The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Updated: February 24, 2026 That photo ? That’s me — taken the day before writing this post, during a 93-degree ride in Lubbock . I’m wearing my cooling leg sleeves , which I now wear on every ride, no matter the distance or temperature. But it wasn’t always that way. 🌞 I Didn't Take Sun Damage Seriously — Until I Had To For most of my riding life, I never thought much about sun protection. I’ve logged tens of thousands of miles across the Southwest and rarely wore sunscreen. My wife, who’s dealt with skin cancer herself, couldn't believe I rode like that. She kept encouraging me to go to a free skin clinic. I eventually gave in. At the clinic, they found a suspicious spot on my leg. I followed up with a dermatologist the very next day — and thanks to a cancellation, I got right in. The doctor burned off the spot and told me to keep an eye on it. That’s when I started using sunscreen more seriously — arms, legs, face, everything. Here's a post called A Wake-Up Call on Two...

Last Updated:  May 2026 Quick Take: Most riders underestimate what bare hands absorb over thousands of miles — vibration, pressure, sweat, and impact. After decades on the bike, I won’t ride without gloves anymore. They’re not comfort gear — they’re hand-preservation gear . Cycling Gloves: An Essential Piece of Gear for Every Rider Whether you're a commuter, weekend warrior, or long-distance rider like me, cycling gloves are one of those “small” gear choices that quietly change everything. They improve control, reduce fatigue, protect your palms in a fall, and help you keep riding comfortably year after year. Real-World Note from a 70-Year-Old Cyclist: I’ve ridden long enough to see what constant road vibration does to hands over time — numb fingers, tingling at night, reduced grip strength. Most of it doesn’t show up fast. It sneaks up later. Gloves are one of the cheapest ways to protect something you rely on every second you’r...

Last Updated: May 2026 Quick Take: After more than 155,000 miles on the road, I’ve learned this: the best cycling accessories aren’t the flashy ones—they’re the ones that keep you safe, comfortable, and riding longer. If you only start with a few, make it a helmet, lights, and a mirror. Cycling is one of the best things you can do for your health, your mindset, and your sense of freedom. But here’s the truth most people don’t talk about: 👉 The right accessories don’t just make your ride better—they can keep you from getting hurt, stranded, or miserable. After more than 155,000 miles riding everything from quiet roads to traffic-heavy routes, these are the accessories I trust and actually use. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. 🚴 The Cycling Accessories I Actually Use (And Trust) 1. Helmet Your helmet is your most important piece of gear. No debate. I wear the Giro Fixture MIPS II Helmet , but there are...