The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Last updated: May 17, 2026 Quickest Answer: If you only pedal around the neighborhood, your phone is fine to record the ride. For anything longer, hotter, hillier, or navigated? Use a dedicated GPS bike computer. The #1 reason: phones shut down on the handlebars from heat; bike computers are built to run there all day. I’ve been riding long distances for decades. I’ve cooked phones, drained batteries, lost GPS in the middle of nowhere, and had rides where everything went right only because my bike computer stayed rock-solid while my phone tapped out. Here’s the blunt truth from a 70-year-old cyclist: if you’re just looping the neighborhood, sure — your phone is enough. But once you add heat, distance, sun, hills, or navigation, your phone becomes the weak link. A dedicated GPS bike computer becomes the thing that keeps the day on track. Why a Phone on the Bars Is a Bad Idea for Long Rides Overheating & shutdowns: Direct ...

Updated March 7, 2026 Quick Answer: Yes, cyclists can ride while taking beta blockers, but these medications limit heart rate and can cause sudden fatigue, dizziness, and reduced endurance. Many riders feel like they “hit the wall” earlier than usual. If you experience this, speak with your doctor and pay close attention to hydration, pacing, and effort during rides. Cycling on Beta Blockers: What I Learned the Hard Way After riding more than 155,000 miles , I’ve learned that many things affect cycling performance — training, nutrition, hydration, weather, and sometimes something riders rarely think about: medications. Many years ago, I was prescribed beta blockers for high blood pressure. I kept riding like normal and didn’t think much about it. But something started happening on longer rides. I would feel fine for the first part of the ride, and then suddenly it felt like someone flipped a switch. My energy vanished. My legs felt heavy. The ride home became mis...