I am 65 yrs old and now the Dr. tell me to ride a bicycle?

Hello Fellow Sr. Citizen; Now that most of the kids have answered - here's one from someone more your own age. What type of bike depends on basically two things --- "Where & How" you plan on riding. What you NEED the bicycle to do for you. If you "feel the need for speed" - a road bike. If you like to travel off-road, an ATB or mountain bike. But...if you want/need an all-around versatile bike with an upright sitting/riding position - look at comfort or hybrid bicycles. Here's an example of what one looks like... http://i382.photobucket.com/albums/oo267/OldHippie...

That was my first quality bicycle in YEARS. The two most important specs would be double walled rims & an 8 speed (or better) rear "cassette" cog. Not a 7 speed "freewheel hub". Ask the salesperson at a local bike shop. They'll agree. Note on the bike I also installed a rear rack for carrying stuff. Yes - I even went grocery shopping on that bike.

Try reading "How to Choose a Bicycle" on this link - http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/bicycle.htm... No matter what type of bike you choose to buy, there's only ONE place to go... Your authorized, independent, knowledgeable, friendly, local BICYCLE SHOP. Not a discount or big box store. Discount stores sell "bicycle shaped objects" of cheap quality in the TOY DEPT.!! Real bicycle shops sell a far superior product. Again...look for double wall rims & an 8 speed cassette on the rear. Much stronger hub (axle).

You may also want to browse around the safety links below on how to properly ride your new bike on the streets.

Definitely go see a bike shop. As a beginning cyclist, you won't need an upper-level bike, just a basic model with reliable parts. Sit on lots of bikes and let the staff help to find one you like.

65? Really? You make that sound old. One of my riding buddies is 72 and he will run circles around most people. Seriously!! Age means nothing. I would recommend something like a city or hybrid bike. The wheels won't be as fat as a mountain bike but not as skinny as a dedicate road bike. You'll also have a decent, upright position so that it will be more comfortable. Riding is good for you no matter what your age is. Also, stay away from bikes like beach cruisers. Bicycles aren't meant to have seats; they have saddles. You''ll see that that skinny saddle will be more comfortable in the long run than the fat one especially if you get to the point where you spend even more time riding. I recommend going to a bike shop. Look and test ride some and see which ones you like. There are a lot of good bikes to be had. good luck.

Edit: Old Hippie did give the best answer. Just thought I'd add my two cents.

Go the the local bike shop and tell them where you want to ride. If you have bike paths like rail trails close by get a bike for that you can ride for hours and have a lot of fun. A hybrid is a good all around bike, mountain bikes are designed for off road in soft dirt.

Go to the bike store and ask to try some touring bikes. Test ride different sizes and manufacturers to see which one physically fits better, and if you intend on riding any particularly hilly areas have them lower the front gearing to include a 24 tooth drive ring if it doesn't already. Some bike shops may not have them in stock so you'll want to call around ahead of time to save yourself some driving. Also don't be afraid of pre-owned tourers, particularly those from ~'77-'95 (seems like it was a golden age of touring bike building). Many will come with regular stems that will make you think that you want chopper-style handle bars...regular "drop" handlebars in conjunction with a hi-riser stem is usually the best for most people.

Once again, the best answer & the only correct one comes from the old man, 'Old Hippie'.

I can't stress enough how important it is to go see the pros at a bike shop compared to the idiots working in discount stores. Bikes from actual shops also come in different frame sizes to match the rider's height & body build. Discount store bikes do not. Bikes from an actual shop come with a follow up service warranty good for a tune-up later on once the bike gets broken in. Discount store bikes do not. Bikes from an actual bicycle shop use components & parts far superior to those in discount stores. Discount store bikes use the cheapest parts they can find.

Just Google 'bicycle shop' with your zip code or city's name included. Once again, I agree with the old man. I'd start looking for a hybrid with the upright handlebars if you haven't ridden a bike in a while. Yeah, they are slower than a road bike. But it may be more comfortable for you. You don't plan on racing I presume.

Get a Trek 1.5. About 40% of the club members ride Treks and they can't all be wrong, You are right, if you are in a room riding a fixed easy chair for 4 hours a day in front of a flat screen is the way to go. Next time you see the Dr. ask him really how many hours a day should you be riding.

Just open your Yellow Pages and look under "B" for bicycles. Pick a shop that is near you and go pay them a visit. Talk to them about your needs, and try a few bikes out. You'll find them to be very helpful. they'll make sure you get the bike that works best for you. The price is the price. It's not like a car dealership where can talk them down. Bicycle shops make very little on the sale of bikes. Their main sources of income are parts and service.

What sort of riding do you want to do? I would say that, unless you are thinking of racing or going over boulders etc, then you want a hybrid. Get a rack on the back and you can use this for popping down the shops.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/si...

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/jamis/commuter...

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/trek/73-fx-201...

Although the price tag might seem a little high, the components are viable and these should last you a long time, giving reliable gear shifting and smooth rolling from a good set of bearings.

Hope this helps

Luck

You can look up bicycle stores to find bikes of your preference.

But in my opinion, I think a 65 year old riding a bike with custom rims is pretty kick-***