The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Last updated: January 7, 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: Dire...

When Budget Cycling Gear Works — and When It Can Put You at Risk Last updated: August 26, 2025 Quick Answer: Some cycling gear is perfectly fine at the budget level — like bottles, cages, and even shorts for casual rides. But when it comes to helmets, long-distance shorts, powerful lights, or anything tied directly to your safety, premium is the only smart choice. Every rider faces the same dilemma: do you save money with budget gear or spend more for premium? I’ve logged over 150,000 miles on two wheels, and here’s my straight-up guide to where you can cut costs — and where you shouldn’t. ✅ Budget-Friendly Gear (Safe to Save On) Cycling Shorts (Short Rides): Fine for casual spins under 20–30 miles. For endurance, upgrade to premium bibs. Budget: See affordable padded shorts  - These are the shorts I wear. They are great but the padding is thinner than the premium ones. I am okay with that. Many cyclists are not. Premium Upgrade: See premium bib shorts...

🚴 Real Stories from the Road: I’ve ridden well over 155,000 miles — from desert highways to mountain passes — and visibility has saved me more times than I can count. This post isn’t theory. It’s lived experience. Be seen. Stay safe. Updated January 25, 2026 When you’re on a bike — especially early in the morning, late in the evening, or in busy traffic — being seen is everything. I’ve had my fair share of close calls: moments where a driver didn’t notice me until the last second. So I take visibility seriously. If you’re reading this, you probably do too. Quick Start (Visibility Upgrades I Trust) Front Light (the one I use) Rear Light (simple and effective) Garmin Varia (premium safety upgrade) As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 1. Wear Bright, High-Contrast Clothing Black may be sleek, but it’s not your friend on the road. Go for bright, high-visibility colors like neon yellow, orange, ...

Last Updated: August 31, 2025 Cycling & Air Pollution: Ride Smart, Breathe Easier Quick Answer: City riding exposes you to particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and ozone (O₃). The risk is real—but you can cut exposure fast by choosing back-street routes, avoiding rush hour, and using a proper PM filter mask on heavy-traffic stretches. Cycling lowers traffic and your carbon footprint, but it also puts you in the exhaust lane. I’m not here to scare you off the bike—just to help you ride smarter so you keep the fitness benefits without sucking down as much junk. What’s in the air that matters to cyclists? Particulate Matter (PM2.5/PM10): tiny particles that reach deep into the lungs and stress your cardiovascular system. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂): mostly from diesel; irritates airways and spikes along busy roads and intersections. Ozone (O₃): forms later in the day from other pollutants; can reduce lung function during hard...

How to Ride 100 Miles on a Bike: Mental & Physical Tips for Your First Century Ride Quick Answer: You can absolutely ride 100 miles — but not without training, strategy, and mental toughness. Break the ride into smaller chunks, fuel regularly, stay hydrated, and build mileage slowly in training. The right gear makes the difference between finishing strong and suffering through. Are you ready for a challenge? Riding 100 miles on a bicycle — often called a century ride — is no small feat. It’s a test of your endurance, mental toughness, and preparation. But here’s the good news: with the right mindset, gear, and training, finishing a century is within reach for almost any determined rider. 🚴 Mental & Physical Demands of a Century Ride Let’s be real: 100 miles is going to hurt . Fatigue, saddle discomfort, and doubts will creep in. That’s normal. The key is managing those challenges rather than letting them break you. Visualize success: Picture yourself finishing...

Last updated: August 30, 2025 Quick Answer: Most cycling headaches come from dehydration, muscle tension, and neck strain . The fastest fixes are better on-bike hydration (with electrolytes for longer rides), a dialed-in bike fit, posture and stretching, and pacing with short breaks. Cycling Headaches: Causes, Prevention, and Relief Tips I started getting headaches both during and after some of my longer rides. It concerned me enough to do some research—and what I found surprised me. I wasn’t drinking enough water. Once I started hydrating better during rides, the headaches stopped completely. Not everyone’s solution will be that simple, but many cyclists do experience headaches. If you love riding, it's frustrating when your favorite activity leaves you feeling miserable. Here's what I've learned about the most common causes—and how to fix them. 🚴‍♂️ Common Causes of Headaches After Cycling Dehydration. Cycling makes you sweat—...