythical passages and favourites for this event
Top 10 World Tour Riders to Watch In 2024
How do I choose a rear derailleur for a road bike ?
Specialized Tarmac, Roubaix, Aethos: which bike is right for you?
Cédrine Kerbaol's goals for 2024 and the UCI women's cycling races
Getting back on the bike after a long break
Look 795 Blade, 785 Huez, 765 Optimum: which Look road bike to choose?
Choosing between the Trek Emonda and the Trek Domane.
What is the best bike for climbing? The selection by The Cyclist House
Starting road cycling: our tips for a successful beginning
What tire width for road and gravel bikes?
Adjusting your road bike: our experts' tips
The differences between road and gravel bikes

Shop our pre-owned bikes

-1.100€

Certified Pre-Owned Cube Axial WS C:62 SL - 2021, 47cm 1.899€ 3.000€

-350€

0 kilometers Adris Asphalte Disc - 2023, Medium 1.349€ 1.700€

-1.900€

Certified Pre-Owned Canyon Ultimate CF SL 8.0 - 2020, Small 2.799€ 4.700€

-200€

0 kilometers Adris Asphalte - 2023, Small 899€ 1.100€

-1.700€

Certified Pre-Owned Canyon Ultimate CF SL 8.0 - 2020, Small 2.399€ 4.100€

-6.000€

Certified Pre-Owned BMC Roadmachine 01 ONE Dura-Ace Di2 - 2022, 56cm 5.499€ 11.500€

-2.800€

Certified Pre-Owned Pinarello Paris 501 Think 2 - 2014, 59,5cm 1.899€ 4.700€

-1.500€

Certified Pre-Owned Scott Solace 10 Ultegra - 2016, Medium 1.499€ 3.000€

-200€

0 kilometers Adris Asphalte - 2023, Medium 899€ 1.100€

-1.700€

0 kilometers Orbea Orca M31eLTD PWR - 2023, 55cm 4.299€ 6.000€

-6.000€

Certified Pre-Owned BMC Roadmachine 01 ONE Dura-Ace Di2 - 2022, 56cm 5.499€ 11.500€

-4.400€

Certified Pre-Owned Specialized Turbo Creo SL Expert EVO - 2020, Large 4.099€ 8.500€

-300€

0 kilometers Adris Asphalte - 2023, Medium 1.099€ 1.400€

-1.250€

Certified Pre-Owned Ridley Fenix SLiC Ultegra - 2023, Small 2.699€ 3.950€

-4.300€

Certified Pre-Owned Scott Addict Team Issue Ultegra Di2 - 2016, 54cm 2.199€ 6.500€

-200€

0 kilometers Adris Asphalte - 2023, Medium 899€ 1.100€

-400€

0 kilometers Adris Airline - 2023, Medium 1.299€ 1.700€

-2.700€

Certified Pre-Owned Orbea Orca M21eLTD PWR Force eTap AXS - 2023, 51cm 5.299€ 8.000€

-1.400€

0 kilometers Orbea Orca M30iLTD PWR - 2023, 55cm 4.399€ 5.800€
Which bike to choose after 60? A new youth on 2 wheels! (2024)

FAQs

Which bike to choose after 60? A new youth on 2 wheels!? ›

Electric bikes are ideal for people over 60 who have not done much cycling in recent years. On the other hand, if you're an avid cyclist, keep pedaling for as long as you can. As long as you look after yourself, your level of fitness will decline only very slowly.

What is the easiest bike to ride for seniors? ›

Step-through bikes are a great option for older riders, because they're a lot easier to mount and dismount than a bicycle with a crossbar, or even a sloped top tube.

What is the most comfortable bike for seniors? ›

Cruiser bikes: With wide seats and large tires, cruiser bikes are the most comfortable for me to ride. They're ideal for older adults with joint issues.

At what age should a child ride a two-wheel bike? ›

Between ages 4 and 8, your child will probably develop enough coordination, agility, and a sense of balance to graduate to a bike without training wheels. You are the best judge of your child, however. Some children are mentally ready at 8 or even earlier and some not until age 10 or older.

What is the best bike for seniors after knee replacement? ›

The ROMtech bikes are proven to help patients achieve a better range of motion, greater extension, faster recovery and an overall better rehabilitation experience following knee arthroplasty. Used as an adjunct to physical therapy, patients begin using the bikes in their homes immediately after surgery.

