The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

🧰 Updated Gear Guide Available: For my full 2025 cycling gear checklist and favorites, click here . Cycling Gloves: An Essential Piece of Gear for Every Rider Whether you're a casual commuter, weekend warrior, or seasoned road cyclist, one thing holds true: cycling gloves are more than just an accessory — they're a critical part of your gear. Designed for grip, comfort, and protection, the right gloves can make a big difference on every ride. Benefits of Cycling Gloves 1. Better Grip Cycling gloves improve grip on the handlebars, especially in wet or sweaty conditions. Most have textured or silicone-coated palms that help increase friction, keeping your hands firmly in place and improving bike control — even during sudden movements or rough terrain. 2. Enhanced Comfort Padded cycling gloves reduce vibration from the road or trail, protecting your hands from numbness and fatigue. Padding materials vary — gel, foam, and silicone are common. More rugged gloves for mountain bikin...

Cycling is a fantastic way to stay active, reduce your carbon footprint, and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just getting started, having the right bike accessories can transform your ride into something safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable. While most of these items can be found at local bike shops, which I recommend for their expertise, you’ll often find better prices online. Either way, here are my top recommendations: 1. Helmet Your helmet is your most important accessory. It protects your head in a fall and should fit perfectly. I always suggest buying this locally so you can get help with sizing and fit. 2. Bike Lights Front and rear lights are essential when riding in low-light conditions. I prefer lights that blink for added visibility—especially during sunset or dawn. A rechargeable set with multiple modes is ideal. 3. Bike Lock Theft is real. A lock won’t stop every thief, but it deters most. I use a chain lock on long tours becaus...

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...