Introductions - I need advice from older bike riders: what to buy, how tobalance weight/performance..

I'm probably older than anyone here; that fact is key to my questions. I haven't biked for decades but will purchase a bike soon and intend to transport it occasionally between my two house locations that are 550 miles apart. So weight of bike, and ease/weight of hitch carrier are important.

I am fairly agile, flexible, 130 lbs., and trying to decide on the best bike to buy. I saw a Trek 7.2 recently and thought it might work for me. I've been considering hybrids, and need advice on what type of bike works for an older woman....I need a balance between the light weight I need for lift ability and maneuvering, and the stability that usually comes with greater weight.

How do I find this balance? It is not something that can be quickly determined by a spin around the parking lot near the bike shop.

68 years old here.
Started at 65 yrs.

Get a bike for each house.

The more you ride the stronger you will become.

Welcome to Bike Forums!

Have you gone on any test rides yet? I would suggest finding a couple of bikes you like at a bike store, then take them for a test ride. Bring the car you will transport them in and see how hard it is to load and unload the different bikes.

Stability comes with the greater weight, but tire width also contributes. A hybrid bike will have fatter tires than a standard road bike.

There is a women's forum you are eligible to gain access to after posting for a month. Send a PM to Siu Blue Wind (administrator) to get access.

Post in the 50+ Forum - we even have a 65 - 85+ thread. Are you older than 85? If so, then you are likely the oldest person here, otherwise not.

Thanks, 10Wheels. That is the decision, of course. Two bikes of the quality I want would be a large investment.

Good tip, Chad. I'll investigate the women's forum.

DnvrFox, I'll check out the 65-85+ thread. Thanks.

Welcome to BikeForums. I'm a year younger than you. Started riding at 55. I'm now retired but ride several times a week. You'll find a few "older" ladies in the 50+ forum.
Good luck with the bike search. Let us know what bike(s) you get. We like pictures. :)

Cyclocross bikes have sligtly shorter frames and higher bars than road bikes. This gives a more relaxed ride position. They also have fatter tires which are more forgiving on less than perfect roads. Touring bikes are similar but tend of be heavier for load carrying. Both of these have the drop bars that offer multiple hand positions. I am 68 and bought a Swagman hitch rack a couple of years ago. It makes it a lot easier to put the bike on the car than a roof rack, but it is a lot heavier than a trunk mounted rack, if you have to consider taking the rack on and off the car.