Savvy Senior columnist Jim Miller recently appeared on NBC’s Today show (click here to watch it) demonstrating comfy bikes for aging baby boomers.

Bicycles for Boomers

Fun, fitness and easy on the joints are the reasons more and more baby boomers are turning to cycling than ever before. But what makes a good bike for boomers? While there are lots of hard-core, 50-plus cyclists out there, most older riders are more interested in a leisurely ride on the comfy side. That’s why manufacturers are making a line of “comfort” bikes – feel-good alternatives to the high-performance road bikes and nubby-tired mountain bikes.

Comfort bikes let you sit upright which eases lower-back strain; they come with big tires that ensure a smooth ride; have raised, swept-back handlebars to reduce pressure on the wrists and hands; and offer oversize seats to eliminate saddle soreness. Here’s a closer look at some different boomer-friendly styles.

Electra Townie Balloon 8: This comfy and stylish rider is modeled after the city bikes used in Europe. The Townie offers a new design feature called flat-foot technology that lets you literally put your feet down flat while seated. It also offers eight speeds which are great for hills, oversized tires to ensure a smooth ride, along with an ergonomic seat and stitched ergo- shaped hand grips making this the Cadillac of boomer bikes. ($750; electrabike.com)

Trek Lime: Imagine a bicycle smart enough to shift gears for you. This savvy cycle features the Shimano Coasting three-speed shifter that changes gears for you automatically. With its pedal-operated brakes, soft grip handles and large padded seat, the Lime is an easy, comfortable ride, ideal for people who haven’t ridden in a while. ($580; trekbikes.com)

Sun EZ Sport AX: A recumbent bike – it’s like a lawn chair on wheels. The reclined seating with lumbar support eliminates back discomfort and allows riders to look up and enjoy the view. Twenty-seven speeds and an aerodynamic riding position make it perfect for long, recreational rides. ($1,350; sunbicycles.com)

Biria EZ Board Top 3: The name (EZ Board) says it all. This unique bike provides an ultra low step-over bar just six inches off the ground that makes getting on and off this bike a cinch. With upright city cruiser handle bars, an oversized seat and easy three-speed operation this bike is very comfortable and appealing to older riders with limited flexibility. ($440, biria.com)

Dahon Ciao 8: For boomers who like travel, meet the friendliest folding bicycle around. The Ciao features a low step-through frame that’s perfect for new riders with back or leg injuries, an ergonomic saddle seat, cush handgrips, a suspension (shock absorbing) seat post and eight speeds, not to mention this bike folds up into a tight little package in about 15 seconds. ($790; dahon.com)

 Savvy Senior columnist Jim Miller recently appeared on CNBC. Read more...