Which bike to choose after 60? A new youth on 2 wheels!

Published on September, 1 2023

Cycling is a ideal for senior citizens because it allows you to maintain good physical condition while respecting joints and heart rate. In fact, we very often come across older cyclists. In fact, it's a sport you can practice for a very long time because it's not traumatic for the body. But which bike to choose after 60 ? Road bike, city bike or electric bike? While it's always important to have a good riding position, it becomes more and more important as we get older. Pain appears more quickly. Having a comfortable bike adapted to your level, morphology and riding style is even more essential than before.

In this article, we'll give you some tips on how to choosing your bike after 60, whether you've been a cyclist for years or you'd like to take cycling again when you retire.

Cycling in retirement

Restarting cycling after 60

Caught up in the daily grind of work and family life, we don't necessarily take the time to get on our bikes and ride for a few hours at the weekend. Even when you enjoy it, you have to admit that fatigue and other obligations sometimes get the better of you...

But after 60, a new life begins ! The children are grown up and it's finally time to retire! You can finally take the time to devote to your passions. And of course, cycling is one of them!
Only, your good old Peugeot bike is looking a bit shabby and your Renault jersey from the Bernard Hinault era is a bit dull... And anyway, you don't want to look like an old man!

So you've decided to invest in a nice bike and a nice outfit. It's time to treat yourself, and you're right to do so!

An ideal sport for senior citizens

Taking up cycling again at 60 is an excellent idea (you weren't counting on us to tell you otherwise?). 😉) because there are many benefits to cycling.

Of course, the most obvious is the physical aspect. We won't give you the whole list, but cycling is good for everything: the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems, blood pressure, joints, the cognitive system... Plus, it limits weight gain. In short feel great !

But that's not all! Cycling after 60 has many psychological benefits, including physical effort encourages the production of endorphins.

What's more, you're not the only person over 60 who enjoys cycling. So it's also a great opportunity to meet new people, get to know new people and make new friends. develop new social skills and share your love of cycling with fellow cyclists... 🚴‍♀️🚴‍♂️🚴‍♀️

Up to what age can you ride a bike?

It's a question that comes up a lot. As we used to say, cycling has the great advantage of not being traumatic for the body and joints. Cycling is therefore possible up to the age of 70, and even beyond.

Of course, it is advisable to regular check-ups with a physician to make sure all is well. You should also review your itineraries to avoid steep or long climbs which are hard on the heart.

Finally, it is advisable to adapt your gear ratios a little after the age of 60. Gear ratios that are too high will tend to put too much pressure on the knees. Conversely, a gear ratio that's too small will cause the legs to turn too much, which isn't ideal either. Depending on your level and the terrain you ride, you may need to modify your transmission. Don't think of this as a sign of weakness; on the contrary, it's a way of helping you to improve your performance. keep you in shape for longer without unnecessary damage.

What bike to choose after 60?

What type of bike should you choose after 60?

There's no such thing as a bike specifically for seniors, because it all depends on how you've been cycling up to that point. If you've been riding mountain bikes, gravel bikes or road bikes for years, then you can continue to do so without any problem. Your musculature is probably as efficient as ever, and your body is used to the pedaling posture.

On the other hand, if you want to take up cycling in retirement, you'll need to consider an endurance-type road bike, which offers a more upright position, or turn to an electric bike, which will give you the welcome benefit of assistance.

Unless you've been an avid mountain biker for many years, the mountainbike is not the best option for cyclists over 60 who are just starting out. It's a discipline that requires a lot of shocks.
If you really want to enjoy forest trails, away from the hustle and bustle of the road, gravel may be a good option.

Endurance bikes: the best road bikes for seniors

On the road, the most comfortable bikes are undoubtedly those usually used for endurance events. The rider's position, less forward-leaning thanks to higher handlebars than on an aero bike, means long hours of pain-free riding for the lower back.
Another advantage is that endurance bikes are designed to resist road shock, which reduces the risk of injury.

👉 To ride a quality endurance bike at lower cost, take a look at our attractive selection of bikes Certified Pre-Owned by professionals.

Gravels: the best bikes for nature-loving seniors

Are you a nature-lover who doesn't think of cycling in any other way than among the trees? 🌲
Then gravel is for you ! With these comfortable, all-purpose bikes, you can enjoy remote gravel trails without the bumpy terrain of a mountain bike. A good compromise for those who want to have fun on their bikes after 60.

Like endurance road bikes, gravels have relatively high handlebars, so you don't have to lie down too much.

All these features make gravel bikes the best for traveling... After all, now that you've got the time, why not discover France and Europe in a different way? 😉

Electric bikes: the best bikes for seniors who don't mind a little help

It's a well-known fact: retirement is a new lease on life! You want to take full advantage of the free time on offer, and that's just fine!
But let's not mince words either: after 60, 65 or 70, we lose a little of our former energy, and a little electric help doesn't hurt... 🤫

Electric bikes will enable you to go further, ride longer and climb hills without getting too tired. Of course, you'll still have to pedal, and you won't lose the benefits of physical activity. You'll just be a little less out of breath.

Electric bikes are ideal for people over 60 who have not done much cycling in recent years. On the other hand, if you're an avid cyclist, keep pedaling for as long as you can. As long as you look after yourself, your level of fitness will decline only very slowly.

⚡ To help you make the right choice for your reconditioned electric bike, we invite you to reread our comprehensive article on the subject.


The good life is yours! On your new reconditioned bike, you're ready to rediscover the world, and on two wheels, the feeling of freedom is even greater. Many beautiful routes await you. We wish you a long and happy journey.

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