Just because you're a woman who's reached her senior years, it doesn't mean you have to give up the sport of cycling. Riding a bike provides a low-impact aerobic workout that's good for all your muscles. If you are not as limber as you once were or you have physical limitations such as arthritis, just purchase the right equipment to ensure smooth riding into the sunset.
The Right Frame
Senior women will find riding bikes that keep them sitting upright will be easier and more comfortable. This means a cruiser or comfort bike will be the right two-wheel frame for you. It has wide tires and a thick, heavy frame, which are both good for stability. Cruiser bikes also have raised handlebars that extend toward you, enabling you to sit upright and reduce strain on your back. Some cruiser bikes are available with a step-through frame, which means the top tube is so low you need only raise your ankle a few inches to straddle the bike.
The Right Saddle
Most comfort bikes come with wide, comfortable saddles, but as a senior woman you may require extra padding and cushioning. Comfort saddles come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, as wide as 12 inches. Look for a saddle with gel-pad cushioning and a design that takes pressure off your perineum, the area between your sit bones. Designs to relieve perineal pressure have deep channels down the center of the seats or they are noseless. Some comfort saddles even come as two separate seat pads, one for each sit bone.
The Right Clothes
Comfortable bike clothing is just as important as a comfortable bike. As a senior woman you may not want to show off your body in tight-fitting bike shorts. However, you can buy bike shorts in many different styles including baggies, capris, knicks and skorts. Bike shorts are vital to supporting your muscles, wicking away moisture and prevent chafing. Look for high-tech fabrics and padded liners designed to cushion your ride, prevent bacteria growth and keep you dry and comfortable.
The Right Fit
The most comfortable bike in the world won't be enough for you to enjoy being a senior cyclist if you don't have the right fit. First, make sure your bike saddle is parallel to the ground. Second, check to see that your saddle is at the right height. You'll know it's right when your leg is slightly bent at the bottom of a pedal stroke. Ask a friend or bike store worker to hold the bike for you while you set the right saddle height and tilt.
References
- REI; How to Choose a Bicycle; Shawn Carkonen; September 2009
- Bicycle Riding for Boomers: Boomers Are Finding Step Through Bikes an Unbeatable Choice for Fun and Easy Riding
- REI: How to Choose a Bike Saddle
- Wheel and Sprocket: Buyer's Guide to Women's Cycling Shorts
- REI; Fitting Your Bike; T.D. Wood; September 2009
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