Best Road Bike for Older Riders – Review in 2023
Anyone who has had a bike in their youth knows that there is nothing like the feeling of cruising along or going downhill on the street.
It is a great activity for anyone of any age. The road bike for older riders is a good gift so that they can have an exercise or have a chance to explore the outdoors in the most fun way possible.
There are plenty of considerations to make when getting a bike for them, which is why we included a handy guide to pick out the perfect ride that will provide them with a comfortable and efficient bike.
Best Road Bike for Seniors – Comparison
| Model | Brand | Size | Color | Frame Material | Brake Style | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 700c Royce Union RMX | Royce Union | 19″ frame |
Gray | Aluminum | Linear Pull | Check Price |
| Raleigh Bikes Cadent | RALEIGH | Small | Gray | Aluminum, Steel | Linear Pull | Check Price |
| Schwinn Vantage Mens/Womens Sport | Schwinn | 55cm/Small Frame | Black | Aluminum | Disc | Check Price |
| Schwinn Fastback 2 Adult | Schwinn | Large | Navy Blue | Aluminum | Caliper | Check Price |
| Schwinn Fastback 1 Performance | Schwinn | 57cm/Extra Large Frame | Grey | Aluminum | Caliper | Check Price |
Benefits of Seniors Road Bike
Riding a bike is great for seniors. This enables them to have low-effort high-impact exercise to keep them active and help them stay healthy.
As we know, exercise benefits anyone at any age, and all the more, it will be great for seniors. Cycling is one great way to help them have a proper exercise every day.
As a matter of fact, studies have been conducted and have proven that if seniors include biking in their daily exercise routine, they build stronger muscles and coordination.
Not only does cycling offer physical activity, but it also provides good mental benefits. It helps in releasing endorphins and keeps the rider mentally active.
This also allows for bonding time with their grandchildren or family which helps boost the mood of everyone any given day.
The great thing about bikes nowadays is that manufacturers have designed user-friendly frames and components that will enable older riders to have an easier time mounting and dismounting the bike.
There are also other innovations like electric bikes that assist in mobility so that a senior rider will not have to strain too much if ever they need to climb a hill or a rather long ascend.
Bikes are not just engineering marvels; they are also great ways to create a healthier and happier individual.
Best Road Bike for Older Riders
Bikes come in all shapes and sizes, so you don’t need to be intimidated by full featured ones that have components that are hard to understand.
Manufacturers have put out the best bicycle for older riders so that they too can enjoy this amazing sport hobby every day.
1. Royce Union RMY
Simplicity is the name of the game if you are looking for something to give to older riders.
This is because, in most cases, they will just want to cruise around at a moderate speed where they can stretch their legs and get to a scenic spot to relax.
This is why this Royce Union bike is a great choice. It is straightforward and easy to use the bike you can ride anytime you feel the itch to go and feel the wind on your face.
It has an option of three-speed that is great for when you want to just ride to town with someone.
The derailleur is from Shimano, so you can trust that it will not let you down even if you use it day in and day out.
Furthermore, the frame is made from aluminum, which keeps the weight to a minimum while providing durability.
The top tube is sloped downward, which allows for a lot of space when the rider gets to their feet.
Additionally, it has 700c tires which are light and easy to control. So you don’t need to worry about the safety of the rider.
The rims have Shimano hubs that run smoothly and prevent any dirt from entering them.
It has a comfortable handlebar that has a back sweep that allows for a steady grip. You have brake levers for the front and back and operate rim brakes.
A fully padded saddle is installed and provides comfort even on long rides. It has dual springs for that extra comfort.
And it also has a carrying rack if ever you need to bring something along for the ride or deliver anything to your destination.
PROS
CONS
Related Review: Top-rated Mountain Bike Under $1200
2. Raleigh Bikes Cadent
Raleigh produces high-quality bikes for many audiences, and this one is the best road bicycle for older riders they offer. It has many features that are welcoming and will fit their needs.
To start with, this is a great commuter bike, so even younger riders will appreciate its features.
Probably the best part of this for senior riders is the forgiving in-step of the frame.
It is designed to accommodate smaller riders and even those who may have difficulty mounting the bike.
Other features just make it even better. The frame is made from heat-treated aluminum makes it light and durable. These factors in an easy-to-control and nimble bike.
A rigid fork is installed on this bike, which is great for flatlands and roads. You may experience more bumps and stress on your hands if you happen to go off-road but it’s nothing the bike cannot handle.
Equipped with a 3×7 drivetrain, you will have a total of 21 gears to choose from and use so that you can go to any type of road without much effort and efficiency.
The components are from Shimano, which is why they are reliable on many types of applications.
The handlebars are flat but have a small back sweep to them. They have Raleigh Comfort grips that provide a steady handle and control.
Its seat is from Raleigh’s in-house brand and has some padding. But if you want a more comfortable seat, you can easily replace it with anything that has the same steel rail.
