The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

I am posting this article in the middle of the summer even though it is about winter cycling. There is a good reason for that. By the time Google indexes this post and it gains traction in Google's organic searches, it will be winter and that is why it is being posted in July. Cycling in cold weather can be a challenging experience, especially when it comes to keeping your extremities warm. In particular, the ears, fingers, and toes are the most vulnerable parts of the body during cold rides. To make your winter cycling experience comfortable and enjoyable, it is essential to invest in the right gear to keep these body parts warm and protected. In this article, we'll take a look at the three most important things to have well covered on cold rides and recommend some products from Amazon that can help you stay warm and comfortable on your winter rides. Ears The ears are one of the most sensitive areas of the body when it comes to cold weather. Exposing them to cold wind can caus

Clipping into your pedals and feeling the power transfer directly from your legs to the bike – it's a satisfying experience that can take your cycling to the next level. But before you shell out for a fancy pair of cycling shoes, you might be wondering: do I actually need them? The answer, as with most things in life, is: it depends. Let's delve into the factors you should consider to decide if cycling shoes are a worthwhile investment for you. Riding Frequency and Intensity: Casual Rider:  If you're a weekend warrior who enjoys leisurely bike rides around the park, regular sneakers might suffice. Your comfort level is key, and if flats work for you, stick with them! Opens in a new window www.freepik.com Casual cyclist riding around the park Enthusiast Cyclist:  Do you cycle several times a week, pushing yourself for longer distances and higher speeds? This is where cycling shoes start to shine. They'll provide better power transfer, improved efficiency, and greater com

Traveling with a bicycle on a plane can seem daunting, but with the right preparation and knowledge, it can be a relatively smooth process. Here are some tips on how to travel on a plane with a bicycle: Check with your airline: Every airline has different rules and fees when it comes to transporting bicycles. Check your airline's website or call their customer service to find out their specific requirements. Choose the right case: Invest in a good quality bike case that is sturdy and provides adequate protection for your bike during transport. There are hard cases and soft cases available, and some airlines may have specific requirements regarding the type of case allowed. Bicycle Magazine picked the B & W International Bike Box II as the best value for bicycle cases. It is a"Compact and tough plastic case and has four smooth rolling wheels." Pack your bike properly: Disassemble your bike and pack it securely in the bike case. Remove the pedals, wheels, and handleb

Choosing the best bicycle helmet for your child is one of the most important things you can do to keep them safe while riding. A well-fitting helmet can help to protect your child's head in the event of a crash. Here is a detailed guide on how to choose the best bicycle helmet for your child: 1. Consider the type of helmet. There are many different types of bicycle helmets available, so it is important to choose one that is appropriate for your child's riding style and needs. Some of the most common types of bicycle helmets include: Road helmets:  Road helmets are designed for cyclists who ride on roads and paved surfaces. They typically have a lightweight and aerodynamic design. Mountain bike helmets : Mountain bike helmets are designed for cyclists who ride on off-road trails. They typically have a more robust design and more coverage around the back and sides of the head. BMX helmets:  BMX helmets are designed for cyclists who ride BMX bikes. They typically have a full-face

If you're a woman who loves to bike, you know how important it is to have comfortable gear that allows you to focus on the ride, not on discomfort or irritation. The BALEAF Women's 4D Padded Bike Shorts Cycling Underwear with Padding Pockets Bicycle Gear Bike Clothes UPF50+ are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, comfortable pair of bike shorts. First and foremost, the shorts are designed with a 4D padded chamois that provides ample cushioning for your sit bones and other sensitive areas. The padding is just thick enough to protect you during long rides, without feeling bulky or uncomfortable. The shorts also feature padding pockets, which means you can adjust the placement of the padding to best suit your body. In addition to the padding, the shorts are made with a stretchy, moisture-wicking fabric that feels great against your skin. The fabric is also UPF50+ rated, which means it will protect you from the sun's harmful rays. One of the standout fea

Cycling shorts are an essential piece of equipment for any serious cyclist. Not only do they provide a level of comfort that regular shorts can’t match, but they also help prevent chafing and skin irritation. However, it's not just a matter of putting on any old pair of cycling shorts and hitting the road. There is a proper way of wearing cycling shorts that will help you get the most out of them. In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the proper way of wearing cycling shorts. Choose the right size The first and most important step to wearing cycling shorts properly is to choose the right size. Cycling shorts should fit snugly without being too tight. If they're too loose, they'll bunch up and cause discomfort, while if they're too tight, they'll restrict movement and circulation. Make sure to refer to the manufacturer's sizing chart to determine the right size for you. Get the right style There are two main styles of cycling shorts: bi

  As an avid cyclist who has been touring for many years, I can attest to the benefits of using tubeless tires. Since making the switch, I have noticed a significant decline in punctures, which has made my tours more enjoyable and hassle-free. While there is an initial setup process for tubeless tires, I have found that topping off the sealant is not a major issue, and it only requires a few extra minutes of maintenance time. One of the major advantages of tubeless tires is the absence of an inner tube, which allows for lower tire pressure, and better traction. This makes for a more comfortable ride, especially during long-distance touring where reducing fatigue is essential. I have also found that tubeless tires offer improved rolling resistance, which has enhanced my performance, enabling me to maintain speed for longer periods of time. Another benefit of using tubeless tires is the reduced need for carrying tubes , which has allowed me to use a smaller bike bag, freeing up space fo

