The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

If you’re planning a multi-day tour, you already know how important it is to have a reliable bike. When you're 40 miles from the nearest town and something goes wrong, it’s not just an inconvenience — it can be a real problem. After riding thousands of miles across the country, I can tell you this: a dependable bicycle isn’t a luxury. It’s essential. Let me share a personal story. In early 2020, I was out on a training ride when the chainstay on my steel-framed Specialized AWOL cracked. Thankfully, Specialized offers a lifetime warranty on their frames. I took it to my local dealer, and just days later, I was rolling out on a brand-new Specialized Diverge. The best part? It didn’t cost me a dime. That Diverge would go on to carry me 962 miles across Texas during the summer heat of 2020 — without a single mechanical issue. I have put in over 20,000 miles on that bicycle and will probably double that mileage before thinking about getting a replacement. While I still prefer the fe...

It might sound ironic, but at 69, I believe I'm a better cyclist now than I was 20 or 30 years ago. No, I don’t ride as fast as I once did, and my days of chasing personal records are behind me. But I’m more proficient — smarter, more efficient, and more in tune with the rhythm of the road. As a touring cyclist, I value endurance over speed. And thanks to years of experience, I can now ride longer distances with less struggle than I could in my younger days. So, does cycling change as you age? Absolutely. But not all of those changes are negative. 🧓 The Physical Realities of Aging Let’s be honest — aging does bring challenges. Our bodies change in ways that can affect performance, comfort, and safety on the bike. Some of the most common changes include: Muscle loss , making it harder to generate power Joint stiffness , which can impact comfort and mobility Cardiovascular decline , reducing stamina at higher intensities Diminished balance and coordination , which can af...