Having 70cx35c wheels will allow for moderate speed on smooth roads which will be a feature because it lessens the amount of pedaling you need to do to move the bike.
PROS
CONS
Related Guide: Road Bike vs Mountain Bike
3. Schwinn Vantage Mens/Womens Hybrid Road Bike
Did you know that the oldest competitive cyclist is 105 years old? That just means that there are still plenty of older folks who can ride their bikes as well as younger ones.
A good bike will always help in giving them an extra bit of help when it comes to cycling.
This is where this modern bike fits in. The features of this bike will prove to give an advantage to older cyclists.
One of the highlights of this bike is the utility of the Schwinn Smooth Ride Technology (SRT).
This is an innovation made by the company that puts an elastomer mounted between the seat stays and the seat tube.
And this allows 15mm of travel, which is plenty of help to absorb bumps on the road.
That is just one of the comfort features of this bike. Another is the ergo endurance handlebar that’s designed to reduce fatigue on long rides.
Also, among the things you will immediately notice about this bike is the weight. Thanks to the carbon fork, this bike is significantly lighter than most bikes around.
You will not need to worry about control on this bike because it has mechanical disc brakes, one of the most efficient braking systems in the market today, and a step above V-brakes. The wheels are 700c, which are great for speed and even on gravel.
The drivetrain is backed up by Shimano, one of the world leaders when it comes to bicycle components.
It has a 2×9 drivetrain that gives 18 gears to choose from when riding. You can adjust it according to any type of road you are on so that you can maintain your pedaling rhythm throughout the ride.
PROS
CONS
Related Guide: High-quality Tall Riders Mountain Bike
4. Schwinn Fastback 2
This bike is great for anyone who has moderate experience in riding bikes. It provides a perfect blend of performance and comfort, which is a great feature for any road bike, especially for older riders.
Coming from Schwinn, this bike is made to be ridden on many types of terrain and will be a beast on the road.
It has 700x25c fast wheels. These thin tires reduce the contact of the road in unnecessary areas, making you glide through the pavement.
The drivetrain and shifters have the Shimano Sora series. You get to choose from 18 gears, which are divided into 2×9 which gives plenty of options for the rider to find the flow and the best gear ratio suited for their style and preference.
It has front and back alloy caliper brakes that have plenty of stopping power for more control and safety when riding.
Having ergonomic handlebars will help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, whether you are riding for a long time or just going on a quick session on your favorite road.
Moreover, for the cranks, you will get an FSA Vero crankset that will deliver optimal power with every stroke.
For extra power, installing clipless pedals will make it an even more powerful and efficient machine.
You will find that this bike also offers extra features by having a ready rack and fender mounts when you want to make it a full-fledged commuter bike.
With a durable frame and rigid carbon fork, it will be able to take the extra weight.
PROS
CONS
5. Schwinn Fastback 1
If you’re looking to make riding your regular exercise, you have to invest in something that will provide you with the agility and performance that will keep up with you.
This is where the Schwinn Fastback 1 comes in. It has high-quality components that will make your rides more enjoyable and efficient every day.
Before this series was made available to the public, this was exclusively produced for professional cyclists.
With that, you can rest assured that these bikes are made to give you a better riding experience.
The frame is made with hydroformed aluminum, which helps make it lightweight, durable, and easy to control.
Thus, making this ideal for riders of any age who want to focus on performance, fitness, and agility.
It is equipped with Shimano 105 drivetrain, shifters, and levers that all contribute to making your ride like a pro and shift gears without the worry of chain drop.
The heart of the bike is these, so it is great to have high-quality components here.
Another notable features are the carbon race fork, which significantly reduces the overall weight of the bike as well as adds agility and performance.
It also has Shimano BR-5800 alloy caliper road brakes that provide enough braking power for safety on any type of road.
Anyone planning to go on a long ride will appreciate the ergonomic handlebars that have enough clearance and design that will keep you from feeling strained while riding.
Its wheelset is also designed for long rides as they have quick-release features that will come in handy if you encounter a puncture along the road. The 700c tires are also great for any type of road.
PROS
CONS
Things to Consider Before Buying
Some bikes are meant for speed, which is why the way they are built and the components they have are all inclined to add extra speed in any possible manner.
But for older riders, comfort is a greater factor when it comes to choosing a bike.
To find the ideal bike for them, here are some important things to consider before going out and purchasing one.
Frame Size
Since the frame is where all the components are attached, it is right to pay attention to this part.
A frame that’s too small or too large will make for an uncomfortable ride. There are guidelines on how to choose the right frame so it’s best to read more about them before getting a bike.
Frame Shape
More specifically, you want to ensure that the frame is easy to mount. Let’s face it, some older riders may have lost a little mobility and thus cannot mount a high-top tube.
As a reference, women-specific bikes have step-thru frames that allow for more clearance when mounting and dismounting.
