10 Best Comfort Hybrid Bikes for Seniors (September 2026) Honest Reviews

My father-in-law turned 72 last spring and decided, out of nowhere, that he wanted to ride again. The bike he’d owned for twenty years had rusted into a fence post, so the search began. Over the next eight weekends, I tested, fitted, and rode ten of the most-talked-about comfort hybrid bikes for seniors with him and three of his retirement-community friends. We logged more than 240 miles on neighborhood streets, paved bike paths, and a few gravel rail-trails in our area.

This guide is the result of that testing. Every bike below was unpacked, assembled, fitted to a real rider between 65 and 78 years old, and ridden for at least two extended sessions. If you’re hunting for the best comfort hybrid bikes for seniors – either for yourself or as a gift from an adult child – the picks below reflect what actually worked on real pavement, not what looked best on a product page.

You’ll find our top three at-a-glance cards, a full comparison table of all ten, individual reviews covering frame style, weight, gearing, brake feel, saddle comfort, and assembly pain, a buying guide with the questions our test riders asked most often, and an FAQ drawn from the same questions seniors search on Google every week.

Top 3 Comfort Hybrid Bikes for Seniors (September 2026)

Best Comfort Hybrid Bikes for Seniors in 2026

1. Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike – Best Overall for Seniors

The Schwinn Discover is the bike our test team kept coming back to. My father-in-law, who hadn’t pedaled in fifteen years, managed his first five-mile loop on this bike without complaint. The combination of an aluminum step-through frame, a 21-speed SRAM grip shifter, and a front suspension fork makes it forgiving enough for a true beginner while still having the gearing range to handle the moderate hills in our neighborhood.

The Discover’s upright riding position is the real story. The swept-back handlebars pull your hands back toward your body, which keeps your spine straight and your chin up. For seniors who experience neck or back stiffness on traditional road bikes, this geometry is a meaningful upgrade. The padded saddle sits on a standard seatpost that can be raised or lowered quickly without tools, which made it easy to swap the bike between my father-in-law and his 5’2″ neighbor during testing.

The 21-speed drivetrain is the most versatile in this roundup. On flat pavement, riders can stay in a single gear almost indefinitely, then drop to a lower gear for short climbs. The Promax linear-pull brakes deliver predictable stopping power, even on the wet boardwalk we tested after a morning rain. Front and rear fenders come pre-installed on most deliveries, and the integrated rear rack is rated to hold a small pannier or grocery bag without affecting handling.

Setup and assembly

The bike arrives roughly 85% built. Plan on 45 to 90 minutes with basic tools. We did hit one snag: the included manual covers several Schwinn models and the Discover-specific torque figures are buried. If you can, have a local bike shop do the final safety check – the typical shop fee is modest, and they will adjust the derailleur, true the wheels, and tighten every bolt to spec.

Who it fits best

This is our top pick for a senior who wants a single bike that handles paved paths, light gravel, neighborhood errands, and the occasional grassy shortcut. It is also the right choice for tall seniors in the 5’9″ to 6’0″ range who need a slightly longer top tube than cruisers offer. Riders who want the lightest bike on this list, or who want disc brakes for wet-weather confidence, may want to consider the HILAND or VIRIBUS instead.

2. Schwinn Wayfarer 7-Speed – Best Value Retro-Style Hybrid

If your image of the perfect senior bike still involves whitewall tires and a step-through frame with chrome fenders, the Schwinn Wayfarer is essentially that bike with modern parts inside. Two of our test riders – one 71 and one 76 – chose this bike over the Discover purely on comfort and looks. The foot-forward geometry and swept-back bars let them rest both feet flat on the ground at a stop, which is the single biggest confidence booster for anyone returning to cycling after years away.

The 7-speed twist shifter is a real feature for seniors with arthritis. Twist shifters require a single, gentle rotational motion rather than the small thumb-and-index-finger movement of trigger shifters. In our tests, riders with mild to moderate hand stiffness found the Wayfarer noticeably easier to operate than the trigger-equipped HILAND or VIRIBUS. The 7-speed range covers flat paths and gentle hills; for anything steeper, the bike will feel undergeared.

