senior comeback cyclist question

catzz66 said:

I have some relatives who are interested in cycling, but they are aged
79 and 76, respectively. I mentioned threewheelers to them and got
soeme serious objections to the idea of a tricycle.

I thought they might be a little late to be returning to cycling to
chance a two wheeler to start with. I would appreciate some ideas. One
person suggested looking for three wheelers at a used bike shop. I
think they are considering the XMart 60 dollar two wheelers at the
moment. I'd just like to steer them to something that is affordable and
maybe a little more appropriate for them to start on without insulting
them or quashing their interest.

How about a recumbent trike? Check out the sun here:
http://www.sunbicycles.com/03/html_04/recumbents/ez3_sx.html
While it's not a x-mart quality bike, it's not a super expensive model,
and lots of people like these, one recent dealer I test rode a stratus
at said they sell more of the sun trikes than any other 'bent.

Ken
--
You never have the wind with you - either it is against you or you're
having a good day. ~Daniel Behrman, The Man Who Loved Bicycles

Homepage: http://kcm-home.tripod.com/

catzz66 said:

I have some relatives who are interested in cycling, but they are aged
79 and 76, respectively. I mentioned threewheelers to them and got
soeme serious objections to the idea of a tricycle.

I thought they might be a little late to be returning to cycling to
chance a two wheeler to start with. I would appreciate some ideas. One
person suggested looking for three wheelers at a used bike shop. I
think they are considering the XMart 60 dollar two wheelers at the
moment. I'd just like to steer them to something that is affordable and
maybe a little more appropriate for them to start on without insulting
them or quashing their interest.

FWIW - I have folks in their 70's for whom I lead rides through our
church.

While this may not be appropriate for these folks, age, in and of
itself, does not have to be a barrier to bicycling.

And, otherwise, I would second the look see at recumbent tricycles.
These are much more "stylish" and may be more appealing.

catzz66 said:

I have some relatives who are interested in cycling, but they are aged
79 and 76, respectively. I mentioned threewheelers to them and got
soeme serious objections to the idea of a tricycle.

I thought they might be a little late to be returning to cycling to
chance a two wheeler to start with. I would appreciate some ideas. One
person suggested looking for three wheelers at a used bike shop. I
think they are considering the XMart 60 dollar two wheelers at the
moment. I'd just like to steer them to something that is affordable and
maybe a little more appropriate for them to start on without insulting
them or quashing their interest.

I know plenty of folks well older than that who ride, and ride fast! As
long as they are in pretty good shape and don't over-do it. If they are
not in ok shape, best to talk to a doc first.

Depending on their interest level, I'd just encourage them to get the
$60 bikes. If they end up putting in the miles necessary to wear one
out or notice it's shortcomings, they will want something much nicer
than more expensive entry level bikes they may be considering now
anyway.

Joseph

Quoted message said:

..
I know plenty of folks well older than that who ride, and ride fast! As
long as they are in pretty good shape and don't over-do it. If they are
not in ok shape, best to talk to a doc first.
...

Joseph, their orthopedist advised them not to cycle. One of them has
balance problems already and would be considered not the best risk for a
two wheeler, just for that reason.

catzz66 said:

Quoted message said:

..
I know plenty of folks well older than that who ride, and ride fast! As
long as they are in pretty good shape and don't over-do it. If they are
not in ok shape, best to talk to a doc first.
...

Joseph, their orthopedist advised them not to cycle. One of them has
balance problems already and would be considered not the best risk for a
two wheeler, just for that reason.

Hmm. That can be a rough situation when a debilitating condition limits
one's possibilities, just as one is getting excited about that very
thing.

Maybe get them someplace where they can rent a trike to try it out,
without pitching it as a test drive, but just as a coincidental
introduction?

I've seen a tandem trike once, maybe the novelty factor would counter
their apparent aversion to the trike idea. Not exactly $60, though...

Joseph

Colorado Bicycler said:

FWIW - I have folks in their 70's for whom I lead rides through our
church.

While this may not be appropriate for these folks, age, in and of
itself, does not have to be a barrier to bicycling.

And, otherwise, I would second the look see at recumbent tricycles.
These are much more "stylish" and may be more appealing.

I live in a metropolitan area and trikes are not uncommon at all.
They're just unfamiliar with them. Perhaps with a little exposure, they
might be more receptive to the idea.

Plan B might be to go ahead and get one for them and tell them to
consider it a loan, though it will probably only work if it is something
they initiate.

catzz66 wrote:
:: I have some relatives who are interested in cycling, but they are
:: aged 79 and 76, respectively. I mentioned threewheelers to them and
:: got soeme serious objections to the idea of a tricycle.
::
:: I thought they might be a little late to be returning to cycling to
:: chance a two wheeler to start with. I would appreciate some ideas.
:: One person suggested looking for three wheelers at a used bike shop.
:: I think they are considering the XMart 60 dollar two wheelers at the
:: moment. I'd just like to steer them to something that is affordable
:: and maybe a little more appropriate for them to start on without
:: insulting them or quashing their interest.

