The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

If you ride often, you know how important the right gear can be — and cycling shorts are near the top of that list. Whether you’re riding for fitness, fun, or racing, your shorts can make or break your comfort on the bike. One debate that keeps rolling around in cycling circles: are thicker or thinner liners better? Let’s break down the pros and cons of each to help you choose what works best for your ride. Why Some Riders Prefer Thicker Liners ✅ Extra Cushioning for Long Rides Thicker cycling shorts liners provide more padding where it counts. If you spend hours in the saddle — especially on rough terrain or touring rides — that extra support can reduce soreness and keep you going. ✅ Shock Absorption on Rough Roads Mountain bikers and gravel riders benefit from thicker liners because they help absorb bumps and vibrations. That means less strain on your lower back and fewer aches after the ride. ✅ Ideal for Endurance and Touring If you ride multiple days in a row or take on c...

🚴‍♂️ Real Advice from the Road: Padded bike shorts aren’t just for pros. They’re for anyone who wants to ride longer, feel better, and avoid saddle pain. Here’s why I never ride without them. Why Padded Bike Shorts Are Essential for Every Cyclist (And the Bib Shorts I Swear By After 50+ Years in the Saddle) Cycling is one of the best things you can do for your body and your mind. But whether you're riding 5 miles or 50, there’s one piece of gear that makes a bigger difference than just about anything else: a good pair of padded bike shorts. Personally, I wear bib shorts. They just feel better to me—no waistband, no tugging. But regular cycling shorts work too. The real benefit is in the padding, and if you've never tried them, you're missing out. ✅ 1. Comfort Where You Need It Most Saddle discomfort, chafing, and sore spots can ruin a ride fast. Padded shorts use a built-in chamois (usually foam or gel) placed precisely under your sit bones and soft tissue to ...

Last Updated: November 30, 2025 Cycling is one of the most powerful mental-health boosters—reducing stress, improving mood, sharpening thinking, and helping older adults stay emotionally strong. Here’s how outdoor cycling supports mental health and how to maximize the benefits. Quick Answer: Cycling outdoors is one of the best mental-health boosters available. It lowers stress, lifts your mood, sharpens your mind, and gives you powerful emotional benefits at any age—especially for older riders. The Mental Health Magic of Cycling Outdoors Cycling isn’t just exercise. For many of us, it’s therapy on wheels. After more than 150,000 lifetime miles as a 70-year-old long-distance cyclist, I’ve felt firsthand how powerful riding can be for clearing your mind, lowering stress, and restoring your outlook. Here’s what cycling really does for your mental well-being. 1. Instant Mood Lift & Stress Relief It’s almost impossible to finish a ride feeling worse than when you st...

🚴 TL;DR: Distracted drivers are one of the biggest threats facing cyclists today. From texting to scrolling to eating at the wheel, one moment of inattention can change — or end — a life. This post shares why the danger is growing and what cyclists and drivers can both do to help. When you picture cycling dangers, you might think of potholes, unexpected storms, or a snapped chain. But for today’s long-distance riders, the real danger doesn’t come from the road — it comes from behind the wheel. We’re talking about distracted drivers. And they’re everywhere. 🚗 Why Distracted Driving Is the New Epidemic In the age of smartphones, more and more drivers are mentally checked out — glancing at their screens instead of watching the road. That moment of inattention might feel brief to them, but for a cyclist, it can mean disaster. 📱 Texting: Takes eyes off the road for 5+ seconds — long enough to travel a football field blind. 📲 Scrolling social media: Even a second...