[Roll_On]

As the title says, My father is turning sixty and I have been trying to get him into biking for a long time. And he is finally starting to really be interested. For his birthday I'm going to buy him a bike. My question is, what type of bike would be best for him. He really just wants to cruise around with him and mom. So road bike is a no-go. I was thinking like a comfort bike. Any suggestions and any first hand accounts would be great.

[John_V]

I have a Giant Cypress hybrid that is very nice. They have three models; one without fork shocks and two with. In the two with shocks, the difference is in the shifters and drivetrain. I'm sure that every other manufacturer has a bike in the similar price range, but I can't really comment on those as Giants are all I have ridden, other than the Colnago.

[carlharsch]

I'm 61 and ride a Synapse road bike. I'd think a hybrid would be a good choice given what you're saying about his wants/desires. Depending on how much you want to spend would determine which direction to go.

[davereo]

I hope my Synapse last until I am 61.

[rola643]

I'm thinking that's a decision only he can make.

[kneedrachen]

I agree with all of the above; while I think a hybrid may be the way to go based on what you anticipate him using it for, I agree with Rola because what you may envision as the ideal bike may not be what works for him.

I think it might be best to take him to the shop and let him pick a bike out after a test ride in the parking lot. While a lot of components can be swapped out (saddles, handlebars, etc) I think it might pay off to try to get to as close to "perfect" as you can out of the box.

My wife, as an example rides a Globe/Specialized hybrid with a frame that lacks a top-tube(step-through frame). Her requirements are due to health issues, she needs to be upright with a fair amount of suspension (forks/saddle/seat post) and what to have the ability to put her feet down easily. This bike fit the bill for us; while there are similar designs (Giant and Trek spring to mind), the LBS we lived near at the time carried Cannondale/Specialized/Pinarello/Jamis/seven/Electra.

I had it in my mind we'd get her a single speed or 3 speed Electra cruiser, but after trying a few bikes out, the Globe got the final vote; had I bought her the Electra without her test riding, I have no doubt in my mind she wouldn't be riding as much as she does.

All in all, I do think a LBS with experienced staff may also help you choose the right bike for him.

And he's lucky to have such a generous son, I hope when I turn 60 my daughter is picking out a new bike for me rather than a pillow to smother me with!

Happy Birthday to your father!

[Industry_Hack]

I don't think you can go wrong with Giant. They offer great value.

[Roll_On]

Thanks all. This is why I love this forum. Good info all around and nice folks too. Great advise to bring him to the LBS see what fits.

[LarryM]

Originally Posted by John_V

I have a Giant Cypress hybrid that is very nice. They have three models; one without fork shocks and two with. In the two with shocks, the difference is in the shifters and drivetrain. I'm sure that every other manufacturer has a bike in the similar price range, but I can't really comment on those as Giants are all I have ridden, other than the Colnago.

A Giant Cypress or similar hybrid is a good choice for roads, trails, and crushed stone paths. I put many miles on a Cypress DX when I got back into cycling at age 63. That was 9 years ago.

[John_V]

Originally Posted by LarryM

A Giant Cypress or similar hybrid is a good choice for roads, trails, and crushed stone paths. I put many miles on a Cypress DX when I got back into cycling at age 63. That was 9 years ago.

Hmmmm! A coincidence has happened. I got my Cypress when I was 63, but that was only three years ago. I wish I wasn't so addicted to this road bike cycling because I would love to start riding the Cypress again. I rode it once last month and it was probably ridden twice in December. Can't remember when it was last ridden before December.