Fifty Plus (50+) - Favorite Style of Bike For Age 50+?

What's your favorite style/type of bike for someone age 50+? I need some gift recommendations!

A beach cruiser, or a hybrid, or a mountain bike, or a recumbent bike, or a time trial/tri bike, or a road bike, or a city bike, or a singlespeed bike (fixed or not), or a track bike (fixed) etc.
Do you see where I'm going here? An old person who is 50+ might like any of those types of bikes, just like a young person <50.

I guess I should add: an older person with some mobility issues.

I'm guessing a beach cruiser trike type bike may be the most comfortable/stable?

I guess I should add: an older person with some mobility issues.

I'm guessing a beach cruiser trike type bike may be the most comfortable/stable?


Balance?

Arthritis?

???

A bit more specificity would help us.

just somebody who likes to take it slow...but no serious health issues

You might try an EZ 3

http://www.jbimporters.com/web/images/new_800/68919.jpg


http://www.sunbicycles.com/products.php?cl1=RECUMBENT

Sun EZ 3. They also have a variety of other trikes.

just somebody who likes to take it slow...but no serious health issues

That was me a few years ago. My first bike was a hybrid. I now love my Madone road bike:thumb:

Can you take the person on a shopping trip to local bike shops and let them try different types of bikes?

Though their prices are not low, you might want to look at a recumbent trike. The new breed is not like the ones grandma once rode. Today grandma can have the benefits of stability, performance, and the famous triker's grin.

The key issue, I think, is whether the planned recipients are interested in cycling. It would also make a difference if you are willing and able to ride with him/her/them for early encouragement.

I didn't read the last line in the original post until I saw Metric Man's post. Hence, I'm deleting my comments and asking the OP to be a bit more forthright with us. What is it you really want? There are more than a few of us who are available as consultants. My rates start at $170/hour.

Ooooo, he said specificity! I'm having trouble just reading that little sucker!! :D

Makai....you're asking the wrong person. Bikes are suprisingly personal items. Start with the recipient and work from there.

A beach cruiser, or a hybrid, or a mountain bike, or a recumbent bike, or a time trial/tri bike, or a road bike, or a city bike, or a singlespeed bike (fixed or not), or a track bike (fixed) etc.
Do you see where I'm going here? An old person who is 50+ might like any of those types of bikes, just like a young person <50.

An old person 50+ ? speak for yourself. I am 57 and no wheres near old. :)

+1 50 plus, I love racing/road bikes best.

It also depends on the budget. Starting out on a small budget, it is hard to beat a rigid frame mountain bike. You can find good ones around here for about $100. Then if the person starts really getting into riding, eventually, they will move up to something better. By limiting the expense of the first bike, you limit the financial hit of moving up.

Read Tom Stormcrowe's story on the Clydesdale forum. And he started on an old road/racing bike.

What kind of mobility issues? At my bike shop, I sold a ton of these to older folks with the inability to mount a conventional bike frame.
http://i50.tinypic.com/33krogi.jpg
http://www.biria.com/bicycles/eb/eb_superlight_8_aqua_blue.jsp

I found as gifts unless you know exactly what one wants then a gift certificate is best. Let them get what they want not what you want to give them.

For just tooling around slow and easy a beach cruiser would be cool. As long as it is flat where you cruise.

An old person 50+ ? speak for yourself. I am 57 and no wheres near old. :)

I turn 60 next week and for a day or so will feel old, but then I'll get over it and return to being immature.

I turn 60 next week and for a day or so will feel old, but then I'll get over it and return to being immature.


I like the immature part. :D

I turn 60 next week and for a day or so will feel old, but then I'll get over it and return to being immature.
When you start acting your age is when you get old.

I started with an mtb, then got a hybrid, then I got hip and bought a roadie, but recently the hybrid has been so much fun, and every now and then I have a blast on some singletrack, and I would really love to try a bent or a trike......................................................................

For a gift - no idea. My favorite style - without a doubt - road bike with drop bars. Second and third are cyclocross and single speed / fixie with drop bars. The road bike can be modern or nice vintage steel.

Have you looked at traditional Dutch bikes?