When it comes to long-distance touring, having the right gear can make all the difference. One piece of equipment that many cyclists swear by is the Sensational BOB trailer. These trailers attach to the back of your bike and allow you to carry a significant amount of gear. This makes them ideal for long-distance rides. I love my BOB trailer. I can attest to its dependability and usefulness on thousands of miles of tours. The picture with this post is my BOB trailer. I have used it for rides across New Mexico twice and across Texas West to East and North to South. I have also rode it from Lubbock, Texas to Pensacola, Florida, and many other shorter rides. It has been a dependable workhorse that has never given me an ounce of problems. Let's check out some of the things that make it a great choice. Simplicity One of the great things about the BOB trailer is its simplicity. The trailer attaches to the rear wheel of your bike and can be loaded up with gear. It doesn't matter what

Cycling is a great way to stay fit and healthy while also enjoying the outdoors. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a beginner, having the right shoes for cyclists can make a big difference in your performance and comfort. In this blog post, we'll explore the different types of shoes that a cyclist can wear. Road cycling shoes Road cycling shoes are designed for high-performance road cycling. They are lightweight, stiff, and have a smooth sole that is optimized for maximum power transfer. These shoes typically feature a 3-bolt cleat system that attaches to the pedal, providing a secure connection between the shoe and the bike. Road cycling shoes are not recommended for other types of cycling, such as mountain biking or commuting, as they do not offer as much traction or grip. Mountain biking shoes Mountain biking shoes are designed for off-road cycling, including trails, dirt roads, and rough terrain. They are typically more durable than road cycling shoes and have a rugged s

Keeping your bike clean and well-maintained is essential for ensuring a smooth and safe ride. The Anndason 8 Pieces Precision Bicycle Cleaning Brush Tool is a great option for any cyclist who wants to keep their bike in top condition. This set includes a variety of brushes designed to clean all types of bikes, including mountain, road, city, hybrid, BMX, and folding bikes. The chain scrubber is especially useful for cleaning the often-neglected chain, and customers have reported that it saves them time and effort. I use the scrubber a lot and it has held up well. When I don't feel like using the scrubber, I use the chain cleaning brush and it works well too and is faster. One of the standout features of this set of cleaning brushes is its durability. The brushes hold up well after multiple uses, making them a great investment for any cyclist. The bristles are strong enough to remove dirt and grime but gentle enough to avoid scratching the bike's surfaces. Overall, the Anndason

There have been many other modern advancements in bicycles that have significantly improved their performance, functionality, and safety. Here are a few examples: Disc Brakes: Traditional rim brakes have been replaced by disc brakes, which provide better stopping power, especially in wet conditions. I quickly fell in love with disc brakes when they came out and would never ride a bicycle without them. Carbon Fiber Frames: Carbon fiber frames are now widely used in high-end bicycles due to their lightweight, stiffness, and strength. Electronic Shifting: Electronic shifting has replaced traditional cable-actuated shifting, providing faster and more precise gear changes. Tubeless Tires: Tubeless tires have become increasingly popular in mountain biking, providing better traction and reducing the risk of punctures. I put tubeless tires on my bike a couple of years ago and absolutely love them. I have less flats and fixing a flat on a ride is so much easier now. Suspension Systems: Susp

If you're looking for a gift for a touring cyclist, you might find that it can be quite challenging. This group of cyclists is typically very selective about their equipment, and it can be tough to know what they'll appreciate. Fortunately, there are a few gift ideas that most touring cyclists are sure to enjoy. One gift item that just about any cyclist would appreciate is a gift certificate to their favorite bike shop. This is a great option if you're unsure about what specific gear they need or want, as it allows them to choose for themselves. They can use the gift certificate to stock up on bike maintenance items, cycling clothing, or other gear they need for their upcoming tours. If you prefer to actually get them a gift instead of a gift card, then you probably can't go wrong with a nice quality insulated water bottle. Most cyclists have multiple water bottles and they will use them way past their actual life of insulating. An insulated water bottle will keep their

Cycling is a great way for seniors to stay active and healthy, but it's important to have the right accessories to stay safe and comfortable on your ride.  Here are 10 must-have cycling accessories for seniors: Bike helmet: A bike helmet is the most important accessory for any cyclist, regardless of age. It can help protect your head in the event of a fall or collision. Look for a helmet that fits well and has a comfortable chin strap. You can also find helmets with built-in visors or sun shades to protect your eyes from the sun. I could give you a link to a helmet but I feel the best place to buy a quality helmet is a local bike shop. Cycling gloves: Cycling gloves are another important accessory for seniors. They can help prevent blisters and calluses on your hands and provide extra cushioning for long rides. Look for gloves with gel padding or foam inserts for added comfort.  The MOREOK Cycling Gloves Below are a great highly rated choice. Comfortable saddle: A comfortable sad