Fifty Plus (50+) - I would sincerely appreciate some idea on picking out a bike for my mom. :)

I'm getting a bike for my mom so she can ride some paved trails with the grandchildren. She just turned 60 so she wants something comfortable. She also had a knee replacement a few years ago, so finding a bike for pain free riding has been a bit of a challenge. She tried a Diamondback Vital 3 and they extended the seat way so she would not have to bend her knee as much as that caused some pain. It worked fairly well with the high seat as high as possible (right before full extension on the bottom) but the pain was still there. I found a 2009 Breezer Freedom Women's Hybrid Comfort Bike for around $300 and a Electra Townie 21D Stepthrough for $479. I would sincerely appreciate any feedback on these bikes or any other suggestions. It's a gift so we want to try to make a good guess w/o a test ride. Either is money back if she does not like it. I would love for my mom to be able to enjoy riding with her grandsons if we can find her the right bike. Thank you very much in advance for your help.

I suggest a gift certificate and let her pick out her own bike. That way she can find something that REALLY TIURNS HER ON, not something that turns you on.

My wife is 73 and has had a total knee replacement 3 years ago and has no trouble riding a Trek 7300 hybrid and/or a mtn bike and/or a road bike. I'm not quite sure what the problem is?? with pain.

See Challenge and Catrike recumbent tricycles. Trikes are a lot more fun than they look. The seat to pedal angle could benefit her knee problem.

Trek Lime. 3 speed, auto shift, front hub generator to power the rear. Underseat storage. Cool looking yet retro. I would buy one just for the novelty of it. I boughthttp one for my 80 year old dad and he loves it. Coaster brake works well with his arthritic hands.


http://bandlbicycles.com/articles/trek-lime-coasting-auto-shift-bicycle-pg219.htm

Elektra Townie stepthru could be rtide for her.
But bring her along and let her pick out her own bike and color!!!!

I'd go for the Electra Townie. Flat foot technology, easy step through and some great color options. They make an orange-y color that has a cult following.

I would suggest a Harley V twin 900 but at 60 she may be too young for it. Look at the Globe

See Challenge and Catrike recumbent tricycles. Trikes are a lot more fun than they look. The seat to pedal angle could benefit her knee problem.

I'd strongly second the trike recommendation. I will readily admit that I had a bias against trikes until I test rode one. For her use I'm thinking it could be ideal.

The upside is that I haven't seen anybody test riding one who wasn't wearing an ear-to-ear grin. It's definitely a fun ride.

Downsides are transportation to the trail if you're driving, they can be pricy, and it can be a loooong way down to the seat.

Uh - what's the value of quality time spent with the grand kids?

Thanks guys.