Something like the Giant Revive might be what they need:

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/030.000.000/030.000.000.asp?year=2005&range=206

"Colorado Bicycler" wrote: (clip) FWIW - I have folks in their 70's for
whom I lead rides through our church. (clip)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I imagine riding on a carpeted church aisle might be less dangerous than a
street or trail. However, I'm surprised the pastor is willing to allow it.

Age alone is not a reason to avoid cycling. I am 78 years old, and I ride
quite a bit. I can't keep up with some of my younger friends, but that is a
different problem. However, the possibility of broken bones must not be
dismissed. Older bones are more fragile, and they knit more slowly.
Furthermore, hospitalization of an older person can have serious
consequences beyone the initial cause.

Quoted message said:

"Colorado Bicycler" wrote: (clip) FWIW - I have folks in their 70's for

whom I lead rides through our church. (clip)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Quoted message said:

I imagine riding on a carpeted church aisle might be less dangerous than a
street or trail. However, I'm surprised the pastor is willing to allow it.

Naw, the pastor is right in there with us.

It is going through the pews that develops excellent bike control, and
then bunny hopping up to the altar is good for cardio!

"Colorado Bicycler" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

FWIW - I have folks in their 70's for whom I lead rides through our
church.

They aren't the only ones.
There's a guy in our club who leads a "birthday ride" each year at a 15-16
mph pace. The ride is as long as his age in years. It was a 79 mile ride
last September. It's scheduled again this September.

Gives me something to shoot for.

Those REVIVES are cool looking bikes. They'll set you back a few $$$
though.
Jim Gagnepain
website: http://home.comcast.net/~oil_free_and_happy/

catzz66 said:

I have some relatives who are interested in cycling, but they are aged
79 and 76, respectively. I mentioned threewheelers to them and got
soeme serious objections to the idea of a tricycle.

How about the AVD Windcheetah ClubSport trike:
<http://www.windcheetah.co.uk/clubsport.htm>.

--
Tom Sherman - Fox River Valley

Quoted message said:

...
I've seen a tandem trike once, maybe the novelty factor would counter
their apparent aversion to the trike idea. Not exactly $60, though...

The ICE Trice X2 Tandem trike [1] is 7,300 GPB before VAT, or about
$11,000 US at current exchange rates. This could qualify as "Not
exactly $60".

The Greenspeed GTT tandem trike [2] is a relative bargain starting at
$7,950 US.

For the less affluent there is the Organic Engines Troika [3] starting
at $4,000 US.

[1] <http://www.ice.hpv.co.uk/trikes_x2.htm>.
[2]
<http://www.greenspeed.com.au/NewGSweb/web-content/usa/modusa/gtt.html>.
[3] <http://www.organicengines.com/Troika/index.htm>.

--
Tom Sherman - Fox River Valley

From: "catzz66" <[email hidden]>
Subject: senior comeback cyclist question
Date: 24 January 2006 17:00

Quoted message said:

I have some relatives who are interested in cycling, but they are aged 79
and 76, respectively. I mentioned threewheelers to them and got soeme
serious objections to the idea of a tricycle.

I thought they might be a little late to be returning to cycling to chance
a two wheeler to start with. I would appreciate some ideas. One person
suggested looking for three wheelers at a used bike shop. I think they are
considering the XMart 60 dollar two wheelers at the moment. I'd just like
to steer them to something that is affordable and maybe a little more
appropriate for them to start on without insulting them or quashing their
interest.

Age should be no barrier to enjoying cycling. Below is an extract from a
recent post by Pinky over on uk.rec.cycling:

"I remember going into J E James of Rotherham ( who are a good LBS ) at 65
years old and saying that I was going to cycle/camp to Spain -- and asking
for advice. I am sure that they though I was more than slightly mad. So I
bought my Dawes Discovery 501 at the end of October 2003 and by the
beginning of December started a daily training schedule -- learning all sort
of things and also making modifications to my new bike as I went along.
Before I set off I had done some 1500 miles in progressively loaded training
days. I left home at 0830 hrs on Friday 26 March 2004 and eventually arrived
in Santiago on 11 May with 2340.3 kms on the clock.

So, since starting just over 2 years ago, I have managed to do over 10,000
miles -- nothing very spectacular -- just trundling along averaging about 10
mph on ordinary sort of "bumpy" days. I cycle every day doing at least 12
miles but aiming to do 20 miles a day. I do all my shopping trips by bike
( except for the toilet rolls./ kitchen towels run )"

I think that's darned impressive.