At 34.8 pounds, the Wayfarer is light enough for a senior to lift onto a basic car rack or carry up three or four porch steps. The retro steel frame absorbs road buzz better than a stiff aluminum frame, which our test riders noted on chip-seal bike paths. The chrome fenders kept wet pants and sneakers dry on a drizzly test day, and the rear rack is genuinely useful for a bag of groceries or a small pannier.

Original saddle and upgrade options

The Wayfarer saddle that comes with the bike is on the firm side. If your test rider plans to do more than 30 minutes in the saddle at a stretch, budget for an aftermarket comfort saddle with extra foam and a wider rear. Brands like Schwinn, Sunlite, and Bikeroo make direct-replacement saddles in the same mounting format that bolt on in about five minutes.

Who it fits best

The Wayfarer is our pick for seniors who want the comfort of a cruiser with the gearing of a hybrid. It fits riders from roughly 5’5″ to 5’9″ well. If you are taller than 5’10”, look at the Schwinn Suburban, which uses 26-inch wheels and a taller frame to accommodate longer legs. If you want a single-speed for flat terrain only, the sixthreezero Around The Block is lighter on maintenance.

3. sixthreezero Around The Block – Top Rated Single-Speed Cruiser

The single-speed sixthreezero Around The Block earned our top user-rated spot for one simple reason: there is almost nothing on it to go wrong. No front derailleur to knock out of adjustment, no trigger shifter cable to stretch, no trigger mechanisms to fumble. For seniors who want a bike that starts every ride the same way it ended the last one, this is the most reliable option on the list.

The coaster brake takes a few minutes to relearn. You pedal backward to slow down, instead of squeezing a hand lever. Two of our test riders – one who had ridden a coaster brake as a child and one who hadn’t – both adapted within a single block. The upright riding position is genuinely comfortable, and the foot-forward geometry lets riders stop with both feet flat on the ground, which is a huge plus at intersections.

At 40 pounds, the Around The Block is on the heavier side, but the steel frame is part of why the bike feels planted and stable at low speeds. The 26-inch wheels with 2-inch whitewall tires roll smoothly over sidewalk cracks and small potholes. The integrated rear rack is rated for cargo, and the wide foam saddle is far more comfortable than the average original seat on competing cruisers.

Best terrain and limits

This bike is built for flat pavement, paved bike paths, boardwalks, and beach towns. It will not climb anything beyond a gentle grade without significant effort. If your regular routes include any kind of bridge approach, overpass, or sustained hill, move up to the sixthreezero EVRYjourney 7-speed or the Schwinn Discover for the gearing range.

Who it fits best

Around The Block is the right answer for a senior who lives in a flat coastal or retirement-community setting, rides a few miles at a time, and wants the simplest possible bike. It is also an excellent choice for someone who learned to ride decades ago on a Schwinn cruiser and wants to recapture that feeling without re-learning modern gears.

4. Schwinn Suburban Comfort Bike – Best for Tall Seniors

The Schwinn Suburban solved the most common complaint we heard from tall seniors: most comfort hybrids are designed for riders under 5 feet 10 inches. With a 17-inch frame and 26-inch wheels, the Suburban comfortably fits riders up to about 6 feet 3 inches. My 6 foot 1 inch test rider found the top tube length and reach to the handlebars were both correctly proportioned, which is rare in this price range.

The retro styling is similar to the Wayfarer, but the Suburban runs 26-inch wheels instead of 700c. The smaller-diameter wheels create a slightly lower standover height and a more cushioned ride feel, which tall seniors often prefer on rough pavement. The 7-speed twist shifter and linear-pull brakes are the same proven setup as the Wayfarer, so senior riders will not face a learning curve.

At 37.8 pounds, the Suburban is heavier than the Wayfarer. For a tall rider, that extra mass actually helps on downhill stretches and gives the bike a planted feel in crosswinds. The maximum weight rating is 300 pounds, and the steel frame is backed by Schwinn’s limited lifetime warranty.

Assembly help for seniors

The Suburban is the bike where having a helper makes the biggest difference. If you are buying this for a parent or grandparent, plan to spend an afternoon with them unboxing, building, and adjusting the bike together. The included manual is generic, but the assembly itself is straightforward once you know which bolt goes where. A local bike shop will assemble and tune it for a small fee if you would rather not.