Sturdy, stable and (given a certain aesthetic) very very cool. Built in locks, lights, chainguards, mudguards, racks and a wicker basket - everything needed to minimise complication and add convenience for a 'coffee shop and a little deli shopping' trip

I just bought one from <www.amsterdammers.co.uk>

(I bought it for my daughter who isn't 50+ yet, but she likes the slow and stylish aspect)

Now why would someone that owns a bike shop need advice from us? :innocent::rolleyes:

Now why would someone that owns a bike shop need advice from us? :innocent::rolleyes:

Very astute. Perhaps this is a very clever marketing survey?

http://makaibikes.com/

http://makaibikes.com/


:troll: Exactly

I am 51 years old and my favorite bicycle is my 32 year old Fuji road bike. Despite the fact that I own a modern (2 year old) road bike, I still like riding something that shows me that bikes were just as great then as they are now.

http://makaibikes.com/

Damn! I hate falling for those time after time after time....

Give her a choice, whatever style she wants even if you don't carry it.

For someone who doesn't have any specific issues and likes an easy pace, the two models that come to mind first are cruisers and recumbent trikes. You know about cruisers; be sure to show her pics of trikes, too.

http://www.catrike.com/trikes2007/road/images/R15_JPG.jpg

I always liked the mixte frames but I had a hip problem for a few years. Had to use a cane and it was difficult to get a leg over the bar of most bikes if I had a microwave on the back rack. (I do things like that sometimes.)

I really appreciated the mixte a little more ever since then. It is a help with that bit of a mobility issue, but still close to simple conventional bike efficiency.

How about a crankforward with fat tires?

Damn! I hate falling for those time after time after time....

... and yet still it goes on! Remember: do not feed the trolls (especially not-very-cleverly-disguised marketing surveys), it only encourages 'em!

It was suspicious when he could not describe the physical limitations as any more than "mobility issues." That covers just about anything. Sounds like a made-up 50+'r to me.

It was suspicious when he could not describe the physical limitations as any more than "mobility issues." That covers just about anything. Sounds like a made-up 50+'r to me.

Yep -- got it in one, Dnvr! Person's been hanging around a couple of other rooms in here as well.

I just love how they call the shop in California by a Hawaiian word

Makai (ma-kigh)--Heading towards the ocean; literary it means "towards the sea."

And claim

Shop with "Aloha" at no additional charge. ;) (free shipping)


http://www.makaibikes.com/pages/Shipping.html

Except there is NO free shipping to Hawaii.

I am 51 years old and my favorite bicycle is my 32 year old Fuji road bike. Despite the fact that I own a modern (2 year old) road bike, I still like riding something that shows me that bikes were just as great then as they are now.

Mine is just a couple of years newer than yours. I'm giving it to my son, but I have really enjoyed it while I've had it.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2749/4266195833_749777cda9.jpg

I just love how they call the shop in California by a Hawaiian word

Makai (ma-kigh)--Heading towards the ocean; literary it means "towards the sea."

And claim

Shop with "Aloha" at no additional charge. ;) (free shipping)


http://www.makaibikes.com/pages/Shipping.html

Except there is NO free shipping to Hawaii.

It's just dripping with sincerity.

A merciful moderator would put this thread out of it's misery and close it.

It's just dripping with sincerity.

A merciful moderator would put this thread out of it's misery and close it.

Perhaps the public flogging is more appropriate.

Very astute. Perhaps this is a very clever marketing survey?


Oh! Maybe some of us are getting a gift! I love beach cruisers!!

Oh! Maybe some of us are getting a gift! I love beach cruisers!!

Like with the infamous FootBike?

Still got mine, by the way, it is kinda fun.

Just for those that are thinking about getting a bike- Just get one---Any bike will do.

You soon find out that you don't like riding with your head between your knees or that the upright position compresses the spine and back ache comes in. Then there are the knees- You soon find out that the knock you have playing tiddley winks 30 years ago that jarred your legs has given you a set of knees that don't mind cycling. Now how many of us will find out that we need reading glasses? as we can't read the route directions on the 100 mile randonnee that you entered after a month of riding.

So many physical problems that you can get hit with but they can be overcome. Not immediately but by the time n+3 has come along- you should be getting sorted.

Step through frames (no cross-bar) are a good idea if he/she has hip problems or lack of flexibility.

I'd seriously consider a three-wheeler... some really cool sporty ones around these days - so you don't have to go for one with a shopping basket!

