The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Why I Chose the Giro Fixture MIPS II — and How It Stacks Up Against $200 Helmets Last updated: August 26, 2025 Quick Take: I wear the Giro Fixture MIPS II helmet. At around $75, it delivers real safety without the premium price tag. Higher-end helmets ($150–$200) offer lighter weight, better ventilation, and sleeker features — but not necessarily better protection. One thing I will not cover here: budget helmets with no modern safety system. I will not wear one, and I don’t recommend you do either. That is me wearing my Giro Fixture  MIPS II Helmet on a training ride. Helmets are not optional gear. They’re survival gear. And in my case, I ride with the Giro Fixture MIPS II . It’s the helmet you’ll see on my head in nearly every ride photo on this blog. Why this model? Because at around $75 it gives me modern MIPS protection , good ventilation, and a fit system I can trust — all without breaking the bank. But there’s a question I hear often: “If your helmet has MIPS I...

Quick Answer: Cyclists can get shin splints from overtraining, poor bike fit, or cleat setup. Backing off intensity, adjusting your fit, and adding recovery tools like compression sleeves can help you ride pain-free. Cycling and Shin Splints: Why They Happen and How to Stop Them Cycling is supposed to be low-impact — and most of the time it is. But every now and then, I’ve felt a dull ache creep up the front of my shins, especially during heavier training weeks. The first time it happened, I thought shin splints were just a “runner’s thing.” Turns out, cyclists aren’t immune. My Experience With Shin Splints on the Bike Every so often, when I get into a groove and push the miles or intensity a little too hard, my shins let me know. That sharp, nagging discomfort tells me I’ve crossed the line into overtraining. These days, when I feel it start, I immediately back off — fewer hills, easier cadence, maybe even an extra rest day. Within a few days, the pain usually eases up. It’s a...

Cycling for Obese Beginners: How I Lost 80 Pounds and Found Freedom on Two Wheels Let me start by saying this: you don’t have to be skinny, fast, or fit to ride a bike . When I began cycling, I weighed 275 pounds. I was obese, out of shape, and winded just making it around the block. Today, I weigh 194 pounds. I can ride for hours, tackle big hills, and even take on multi-day bike tours. But that transformation didn’t happen overnight—and it didn’t happen by accident. It happened one ride and one small change at a time. That First Ride: A Humble Beginning I still remember the first time I got back on a bike. I thought it would be easy—after all, you never forget how to ride, right? But my body had a different plan. I struggled. My legs ached. My lungs burned. I was embarrassed at how hard it was. But I went out again the next day. And then again the next week. Each time, I made it just a little farther. I wasn’t fast, but I was moving. And that’s all that mattered. Cycling as an Obese ...

Quick Answer: The right cycling gear makes every mile safer and more comfortable. Start with a helmet, padded shorts, gloves, hydration, lights, and a flat repair kit. My most important piece of gear? Always the helmet. Essential Cycling Gear: What Every Rider Really Needs Whether you're just starting your cycling journey or have thousands of miles under your tires, one truth becomes clear pretty quickly: the right gear makes a difference . I’ve tested, broken, lost, replaced, and fine-tuned just about every piece of cycling gear imaginable. While there are plenty of nice-to-haves, a few items are in the must-have category for any rider—especially those logging long distances or training for events. 🚴‍♂️ 1. Helmet (Non-Negotiable) This is the one item I’ll never ride without. Accidents happen. Cars pull out, dogs chase, debris causes crashes. A helmet has saved me from serious injury more than once. Don’t ride without one. My Pick: Giro Fixture MIPS II Helmet ✅ Light...

Last Updated: August 25, 2025 Quick Answer: Kids need bicycles for confidence, independence, and fitness—but safety matters. A properly fitted helmet, adult guidance, and fun family rides create lifelong cyclists. Why Kids Still Need Bicycles—And Helmets That Actually Protect Them I still remember the feeling. That first taste of freedom. The wind in my face, the rattle of the chain, the creak of my little single-speed bike as I pedaled down the block like I was flying. Riding a bike as a kid wasn’t just fun—it was independence. That feeling is one of the biggest reasons cycling became such an important part of my life. It gave me confidence. It gave me joy. And it taught me how to move through the world on my own terms. But I look around today, and I don’t see nearly as many kids on bikes. Neighborhoods that used to echo with squeals of laughter and the hum of tires are quiet now. Screens, schedules, and safety concerns have taken over. The world has changed. The b...

10 Rules of Cycling Every Rider Should Know Quick Take: Cycling is simple, but staying safe, respected, and strong takes a few non-negotiable rules. Here are 10 every rider should know. After riding more than 150,000 miles, I’ve picked up a few lessons the hard way. Some came from near misses in traffic, others from my own mistakes. I can tell you this: these rules aren’t written by a cycling committee. They’re written on the road, in sweat and sometimes blood. Take them seriously, and you’ll ride longer, safer, and with a little more joy. 🚴 10 Rules of Cycling Never wear cycling shorts off the bike. They’re functional, not fashion. Put them on to ride, take them off when you’re done. Helmet is not optional. If your head hits pavement, that extra protection is worth every dollar. Obey traffic laws (even if drivers don’t). Stop signs, lights, hand signals — following the rules keeps you alive and gives drivers fewer excuses. Respect the weather. Wind, heat, ...

Last Updated: August 25, 2025 — first publication. Quick Answer: Don’t cheap out on your helmet. Pay the extra $25–$30 for a model with rotational protection (MIPS or equivalent). If your head ever hits the pavement, that’s the upgrade you’ll be grateful for. That's me at the start line of the Hotter'N Hell 100 in Wichita Falls,  Texas in August 2025 Wearing my Giro Fixture MIPS II Helmet   A good fit + MIPS: the combo that actually matters. Why MIPS (or similar) isn’t optional Crash energy doesn’t just hit straight on—it twists. That rotational force is what MIPS-type systems are designed to reduce. I’ve ridden long enough to see the aftermath of head knocks. When it’s your brain on the line, the “extra” money isn’t extra—it’s insurance. Rotational protection: A low-friction layer that lets the helmet shell move slightly on impact. Real-world logic: Most falls aren’t perfectly vertical; they’re angled, with a slide or twist. Senior real...