The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Modern Bicycle Innovations That Changed the Way We Ride Bicycles have come a long way since the days of steel frames, rim brakes, and clunky shifting. In the past few decades, we’ve seen a surge in technology and engineering that has dramatically changed what bikes can do—and how much we enjoy riding them. As someone who’s been cycling for years, I’ve personally experienced the difference that some of these innovations can make. Some I now consider essential. Here are just a few modern advancements that have transformed cycling as we know it. 🚴‍♂️ Disc Brakes Let’s start with one of the biggest game-changers in recent history: disc brakes . Traditional rim brakes were fine in dry conditions, but they struggled in the rain or mud. Once I tried disc brakes, I never looked back. The stopping power is consistent and reliable—no matter the weather. I wouldn’t ride without them now. 🚴‍♀️ Carbon Fiber Frames Carbon fiber has become the go-to material for high-performance bikes. It’...

Welcome to what may become a recurring series: The Weird World of Bikes . Over the years, I’ve seen a lot of quirky inventions in the cycling world—but few are as strange, simple, and oddly charming as the Bicymple . I never did follow through with a full series before, but since this post has gained traction on Google, it’s time to give it a proper refresh. Let’s dive back in. What Exactly Is the Bicymple? The name says it all— Bicycle + Simple = Bicymple. This unusual bike ditches the chain entirely and runs on a direct-drive system, meaning the pedals are mounted directly over the rear wheel, powering it without the usual tangle of gears and derailleur. No chain means no grease, no gear maintenance, and no derailleur issues. It’s simplicity in motion. At first glance, the Bicymple looks like something you’d sketch in a notebook during a boring meeting: a small front wheel, a larger rear wheel, and pedals positioned directly above that rear wheel. The upright riding posture, s...