Should a 70-Year-Old Ride a Bike?
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• Giro Fixture MIPS II Helmet — my everyday helmet
• USB Daytime Running Lights — bright & dependable
• RENPHO Smart Scale — track weight & hydration
• Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT V3 — navigation I trust
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 to fall or deal 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. These days I average about 140 miles a week, but it didn’t start heroic. I just kept showing up.
You don’t need toughness. You need consistency. Short rides stacked over time quietly rebuild strength, balance, and confidence.
• Budget: Schwinn Thrasher — solid choice
• Mid: Giro Fixture MIPS II — what I wear every day
• Premium: Giro Syntax MIPS — lighter, sleeker, better vents
Safety First for Seniors
You don’t have to be fast to be safe—you just have to be visible and predictable.
My helmet fits right, vents well, and the bright color makes me hard to miss on open roads.
I always run daytime flashers. And the simplest upgrade I ever made: reflective ankle bands. The pedaling motion catches headlights way better than flat reflective vests.
For deeper safety details, I wrote this post: Top Cycling Visibility Tips for Riding in Traffic and Low Light.
• Giro Fixture MIPS II — check price
• USB Daytime Running Lights — see options
• Reflective Ankle Bands — simple but effective
These links help support this one-man, ad-free blog.
Comfort = Endurance
Most “I’m too old” moments are really “I’m uncomfortable” moments. Fix comfort and the miles return naturally.
When my hands tingled, I adjusted elbow position and upgraded gloves. For saddle soreness, I rotate between thinner-chamois shorts and a plusher pair for longer days. And on hot days, insulated bottles keep water cold long enough to matter.
• Padded Cycling Gloves — my go-to pair
• Thinner-Pad Shorts — Daily rides option
• Thicker Pad Shorts — extra cushion for longer rides
• Insulated Bottles — stay cold longer
Personal picks based on comfort, not brand loyalty.
The Best Bike for Most 70-Year-Old Riders
Most seniors do best with a step-through hybrid: upright, stable, easy on the hips, and simple to mount.
- Step-Through Hybrid Bike: See a step-through hybrid option — easiest style for seniors.
- Comfort Saddle: Check the overall pick — small comfort changes = longer rides.
- Budget E-Bike: This entry-level e-bike takes the sting out of hills.
Why Riding at 70 Is Worth It
- ❤️ Heart & lungs: gentle but steady cardio.
- 🦵 Joints: cycling is kinder to knees and hips than long walks.
- ⚖️ Balance: cycling quietly trains reflexes.
- 🌞 Mood: sunlight and motion clear mental fog.
- 👥 Community: trails and group rides keep you connected.
Every ride at 70 is a small rebellion against aging—and the bike always gives more than it takes.
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 comfort grows.
- Dress bright, run daytime flashers, 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.
Here’s the Wahoo I use, and the Garmin many riders prefer: Garmin Edge Compare: Garmin options here.
• RENPHO Smart Scale — my exact model
• Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT V3 — see details
• COOSPO GPS Computer — budget-friendly
These are the tools that keep me on track—literally.
FAQ: Senior Cycling at 70+
Is 70 too old to start cycling?
No. Start easy, stay visible, 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?
Yes. Build consistency first—endurance sneaks up on you.
For a real-world cautionary tale, read my storm story: Caught in a thunderstorm at 2 AM in Bowie, Texas.
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