Where I do my cycling, the vast majority of cycling is done by people who
are into retirement and they use their cycling for fun, leisure, serious
sport and keeping fit (Use it of lose it). At time trials I go to, there are
many guys into 70s and 80s who are still cycling competitively and setting
age-related records into their 80s. So, all of that is not to say that your
relatives should be getting into racing ;-) But I hope it does show that
cycling can be enjoyed at many levels by all ages.

I'd say that provided their general health is okay, get those relatives
cycling. A trip to doc should confirm or otherwise that cycling is okay.
Like any new extra activity, start off gently and work up to more gradually
at a pace that suits them.

As for bike, I'd recommend *not* going for a supermarket special. Such bikes
tend to be heavy, unreliable, components made of cheese that can often prove
to be unadjustable. Nothing wrong with trikes. I'm a mere babe in my 40s (!)
and love using my recumbent trike. Indeed my 17-year-old son also uses it.
At his place of education, it apparently has a certain 'kewl' about it as it
is unusual. Over here in the UK, there is a specialist Tricycle Association
and trikes are used for leisure, touring and sport. In the time trials I go
to with my son, trikes are not a rare sight as trike riders zoom along. I
can understand why someone new to cycling would think a $60 bike is a
bargain and why would they want to spend more on 'just a bike' but as the
experienced cyclists know - these are a false economy. How about looking at
the second-hand market for a better value bike? Certainly recumbent trikes
seem to be a lot more stable than the upright ones, due to lower centre of
gravity, but they are expensive.

Over here in the UK, we have the CTC (Cyclists' Touring Club) and as a
member, I'm confident to say that the vast majority of other members I've
met are past retirement age. AS many CTC groups organise mid-week rides, I
can see why those below retirement age are not seen in greater numbers, due
to work commitments.

Best of luck, helen s

oilfreeandhappy wrote:
:: Those REVIVES are cool looking bikes. They'll set you back a few $$$
:: though.
:: Jim Gagnepain
:: website: http://home.comcast.net/~oil_free_and_happy/

I saw two, as I recall. The more expensive one was about $750 and the other
was $550 (as I recall). I personally didn't like the ride, but I was
interested in a road bike back when I tested one. I think they would be
great for older folks who wish to ride in neigborhoods, parks or on MUPs.

I'm 64 now riding a Bianchi 4 - 5 days a week; did about 2900 miles
last year. Been riding or running for 25+ years and hope to still be
doing it many more years. Seriously thinking about training for a
birthday ride this year.

My best recommendation to people in the Senior's Community where I live
in Irvine, CA, is ride, walk, swim, do anything but sit in front of
the TV. Exercise is good for the soul, the body and the mind.

I agree that Walmart and Target bikes are poorly made. My Ladyfriend
has a Trek 7200 Multitrack she got a few years ago that is a
combination style; it even has the dropped cross-bar for ladies'
skirts. It works just fine, is well made, and now if I could get her
to ride it more often... Try a local bike shop, look online (even Ebay)
and see what's available.

Good luck.

Dave

Roger Zoul said:

oilfreeandhappy wrote:
:: Those REVIVES are cool looking bikes. They'll set you back a few $$$
:: though.
:: Jim Gagnepain
:: website: http://home.comcast.net/~oil_free_and_happy/

I saw two, as I recall. The more expensive one was about $750 and the other
was $550 (as I recall). I personally didn't like the ride, but I was
interested in a road bike back when I tested one. I think they would be
great for older folks who wish to ride in neigborhoods, parks or on MUPs.

Thank you for your various replies. I will do my best to pass along my
enthusiasm to them. I was fairly general in my explanation, but they do
have some special health issues that lead me to lean towards the three
wheelers. It is not particularly age issue. They like the outdoors and
at least one of them used to walk avidly, so I am hopeful about getting
them to restart cycling.

"wafflycat" <w*a*ff£y£cat*@£btco*nn£ect.com> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

From: "catzz66" <[email hidden]>
Subject: senior comeback cyclist question
Date: 24 January 2006 17:00

Quoted message said:

I have some relatives who are interested in cycling, but they are aged 79
and 76, respectively. I mentioned threewheelers to them and got soeme
serious objections to the idea of a tricycle.

I thought they might be a little late to be returning to cycling to chance
a two wheeler to start with. I would appreciate some ideas. One person
suggested looking for three wheelers at a used bike shop. I think they
are considering the XMart 60 dollar two wheelers at the moment. I'd just
like to steer them to something that is affordable and maybe a little more
appropriate for them to start on without insulting them or quashing their
interest.

