The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Last Updated: August 21, 2026 Quick Answer: Riders often forget small but critical cycling essentials — until they’re stranded without them. These budget-friendly items can save your ride, your time, and sometimes your skin. Top Ride-Saving Picks (My Personal Kit): Best Overall: Chain Quick Link Most Overlooked: Reflective Ankle Bands  for low-light cycling Ride-Saver: CO₂ Inflator I’ve ridden more than 155,000 miles, including multi-day tours in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana. I’ve had chains snap, tires explode, lights fail, and chafing so bad it felt like fire. After decades on the road, I’ve learned this uncomfortable truth: It’s not the expensive gear that saves a ride — it’s the small items riders forget. Here are the essentials that keep me rolling as a 70-year-old long-distance cyclist. 1. Chain Quick Link + Multi-Tool with Chain Breaker Nothing ruins a day faster than a snapped chain miles fr...

Last updated November 15, 2025 Let’s Talk About That Sore Butt Let me say this upfront:  Listen to your body — discomfort is feedback that something needs adjusting. I’ve logged thousands of miles — and yes, I’ve had rides where I could barely sit down. But I’ve also found what works. If you're an avid cyclist, you've probably experienced that uncomfortable soreness in your backside after a long ride. A sore butt from cycling — commonly known as saddle sores — is one of the most frequent complaints among new and experienced riders alike. Quick Answer: Cycling soreness happens when pressure, friction, and moisture irritate your sit bones and soft tissue. The fix? Get a proper bike fit, wear quality padded shorts, pick a saddle that matches your anatomy, use chamois cream, and stand or shift often during long rides. My quick comfort trio: these three keep me riding pain-free. Comfort saddle with memory foam padding — supports the sit bones without bulk...

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...