The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Last Updated: February 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 t...

Updated on July 18, 2026 🚴‍♂️ Quick Tip: Neck pain can ruin your ride before it even begins. A good night’s sleep—with proper neck support—might be the most important part of your training plan. How One Pillow Fixed My Neck Pain—and Saved My Rides For months, I’d wake up every morning with neck pain that didn’t just fade—it followed me onto the bike. No matter how well I ate, how consistent my rides were, or how carefully I warmed up, the pain was always there. And when your neck hurts on every ride, it messes with everything: your form, your breathing, your focus, and your mood. I thought it was just part of getting older or riding so much. But then I started reading about how your sleeping position—and especially your pillow—can cause or worsen cervical pain. I figured it was worth a shot. 🎯 The Pillow That Changed Everything After reading reviews, I ordered this ergonomic cervical neck pillow made by DONAMA. It looked strange—almost like a flower—but it had ove...

Last Updated: May 2026 Quick Answer Thicker liners usually win for all-day comfort and rough roads, while thinner liners feel cooler, less bulky, and more “natural” for many experienced riders. The best choice depends on your ride length, heat, saddle fit, and what your body tolerates best. If you ride often, you already know the truth: cycling comfort isn’t just about the bike — it’s about the gear touching your body for hours at a time. And cycling shorts are near the top of that list. One debate that never dies is the chamois (liner/pad) question: are thicker or thinner liners better? Let’s break down the pros and cons in plain language so you can choose what actually works for your rides. Why Some Riders Prefer Thicker Liners ✅ Extra cushioning for long rides Thicker liners add more padding where it counts. If you spend hours in the saddle — especially touring or riding long steady miles — extra cushion can reduce soreness and keep you...

By Bruce | The Old Guy Bicycle Blog If you’ve been following this blog for a while, you’ve probably seen me mention the Przewalski Men's Cycling Bib Shorts once or twice. Well, there’s a reason for that. After years of cycling in all kinds of gear, these shorts are the ones I keep going back to. They’re affordable, comfortable, built to last — and honestly, one of the best pieces of cycling gear I’ve ever bought. Since I keep talking about them, I figured it was time to give them their own post — and share a link in case you want to check them out. Quick note: This is an affiliate link, which means if you make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s a simple way to support this blog. Thank you! 🚴 What I Love About These Bib Shorts Incredible Comfort: The bib design stays in place and never rides up. The fabric is soft, stretchy, and breathable. And the chamois pad? It’s perfect — just the right amount of cushion without bulk. Dura...

Cyclists and Socks: Do You Really Need “Cycling Socks”? Quick Answer: No — cyclists do not have to wear special cycling socks. What matters most is comfort, moisture-wicking material, a snug fit, and socks that work well inside cycling shoes. Many riders like traditional crew-height cycling socks, but others do just fine in athletic socks, compression socks, or merino wool socks. If you go to a cycling event, you’ll notice something pretty quickly. A whole lot of cyclists are wearing almost the exact same socks. Tall crew socks. Usually white. Sometimes black. Often with a cycling brand name on the side. After a while, it can start to feel like there is some unwritten rule that cyclists are supposed to wear a certain kind of sock. I’ve ridden more than 155,000 miles , and I’ll tell you honestly: I’ve never felt the need to follow that rule. I tend to march to the beat of a different drummer. The Socks I Actually Ride In Instead of traditional cycling socks, I often r...

🚴 Real Advice from the Road: I’ve ridden tens of thousands of miles — and wearing cycling shorts the wrong way can ruin your ride fast. Here’s how to do it right. How to Wear Cycling Shorts Properly (So They Actually Work) Cycling shorts are one of the best upgrades a cyclist can make — but only if they’re worn properly. Done right, they reduce chafing, wick sweat, and make long rides significantly more comfortable. Done wrong, they can cause more pain than they prevent. Whether you’re just getting into cycling or looking to improve your comfort on longer rides, this guide covers everything you need to know about wearing cycling shorts correctly. 📏 1. Choose the Right Size Fit is everything. Cycling shorts should be snug but not constricting. Too loose, and they’ll bunch up and chafe. Too tight, and they’ll cut into your thighs or waist. Always check the brand’s size chart before ordering — sizing varies between manufacturers. 🩳 2. Pick the Right Style: B...

Last Updated: May 2026 Quick Take: After more than 155,000 miles on the road, I’ve learned this: the best cycling accessories aren’t the flashy ones—they’re the ones that keep you safe, comfortable, and riding longer. If you only start with a few, make it a helmet, lights, and a mirror. Cycling is one of the best things you can do for your health, your mindset, and your sense of freedom. But here’s the truth most people don’t talk about: 👉 The right accessories don’t just make your ride better—they can keep you from getting hurt, stranded, or miserable. After more than 155,000 miles riding everything from quiet roads to traffic-heavy routes, these are the accessories I trust and actually use. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. 🚴 The Cycling Accessories I Actually Use (And Trust) 1. Helmet Your helmet is your most important piece of gear. No debate. I wear the Giro Fixture MIPS II Helmet , but there are...

  Cycling is a fantastic way to stay fit, clear your mind, and enjoy the great outdoors. But let’s be honest—after a long ride, your legs might feel strong, but your rear end can feel like it took the brunt of the punishment. If you’ve ever winced when sitting down the day after a ride, you’re not alone. Soreness "down there" is a rite of passage for many new (and even experienced) cyclists. Fortunately, you don’t have to suffer through it. There are some practical, tried-and-true ways to stay comfortable in the saddle—and I’ve used them all. 1. Get the Right Bike Seat Your bike saddle is one of the most important components when it comes to comfort. Don’t make the mistake of thinking more padding automatically means a better ride. A good saddle should be firm, supportive, and the right shape for your sit bones . Bike shops can help you measure your sit bone width to match the saddle. Some riders prefer cutouts to reduce pressure, and others benefit from a flatter or narr...

Last Updated:  May 30, 2026 — I ride over 140 miles almost every week and only recommend gear that actually works on real roads. Quick Take: Cycling after 70 does not require flashy gadgets. It requires accessories that improve comfort , visibility , and confidence . These 10 upgrades are the ones that actually make riding easier and safer for older cyclists. The small upgrades that make the biggest difference for older riders. 🚴 For Riders Over 70, by a Rider Over 70: Cycling is not just about the bike. It is the small upgrades that make rides safer, more comfortable, and honestly… more enjoyable. I’m a 70-year-old long-distance cyclist with over 155,000 miles on real roads. I’ve wasted money on gear that looked useful but was not. I’ve also found a handful of accessories that make a very real difference once you start paying attention to comfort, visibility, and confidence. If you only buy one thing from this list, make it a mirror. It...