Life is all about exploration. You are not supposed to ever look back in life, until and unless it’s to see how far you’ve made it.
Growing old is something that must be celebrated. People work all their lives to make money and establish assets.
But for whom? Have you ever realized that you would actually never get to relish what you’ve earned all your life by the end of it?
Yes, that may sound weird but that’s the eventual truth. So what exactly should you do to make your life worthy and cherishable for your own self?
Certainly, something adventurous that keeps you fit, healthy and happy from within, that keeps you going no matter what age you’re stepping in, and most importantly that gives you an eternal feeling of satisfaction and completeness.
Folks, what’s better than Mountain Biking, in that case?
Overview
Mountain Biking, especially for Older Riders, is something that not only keeps them close to nature but also close to their own selves.
It gives them an opportunity to explore themselves while riding off-road, uphill, downhill, and across the town, in the most adventurous manner.
Thinking of Mountain Biking as a playful task for youth is a myth now. There are a number of successful riders who are in their late 40s or even have crossed 50, gracefully.
It won’t be odd to say but they indeed appear several years younger than their actual age.
The reason being Mountain Biking is not just fun and sustainable for your upcoming years, but it also enriches you with the essence of leading positive and healthy life from within staying extravagantly active.
And hence at your service, there are several best comfortable mountain bikes for older people under plush premium brands available across the internet and stores.
Age is a complete state of mind, and your body breaks down with time, eventually, even if you take care of it well.
So if you’re thinking of going further ahead making Mountain Biking an eminent part of your life, you’re right here. Read the article till the very end to know the answer to the best mountain bike for 50 year old riders.
Your Complete Buying Guide: Factors To Be Considered Before Buying A Mountain Bike for Older Riders
Before buying the best mountain bike for older people, there are certain factors needed to be kept in consideration which are their fitness, riding ability, and overall health, majorly.
Adding to it, the various factors with regards to the type of Mountain Bike that suits the older riders well must also be focussed. Let’s discuss this in detail.
1. Type of Mountain Bike
Mountain Biking is all about fun and adventure. But in older age, extra safety, and physical protection while exploration is most important. Also, you must enjoy the long rides without feeling fatigued and lethargic.
Hence, you must always go for the bike which would be safe for you physically and that would keep you at ease, mentally as well. Available options are Hybrid Bikes, Comfort Bikes, Fat Bikes, and Electric Mountain Bikes.
Look at the various types of Mountain Bikes.
Hybrid Bikes basically are a combination of Mountain Bikes and Road bikes. Thus they pursue the features and properties of both types of bikes, making it worth considering for older people.
Comfort Bikes are the best alternative for older people for leisure and comfort biking. These types of bikes are equipped with suspension seats, dual-suspension frames, and wider tires for added comfort.
Fat Bikes are the ones with oversize tires, providing the bike excellent traction, mainly in rough terrain or even sand or snow. This is an eminent factor while choosing mountain bikes for older people, for a smooth and comfortable biking experience.
Electric Mountain Bikes(link) are simply pedal-assisted bikes equipped with motor either on the front, middle or rear hubs and a power or minimum 350 Wattage or more.
These bikes make biking effortless and more controllable. Undoubtedly they are considered the first choice while buying the best Mountain Bike for the baby boomers and GenX peeps.
2. Raised Handlebars
It is always a concerning factor to be comfortable while riding a mountain bike along with prevention of strain over back and shoulders of the biker.
In the case of older people, it becomes an eminent factor as their overall health is at risk while they go for drive-off on various terrain. To make your ride most comfortable while riding any suitable MTB, always be careful regarding reaching out to the handlebar.
You must always see that you shouldn’t be leaning much forward trying to get the hold on them. Thus you can raise the handlebars on your bike to a more comfortable riding position.
In case of not getting the perfect raised height, you may also attach a raised handlebar extension available on various popular sites, which would uplift the handlebar to the desired height.
