Should a 70-Year-Old Ride a Bike?
Should a 70-Year-Old Ride a Bike? (My Honest Take After 150,000 Miles)
That’s me in the photo. I wasn’t born an athlete. Years ago, I was an overweight, out-of-shape couch dweller who could barely make it around the block.
Most seniors don’t stop cycling because they’re weak—they stop because they’re scared of falling or dealing with traffic. That fear is real. And it’s fixable.
Fast-forward: 150,000+ lifetime miles, a 962-mile ride across Texas at 65, and now—at 70—I’m training for multiple multi-day events. I average about 140 miles a week, and none of it started heroic. I just kept showing up.
You don’t need toughness. You need consistency. Short rides stacked over time rebuild strength, balance, and confidence.
• Giro Fixture MIPS II Helmet — my everyday helmet - It's the one on my head in the photo above.
• USB Daytime Running Lights — bright & dependable
• RENPHO Smart Scale — track weight & hydration
• Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT V3 — navigation I trust
New Optional Upgrades:
• Premium Helmet Upgrade — Giro Helios Spherical
• High-End Bib Shorts — Castelli Endurance 3 Bib Shorts
• Senior Comfort Saddle Upgrade — 10K People Love This Comfort Saddle
• Suspension Seatpost — Cane Creek eeSilk+ Suspension Seatpost
• Budget: Schwinn Thrasher — solid choice
• Mid: Giro Fixture MIPS II — what I wear every day
• Premium: Giro Syntax MIPS — lighter, sleeker, better vents
High-End Upgrade: • Premium Helmet Tier — Giro Helios Spherical
Safety First for Seniors
You don’t need speed to be safe—you just need visibility and predictability. Bright helmets help drivers see you. Daytime flashers create contrast. And reflective ankle bands make your pedaling motion impossible to ignore.
If you want deeper safety strategies, read my guide: Top Cycling Visibility Tips.
• Giro Fixture MIPS II — check price
• USB Daytime Running Lights — see options
• Reflective Ankle Bands — simple & effective - I bought these in 2014 and still use them today.
Premium Add-Ons:
• High-Lumen Headlight — Magicshine High Lumen Headlight
• Smart Brake Light — Garmin Varia
Comfort = Endurance
Most “I’m too old” moments are really “I’m uncomfortable” moments. Fix comfort and the miles come back naturally.
For me, gloves stopped hand tingling. Better shorts stopped saddle soreness. And insulated bottles kept water cold long enough to actually matter.
• Padded Cycling Gloves — my go-to pair
• Thinner-Pad Shorts — Daily rides option - I prefer a slightly thinner pad. These are the ones I wear.
• Thicker Pad Shorts — extra cushion for longer rides
• Insulated Bottles — stay cold longer - I use these same bottles. Freeze the water and you will be able to ride for quite a while even in 100 degree weather. It makes a huge difference to still have very cold water after 25 miles in the heat.
Senior Comfort Upgrades (Use placeholders):
• Suspension Seatpost — Cane Creek eeSilk+ Suspension Seatpost
• Premium Comfort Saddle — Very Popular Option
• Ergonomic Grips — Highly Rated Choice
The Best Bike Style for Most 70-Year-Old Riders
Most seniors do best with a step-through hybrid bike: upright, stable, easy on the hips, and simple to mount.
- Step-Through Hybrid Bike: See a step-through hybrid option
- Comfort Saddle: Check the overall pick
- Budget E-Bike: This entry-level e-bike takes the sting out of hills.
• Budget: Entry-level step-through
• Mid-Range: Lectric XP Lite / XP 2.0
• Premium: FREESKY 1800W Step-Thru Electric Bike
These three tiers give seniors options depending on budget and confidence.
Why Riding at 70 Is Worth It
- ❤️ Heart & lungs: gentle but steady cardio.
- 🦵 Joints: far kinder than long walks.
- ⚖️ Balance: cycling quietly trains reflexes.
- 🌞 Mood: sunlight and motion clear mental fog.
- 👥 Community: trails and group rides keep you connected.
How to Start—and Keep Going
- Start with 15–20 minutes, 3–4 times a week. Add five minutes every few rides.
- Choose calmer routes and ride in daylight until your confidence grows.
- Dress bright, run daytime flashers, and add reflective touches.
- If you manage medical issues, check with your doctor before pushing harder.
Staying Motivated
I track weight and hydration with a smart scale—the trend matters more than the number. I also use a cycling computer that gives accurate routes and simple turn-by-turn directions.
Garmin Edge Compare: Garmin options here.
• RENPHO Smart Scale — my exact model - I was at a weight plateau for months when I decided to get this scale. The information I got from the scale gave me the motivation to break through that weight plateau and drop 17 additional pounds down to a perfect riding weight.
• Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT V3 — see details - I actually use the V2. This is the newer model.
• COOSPO GPS Computer — budget-friendly - This is a much less expensive computer but is a good one for riders who need less premium features. In fact, this is the one my wife uses.
These tools keep me moving forward—literally.
FAQ: Senior Cycling at 70+
Is 70 too old to start cycling?
No. Start easy, stay visible, and build gradually.
Is cycling better than walking?
Cycling is lower-impact and lets you go farther with less joint stress.
What kind of bike works best?
Comfort or step-through frames. E-bikes erase hills and extend range.
Can I still do long rides?
Absolutely. Build consistency first—endurance sneaks up on you.
For a real story about learning the hard way, read: Caught in a thunderstorm at 2 AM in Bowie, Texas.
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