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...

Cycling is a fantastic activity with benefits for both physical and mental health. But whether you're riding for 5 miles or 50, one key to enjoying the experience is comfort —and that starts with what you wear. One of the most important gear choices you can make is investing in a quality pair of padded bicycle shorts . Personally, I wear bib shorts. I just like the feel but shorts are fine too. Here’s why padded shorts are essential for every cyclist: 1. Enhanced Comfort on Every Ride Long hours in the saddle can take a toll on your sit bones, groin area, and inner thighs. Padded bike shorts—also known as cycling shorts—feature built-in cushioning (often made of foam or gel chamois) placed exactly where you need it. This padding reduces friction and absorbs pressure , helping prevent chafing, saddle sores, and general discomfort. 2. Better Performance Through Reduced Distraction When you're not distracted by soreness, you can ride longer and more efficiently. Padded shor...

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 ...

  The Biggest Threat to Long Distance Cyclists: The Rise of the Distracted Driver The Growing Risk on the Open Road When we think of cycling dangers, we often picture potholes, sudden storms, or mechanical failure. But for today’s long-distance cyclists, the most serious threat comes from something far more modern: distracted drivers. In the era of smartphones and endless connectivity, drivers are more mentally absent than ever before. That inattention has deadly consequences for cyclists—especially those riding long stretches of road. What Makes Distracted Driving So Dangerous? 📱 Texting While Driving Texting takes a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of five seconds—long enough to travel the length of a football field without looking. For a cyclist in the lane ahead, that’s potentially fatal. 📲 Scrolling Social Media Even a quick glance at Instagram or TikTok can steal the driver’s focus. A car veering slightly over the white line can mean disaster for a cyclist ...