The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

🌎 Real Thoughts from the Road: After decades of long-distance cycling, I’ve come to believe bicycles can genuinely change the world. Here’s why — and how we can help make it happen. How Bicycles Can Change the World Sometimes when I’m out riding, I feel like I’m pedaling on top of the world — literally and figuratively. There’s something about cycling that feels so right, so sustainable, and so hopeful. After decades in the saddle , I still wonder: Why don’t more people ride bikes? Bicycles are fun, healthy, efficient, and environmentally friendly — yet they remain underused in a car-centric world. But I truly believe that bicycles can help save the world — if we’re willing to invest in them, advocate for them, and normalize them as more than just recreation. Here’s how bikes can make the world a better place — and how you can be part of that change. 🚴‍♂️ The Benefits of Cycling Go Far Beyond Fitness Here are just a few of the ways bicycles can change the ...

Last updated: August 30, 2025 Quick Answer: Most cycling headaches come from dehydration, muscle tension, and neck strain . The fastest fixes are better on-bike hydration (with electrolytes for longer rides), a dialed-in bike fit, posture and stretching, and pacing with short breaks. Cycling Headaches: Causes, Prevention, and Relief Tips I started getting headaches both during and after some of my longer rides. It concerned me enough to do some research—and what I found surprised me. I wasn’t drinking enough water. Once I started hydrating better during rides, the headaches stopped completely. Not everyone’s solution will be that simple, but many cyclists do experience headaches. If you love riding, it's frustrating when your favorite activity leaves you feeling miserable. Here's what I've learned about the most common causes—and how to fix them. 🚴‍♂️ Common Causes of Headaches After Cycling Dehydration. Cycling makes you sweat—...

Bicycles are a great way to get around, and they're also good for the environment. But how much of a bicycle is actually made from recycled materials? The answer depends on the bike. Some bikes are made from 100% recycled materials, while others use a mix of virgin and recycled materials. And still others use very little recycled material at all. One of the most recycled materials used in bicycles is aluminum. Aluminum frames and components are very lightweight and durable, and they can be recycled over and over again. In fact, about 70% of all aluminum ever produced is still in use today. Another common recycled material used in bicycles is steel. Steel is also very strong and durable, and it can be recycled many times. However, steel is heavier than aluminum, so it's not as commonly used in high-performance bicycles. In addition to aluminum and steel, other recycled materials that can be used in bicycles include plastic, rubber, and even carbon fiber. Plastic is used in a var...

Cycling and Foot Pain: Causes, Fixes, and How I Manage Long Rides Quick Answer: Foot pain in cycling usually comes from poor fit, bad shoes, or long-distance overuse. A proper setup, quality shoes, and strategic breaks can keep you riding pain-free. Cycling is a low-impact exercise that’s easy on the joints, but that doesn’t mean it’s always painless. Even after decades of riding, I’ve had days when the bottoms of my feet felt hot, raw, and just plain done — especially on those 75–100+ mile stretches. The truth? Sometimes the best fix is as simple as unclipping, stepping off, and giving your feet a break. Motion is medicine, but rest is too. 🚴 Common Causes of Foot Pain in Cycling Improper bike fit: Saddle height and position affect how much pressure transfers into your feet. Ill-fitting shoes: Cycling shoes should be snug, supportive, and not pinch your toes. Cleat placement: Cleats set too far forward can overload the ball of your foot. Overuse: Long-d...

How often should I clean my bicycle, even if I'm not the best at it? I'm not the best at keeping my bicycle as clean as I should, but I do try to keep my chain clean and lubed. I know that this is important for extending the lifespan of my components and improving shifting performance, so I make an effort to do it at least once a week. Of course, if I could clean my bike more often, I would. But I'm a busy person, and it's not always easy to find the time. So, I've learned to be realistic about how often I can clean my bike, and I focus on the most important things, like the chain and drivetrain. If you're like me and you're not the best at keeping your bike clean, here's a tip: don't worry about cleaning the whole bike every time. Just focus on the most important parts, like the chain and drivetrain. Even a few minutes of cleaning can make a big difference in the lifespan and performance of your components. Here are some additional t...

As the weather starts to transition from summer to fall, it's important to keep riding, even on the cool and cold days. This will help your body to acclimatize to the cold weather riding that you'll have to put up with in the winter. If you don't ride on the cool and cold days, you'll find it much more difficult to stick to a winter riding routine. I have found that my most difficult years of training in the winter are the ones that I did not ride in the early days of cold weather. It is real easy to blow off cold rides after months of hot and ideal weather but by riding on those early cold days, I felt that my body eased into winter riding. Here are a few reasons why it's important to acclimatize your body to cold weather riding: Improved performance: When your body is used to riding in cold weather, you'll be able to perform better on your rides. This is because your body won't have to spend as much energy trying to stay warm. Reduced risk of injury: C...