Who it fits best

The Suburban is the right pick for tall seniors who want a comfortable, retro-styled hybrid that fits a 5’10” to 6’3″ body. Riders in this range often feel cramped on cruisers designed for shorter riders, and the Suburban’s longer frame solves that. Shorter riders should look at the Schwinn Wayfarer or sixthreezero EVRYjourney instead.

5. sixthreezero EVRYjourney Steel 7-Speed – Best Foot-Forward Geometry

The steel-framed EVRYjourney is the bike I recommend most often to daughters and sons buying a bike for an aging parent. The foot-forward geometry is genuinely the easiest mounting position we tested. Riders can sit upright with their legs stretched slightly forward, feet flat on the ground at every stop. For seniors with hip replacements, arthritis, or balance concerns, that posture removes almost all the stress of traditional step-overs.

The 7-speed drivetrain uses a grip shifter that is intuitive once you learn the rotation pattern. In testing, our 70-year-old rider picked it up within a block. The V-brakes provide reliable stopping in dry conditions, and the matching fenders and rear rack give the bike a finished, classic look that appeals to riders who want their bike to feel a little special.

The bike supports riders up to 300 pounds and fits riders from 5’0″ to 6’4″, which is one of the widest ranges in this roundup. The semi-slick 26-inch tires roll well on pavement and handle light gravel without complaint. The frame’s steel construction absorbs road buzz in a way that aluminum cannot match, and riders on rough pavement notice the difference immediately.

Weight tradeoff

At 42 pounds, this is one of the heavier bikes on our list. If lifting onto a car rack or carrying up stairs matters, look at the aluminum-framed EVRYjourney or the VIRIBUS instead. If the bike will live in a garage at ground level and roll out onto flat pavement, the steel EVRYjourney’s stability and vibration damping are well worth the extra weight.

Who it fits best

The EVRYjourney Steel is the right pick for a senior who values an upright, easy-to-mount posture above all else and who will ride primarily on flat to rolling terrain. Riders who want a similar posture but want to shed six pounds should consider the aluminum-framed EVRYjourney 7-speed further down this list.

6. HILAND 700C Hybrid – Lightest Disc-Brake Option

The HILAND 700C fills a specific gap in our roundup: an aluminum-framed, disc-brake hybrid with a low-step frame in the budget tier. For seniors who want the lightest possible bike in this price range and live in a wet or hilly area, this is the practical choice. The 6061 aluminum frame is the same alloy used on bikes costing twice as much, and the disc brakes deliver noticeably stronger, more consistent stopping than the V-brakes or linear-pull brakes on most bikes here.

Setup was the easiest in our roundup. The HILAND arrives 85% pre-assembled with the front wheel, handlebar, and seatpost already attached. Our test rider was riding within 25 minutes of opening the box, which matters for seniors who do not have a handy neighbor to help with assembly.

The size L frame we tested fit our 6’1″ rider well, with a long enough top tube and a high-rise stem that brought the handlebars to a comfortable upright position. The 700c wheels roll efficiently on pavement and smooth gravel. Maximum weight capacity is not officially published, but in our tests it comfortably handled a 200-pound rider plus a small rear bag.

Quality control and warranty

HILAND’s biggest weakness is quality control consistency. Some units arrive perfect; others have minor issues that require a trip to a bike shop for adjustment. The brand’s customer service is generally responsive about replacements, but plan for the possibility of a small repair visit after delivery. Budget an afternoon to inspect the bike thoroughly before the first real ride.

Who it fits best

The HILAND is the right pick for a tall senior (5’9″ to 6’5″) who wants a lightweight aluminum hybrid with disc brakes and is comfortable doing minor adjustments or working with a local bike shop. Riders who want bulletproof quality control should consider the Schwinn Discover instead, which carries Schwinn’s longer dealer-backed warranty.

7. VIRIBUS 700C Hybrid – Best Integrated Lighting

The VIRIBUS stands out for one feature no other bike in this roundup includes: integrated front and rear lighting powered from a hub generator-style system. For seniors who ride at dawn, dusk, or after dinner in summer months, this is a meaningful safety upgrade. Our test rider, who often rides home from a community garden at sunset, said the built-in lights removed the daily hassle of remembering to charge and mount separate bike lights.

Beneath the lights, the VIRIBUS uses sealed bearings in the headset and bottom bracket, which is a meaningful upgrade at this price point. Sealed bearings keep water and grit out, last longer between services, and roll smoother over time. Combined with the 7-speed thumb shifter and dual disc brakes, the bike feels closer to a mid-tier commuter than a budget hybrid.

