The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Quick Answer: The right cycling gear makes every mile safer and more comfortable. Start with a helmet, padded shorts, gloves, hydration, lights, and a flat repair kit. My most important piece of gear? Always the helmet. Essential Cycling Gear: What Every Rider Really Needs Whether you're just starting your cycling journey or have thousands of miles under your tires, one truth becomes clear pretty quickly: the right gear makes a difference . I’ve tested, broken, lost, replaced, and fine-tuned just about every piece of cycling gear imaginable. While there are plenty of nice-to-haves, a few items are in the must-have category for any rider—especially those logging long distances or training for events. 🚴‍♂️ 1. Helmet (Non-Negotiable) This is the one item I’ll never ride without. Accidents happen. Cars pull out, dogs chase, debris causes crashes. A helmet has saved me from serious injury more than once. Don’t ride without one. My Pick: Giro Fixture MIPS II Helmet ✅ Light...

The Two Things That Changed My Riding Forever Quick Tip: If you're only going to invest in two pieces of cycling gear, make it a quality helmet and a good pair of bib shorts. One protects your life. The other protects your ride. After riding more than 150,000 miles, I’ve tested a lot of gear — some of it good, some of it gimmicky. But two things stand out as absolute game-changers for me: my helmet and my bib shorts. 🚴 The Helmet: Non-Negotiable Safety I used to think helmets were just another accessory. That changed the day I crashed hard. My helmet cracked — and so did my view of “optional” safety. There’s no way around it: a quality, well-fitting helmet is the single most important piece of gear you can wear. And if you haven’t upgraded in a few years, do it. Helmet safety tech improves all the time. Mine now has MIPS technology — a small layer inside that helps reduce rotational forces on impact. It’s not hype. It’s smart design. ✅ My Recommended Helmet: Ch...

Updated August 12, 2025 What Makes a Great Cycling Helmet? (And How I Chose Mine) When I started cycling more seriously, I thought all helmets were pretty much the same. As long as it fit and looked decent, that was enough—right? Turns out, there’s a lot more that goes into choosing a great cycling helmet than most people think. After thousands of miles on the road and a few close calls, I’ve learned to appreciate the small features that make a huge difference. This post isn’t about the most expensive gear—just what matters most when you’re looking for a helmet that protects, performs, and lasts. 1. Certified Safety Standards At a minimum, your helmet should be CPSC certified in the U.S. That means it meets basic impact protection standards. Some helmets go further with MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System), which helps reduce rotational forces in a crash. 2. Fit and Adjustability A good helmet should fit snug but not tight. The best ones offer dial-adjust systems...

Cycling Gear I Can’t Ride Without: Lessons From the Road After thousands of miles in the saddle, I’ve come to realize that some cycling gear becomes more than just equipment—it becomes part of the journey. This post isn’t about selling you the latest high-tech gadgets or pushing fancy brands. It’s about sharing the cycling gear that’s earned its keep on my rides over the years. 1. A Helmet That Fits Like a Glove I never used to think much about helmets—until a crash reminded me just how important the right fit and ventilation really are. My current helmet isn’t flashy, but it’s comfortable, cools well, and gives me peace of mind. 2. Padded Shorts (Yes, Even on Short Rides) If I had a dollar for every mile I’ve ridden in padded shorts, I could probably buy a new bike. The right pair of cycling shorts can make or break a ride, especially on multi-day tours or long training days. 3. Gloves That Protect (and Remind Me to Wave) My gloves serve two purposes: grip and greetings. Th...

Embarking on a cycling journey as a beginner can feel both exciting and a little intimidating. Whether you're looking to commute, explore nature, or get fit, starting off with the right knowledge can make all the difference. This guide covers the most important tips for new cyclists—so you can hit the road with confidence and ease. 1. Choose the Right Bike for Your Goals Not all bikes are created equal. Start by understanding the different types of bikes available—like road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrids, and city bikes. Think about where you’ll ride most often. Will you be cruising around the neighborhood, hitting local trails, or commuting to work? Visit a local bike shop to get sized correctly and ask about frame materials and features. A comfortable fit is more important than flashy features. 2. Put Safety First Every Time Safety is essential for every rider, especially when you're just starting out. Always wear a properly fitted helmet. Equip your bike with front and r...

Wind is part of cycling — especially where I live. I’ve ridden through West Texas headwinds that would stop most cyclists in their tracks. Here’s what I’ve learned about staying safe, staying upright, and sometimes knowing when to stay home. Handling High Winds When Riding a Bicycle I live in Lubbock, Texas — the third windiest city in America. And I ride a lot in Amarillo too, which tops the list as the windiest. Between those two places, I’ve learned how to ride in conditions most cyclists try to avoid. I’m not exaggerating when I say I’ve battled headwinds that felt like trying to climb a hill that never ends. I’ve pedaled through gusts that pushed me sideways, across open farmland where there’s nothing to block the blast. I’ve finished rides with grit in my teeth and dust in my ears. And yes — I still love it. But even I have my limits. When the wind hits 35 mph sustained — and I know that means 45 to 50 mph gusts — I don’t try to be a hero. I ride indoors. If the sky...

