Our camping parents are mid 60's. I've never seen them ride bikes before but my Mom recently expressed interest in riding a bike when camping and also possibly when at home. They're both not the slimmest of people anymore and could shed a few pounds.My Dad mentioned something about beach cruisers. I know most are single speed without gears but I think gears are better for whatever hills they might encounter. They're not going to encounter any kind of crazy hills in their cycling though.Being that they haven't ridden in a long time (I'm 34 and don't remember them riding), I think a tricycle is a better option. I've talked to my brother and sister about this and they think the tricycle is a better option for safety reasons.The have a 2013 Jayco camper with the sliding bike rack in the rear. Does anyone think 2 adult trikes would fit on the bike carrier? Would folding trikes be a better option? I cycle and I know how important gears are when you deal with hills. Would the single speed trikes work or should we get gears?

I am 65 and ride a "beach cruiser" with a three speed rear axle and pedal actuated brakes. I have had it for years, and other than new tires and tubes once in a while, it is pretty maintenance free. My wife also has a beach cruiser, but with a five speed rear axle and hand brakes. I works fine for her, but the gears and brakes need adjustment frequently. In my opinion, it is important that the bike is the proper size for the rider. I would recommending visiting a real bicycle shop where someone knowledgeable can properly fit the bike to the rider. It is probably worth it to spend a little more on a good bike rather than going the WalMart route. We are in a resort area, and the local rental places buy good quality bikes, but sell them off cheap after a season or two ....Personally, I intend to hold off on the trikes as long as I can. They seem more difficult to maneuver, park, harder to pedal, and would be more difficult to transport ....

I hope your parents don't see this post if you think mid sixties need trikes... LOLLike others said I would look for a single or three speed beach cruiser. Ask your parents their inseam and it should help you get the correct size bikes.

I'm in my mid 60's and if my kids even suggested tri bikes i would be pretty Peeved off unless they were disabled. Go to a REAL bike shop with them and get a couple of GOOD bikes. Might have to pay a few bucks but they will be happy with something of QUALITY.

They (and you) mean well, and I hope they use whatever you/they buy. But don't be surprised if the bikes end up in the garage with the treadmill.The GF has 3 very nice bicycles and never rides them. Do your folks do any kind of exercise now?

I'm 50 and too old for a 2 wheel bike. I can't imagine the pain when I fall off of the thing. Not like when your a kid and you heal up quickly. I had a 3 wheel bike but, everybody laughed at me so I don't have it anymore. I've looked at newer and different style of 3 wheel bikes but, the price is more then I want to pay.

Bikes For Retired Parents...... | Good Sam Community

Bill___Kate
Explorer
Jan 12, 2014
I am 65 and ride a "beach cruiser" with a three speed rear axle and pedal actuated brakes. I have had it for years, and other than new tires and tubes once in a while, it is pretty maintenance free. My wife also has a beach cruiser, but with a five speed rear axle and hand brakes. I works fine for her, but the gears and brakes need adjustment frequently.

In my opinion, it is important that the bike is the proper size for the rider. I would recommending visiting a real bicycle shop where someone knowledgeable can properly fit the bike to the rider. It is probably worth it to spend a little more on a good bike rather than going the WalMart route. We are in a resort area, and the local rental places buy good quality bikes, but sell them off cheap after a season or two ....

Personally, I intend to hold off on the trikes as long as I can. They seem more difficult to maneuver, park, harder to pedal, and would be more difficult to transport ....
trnfla
Explorer
Jan 12, 2014
I hope your parents don't see this post if you think mid sixties need trikes... LOL

Like others said I would look for a single or three speed beach cruiser. Ask your parents their inseam and it should help you get the correct size bikes.
sem1
Explorer
Jan 12, 2014
I'm in my mid 60's and if my kids even suggested tri bikes i would be pretty Peeved off unless they were disabled. Go to a REAL bike shop with them and get a couple of GOOD bikes. Might have to pay a few bucks but they will be happy with something of QUALITY.
2oldman
Explorer II
Jan 12, 2014
They (and you) mean well, and I hope they use whatever you/they buy. But don't be surprised if the bikes end up in the garage with the treadmill.

The GF has 3 very nice bicycles and never rides them. Do your folks do any kind of exercise now?
CavemanCharlie
Explorer III
Jan 12, 2014
I'm 50 and too old for a 2 wheel bike. I can't imagine the pain when I fall off of the thing. Not like when your a kid and you heal up quickly. I had a 3 wheel bike but, everybody laughed at me so I don't have it anymore. I've looked at newer and different style of 3 wheel bikes but, the price is more then I want to pay.
RicJones
Explorer
Jan 12, 2014
I'm 67 and ride a "comfort" bike 20-40 miles a week. The nice thing about a comfort bike over a beach cruiser is suspension. Mine has cushioning front forks and a "shock" in the seat tube, which makes for a little nicer ride. More speeds mean finding the right gear for easy riding.
Ride a couple of bikes before you buy, not all will ride the same, you want something that doesn't take a lot of work just to get rolling. The easier the bike is to ride, the more likely it will get used.
pompomgirl
Explorer
Jan 12, 2014
I'm 70 and definitely not too old for a 2-wheel bike. It depends on the person and how motivated they are. Maybe it would help them take off a few pounds. Give them credit for wanting to try.
longislandcampe
Explorer
Jan 12, 2014
The only exercise they do is maybe to hit the gym a few times a month and walk the dog around the block a few times a month.

The thought of them riding a two wheel bike kind of scares me a little because I can't remember them EVER riding a bike. Like I said, they're not the slimmest of people anymore and I don't want to see them fall and get hurt. I slipped on some ice at work 2 days ago and was in pain that day and yesterday.
AprilWhine
Explorer
Jan 12, 2014
I can ride a two wheel bike just fine, but love my folding trike! I use it to take out the garbage and make grocery runs, it really hauls. Plus, because it's a bit harder to pedal, it burns more calories when I'm out cruising. ;)

Here's the one I have: Westport folding adult trike
winnietrey
Explorer
Jan 12, 2014
Have you considered a folding bike? They have small tires and rims, And would be harder to fall off I would guess.

Would be a good starter bike for them I would think.

I am 58 and ride 50 plus miles a week, not something I would want, but for them maybe great