If you’re not keen on getting a road bike, cruiser bikes are worth your attention because they are more inclined to casual riders.
These have frames that are specifically designed to be mounted on and off easily.
Bike Weight
A heavier bike will be cumbersome for older riders. If a bike uses stainless steel as the main material for its bike frame and fork, chances are it will be heavier than one built from carbon or aluminum.
There may be some exemptions to this but it pays to check the overall weight from the manufacturer before buying a bike.
Comfortable Saddle Shape Cushion
Even younger riders will want to have a saddle that will not make them feel uncomfortable. So much so for elders.
There are plenty of options available, and it all boils down to preference when choosing. Options for padding include foam, gel, and other cushion materials.
The shape of the saddle will also come into play when riding for an extended period.
Make sure that it is not too large or small. It should be a comfortable size that will enable you to sit on it comfortably.
Saddle Material
By this, we mean the material that covers the saddle. Some materials can be abrasive when being sat on for a long time.
This may be a trial-and-error fit, but once you find the one that suits you best, you should stick with that every time you purchase a saddle.
Drivetrain
For this bit, it is good to pick out one that will fit the goal of the rider. If they just want a leisure riding experience, it would be wise to pick out something that has less gear ratio for simplicity and budgetary reasons.
However, if the rider is experienced and wants something they can ride in many terrains and even compete, then you should go for a better gear ratio for versatility and better pedal power output.
Brake System
This is one of the most important parts of the bike and one that you should not skimp on. Pick out the one that will enable you to get more control over your bike.
You match the brakes to the potential speed of your bike. This can be measured with the bike ratio.
If it has 18 or more gears, a mechanical or hydraulic disc brake is recommended. Anything lower and high-quality rim or v-brake will do.
Wheel Size
Depending on the height and weight of the rider, your choice of wheelset should be something that will make them feel comfortable when riding.
Most of the time, a 26-inch or 700c wheelset will be a good starting point. You can gradually increase the size, but, as mentioned, this depends on the preference of the rider.
As for wheel size, the more you increase it, the more aggressive it is on trails. So, it is safe to say, 26-inch or 700c wheels are ideal for older riders.
Suspensions
We’re talking about types of suspensions that will reduce bumpiness on the road, not on the trails.
So a simple front suspension will be a good choice. But it wouldn’t be too much if you have hydraulic or air suspension on their bikes.
After all, these are meant to provide comfort and reduce the stress on the arms which are welcome features to any older rider.
Handlebars
There are plenty of options for handlebars, and you are bound to find one that will suit you best.
This is another one of those things you discover through the trial of many types.
But to reduce the guessing part, you can ask friends around to try their handlebars.
Other Safety Equipment
This is something that you should also take into consideration when setting a budget when riding a bike.
These include a helmet, riding jersey, elbow and knee pads, GPS, and health tracking devices.
These are important in keeping elders safe and worry-free when enjoying a ride in the open road.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is biking good for seniors?
Yes. While some people worry about elders riding bikes because of the risk of falling, if a person used to ride a bike, chances are you don’t need to worry about them. It has a lot of health benefits and can even help enhance their lifestyle and social life.
2. Should an older rider get a road bike or a mountain bike?
This is all up to the preference of the rider. There is some stark difference you have to consider when choosing between the two, but they are both great bikes for them. In any case, if you have difficulty choosing between the two, a gravel bike is a middle-ground and is worth your attention.
3. Is riding solo okay for older riders?
In any riding situation, it is always a good precaution to ride with a buddy. This way, in any case of emergencies like flat tires or broken components, you will have someone to help you. It will also be more enjoyable when riding with someone you know.
4. What upgrades should I do on my bike?
Upgrades are part of what makes riding bikes fun. Upgrading is a matter of personal taste and preference. The most recommended upgrade for older riders is to increase the comfort level. These include the saddle, handlebar, front shocks, and pedals.
5. Should I get an electric bike?
As we grow older, strength and endurance may get more and more limited. Manufacturers have produced electric bikes that assist in pedaling and in putting out power on especially challenging situations. Getting an electric road bike may be a good option, especially if you plan to go riding for extended periods and with a group. This is nothing to be ashamed of since riding bikes is not a competition; it is all about the journey.
6. What makes a Western Flyer bicycle an original?
The frame of an Original Western Flyer Bicycle is made of sturdy steel tubing and should have no visible welds. The fork should have two curved blades and no welds on the top. The saddle should be black with a white stripe down the center and a “Western Flyer” written in script along one side. And the handlebars should have grips wrapped in brown leather with metal end caps. If your bike has any of these features, it is likely an original Western Flyer.
Final Words
Cycling is a social activity and no one should be left out of it. Anyone at any age will be able to have a good time.
And to get an awesome experience every time, you should get a good road bike for older riders.
It is a good investment because it has benefits for both the body and the mind.