Fifty Plus (50+) - Need advice on purchase

My wife and I used to ride road bikes and Mountain bikes years ago but now we are in our fifties and our doctor says we should start exercising more. So we have decided to try to get back into biking and have decided on Trek Navigators 3.0. Our problem is bikes have changed over the years and when I look at calculation for bike size they talk only about Mountain bikes or road bikes but I am confused about what category these comfort bikes fall into. The Trek Navigators only come in 3 sizes and we are trying to decide between the 18" and the 21" We went to a couple of bike shops and both felt the 18" would be the correct size for both of us. I am 5'10" with a 32" bike inseam and my wife is 5'11" with a 34" bike inseam.(married her for her long legs);) Both 18 and the 21 felt OK but bars were not adjusted for either of us. The one LBS said the 21" might be OK but because of the seat suspension we would not have the necessary adjustment. We just want to be sure that we are able to ride in an upright position. So does the slightly larger frame or slightly smaller frame help with the upright position? The local bike shops were both young guys and I am just not sure they understood the importance of avoiding back and arm strains. We thank you in advance for any help or suggestions.

Uprightness of position is a matter of personal preference. When selecting between the 18" and 21" frames, pay close attention to the length of the top tube, i.e., the seat-to-handlebar distance. I stand 5'8" tall and wear trousers with a 30" inseam, and my road bike size is 55cm. I ride a 19" mountain bike, which is perfect on roads and tame trails, but which would be too tall for me for technical work. I also have a 17" mountain bike, which fits me quite well, although with a fair amount of seat post showing. You might actually be OK with either frame size, or perhaps 21" for your wife and 18" for you.

You say that you've been to 2 different bike shops, both of which recommended the 18" frame size. Is there a reason why you don't trust their judgement? Why, now, are you seeking advice from folks you don't know and who haven't had the oppostunity to see you straddle the bikes?

One of the reasons why the Navigators come in only three sizes is because their very relaxed geometry allows for a wide fit range. My guess is that the 21" is a bit on the large side for you but probably includes your size within the minimum side of its range. And that you would be on the upper side of the Medium frame.

With the adjustable handlebar, you should be able to dial in either for an upright position, although it would be a bit easier with the Medium frame, as the handlebars would be a bit closer.

I've seen couples riding on matched Navigators a couple of times, and chatted with them. They all loved them and they looked very comfortable.

Was your wife not looking at the Women's Navigator? Those come in just two sizes, 13.5" and 16.5".

I will go out on a limb here, and say: if there were only 2 kinds of bikes, road and mountain, I would put the Navigator into the mountain bike category. But suspect no serious mountain biker would buy one for that use. I base that strictly on the Navigator having 26" x 1.95 off road wheels, mountain bike dérailleurs and trigger shifters. And as per the standards, the sizes are in inches. Now it gets a bit more confusing with the 7200FX I have. It's kind of a mountain bike also; but has the 700c wheels and narrower 35mm tires. But it was sold as a hybrid, can be used on road and mountain, but not particularly great for either. It is outstanding for limestone trails. If you want max comfort in your rides, I believe the fat tires are preferred. More rubber, more cushion. The down side is more effort to move the bike. As to size, I read a number of charts as well, and went with a 17 1/2 inch for the 7200FX. They didn't have an 18 inch. With the sloped top tube, the stand over heights isn't as important. I'm just under 72 inches and 34 inch inseam. For a road bike the charts put me on a 56cm and the Trek 1000 feels ok. But for my 3rd bike I went with a 58cm, and again that feels ok. I like to sit up also and found it necessary to buy a stem extension to raise bars an additional 3 inches. Should mention my road bikes were converted or built with a flat handle bar. You both appear to be of a height that either bike would work. Larger bike would have a longer top tube ergo you would be stretched forward more, but on by a few cm. Would be better to get the young kids to adjust seat and bars and ride them.

I have to ask if your handle "Oley" has anything to do with the Oley Valley? A great place to ride.

If you are going to use the bikes for rail to trail type riding, I would look at bikes that do not have a front suspension or suspension seatpost. Extra weight for what? I swear the seatpost on my wife's bike weighs 5 pounds.

Thank you all for such fast replies! Retro Grouch I have always felt the more information and research done can result in a more educated decision. I do think the common denominator from the rest of your responses was summed up in Tom’s statement “One of the reasons why the Navigators come in only three sizes is because their very relaxed geometry allows for a wide fit range.” This would explain why both bikes felt like they would get the job done. We did not consider the woman’s bike frame for my wife because we felt the 16.5” is just too small for her. John we thought going in we would consider the 21" for her and 18" for me, but she actually feels more confident with choosing the 18” than I do. I think the bars were adjusted more to her liking. Guy I think we will take your advice and go back in, perhaps during the week when it is less busy and have them adjust them more to our liking and then see what we think. Thanks again for your responses! It really helps sort things out. We are looking forward to getting back into the sport.
Oh and no the handle Oley is not from Oley Valley. It’s from last name Olson from Minnesota and almost 100% Scandinavian. Yaw sure you betcha then.:D