Or like someone has said, a recumbent - lots of enthusiasts of all ages - and by no means a step down from a 'proper' bike. This is the route I'll be taking when the time comes.

A beach cruiser, or a hybrid, or a mountain bike, or a recumbent bike, or a time trial/tri bike, or a road bike, or a city bike, or a singlespeed bike (fixed or not), or a track bike (fixed) etc.
Do you see where I'm going here? An old person who is 50+ might like any of those types of bikes, just like a young person <50.

No i think most of us old people are looking at trikes.

Younger people are picking up on the fun of trikes, too........

Well...I'll give some free marketing advise. Don't focus on age. In today's world not only does that smack of discrimination it isn't a very good way to match an individual to a bike. Among my aquaintences age is the least reliable way of determining ability, fitness, or, even, interests. Instead, let the person ride different styles of bike to see what they like best. If you only do mail order then ask the buyer what they want to do with the bike.

In short, if you insist on pigeon holing on the basis of age you will shortchange both yourself and, most important, your customer.

Well...I'll give some free marketing advise. Don't focus on age. In today's world not only does that smack of discrimination it isn't a very good way to match an individual to a bike. Among my aquaintences age is the least reliable way of determining ability, fitness, or, even, interests. Instead, let the person ride different styles of bike to see what they like best. If you only do mail order then ask the buyer what they want to do with the bike.

In short, if you insist on pigeon holing on the basis of age you will shortchange both yourself and, most important, your customer.

I have seen the exact same thing with motorcycles. A friend of mine, at 82 years old rides a sport bike, wears full racing leathers, and a matching helmet. He has been pulled over a few times, for enjoying his bike too much. When he takes off the helmet, the law enforcement officer invariably tells him: "I can't give my grandfather a ticket", so he always just gets a warning.

Why does he ride a motorcycle like that one? Because that's what he likes..

From some of the whining on the 50+ forum I'd say this is a good choice. ;)


http://a1468.g.akamai.net/f/1468/580/1d/pics.Drugstore.com/prodimg/203160/200.JPG


Me, I'm going to a new race bike and with an 8 cm drop to the bars. :love:

From some of the whining on the 50+ forum I'd say this is a good choice. ;)


http://a1468.g.akamai.net/f/1468/580/1d/pics.Drugstore.com/prodimg/203160/200.JPG


Me, I'm going to a new race bike and with an 8 cm drop to the bars. :love:

With two sons currently in wheelchairs, that is not funny to me.

There is an old saying

"Pride goeth before a fall" (Proverbs 16: 18, sort of shortened)

Your time will come, as it does for all of us. At that time, you will find it useful to have someone to discuss your situation with others who may have similar experiences.

Some of us are trying to keep things together the best we can.

Enjoy while you can.

Denver: I wouldn't pay to much attention to Go dog Go. If you read his posts many of 'em are snide remarks or subtle put downs. In the 30 or so I've just quickly reviewed I see little evidence that he's interested in contributing in a positive way. But, you are right, if he's lucky to live long enough his time will come.

Denver: I wouldn't pay to much attention to Go dog Go. If you read his posts many of 'em are snide remarks or subtle put downs. In the 30 or so I've just quickly reviewed I see little evidence that he's interested in contributing in a positive way. But, you are right, if he's lucky to live long enough his time will come.

Yes, some folks are positive contributors, others are negative contributors. I guess it takes all kinds to make up the worls. Heck, the positive ones wouldn't know who they are without being able to compare with the negative ones!!

Yes, some folks are positive contributors, others are negative contributors. I guess it takes all kinds to make up the worls. Heck, the positive ones wouldn't know who they are without being able to compare with the negative ones!!

Whoa, do I detect hints of Emile Durkheim's theory here? Never thought of applying it to discussion boards, but I guess it fits. The collective values, beliefs, and boundaries are only evident if they are challenged.

my most comfortable bike is a hybrid converted as a road bike. I won't get into what I did cuz it wouldn't practical for you.

you might consider a straight bar road bike for your friend.

but really, this is a pretty important decision and it's probably wisest to have the intended recipient do lots of test riding and have them decide for them-self and then you can pay for it.

just maker a card the shape of a bicycle and write: "this entitles you to one bike of your choice"