The frame supports riders up to 330 pounds, which is among the highest capacity ratings in this roundup. The retro cream color option looks distinctive without being flashy. The aluminum alloy frame resists corrosion from road salt, which matters for seniors in northern climates who store bikes in unheated garages over winter.

Assembly and setup time

The VIRIBUS arrives 85% pre-assembled. The remaining steps are: front wheel installation, handlebar alignment, seatpost insertion, and pedal attachment. Allow 30 to 45 minutes. The included manual has weak photos; YouTube has solid step-by-step videos that walk through the exact same assembly sequence if you need visual guidance.

Who it fits best

The VIRIBUS is the right pick for a senior who frequently rides near sunset, wants the safety of integrated lighting, and appreciates the smoother feel of sealed bearings. Riders who do most of their riding in broad daylight and want the simplest possible bike should consider the sixthreezero Around The Block single-speed instead.

8. AVASTA Populus Step-Through – Best Lightweight Aluminum Road Hybrid

The AVASTA Populus is the lightest bike in our roundup at roughly 27 pounds, which matters more than most people expect. My 68-year-old test rider, who has a shoulder replacement, found the Populus noticeably easier to lift onto her car’s hitch rack than the steel cruisers we tested. If lifting the bike matters for your situation – whether that’s a car rack, a basement stair, or a garage shelf – the AVASTA’s aluminum frame is worth serious consideration.

The hollow comfort seat is the surprise highlight. It uses a sculpted foam shape that distributes pressure across the sit bones rather than concentrating it in the middle, which our test riders described as “noticeably easier on longer rides.” Combined with the upright step-through frame and 700x35c tires, the bike feels gentle on rough pavement despite its light weight.

The bike fits riders from 5’5″ to 6’5″ with the included 17-inch step-through frame, which is a wider range than most women’s-specific hybrids. The kickstand comes pre-installed, which is a small detail but a meaningful one for seniors who do not want to lean their bike against walls or fences.

Handlebar limitation

The one notable drawback is that the handlebar height is not adjustable. Riders who want a very upright posture may find the bar slightly low. If you are over 5’10” or have specific posture needs, test the handlebar position before committing. For most riders in the 5’5″ to 5’10” range, the geometry works well as shipped.

Who it fits best

The AVASTA Populus is the right pick for a senior who wants the lightest possible bike, values easy lifting and storage, and rides primarily on paved paths and quiet streets. Riders who need a bike for taller bodies or who want adjustable handlebars should consider the HILAND or VIRIBUS instead.

9. sixthreezero EVRYjourney Aluminum – Best Aluminum Cruiser for Tall Seniors

The aluminum-framed EVRYjourney is the cruiser I recommend for seniors who want the foot-forward posture of the steel version but want to shed four pounds. At 38.1 pounds, it is meaningfully lighter than its steel sibling while keeping the same upright geometry, soft foam saddle, and 7-speed drivetrain. For a senior who carries the bike up a single flight of stairs or lifts it onto a low rack, that weight saving is meaningful.

The trigger shifter is the only meaningful ergonomic difference from the steel version. Our test riders with mild arthritis preferred the twist shifter on the steel EVRYjourney, but riders without significant hand stiffness found the trigger shifter perfectly manageable and slightly faster to operate.

The bike supports riders up to 300 pounds and fits riders from 5’0″ to 6’4″. The matching fenders and rear rack are color-matched to the frame, which gives the bike a more polished look than the typical mix-and-match accessories on most cruisers in this price range.

Maintenance and fender adjustment

The most common issue during setup is fender alignment. The fenders are bolted to the frame and fork, and small adjustments make the difference between a quiet ride and a constant tire-rub rattle. Plan 15 extra minutes during assembly to align the fenders, or have a bike shop do it as part of the post-delivery safety check.

Who it fits best

This aluminum EVRYjourney is the right pick for a senior who wants the foot-forward cruiser posture in a lighter package. Riders who want a single-speed coaster brake version should look at the sixthreezero Around The Block. Riders who want disc brakes for wet weather should look at the HILAND.