This would eventually make handling easy and the ride most comfortable for our senior bikers.
3. Comfortable Seat
As we have understood, comfort is the utmost important factor when older people are in consideration. Thus, the seating position holds eminence regarding a long comfortable biking experience.
In the case of older people, they must lookout for a Seatpost that is primarily down to a comfortable situation. Also, the seat either with memory foam padding or with suspension must be considered.
Thus comfortable seats or Suspension Seatposts prolong comfort in the saddle and prevent back injuries making the rough bumpy terrain smooth for you.
4. Dual-Suspension
As you grow old, the priority would always be comfort and ease, and while choosing Mountain Bikes for our Gen X peeps and boomers, the first priority is always a comfortable bike.
With regards to that, a dual-suspension or full-suspension Trail Mountain Bike type is the best option. Moreover, it is the most economic choice as well.
A full-suspension bike can soak up a lot of trail bumps, where it’s front fork and rear shock absorb the impacts of the trail. This reduces the strain on the rider by increasing traction and thus making it an overall comfortable ride.
Dual-Suspension is something that you should look for while buying the best mountain bike for older riders.
5. Tires with great traction
Tires with better traction are always easier to handle and maintain the easy comfortable biking experience, as such tires make a perfect grip over the rough terrain you are rolling over.
For older bikers, it becomes very important to always prefer the mountain bike with excellent quality tires with greater traction, as that would not put strain over their shoulders and spine while sliding over or making turns on the terrain.
In such a case, wider or fat tires are generally considered, as they absorb more of the impact from bumps in the roads, resulting in an extremely comfortable and smooth biking experience.
Hence you must always choose the bike with the widest tires. This setup is more efficient over rough terrain.
6. Wide range of Gears
Mountain bikes are available equipped with a range of single-speed to 30 or more gears. While opting for the best Mountain bike for older people, you must always be aware of their fitness level and the usual terrain on which they’d be biking.
If the terrain is challenging including climbing the steep hills, then a bike with more gears must be chosen. Whereas, if the terrain is flat and usual, a low gear mountain bike can be considered.
But to be specific, even though it would make the bike lightweight, the lesser the gears are, the biker needs to put more effort while biking.
And with more gears, you’d have a wider gear ratio which ultimately makes pedaling easier as long as you’re in the right gear.
Mountain bikes with more gears are perfectly suitable for people with less strength in their legs. Moreover, it would also make biking easy over patchy terrain, as well as get to higher speeds on flat surfaces.
7. Disc brakes
While riding your mountain bike uphill, downhill, or even rolling flat on various terrain, the reaction time or stopping the bike quickly is all that is much needed.
Especially in the case of older people, having less knee strength and comparatively weaker legs, it holds more importance as their body cannot bear the sudden jerks or shock caused due to the rough or weak braking system.
Hence, Mountain bikes with Disc brakes must always be considered to increase the reaction time for our baby boomers. The reason being when compared to the traditional Linear Pull Brakes, it is clearly a point that Disc Brakes offer a huge increased stopping power.
Hence, giving your bike the capability of stopping much quickly keeping your body at ease. And since stopping quicker is at times hold utmost importance in case of older people, Disc brakes must always be a priority while buying Mountain bikes for them.
So, there are some factors that you should consider while buying a mountain bike for 50 years old. Now let’s dive into the comparison and reviews of each MTBs.
