The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Last Updated: August 21, 2026 Quick Take: Cycling gloves wear out faster than almost any other piece of gear I own. After decades of riding, I’ve learned that budget gloves often perform just as well as expensive ones — and they wear out at about the same rate. I’ve ridden more than 155,000 road miles. Over the years I’ve owned premium cycling gloves and budget pairs. And here’s what surprised me: They wore out in about the same amount of time. That realization changed how I buy gloves forever. Why Cycling Gloves Wear Out So Fast The palm of your glove absorbs: Constant road vibration Brake pressure and grip force Sweat and salt Friction against bar tape Impact in the event of a fall That contact area gets worked every single mile. Helmets last years. Shoes last seasons. Bib shorts rotate. Gloves? If you ride consistently, one year is normal. The Gloves I Actually Wear 🔥 My Current Pair (Budget, Proven) HTZPLOO Cycling Gloves These are...

Last updated: February 2026 Quick Take: I personally ride a Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT and love it — but a lot of riders don’t want to spend $350 on a bike computer. This post explains why I keep getting asked about a $100 alternative, and why the COOSPO CS600 is the one that comes up most often. I’ve been riding long enough to know two things can be true at the same time: Some gear is absolutely worth paying premium prices for. Not everyone wants — or needs — to spend that kind of money. I fall firmly into the first camp. I personally ride a Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT . It’s about $350, and for me, it’s worth every dollar. It’s simple, reliable, easy to read, and it has never let me down. But here’s the reality. Why I’m Writing About This at All A lot of people contact me. Emails. Comments. Messages. And the question usually sounds something like this: “I want a real bike computer — with navigation — but I just can’t justify spending $350.” That’s a fair concern. N...

Updated August 21, 2026 Quick Take: You don't need expensive gear to ride safely and comfortably. These are the budget items I actually use on my long-distance rides — durable, affordable, and truly worth the money. People waste a fortune on cycling gear they don’t need. After 150,000+ miles on the bike, I’ve learned that budget gear can be just as good — as long as you pick the right stuff. Here are the best low-cost items I trust on every ride. 1. Budget Rearview Mirror The Take-A-Look mirror is still the most important cheap piece of gear I own. It has saved my life more than once — including the time a distracted driver drifted into the bike lane and I bailed just in time. Budget Pick: Take-A-Look Rearview Mirror Small, light, durable, and works with glasses or helmet straps. I wear mine every ride. 2. Budget Headlight & Taillight Set You don’t need a $200 lighting setup. A reliable, rechargeable light set under $30 can make you visible day or ...