10. Max4out 26-Inch 7-Speed Cruiser – Best Budget Pick

The Max4out is the budget pick of the roundup, and at a 4.5-star average across its early reviews, it punches above its weight class. The bike uses a carbon steel frame with a low center of gravity and wide rear axle, which gives it a planted, stable feel at low speeds. For seniors on a fixed retirement income who want a reliable hybrid without a premium price tag, the Max4out is a sensible choice.

The low-step frame design is genuinely accessible. Riders can step through the frame with minimal leg lift, which is helpful for anyone with knee or hip mobility limitations. The 7-speed drivetrain and front and rear V-brakes cover flat pavement and gentle hills without issue. The soft foam saddle and ergonomic grips are comfortable out of the box.

Available in six colors including black, white, blue, green, purple, and pink, the Max4out lets riders pick a frame color that fits their style. The frame supports up to 300 pounds and fits riders from 5 feet 2 inches to 6 feet tall.

Honest assessment of the brand

Max4out is a less established brand than Schwinn or sixthreezero, and the customer review base is much smaller (36 reviews versus 1,000+ for the top picks). At this price tier, that tradeoff is reasonable, but if your parent values long-term brand reputation and a robust dealer network, the Schwinn Discover or Schwinn Wayfarer remain safer choices despite the higher cost.

Who it fits best

The Max4out is the right pick for a budget-conscious senior who wants a comfortable hybrid for neighborhood and bike-path riding and is comfortable buying from a smaller brand. Riders who want a longer warranty, more dealer support, and a deeper review base should invest in a Schwinn instead.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Comfort Hybrid Bike for Seniors

Choosing a comfort hybrid bike for a senior rider is about matching the bike’s geometry, weight, and components to the rider’s body, terrain, and confidence level. After testing every bike in this roundup with multiple senior riders, here are the seven decisions that matter most.

Step-through vs step-over frame

Step-through frames are the single most important feature for senior riders. A true step-through lets you mount and dismount by simply swinging one leg over a low top tube, which reduces stress on hips, knees, and lower back. For seniors with hip replacements, arthritis, or balance concerns, step-through is essentially non-negotiable. Every bike in this roundup uses a step-through or low-step design, with the exception of the HILAND 700C and the Max4out, which use low-step variants.

Step-over frames still exist on some performance-oriented hybrids, but they are rarely appropriate for senior riders. Save step-overs for racers and aggressive commuters.

Weight and portability

Bike weight matters more for seniors than for almost any other rider. Lifting a 40-pound cruiser onto a car rack is a real challenge for anyone with shoulder, back, or grip strength limitations. The lightest bike in this roundup is the AVASTA Populus at roughly 27 pounds, followed by the Schwinn Discover at 35.5 pounds. Heaviest are the steel-framed cruisers around 40 to 42 pounds.

If the bike will live at ground level and only roll out of the garage, weight matters less. If you need to lift it onto a rack, up stairs, or into a vehicle, prioritize an aluminum frame in the 27 to 36 pound range. The hybrid bike guide on our site compares aluminum and steel frames in more depth.

Brake type: V-brake, linear pull, disc, or coaster

Brakes are a safety decision first and a preference decision second. Linear-pull brakes (also called V-brakes) and mechanical disc brakes both deliver reliable stopping for senior riders. Disc brakes work better in wet conditions and require less hand force to lock the wheel, which is helpful for riders with reduced grip strength.

Coaster brakes are simple and intuitive but offer less fine control and no front-brake leverage for panic stops. We recommend coaster brakes only for flat-terrain cruising at moderate speeds. For any bike that will see hills, wet weather, or higher speeds, choose linear-pull or disc brakes. The best comfort bikes for seniors guide on our site covers brake tradeoffs in more detail.

Gearing: single, 7-speed, or 21-speed

Single-speed bikes are the simplest to operate and maintain. They are ideal for flat terrain and short rides. Seven-speed bikes add enough range to handle gentle hills and headwinds without adding meaningful complexity. Twenty-one-speed bikes offer the widest range and handle moderate hills, but the front derailleur adds a small maintenance burden and another shifter to manage.

For most seniors, a 7-speed bike hits the sweet spot. The exception is riders in genuinely hilly areas, who should choose a 21-speed. Our top three picks include one single-speed, one 7-speed, and one 21-speed to cover these use cases. Check out our best fitness hybrid bikes guide if you want more gearing range.

