The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

A new acquaintance picked me up and was driving us somewhere when he noticed a cyclist ahead. The cyclist was following the rules and wearing a vibrant jersey. My acquaintance made a remark expressing his dislike for cyclists, claiming they are all pretentious individuals who crave attention and admiration. He even suggested that maybe he should hit the cyclist just to make him aware of his presence. In response, I disclosed that I am also a cyclist, but I don't seek validation from others for my actions. However, I do sincerely hope that drivers notice me on the road. I explained that cyclists wear bright colors as a defensive measure because if drivers fail to see us, the risk of accidents significantly increases. Unfortunately, I never got to understand the exact reason for my acquaintance's animosity towards cyclists. Nevertheless, my intention was to make him realize the dangers cyclists face on the road. I comprehend that some people despise us simply because we choose to...

If you’re planning a multi-day tour, you already know how important it is to have a reliable bike. When you're 40 miles from the nearest town and something goes wrong, it’s not just an inconvenience — it can be a real problem. After riding thousands of miles across the country, I can tell you this: a dependable bicycle isn’t a luxury. It’s essential. Let me share a personal story. In early 2020, I was out on a training ride when the chainstay on my steel-framed Specialized AWOL cracked. Thankfully, Specialized offers a lifetime warranty on their frames. I took it to my local dealer, and just days later, I was rolling out on a brand-new Specialized Diverge. The best part? It didn’t cost me a dime. That Diverge would go on to carry me 962 miles across Texas during the summer heat of 2020 — without a single mechanical issue. I have put in over 20,000 miles on that bicycle and will probably double that mileage before thinking about getting a replacement. While I still prefer the fe...