Retirement from work or business does not necessarily mean the end of an active life. Rather, it heralds the beginning of a new life filled with health and adventure. Choosing your new life largely depends on your age, level of fitness, and how dedicated you are to making this lifestyle work for you. There are many sports and activities to choose from, of which cycling is one of the most popular. Not only is it good for health, it gets you places!

Cycling as a retirement lifestyle

Image Credits Unsplash, CC0 1.0

Here are some points to consider before cycling off into the sunset with your shiny new bike.

1. Health is a Factor

You need to remember that you may not be as physically active as you once used to be. If you have retired due to a persisting health issue, it is important that you check with your physician before taking up biking in any form. Cycling is an excellent cardio exercise and comparatively easier on the joints than most activities but prolonged sitting behind the desk may have dulled your nerves and muscles. Take one day at a time and choose well from a good selection of comfort bikes for seniors. Not all of us are born mountain bikers!

2. Your Age Can Matter

Your age can determine your choice of biking and the place you choose to bike. For example, a youngster will most likely prefer the chaos and challenge of wide open streets while someone in his sixties might choose the sanctuary of a park or a bike path. If you have crossed certain age milestones, you need to remind yourself that you are not as young as you were and set targets accordingly.

3. Know Your Track Type

There are many types of biking activities to choose from. Road, touring, mountain (for off-roading), hybrid (a combination of a mountain and road bike), city, comfort, racing and BMX (or bicycle motocross, it is an off-road sports bike for racing and stunts) to name a few. Pick one that suits your need, level and personality the most and pedal away! Remember a road bike is different from a mountain bike and is highly popular as Cycling Plaza clearly proves. Keep in mind your preference and style and other factors mentioned in the list before making a decision.

4. Geography Plays a Part

Where you eventually settle down after retirement plays a very important factor in choosing what kind of bikes for seniors you are likely to pick. If you live in the city, a city or commuter bike is best suited for you. If you have chosen to live off the beaten track, a mountain bike is perfect for off-roading. Be sure to check with clubs, bikers or experts before you buy the set of pedals.

5. Bikes and Your Budget

Economics plays an important role in deciding which bike you will eventually choose. These days, bikes come in different frames, wheels, gears, and packages. Accessories and features add on to their cost and should be checked before making the final deal. Some accessories can be added later on, so check beforehand with your dealer. 

Some of us plan to travel the world and some of us plan to retire with money saved in the bank for a rainy day, while some of us plan to live life king size with adventure and romance planned at every turn and corner. Biking ensures that one is able to do all three of these at the same time while achieving a sense of having finally arrived.