9 Best Mountain Bikes For Older Riders – Comparison
| Name of MTB | Speed | Weight | Specialty | Price |
| Royce Union Men’s All-Terrain Mountain Bike | 21 speed | 41.9 lbs | Best Wheels | Check here |
| Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike for Men and Women | 21 speed | 35.5 lbs | Best overall | Check here |
| Schwinn Bonafide Men’s Mountain Bike | 21 speed | 39 lbs | Best Knobby Tires | Check here |
| 6KU Fixie Urban Track Mountain Bike | Single Speed | 25.7 lbs | Pocket-Friendly | Check here |
| Eahora XC100 Electric Mountain Bicycle | 7 speed | 52 lbs | 350W Electric Bike | Check here |
| Mongoose Impasse Men’s Mountain Bike | 21 speed | 44 lbs | Affordable; Best Overall | Check here |
| CRADIAC 29 INCH Mountain Bike | Single Speed | 34.1 lbs | Pocket-friendly | Check here |
| Retrospec Harper Single-Speed Fixed Gear Bike | Single Speed | 33.5 lbs | Best for commuting | Check here |
| Mongoose Status 2.2 Men’s Mountain Bike | 21 speed | 44 lbs | Best Design | Check here |
9 Best Mountain Bikes For Older Riders – Review
1. Royce Union Men’s All-Terrain Mountain Bike
This bike is the perfect trail companion for 50 years or older people. This 18-inch frame bike is made up of a heat-treated hardtail Aluminum frame that would never rust and is lighter than steel.
The 27.5-inch wheels maintain excellent rolling momentum. An alloy quick release binder lets easy height adjustment of the padded saddle for an accurate fit.
The Royce Union Men’s All-Terrain Mountain bike delivers 21 speeds with a complete SHIMANO drivetrain. The SHIMANO EZ Fire Plus Trigger with the SHIMANO Altus rear indexed derailleur delivers much efficient and precise shifting between the gears.
A removable rear derailleur guard protects gears from damage. Alloy linear-pull brakes with machined alloy wheel rims provide the brake pad contact to deliver smooth stopping power.
The pedals on the alloy 3-piece crank provide a strong feel. Front Suspension Fork easily absorbs shock from bumpy trails and the slight-rise handlebar lets you ride sitting upright.
Pros
- A strong wheeling system gives stability and comfort
- A full set of high-quality Shimano components
- Excellent efficiency and versatility
- Work great at all terrains
Cons
- The drivetrain is weak and low-quality
- Frequent maintenance required
2. Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike for Men and Women
Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike for Men and Women is one of the best choices while choosing a Mountain Bike for people aged above 50 or much older.
The bikers can dominate the bicycle’s speed due to an efficient Front suspension and Promax Alloy Linear Brakes. It has a lightweight and durable Aluminum alloy frame. Schwinn suspension fork, alloy crank, city rise adjustable stem with back sweep handlebar are some of the best features of the bike.
21-speed grip shifter and rear derailleur enable easy uphill pedaling while being off-road. The swept-back upright handlebars enhance the controlling capacity and let you experience effortless biking.
Fenders keep the dirt off the rider and the rear carrier provides you easy storage.
Pros
- Sturdy and efficient
- Lightweight and compact
- Easy to maneuver and control
- Comes with a retro and stylish design
Cons
- The rack is not stable and durable
- Low-quality braking system
3. Schwinn Bonafide Men’s Mountain Bike
The Schwinn bonafide mountain bike features an aluminum mountain frame and a powerful Schwinn suspension fork that soaks up bumps and thumps to provide you with a fun and durable riding experience.
24 speed Shimano EZ Fire trigger shifters and front and rear Shimano derailleurs let you easily and smoothly change gears.
Front and rear mechanical disc brakes provide quick stopping. Durable Schwinn alloy crankset provides smooth gearing and less maintenance.
The lightweight double-wall alloy rims are tough and strong and add durability. 2.25-inch wide knobby mountain tires are extensively designed for smooth biking on bumpy terrain. The wheels measure 29 inches.
Pros
- Eye-catching, edgy and sporty look
- Durable and efficient
- High-quality components
- Completely assembled when arriving
Cons
- Not suitable for a formal event
- Slightly heavyweight
4. 6KU Fixie Urban Track Mountain Bike
The 6KU Fixie Urban Track Mountain Bike is a fixed-gear Single-speed Mountain Bike with a flip-flop hub, that is super affordable and durable. It is made up of a lightweight Full Aluminum Frame and Fork.