Is 60 too old to ride a bike? ›

Electric bikes are ideal for people over 60 who have not done much cycling in recent years. On the other hand, if you're an avid cyclist, keep pedaling for as long as you can. As long as you look after yourself, your level of fitness will decline only very slowly.

Is cycling good for people over 60? ›

AEROBIC EXERCISE & HEART HEALTH

Maintaining muscle mass and joint mobility becomes increasingly difficult with age. Cycling just 30 minutes per day can preserve leg strength and flexibility well into your 70s and 80s. The smooth, circular pedaling motion helps lubricate hip, knee and ankle joints.

Is walking or biking better for seniors? ›

For this reason, an exercise like walking is less effective because of its longer duration. Biking, on the other hand, can achieve better goals in shorter periods and therefore is more suitable for seniors.

What type of bike is best for everyday use? ›

What type of bike is best for commuting?
  • Gravel Bike: Versatile Adventure on Every Terrain.
  • Road Bike: Speed and Efficiency on Smooth Roads.
  • Hybrid Bike: The All-Purpose Commuting Solution.
  • Mountain Bike: Off-Road Adventures and Urban Excursions.
  • Folding Bike: Revolutionize Your Commute with Folding.
Sep 11, 2023

Are recumbent bikes better for seniors? ›

A recumbent bike allows you to exercise your thighs, calves, and glute muscles with less strain. It has a wider and lower seat than an upright bike. Additionally, recumbent bikes put less strain on your joints, which is ideal for those with arthritis, and are much easier to balance on and sit comfortably.

At what age should you stop riding a bike? ›

Cycling is sometimes considered a form of exercise and enjoyment reserved only for children or the most avid of sporting enthusiasts. However, when you peel back the surface of cycling, it's a sport that is perfect for everyone, including people over the age of 60!

What is a balance bicycle? ›

A balance bike is a bike without pedals that helps get started on their cycling journey. It has a frame, fork, handlebars and wheels but no drivetrain (pedals, chain, sprockets). To move forwards, kids push off the ground with their feet.

What size 2 wheel bike for a 4 year old? ›

Kids' Bike Sizing
Wheel SizeInseamAge Range
12 inch14-20 inches (35-50cm)1-4 years old
16 inch19-23 inches (48-58cm)3-6 years old
20 inch22-25 inches (55-63cm)5-9 years old
24 inch24-28 inches (60-72cm)8-12 years old
1 more row

Why do my knees hurt on a recumbent bike? ›

Make sure your bike seat is at the right height for you and isn't too low, too high, too far forward or too far back - all can lead to lower back problems or knee injuries. You can adjust your bike differently depending on if you're looking for comfort, for higher performance, or if you're recovering from an injury.

Is an upright or recumbent bike better for the knees? ›

Recumbent bikes tend to be the better choice. Because of the reclined position and the larger seat, and the pedals being in front of you rather than below, you are much more supported. No weight is on your legs. That's a huge plus.

What type of bike is best for bad knees? ›

What Is the Best Bike for Bad Knees? Electric bicycles are particularly helpful for people who struggle with joint pain due to bad knees. That's because e-bikes are equipped with a pedal assist system (PAS). When pedal assist is activated, the e-bike motor helps move the bike forward.

Which bike is best for old age? ›

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.

Should a 75 year old ride a bike? ›

Biking is an excellent form of exercise for seniors,” says Kathy Wayman, a physical therapist at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. “It's easy on the joints, great for thecardiovascular system and a fun and social activity. Plus, a little wind and sunshine are good for the mind.”

Is 70 too old to start cycling? ›

Cycling offers countless benefits for seniors, including providing a low-impact way to stay fit, improvements in cognitive and cardiovascular health, and it serves up a reliable way to boost mood. It's also a sport many riders see themselves doing well into their golden years.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Chrissy Homenick

Last Updated:

Views: 6398

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (54 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Chrissy Homenick

Birthday: 2001-10-22

Address: 611 Kuhn Oval, Feltonbury, NY 02783-3818

Phone: +96619177651654

Job: Mining Representative

Hobby: amateur radio, Sculling, Knife making, Gardening, Watching movies, Gunsmithing, Video gaming

Introduction: My name is Chrissy Homenick, I am a tender, funny, determined, tender, glorious, fancy, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.