By Bruce | The Old Guy Bicycle Blog I’ll be upfront: I don’t drink. Not because I never did, and not because I think it’s evil. I just know what it does to the body — and more importantly, what it does to performance. After decades in the saddle, I’ve seen plenty of cyclists try to balance training, touring, or racing with regular alcohol use. And I’ve also seen how that usually plays out: slower recovery, more fatigue, and poor decisions that cost people rides, results, or worse. This isn’t a lecture — just a reflection from someone who rides a lot, trains seriously, and has chosen not to make alcohol part of the picture. 🍺 What Alcohol Does (Even in Small Amounts) When you drink, your body stops what it’s doing to process the alcohol. That includes things like muscle repair, hydration, and brain function — which are pretty important if you’re cycling long distances or trying to stay sharp in traffic. Here’s what I’ve observed in others — and why I stay away from alco...

Two-Wheeled Freedom: Why You Should Fearlessly Embrace the Bike (Not Bullets) Pedaling through the wind, sunlight dappling through leaves, a grin plastered across your face — that’s the magic of cycling. But then, a nagging voice might whisper: What about getting randomly shot? Let’s address that elephant on the bike path right now. Yes, gun violence is a tragic reality in some places, and it’s natural to feel anxious about the unexpected. But let’s put things in perspective — because fear, when unchecked, can keep us from the very things that bring us joy. The Real Odds The chance of being struck by lightning in the U.S.? About 1 in 15 million. Being eaten by a shark? 1 in 11.5 million. Hit by a falling coconut? Believe it or not — 1 in 75 million. And the odds of being randomly shot while cycling? Also vanishingly small. Statistically speaking, everyday dangers are far more common: Crossing the street: 1 in 5,000 Choking on food: 1 in 2,100 Falling down ...

Cycling Is Awesome — But Is It Safe? Bicycling is one of the best ways to stay fit, explore your surroundings, and lighten your carbon footprint. But let’s be real — safety matters, and it’s worth understanding the risks before you clip in and roll out. The Biggest Risk: Motor Vehicle Collisions According to the National Center for Health Statistics, there were 1,260 bicycle deaths in 2020. More than 800 of those involved collisions with motor vehicles. The rest were non-traffic incidents, but they’re still serious. Why do so many crashes happen? A few common reasons: Distracted driving: Phones, food, texts — you name it. Distracted drivers pose a real threat to cyclists. Failure to yield: Whether at intersections or while passing, drivers not yielding properly is a big problem. Speeding: The faster a car is going, the more dangerous it is for everyone — especially cyclists. Lack of visibility: Cyclists without lights or bright clothing are harder to see, especially...

Be a Better Cycling Ambassador: How Riders Can Change Minds (and Streets) Be a Better Cycling Ambassador: How Riders Can Change Minds (and Streets) Last Updated: September 5, 2025 Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy through my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the blog. Quick Answer: The fastest way cyclists improve public perception is by being courteous, following the rules, riding predictably and visibly, and showing up—calmly—to advocate for safer bike infrastructure. Too many city meetings go sideways because someone had one bad encounter with a cyclist and now wants to kill every bike lane. It’s maddening—and it’s fixable. We won’t win everyone over, but if more of us act like ambassadors, we make it harder to use “that one rude rider” as the excuse to block safer streets. Why the “elitist cyclist” perception hurts us Fair or not, a lot of non-riders think cyclists are e...

Riding a bicycle is an excellent way to stay active, enjoy the outdoors, and reduce your carbon footprint. But sharing the road—especially with cars and unpredictable surfaces—comes with its own set of risks. To ride confidently and safely, cyclists need to stay alert and learn how to handle common road hazards. Here’s what to watch out for—and how to avoid trouble on the road. Common Road Hazards for Cyclists 1. Potholes Potholes are one of the most common dangers. Hitting one at high speed can damage your wheels or throw you off your bike. Avoid them by: Scanning the road 10–15 feet ahead. Steering around them if it's safe. Rising slightly off your saddle when hitting one to absorb the impact with your legs. 2. Loose Gravel Gravel reduces traction, especially in corners or when braking. It’s most dangerous on shoulders, intersections, and rural roads. Stay safe by: Slowing down before turning or braking. Riding in a straight line through gravel sections...

Riding a bicycle is more than just a great way to stay healthy and active—it's also eco-friendly, fun, and liberating. Whether you're a beginner or someone getting back into the saddle, it's normal to have questions. Below are 11 of the most frequently asked questions about biking—and their answers—to help you ride safely and confidently. 1. Do I Need a License to Ride a Bicycle? In most countries, no license is required to ride a regular, non-motorized bicycle. However, cyclists must follow local rules—such as wearing a helmet, using lights at night, and riding in bike lanes when available. For e-bikes , rules vary. Some areas may require registration, permits, or restrict e-bike use by speed or class. If you're using a bike for commercial purposes (like deliveries), you may also need additional permits. 2. Which Side of the Road Should I Ride On? In the U.S. and most countries, cyclists should ride on the right-hand side , with traffic. In places like the U.K. ...

Cycling is one of the best ways to stay active, enjoy the outdoors, and get from point A to point B. But let’s be honest— sharing the road with cars can be risky , especially when drivers don’t give cyclists the space or respect we deserve. That’s why every rider—whether new or seasoned—should learn the principles of defensive cycling . What Is Defensive Cycling? Defensive cycling is about more than just wearing a helmet. It’s the mindset of riding with constant awareness and intention . It means: Watching for hazards Anticipating what others might do Taking responsibility for your own safety Think of it as cycling with your head on a swivel and always having a plan for what could go wrong. Why Defensive Cycling Matters As cyclists, we’re vulnerable. We don’t have airbags or steel frames. If a car hits us, we’re the ones who take the damage. That’s why we have to be proactive, not reactive. Being a defensive cyclist helps reduce the chance of accidents and gives you the best...