It has 30mm Deep V Double-Walled Alloy Wheels and front and rear brakes. It is preferred by ceratin Gen X beginners, as it is extremely easy to handle.
This MTB is designed to minimize the details to create buzz and explore the user’s interest.
Pros
- Quality Controlled Manufacturing
- Suitable for all ages and genders
- Simple and easy to handle
- Comes with assembling tools
Cons
- Frame size is small as compared to other products
- Not suitable for oversized users
5. Eahora XC100 Electric Mountain Bicycle
The Eahora XC100 Electric Mountain Bicycle is an electric mountain bike equipped with a 350 Wattage motor.
This is made of a high-quality aluminum alloy frame and 220 pounds load-bearing capacity. It is equipped with a shock absorber front fork.
This E MTB has an electric model, PAS mode, and an ordinary bike mode. Thus the desired mode can be chosen accordingly.
The electric mode provided is extremely suitable for long-term travel, the PAS mode provides a personalized riding experience, and the ordinary bike mode is convenient for a normal riding experience.
This e-bike has advanced E-PAS technology, according to which it regenerates 60% of energy while going downhill without any sort of energy consumption.
The e-bike has a Shimano shifting system to acquire the desired speed at any time, further expanding the shift range and improving the adaptability of the terrain.
The 7 speeds are easily used in both the electric bike mode and the auxiliary bike mode. Switching the speed can be done by an attractive and intelligent IP65 waterproof LCD color display.
This bike is equipped with a 48V/10.4AH lithium-ion battery, Samsung battery cells, with battery lock.
Pros
- Lightweight 6061 aluminum frame for optimum off-road path
- Spring fork aluminum alloy spring shock absorber
- Front and rear 160mm alloy disc brakes
- 26″ mountain tires
- It has a large leather surface seat, with a front and rear support shock absorber ball adjustable height saddle.
- Stable 350 W high-speed brushless gear motors
- Equipped with 5W bright headlamp and Reflector
- Shimano 7 Speed Gear Shift System
Cons
- The E-bike needs to be installed either by the user or professional
- It is not suitable for a person with a height above 6’3”
6. Mongoose Impasse Men’s Mountain Bike
The Mongoose Impasse Men’s Mountain Bike features a lightweight aluminum hardtail frame with a dual-suspension fork that takes the older biker on a comfortable expedition.
The 21-speed SRAM twist shifters with rear derailleur enable you to experience smoothness over rough terrain, while the alloy front and rear disc brakes display crisp stopping power.
The 29-inch knobby tires give you all the required traction to have safe biking.
Pros
- smooth ride assured on the normal trails
- Has quick stopping power on any type of surface
- Affordable
- Can adjust the rear shock
- Has a durable frame
Cons
- The seats are a little uncomfortable
- No place to store the water bottle
7. CRADIAC 29 INCH Mountain Bike
The CRADIAC 29 Inch Mountain Bike is affordable and has a 29-inch wheel size making it the most comfortable and desirable bike for older people extensively.
It has a frame made up of the best quality steel that gives it great stability. It has a front suspension and fork that give you a smooth biking experience.
It has a single-speed gearing and wide handlebar providing you great control and balance. With a 29-inch wheelset and dual disc brakes, this bike is all that you would desire from your own comfortable bike.
Pros
- Suspension fork
- Frame made with steel
- Dual disc brakes
- Plastic pedals with reflectors
- MTB wide handlebar
- Soft grip
- Brake lever: ED black alloy
- Rim: Double-wall alloy
- Side stand & mudguard included
- 18-inch steel frame
Cons
- Oversize stem
8. Retrospec Harper Single-Speed Fixed Gear Bike
Retrospec Harper Single-Speed Fixed Gear Bike is made up of a premium hand-built, tig-welded, high-tensile strength steel frame that can absorb the bumps in the road and is durable and lightweight at the same time.
