Best Bikes For Riders Over 50 From Giant, Scott, And Cannondale

At Westbrook Cycles, we specialise in providing the right bikes for the right people - whether that’s a £10,000 carbon fibre racing bike, or a £1,000 commuter bike which is capable of tackling gravel terrain on a weekend.

Increasingly, we are speaking to customers and clients who are 50+ who are looking for a mountain bike or road bike to help keep them fit and active, whilst exploring either a new hobby, or a hobby that they have not carried out in a little while. Many of these customers returning to riding bikes, regardless of whether that’s a road bike or a mountain bike, are shocked by the increases in technology and riding experience that the big mountain bike brands now provide, especially when it comes to electric bikes.

As an authorised retailer and dealer for Giant, Scott and Cannondale (among many others), we have been able to offer excellent advice on sizing and builds for the over 50’s, recommending a bike that suits each rider's exact requirements and needs. In this age category, most riders focus on finding a comfortable riding platform on which they can build comfort, distance, and performance. In this post, we look at some of our best-selling bikes and top picks for this age category.

Benefits and considerations for cycling in 50’s

There are stacks of benefits to jumping on a bike, and we are certainly not the most qualified people to discuss them. It’s clear and well known, however, that cycling brings about many health advantages, which are tailored towards the more mature rider. Cycling is a low-impact activity that effectively strengthens the cardiovascular system, leading to a healthier heart and a lower risk of conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.

Regular riding can also improve joint and muscle performance, enhancing joint mobility without the shock and impact of running, making cycling ideal for those with knee or back problems. Mental health-wise, it’s almost impossible not to feel better by getting out in the fresh air and having some exercise. Studies from organisations such as the British Heart Foundation have shown that cycling can add years to life expectancy.

What bike is best for 50-year-olds is tricky and really depends on the rider's previous cycling experience, preferences, and requirements. Relaxed, comfortable geometries and designs are usually favoured, and practical features such as mounts, integrated lights, and racks are also desirable. Many will choose either an electric road bike or an electric mountain bike; both provide a fantastic, low-impact way to get exercise. allowing riders to push themselves to ride further and enjoy more benefits. Below and in the rest of the post, we run through some of our top bike picks for the more mature rider.

Giant Defy Advanced E+ Elite

The first bike we look at is one of the very best endurance electric road bikes on the market, making it ideal for the over-50 age segment. This bike is a direct descendant of the Defy Endurance Road Bike range, which has long been one of the leading endurance road bikes on the market.

The Defy Advanced E+ Elite has been designed to maximise riding enjoyment and performance, it’s a bike which encourages riders to reach the next summit, to accelerate out of a corner and it’s a bike which is suited to almost every road riding activity, it can be ridden along with mates and friends on weekends, it’s the perfect bike for a casual coffee shop ride, and it can also more than hold it’s own when it comes to hard sessions.

The bike has been designed to feel and ride like a high-performance road bike, with the added performance of pedal assist. There are a couple of frame choices available, including both alloy and carbon. Key features and specifications include the Syncdrive Move Plus motor, powered by an ultra-slim battery that provides up to 400Wh of power. A range extender is available, allowing riders to reach 150km. There’s 35mm of tyre clearance, and drivetrains vary from Shimano 105 to the Ultegra Di2. All models have hydraulic disc brakes.

The ride quality and comfort levels on this bike are great - it feels really natural to ride, and the D-Fuse seatpost and handlebars do a great job of reducing road vibrations, keeping you more comfortable, for longer.

Scott Addict RC eRIDE

hose riders seeking the lightest electric road bike experience will do well to consider the Scott Addict RC eRide, which stands out as an excellent option. This carbon-framed bike weighs just over 10.5kg, making it one of the lightest e-road bikes available. It’s ideal for riders who want a bike which is easy to handle and transport.

This bike uses the Mahle X20 hub motor with a 350Wh battery, providing over 100km of range. The bike benefits from Scott’s race heritage, as reflected in the geometry, but it also features a more endurance-focused design that allows for all-day comfort. This bike does a great job of feeling like a non-electric road bike; the power assistance is subtle, helping the rider maintain speed rather than powering them along.

Cannondale Synapse Neo

Cannondale's Synapse Neo is another great electric road bike option - again, this bike is endurance-focused, and is available in both carbon and alloy frames. Many models feature SmartSense technology, including integrated radar and lights for added safety on the road. This bike is powered by the Bosch Sprint motor and has a 400Wh battery, providing up to 120km of range. Different groupsets are available depending on specification, ranging from Shimano GRX to Ultegra. There are also hydraulic disc brakes as standard, and integrated storage. Ride quality is a standout feature of this bike, with Cannondale's own micro-suspension in the frame and fork that takes care of road buzz, making longer journeys much more enjoyable.

Buy E-Bikes Online

At Westbrook Cycles, we stock and supply a complete range of bikes that are perfect for the over 50’s - power-assisted or not, we have the complete range available to match your exact requirements and preferences, helping you conquer miles and stay as fit as you possibly can.

Browse the site, and get in touch if you have any questions about the best bike for your needs.