The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Updated August 5, 2025 Quick Take: After a precancerous skin scare, I started wearing these UV arm sleeves on every ride. They're cool, comfortable, and have become essential gear in my long-distance cycling setup. These Arm Sleeves May Have Saved My Skin I’ve spent thousands of hours on the bike in the sun. Like many cyclists, I didn’t give much thought to sun exposure—until recently. My wife encouraged me to go to a free skin check clinic. That visit may have changed my life. The doctor found a suspicious spot on my arm. A follow-up with a dermatologist confirmed it was precancerous and could develop into something more serious if left untreated. That was my wake-up call. The dermatologist told me two things: wear sunscreen and cover up when I ride. I tried, but sunscreen on hairy arms was sticky, messy, and didn’t last long in the Texas heat. That’s when I found these: OutdoorEssentials UV Sun Protection Arm Sleeves . I ordered a set, wore them on a ride, and hav...

Update August 5, 2025 Quick Answer: Yes, a 70-year-old can absolutely ride a bike! Cycling is one of the best low-impact exercises for seniors, offering heart health, joint support, mental clarity, and a renewed sense of freedom. Should a 70-Year-Old Ride a Bike? Cycling is one of the best exercises for seniors over 70—and yes, that includes you. It’s low-impact, easy on the joints, and adaptable to your pace and fitness goals. Whether you’re riding around your neighborhood or training for something bigger, the benefits are real and long-lasting. As someone who’s been cycling for decades—and rode 962 miles across Texas at age 65—I’m now training for a ride from Canada to Mexico at 70. And I feel better than ever. 🚴‍♂️ Benefits of Cycling for Seniors Over 70 Boosts Heart Health: Cycling raises your heart rate safely, improving circulation, lowering blood pressure, and reducing stroke risk. Supports Joint and Bone Health: Low-impact pedaling protects joints while maintai...

Updated August 3, 2025 Thinking about going tubeless for your touring bike? Here’s what I’ve learned after thousands of miles — the good, the bad, and the gear I trust to make it work. By Bruce | The Old Guy Bicycle Blog As an avid cyclist who’s been touring for many years, I’ve experimented with just about every piece of gear you can imagine.  These are the bib shorts I trust now —comfortable enough for 60+ mile days and built to last.  But few changes have had a bigger impact on my riding experience than switching to tubeless tires. 🛞 Fewer Flats, More Fun Since switching to tubeless tires, the number of flats I’ve had has dropped dramatically. I used to carry multiple spare tubes and a patch kit everywhere I went—now I rarely worry about punctures at all. The sealant inside tubeless tires works quickly to plug small holes as they happen, which has saved me from countless roadside repairs and kept my rides rolling. I use Stan’s NoTubes Tire Sealant and have for ye...