Should a 70-Year-Old Ride a Bike? (My Honest Take After 150,000 Miles)
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 ride around the block.
Fast forward: 150,000+ lifetime miles, a 962-mile Texas ride at 65, and at almost 70 I’m training for a border-to-border trip. These days I log ~150 miles a week—but it didn’t start that way.
Here’s the truth: you don’t need to be “tough.” You need consistency. Short rides stacked over weeks will change your fitness and your life.
Safety First for Seniors (Non-Negotiable)
You don’t have to be fast to be safe—you have to be visible and prepared. I wear a helmet every ride. I like the Giro Fixture MIPS II because it fits well and uses modern rotational protection. I chose high-viz lime, but there are multiple colors.
Prefer an urban look? This MIPS city helmet is sleek and includes a USB taillight that auto-activates when mounted.
Daylight still needs lights. A bright headlight + taillight in flash mode makes you pop. And reflective ankle bands work because the pedaling motion draws the eye. Cheap, effective, done.
- Helmet w/ MIPS: Giro Fixture MIPS II — comfortable, proven protection. Urban option: MIPS city lid →
- Daytime flash lights: Simple front + rear set — bright, USB-rechargeable.
- Be-seen motion: Reflective ankle bands — the cheapest, high-impact upgrade.
Comfort = Performance at 70
Most “I’m too old” moments are actually comfort problems. Fix comfort, and the miles come back.
Why Riding at 70 Is Worth It
- ❤️ Heart & lungs: steady cardio without pounding your joints.
- 🦵 Joints: pedaling is kinder to knees and hips than long walks.
- ⚖️ Balance: bike handling quietly trains reflexes and stability.
- 🌞 Mood: sunlight + motion clears mental fog.
- 👥 Community: trails and group rides keep you connected.
How to Start (and Keep Going)
- Begin with 15–20 minutes, 3–4×/week; add ~5 minutes every few rides.
- Pick calmer routes; stick to daylight until confident.
- Dress bright, run flashers, add reflective bits.
- Managing medical issues? Loop in your doctor before pushing intensity.
Progress That Keeps You Motivated
Seeing improvement keeps you consistent. I track weight and hydration on a smart scale—the trends matter more than any single day. This budget model helped me break a plateau and drop 17 pounds.
I’ve had great luck with the Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT V3 for clear mapping and long battery life.
Want basic but capable? COOSPO is a solid pick—my wife rides with it.
FAQ: Senior Cycling at 70+
Is 70 too old to start cycling?
No. Start easy, build gradually, focus on comfort and visibility.
Is cycling better than walking for seniors?
Different tools. Cycling is lower impact and lets you go farther with less joint stress.
What kind of bike is best over 70?
Comfort or step-through frames are friendly. E-bikes add range and erase scary hills.
Can I still do long rides?
Yes—stack weeks of easy, consistent miles first; then pace, fuel, and rest.
Bottom Line
At 70, I’m not trying to prove anything—I’m trying to ride tomorrow. Keep it safe, keep it comfortable, keep it consistent. If you change one thing today, wear a real helmet, add daytime-flash lights, and make yourself visible. The rest gets easier.
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