Age should be no barrier to enjoying cycling. Below is an extract from a
recent post by Pinky over on uk.rec.cycling:

"I remember going into J E James of Rotherham ( who are a good LBS ) at 65
years old and saying that I was going to cycle/camp to Spain -- and asking
for advice. I am sure that they though I was more than slightly mad. So I
bought my Dawes Discovery 501 at the end of October 2003 and by the
beginning of December started a daily training schedule -- learning all
sort of things and also making modifications to my new bike as I went
along. Before I set off I had done some 1500 miles in progressively loaded
training days. I left home at 0830 hrs on Friday 26 March 2004 and
eventually arrived in Santiago on 11 May with 2340.3 kms on the clock.

So, since starting just over 2 years ago, I have managed to do over 10,000
miles -- nothing very spectacular -- just trundling along averaging about
10 mph on ordinary sort of "bumpy" days. I cycle every day doing at least
12 miles but aiming to do 20 miles a day. I do all my shopping trips by
bike ( except for the toilet rolls./ kitchen towels run )"

I think that's darned impressive.

Where I do my cycling, the vast majority of cycling is done by people who
are into retirement and they use their cycling for fun, leisure, serious
sport and keeping fit (Use it of lose it). At time trials I go to, there
are many guys into 70s and 80s who are still cycling competitively and
setting age-related records into their 80s. So, all of that is not to say
that your relatives should be getting into racing ;-) But I hope it does
show that cycling can be enjoyed at many levels by all ages.

I'd say that provided their general health is okay, get those relatives
cycling. A trip to doc should confirm or otherwise that cycling is okay.
Like any new extra activity, start off gently and work up to more
gradually at a pace that suits them.

As for bike, I'd recommend *not* going for a supermarket special. Such
bikes tend to be heavy, unreliable, components made of cheese that can
often prove to be unadjustable. Nothing wrong with trikes. I'm a mere babe
in my 40s (!) and love using my recumbent trike. Indeed my 17-year-old son
also uses it. At his place of education, it apparently has a certain
'kewl' about it as it is unusual. Over here in the UK, there is a
specialist Tricycle Association and trikes are used for leisure, touring
and sport. In the time trials I go to with my son, trikes are not a rare
sight as trike riders zoom along. I can understand why someone new to
cycling would think a $60 bike is a bargain and why would they want to
spend more on 'just a bike' but as the experienced cyclists know - these
are a false economy. How about looking at the second-hand market for a
better value bike? Certainly recumbent trikes seem to be a lot more stable
than the upright ones, due to lower centre of gravity, but they are
expensive.

Over here in the UK, we have the CTC (Cyclists' Touring Club) and as a
member, I'm confident to say that the vast majority of other members I've
met are past retirement age. AS many CTC groups organise mid-week rides, I
can see why those below retirement age are not seen in greater numbers,
due to work commitments.

Best of luck, helen s

ooops helen you have made me blush! And that takes some doing!

BUT
I have gained more from cycling in the last 2 + years than I could ever
have managed otherwise.

My 98 year old Dad says I should stop! But he still does a bit of gardening
and goes out 4 days each week to his clubs for the other old folks -- (he
isn't one of them of course!) and I take him shopping in the 2 days each
week that I use a car ( he shops -- I just get in his way)

--
Trevor A Panther
In South Yorkshire,
England, United Kingdom.

Here's my take on the cute trikes, as they aren't all what they
sometimes appear to be.

When my mother lived in SW Florida, that's all you see down there, all
the little old ladies riding around. My mother had one down there, and
I always used to tune it up-do maintanence for her when I went down to
visit.

Most the trikes you see down there are usually 1/2 rusted out, and
generally sit outside locked up with a chain, and maybe a cover on them

Well, her's and others I've on occasion hopped on to toy with all seemed
like real SOB's to pedal. Like you had siezed axles on them.

I always attested it to being beat up old, and old fashioned trikes.

About two years ago, my mother bought a spotless 2 month old new cost
$420 trike from a woman for 4200, who decided to buy a two wheel bike
instead.

The bike was just like from the showroom, a nice pretty red, basket on
the back, nice seat, the works.

So I decide to go over it for her, wipe it down, wax it, air the tires
up, set the seat height, and bars for her, and make sure everything is
tight, and working correctly.

So, I said to myself, "well, let me test this thing out, and see how it
rides.

One trip around the block, and I felt like I just went a hard 15 miles
on my road bike in a strong headwind! Again, this thing felt horrible.
I then quickly came to the conclusions that due to the odd geometry, and
the fact that most of these bikes only have one wheel driving in the
rear, that they are very inefficient bikes.

Again, I checked it over, axles, everything. All was fine.

I noticed with just a slight incline, I felt like I was trying to ride
up Alpe De Huez, trying to catch Lance. Absolute murder if not on
precise level streets. I heartily recommend trying one out before
buying.

Last month, I put a nice $108 Wal Mart recumbent excersize bike together
for a 91 year old woman, so she could get her excersize.
This might be an option, particularly during the cold months, so that
one gets their needed excersize? Mark