The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Cycling for Obese Beginners: How I Lost 80 Pounds and Found Freedom on Two Wheels Let me start by saying this: you don’t have to be skinny, fast, or fit to ride a bike . When I began cycling, I weighed 275 pounds. I was obese, out of shape, and winded just making it around the block. Today, I weigh 194 pounds. I can ride for hours, tackle big hills, and even take on multi-day bike tours. But that transformation didn’t happen overnight—and it didn’t happen by accident. It happened one ride and one small change at a time. That First Ride: A Humble Beginning I still remember the first time I got back on a bike. I thought it would be easy—after all, you never forget how to ride, right? But my body had a different plan. I struggled. My legs ached. My lungs burned. I was embarrassed at how hard it was. But I went out again the next day. And then again the next week. Each time, I made it just a little farther. I wasn’t fast, but I was moving. And that’s all that mattered. Cycling as an Obese ...

Last Updated: August 8, 2026 Quick Take:  If I had to start over tomorrow, the first cycling gear I’d replace would be my helmet, padded shorts, gloves, hydration setup, lights, and flat repair kit. Fancy gear is optional. Comfort and safety are not. Whether you're just starting out or already have thousands of miles under your tires, one truth becomes clear pretty quickly: the right gear makes a difference. I’ve tested, broken, lost, replaced, and fine-tuned just about every piece of cycling gear imaginable. Some things are nice to have. A few things are absolutely not optional. If you are wondering what cycling gear actually matters most, this is the list I would build first. What Cycling Gear Matters Most? You do not need to spend a fortune to ride comfortably and safely. But you do need the basics dialed in. These are the pieces of cycling gear that make the biggest difference in: Safety Comfort Confidence Ride quality If I ...

Last Updated: October 22, 2025 Quick Answer: Kids need bicycles for confidence, independence, and fitness—but safety matters. A properly fitted helmet, adult guidance, and fun family rides create lifelong cyclists. Why Kids Still Need Bicycles—And Helmets That Actually Protect Them I still remember the feeling. That first taste of freedom. The wind in my face, the rattle of the chain, the creak of my little single-speed bike as I pedaled down the block like I was flying. Riding a bike as a kid wasn’t just fun—it was independence. That feeling is one of the biggest reasons cycling became such an important part of my life. It gave me confidence. It gave me joy. And it taught me how to move through the world on my own terms. But I look around today, and I don’t see nearly as many kids on bikes. Neighborhoods that used to echo with squeals of laughter and the hum of tires are quiet now. Screens, schedules, and safety concerns have taken over. The world has changed. The ...

Updated January 18, 2026 Quick Take: Cycling is simple, but staying safe, respected, and strong takes a few non-negotiable rules. Here are 10 every rider should know. After riding more than 150,000 miles, I’ve picked up a few lessons the hard way. Some came from near misses in traffic, others from my own mistakes. I can tell you this: these rules aren’t written by a cycling committee. They’re written on the road, in sweat and sometimes blood. Take them seriously, and you’ll ride longer, safer, and with a little more joy. 🚴 10 Rules of Cycling Never wear cycling shorts off the bike. They’re functional, not fashion. Put them on to ride, take them off when you’re done. Helmet is not optional. If your head hits pavement, that extra protection is worth every dollar. Obey traffic laws (even if drivers don’t). Stop signs, lights, hand signals — following the rules keeps you alive and gives drivers fewer excuses. Respect the weather. Wind, heat, cold, and storms do...

Last Updated:  May 2026 — minor edits. Quick Answer: Don’t cheap out on your helmet. Pay the extra $25–$30 for a model with rotational protection (MIPS or equivalent). If your head ever hits the pavement, that’s the upgrade you’ll be grateful for. That's me at the start line of the Hotter'N Hell 100 in Wichita Falls,  Texas in August 2025 Wearing my Giro Fixture MIPS II Helmet   A good fit + MIPS: the combo that actually matters. Why MIPS (or similar) isn’t optional Crash energy doesn’t just hit straight on—it twists. That rotational force is what MIPS-type systems are designed to reduce. I’ve ridden long enough to see the aftermath of head knocks. When it’s your brain on the line, the “extra” money isn’t extra—it’s insurance. Rotational protection: A low-friction layer that lets the helmet shell move slightly on impact. Real-world logic: Most falls aren’t perfectly vertical; they’re angled, with a slide or twist. Senior reality: Bo...

Cycling glossary for seniors—simple bike parts and riding terms explained so you can ride confidently and enjoy the road. cycling tips, beginner cycling, senior cycling, bicycle glossary 📘 Last Updated: August 20, 2025 — Complete glossary guide with fresh edits for clarity. Quick Answer: Cycling lingo doesn’t have to be intimidating. Learn the basic bike parts and terms like cadence, shifting, and drafting so you can ride confidently and keep up in conversations with fellow cyclists. Cycling Glossary for Seniors: Learn the Lingo and Ride with Confidence Cycling is one of the best ways for seniors to stay active, boost cardiovascular health, and enjoy the outdoors. But if you're new, the unfamiliar cycling terms other riders use can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry—this glossary is written in plain language, especially for seniors and beginners. By learning the basics, you’ll feel more confident on the bike and in group rides. 🚲 Bike Parts Every Senior Cyclist...

Last updated: June 2026 Quick Answer: Some cycling gear is perfectly fine at the budget level — like bottles, cages, gloves, and basic shorts. But when your comfort, visibility, or safety is on the line, cheap gear can become expensive fast. After more than 155,000 miles on the bike, here’s where I believe saving money makes sense — and where it absolutely doesn’t. Every cyclist eventually faces the same question: Should you buy the budget version… or spend extra for premium? After more than 150,000 miles of riding, I’ve learned this: some cycling gear works surprisingly well at the budget level. Other gear? Going cheap can hurt your comfort, ruin long rides, or flat-out put you at risk. This isn’t about being a gear snob. I’m actually pretty practical with money. But experience teaches you where saving money is smart — and where it isn’t. ✅ Budget-Friendly Gear (Usually Safe to Save On) Cycling Shorts (Short Rides): Budget shorts are usually fine for c...