The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Last Updated: March 2026 Can You Really Buy a Quality Bike on Amazon? (An Honest Cyclist’s Answer) I’ve always been a supporter of local bike shops. A good shop can fit a bike properly, make sure it’s safe, and give you a place to go when something needs attention. But I also live in the real world. Some riders are mechanically confident and don’t need a shop for every little thing. And plenty of people don’t even have a solid bike shop nearby. For them, buying a bike online—including from Amazon—can absolutely make sense. So here’s the honest answer, from a 70-year-old cyclist with 155,000+ lifetime road miles: Quick Answer Yes —you can buy a quality bike on Amazon, if you choose the right bike type, avoid “too-cheap-to-be-true” builds, and buy from a brand with real support. Amazon isn’t the problem. Bad components, poor sizing choices, and bargain-bin bikes are the problem...

Quick Take: Most high-end e-bikes are sold at bike shops—where you’ll get sizing help, warranty support, and hands-on advice. But buying online can save you hundreds if you already know what you want or you’re confident with basic assembly. Here’s the breakdown. Why Local Bike Shops Still Have the Edge Expert Fit & Setup: E-bikes are heavier and more complex than regular bikes. A shop makes sure motor settings, brakes, and battery mounts are dialed in correctly. Warranty & Service: If something goes wrong, a local mechanic can troubleshoot faster than shipping parts back and forth. Test Rides: You can feel the difference between hub-drive and mid-drive motors, throttle vs. pedal assist, and frame geometry before spending big money. Community: Many shops host group rides and service classes, especially for new e-bike owners. When Buying Online Makes More Sense You’re Mechanically Comfortable: If you can handle minor assembly, adjust derailleur...

What Age Should You Quit Cycling? Last Updated:  July 11, 2026 Quick Answer You don’t stop cycling because of a birthday. You stop when the balance tips—when pain, risk, or fear outweigh the joy. For most riders, that moment comes later than they think, especially with smarter pacing, better gear, and e-bikes. It’s important to me that you know I consider myself a very ordinary cyclist. I’m not especially fast or gifted. If I’ve learned anything after more than 50 years and 155,000 miles on a bike, it’s that ordinary people can accomplish far more than they think. But the reminders stack up. A knee replacement from eleven years ago has started to complain. Skin cancer cut from my leg left a scar that isn’t just cosmetic. And earlier this year, colon trouble led to three colonoscopies in seven months—one a five-hour ordeal where Plan B meant removing part of my colon and waking up with a bag. I got lucky. Plan A worked. But it was sobering...

Updated July 2025: I’ve often wondered what bicycling will look like 50 years from now. After all, I started riding seriously half a century ago — and while the bikes have changed, it’s not as dramatic as you might expect. Sure, frame materials have improved, and components are more efficient and lighter, but the essence of cycling — the connection between rider and road — remains much the same. That might not be true for the next 50 years. When I started researching what experts are predicting for the future of cycling, I found some surprising, even mind-blowing possibilities. If you're interested in reading more, I’ve included citations at the end of the article. Of course, predicting the future is always uncertain. But if current trends continue, here are a few changes we might see: ⚡ Electric Bikes Will Rule the Road As battery tech gets better — lighter, longer-lasting, and faster to charge — electric bikes (e-bikes) will become even more popular. Expect longer-range mod...

Updated: June 16, 2026 Quick Answer: E-bikes aren’t cheating — they’re a gateway. They keep older adults, injured riders, and new cyclists in the game. Traditional cyclists should welcome e-bike riders, not judge them. Real Talk from the Road: I’ve ridden more than 150,000 miles on a traditional road bike, but I’ve seen firsthand how e-bikes change lives — especially for seniors and riders with balance issues. This post is about unity, not ego. Here’s more on why some cyclists genuinely need e-bikes . Cycling is booming — on trails, on roads, in cities, everywhere. But with that growth has come a weird divide between traditional cyclists and e-bike riders. Honestly? It’s time to put that nonsense to bed. 🚲 The E-Bike Divide: Why It Exists — And Why It Needs to Stop E-bikes exploded in popularity fast. And as with anything new, a small group of traditional cyclists pushed back. You’ve heard the comments: “E-bikes don’t count.” “They’re cheating.” “Real cyclists ...

Last updated: February 2026 Quick Take: If you’re riding after 60, modern bike tech isn’t “fancy”—it’s how you stay safer, more comfortable, and more confident. Disc brakes, tubeless tires, radar, and e-bikes have changed what’s possible for older riders. Bikes today are not the bikes I grew up riding. And honestly? I’m grateful for that. I’m in my 70s now, and I’ve felt firsthand how modern upgrades can keep you riding longer: better stopping power , fewer flats , less joint pain , and more confidence when traffic or hills get serious. If you’re getting started (or getting back into cycling), my cornerstone guide is here: Cycling for Seniors: Smart Tips for Riders Over 60 . The 5 Upgrades That Actually Matter After 60 If you’re coming from an older bike, these are the upgrades that actually change your day-to-day riding: Hydraulic disc brakes — safer stopping in rain, grit, and long descents. Tubeless tires — fewer flats and a smoother...

Electric bikes, also known as e-bikes, have surged in popularity—especially among seniors who may struggle with hills or longer distances due to mobility or stamina limitations. While many riders are embracing the benefits, others question whether e-bikes belong in the world of “real” cycling. So, are e-bikes cheating? Or are they the future of inclusive cycling? Let’s explore both sides of the debate—and take a closer look at how e-bikes can empower seniors to stay active and independent. Arguments Against Electric Bikes Some traditional cyclists argue that e-bikes are a form of cheating , as they provide motorized assistance that makes climbing hills or maintaining speed easier. There’s concern that e-bikes undermine the physical challenge that defines cycling and that they blur the line between bicycles and motor vehicles. Others worry that e-bikes will create trail conflicts or increase accidents due to higher average speeds. In short, some purists believe that e-bikes erod...