It is studded with standard 30mm deep V-rims, KMC chain, Kenda Kwest 700 x 28C tires, VP freestyle pedals, and 2 sets of brakes.
The anti-slip handles are nicely placed and safe to make you comfortable holding on for longer periods. The Retrospec Harper Single-Speed Fixed Gear Bike is capable enough to bear weight up to 220 lbs.
Pros
- features like handbrakes and a comfortable saddle system
- Lightweight and portable
- Easy to control and maneuver
- Dynamic and stylish design
Cons
- No specific choices of sizes or colors
- Comparatively quiet slow speed
9. Mongoose Status 2.2 Men’s Mountain Bike
The Mongoose Status 2.2 Men’s Mountain Bike has an Aluminum frame, Hydroformed tubing, and a powerful front suspension that makes it strong and reliable.
It has a full suspension frame for a comfortable ride, 21-speed shifters, and Shimano rear derailleur. It promises great braking power due to the front and rear brakes.
This Mongoose Status 2.2 Men’s Mountain Bike certainly looks the part with its 26-inch wheelset, strong frame, lightweight alloy rims, and tough tires. Moreover, the high-raised handlebar with colored end plugs completes the MTB look.
Pros
- Durable Aluminum Frame
- Lightweight yet strong and durable
- Light, Durable Alloy Rims
- Raised handlebar adds plush to the design
Cons
- As per some users, the paddles are too close to the front wheels
- The Assembly process is a bit difficult.
Comparison Table for Top 3 Best Mountain Bikes (MTB) For Older People
I have gone and tried many of MTBs. But these are the best mountain bikes for older riders.
| Name | Wheel Size | Frame | Speed | Brake Style | Suspension | Rating |
| W Wallke Ebike Folding Electric Bike | 26” | Aluminum Alloy | 8 | Disc Brake | Dual | 4.6/5 |
| Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike for Men and Women | 28” | Aluminum | 21 | Alloy Rim Brake | Front | 4.3/5 |
| 6KU Fixie Urban Track Mountain Bike | 700C | Aluminum | Single Speed | Caliper | Dual | 4.5/5 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Que: What is the best Mountain bike for seniors?
Ans: Mostly, a Dual-suspension mountain bike works best for older people. Rest can be considered are fat bikes and electric mountain bikes. Based on the article, Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike for Men and Women is the topmost pick.
The two other options that are well-suited are Mongoose Impasse Men’s Mountain Bike and 6KU Fixie Urban Track Mountain Bike. They are all the highest selling brands with the best of features and premium technical specifications.
These bikes are extremely affordable, comfortable, and durable for older people. Hence, highly recommended.
Que: Can and which type of mountain bike for older people be used for commuting?
Ans: Yes, older people can comfortably use a mountain bike for commuting with few modifications. You need a mountain bike with narrower or less knobbly tires, a set of bright lights, some fenders, and possibly reflective tape for a more comfortable and safer commute.
Hence, the best type can be considered as Hybrid Electric bikes, due to their upright handlebar, electric motor, and stable control.
Conclusion
There is a beautiful African proverb that says,” If you wish to lift the tough mountains, you must start by lifting the tiny stones today”. Start slow, but start. Start small, but start.
And as we know, Better late than never. Hence it’s not the age that counts when you decide to start up with Mountain Biking in your late 50s or above.
You simply need to buck up, consider all the factors before buying the best mountain bike for older people, and eventually get it as early as you could make it.
I hope you were able to get all your desired answers regarding the biggest question that would have been striking your mind for a long.
You would get all your answers here regarding “What is the most comfortable bike for seniors?”, or “What is the best comfortable mountain bike for older riders?” or rather “Best mountain bike for 50 years old”.
So pull up your socks now, and go show the world that you baby boomers and the Gen X peeps are no less than these Zoomers or Gen Z folks.