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 ...

Why Cycling Is Great for Mental Health Cycling isn’t just exercise—it’s therapy on wheels. Whether you're riding for fun, health, or travel, hopping on your bike can transform your mental state in powerful ways. 1. Mood Booster & Stress Relief When you ride, your body releases endorphins—natural mood lifters that lower stress and lift your spirits. It’s simple: a few miles on the bike, and the blues melt away. 2. Brighten Your Mind Outdoors Cycling gets you into the fresh air and sunshine, which studies show can reduce stress, improve mood, and boost brain function theoldguybicycleblog.com +1 biketheukforms.org +1 . Spending time outside really does help our mental well-being. 3. Better Cognitive Health in Later Years Recent research shows that regular cycling (even mild) can slow cognitive decline, enhance executive function, and support better mental health as we age—especially in older adults . 4. Connection & Community Joining a club or riding with pals adds ...

🚴 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...