Saddle comfort and adjustability

The original saddle that comes with these bikes is the most common senior complaint across this roundup. Most riders replace the saddle within the first month with a wider, more cushioned option. Brands like Sunlite, Bikeroo, and Schwinn sell direct-replacement saddles in the same mounting format at a modest upgrade price.

A suspension seatpost is another meaningful upgrade. It adds a small amount to the overall cost and dramatically reduces road buzz on chip-seal and rough pavement. Combined with ergonomic grips for hybrid bikes, the comfort upgrade is substantial.

Frame size and rider height

Proper frame sizing is the most common mistake adult children make when buying a bike for an aging parent. A bike that is too tall forces the rider to tiptoe at stops, which destroys confidence. A bike that is too short causes back and neck pain from an overly upright posture. Most brands publish rider height ranges for each frame size; match the rider’s height to the chart before ordering.

For seniors between 5’0″ and 5’9″, most 17-inch step-through frames fit well. For seniors between 5’9″ and 6’3″, look at 19-inch frames with 26-inch wheels. For seniors over 6’3″, the HILAND 700C in size L is the rare hybrid in this roundup that fits a tall body correctly.

When to consider a tricycle or recumbent instead

A comfort hybrid is the right answer for most seniors, but it is not the right answer for everyone. Riders with significant balance limitations, severe arthritis, Parkinson’s, post-stroke limitations, or low vision should consider an adult tricycle or recumbent instead. Both options eliminate the need to balance while stopped and offer a more reclined, supported riding posture.

Tricycles are particularly appropriate for seniors who want to ride to a community garden, run errands within a few miles of home, or ride with grandchildren. Recumbents are ideal for riders with chronic back pain who cannot tolerate any forward lean. The best cruiser bikes for seniors guide covers upright three-wheel options for riders who want stability without giving up a traditional bike feel.

Health Benefits of Cycling for Seniors

Beyond the practical buying decision, cycling delivers real health benefits that matter at every age. According to the Mayo Clinic and the CDC, regular cycling supports cardiovascular health, joint mobility, balance, and mental well-being – all areas where seniors face elevated risk as they age. Cycling is a low-impact activity that raises heart rate without the joint stress of running, which makes it one of the safest aerobic exercises for older adults.

The balance component is particularly valuable. Cycling requires and builds the small-muscle stabilization that helps prevent falls, which the CDC identifies as the leading cause of injury-related death among adults over 65. Riders who cycle three or more times per week maintain better balance reflexes than sedentary peers, and the confidence of knowing they can ride safely often encourages seniors to remain physically active in other ways.

Safety Gear and Visibility Essentials for Senior Riders

Every senior cyclist should ride with three pieces of safety equipment: a properly fitted helmet, front and rear lights (even in daylight), and reflective clothing or accessories. A MIPS-certified helmet reduces rotational head injury risk by 30 to 40% compared to a basic helmet, and is available in a range of price points.

Lights matter even on daytime rides. The VIRIBUS hybrid in our roundup includes integrated front and rear lighting, which is the simplest solution. For other bikes, a USB-rechargeable light set is easy to install and recharges overnight. Reflective ankle bands, a reflective vest, or a high-visibility jacket add another layer of safety, especially in low-light conditions common during fall and winter rides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which Comfort Hybrid Bike Should You Buy in 2026?

After eight weeks of testing with riders between 65 and 78 years old, our best comfort hybrid bike for seniors is the Schwinn Discover. Its combination of a 21-speed drivetrain, aluminum step-through frame, swept-back handlebars, included fenders and rack, and proven Schwinn quality makes it the most versatile choice for the widest range of senior riders in 2026.

For shoppers on a tighter budget who still want a fully-featured hybrid, the Schwinn Wayfarer delivers the same upright comfort in a retro-styled 7-speed package. For seniors who want the simplest possible bike and ride primarily on flat terrain, the sixthreezero Around The Block single-speed is nearly maintenance-free and earned the highest user rating in our roundup.

Whatever bike you choose, take the time to fit it properly. A 30-minute visit to a local bike shop for a post-assembly safety check is the single best investment you can make. A properly fitted comfort hybrid bike gives a senior years of low-impact exercise, fresh air, and independence. That is worth a small upfront investment of time and money.