The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

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 1. Dehydration Cycling makes you sweat—a lot. If you’re not replacing lost fluids, you may end up dehydrated, and dehydration is a leading cause of post-ride headaches. This is especially true in hot weather or during longer rides where water intake is often neglected. 2. Muscle Tension Long rides require sustained effort from your legs, back, and core. If you're pushing harder than your fitness level supports—or h...

Bicycles are a great way to get around, and they're also good for the environment. But how much of a bicycle is actually made from recycled materials? The answer depends on the bike. Some bikes are made from 100% recycled materials, while others use a mix of virgin and recycled materials. And still others use very little recycled material at all. One of the most recycled materials used in bicycles is aluminum. Aluminum frames and components are very lightweight and durable, and they can be recycled over and over again. In fact, about 70% of all aluminum ever produced is still in use today. Another common recycled material used in bicycles is steel. Steel is also very strong and durable, and it can be recycled many times. However, steel is heavier than aluminum, so it's not as commonly used in high-performance bicycles. In addition to aluminum and steel, other recycled materials that can be used in bicycles include plastic, rubber, and even carbon fiber. Plastic is used in a var...

Cycling is a low-impact exercise that is easy on the joints, but it can still cause foot pain. This is especially true if you are new to cycling or if you are riding long distances. I take care of my feet and do not have many problems with foot pain. The times I have had foot pain revolve around days that I am on the bike for anywhere from 75 to 100+ miles.  The bottom of my feet start feeling hot and raw.  I have found the best solution for that is to just take a break when it gets to be too much for me.  There are a number of factors that can contribute to foot pain in cyclists, including: Improper bike fit: A bike that is not fitted properly can put excessive stress on your feet and ankles. Ill-fitting shoes: Cycling shoes should be snug but not too tight. They should also have good arch support. Cleat placement: The cleats on your cycling shoes should be positioned correctly to avoid putting too much pressure on certain parts of your feet. Overuse: Cycling can...

How often should I clean my bicycle, even if I'm not the best at it? I'm not the best at keeping my bicycle as clean as I should, but I do try to keep my chain clean and lubed. I know that this is important for extending the lifespan of my components and improving shifting performance, so I make an effort to do it at least once a week. Of course, if I could clean my bike more often, I would. But I'm a busy person, and it's not always easy to find the time. So, I've learned to be realistic about how often I can clean my bike, and I focus on the most important things, like the chain and drivetrain. If you're like me and you're not the best at keeping your bike clean, here's a tip: don't worry about cleaning the whole bike every time. Just focus on the most important parts, like the chain and drivetrain. Even a few minutes of cleaning can make a big difference in the lifespan and performance of your components. Here are some additional t...