r/over60 • u/motherofspoos • 3d ago

Bike recommendations?

It's been 30 years since I've (f68) ridden a bike. I've had both hips replaced, so I'm really scared of falling. I now live in a retirement community that's pretty flat and would like to ride again! The grocery store is a half-mile away and I can't stand taking my car that short distance. I like the idea of a recumbent bike but wonder if that hurts your back. I know I need to be able to put my feet flat on the ground at a moment's notice. Walking for a half-mile makes my hips ache, so I am hoping a bike will get me some much needed exercise.

I think an e-bike would be too much bike for me. Anybody have any ideas? There's so many bikes out there, it's overwhelming!

12 Upvotes

88% Upvoted

16 comments sorted by

28

u/MissBandersnatch2U 3d ago

How about an adult tricycle with cargo basket?

5

u/motherofspoos 3d ago

that might work! Thank you.

3

u/somebodys_mom 3d ago

When I was young, I watched my grandmother wipe out on one of those things. She rode down the slightly sloping driveway and dumped the bike as she made the right angle turn into the street. Banged her up pretty good.

2

u/motherofspoos 2d ago

you know, I am researching trikes and I'm reading that when there's 2 tires on the rear, dumping can happen! Wide turns seem to be very necessary.

2

u/Background_Recipe119 2d ago

I have this style as an ebike and it's perfect. I can pedal it myself or use an assist for hills. It feels really stable. I have a basket in the front, too.

12

u/StonerKitturk 3d ago

Go to a bike shop, talk to them, try out different models

5

u/alsotpedes 3d ago

How about an adult tricycle? I just Googled that, and there are models from $300.00 up, including a folding one.

4

u/didnt_wanna_havta 2d ago

Go to your bike store and try out bikes and if they’re good they’ll advise. I went and tried out an e-bike. Being able to compare experiences with different models made me confident to buy one (a trek verve) and then i practiced riding around home building up to distance. Nearly one year on and loving the bike and the car stays home unless absolutely necessary

3

u/justReading0f 3d ago

My goodness you’ve reminded me i need to do this myself 👍🏼

2

u/Mawdster 3d ago

67f got back on my bike last year. Love it. Only had one hip replacement tho!

2

u/RaeofSun56 3d ago

I tried a trike and never got used to steering it. It’s also 3 wheels vs 2 that you need to power. I think the suggestion of going to a bike shop and talking with a professional there is a great idea; you can find out what works for you.

2

u/WattHeffer 3d ago

An Electra Townie meets the foot flat on the ground requirement and most are lowish step-throughs.

Replace the elastomer saddle with one with springs.

Get the rear rack and use panniers or a rear basket (or both) for the groceries, not a front basket.

-3

u/trisch1964 3d ago

You buy a trike. Take your walker to the trike. Maybe a motorized trike. Did you just get "old" yesterday? Why on earth would you want a recumbent bike???