The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Updated October 3, 2025 🚴‍♂️ Quick Answer: Bib shorts are usually more comfortable than regular shorts because there’s no waistband digging in, the straps keep the chamois (padding) perfectly positioned, and the fit reduces rubbing on long rides. Padded cycling shorts—bib or not—protect soft tissue, spread pressure, and cut down on saddle sores. If you’ve only ridden in regular shorts, bib shorts feel like cheating. No waistband biting when you lean forward, the straps keep everything locked, and the chamois stays exactly where it should for hours. That’s “The Good.” But there’s “The Bad” (price and lifespan) and “The Ugly” (the bathroom dance and the look in a gas-station mirror). Let’s walk it through and then I’ll show three solid picks— Budget , Mid-Range (what I wear), and Premium . The Good: Why Bib Shorts Are Simply More Comfortable No waistband pain. With bibs, there’s nothing squeezing your stomach when you’re in the drops or grinding uphill. Sta...

Last Updated: December 25, 2025 The best cycling bib shorts for long rides offer a mix of comfort, fit, value, and support—especially for senior riders. Here are the top bib shorts worth considering. Quick Answer: The top ratef cycling bib shorts for long rides combine comfort, fit, and long-distance support. Top choices include the Assos Mille GT C2, Pearl Izumi Attack, Velocio LUXE, Castelli Espresso, and SUGOi Evolution. These options offer a range of budgets and comfort levels suitable for everyday riders and seniors who want to stay comfortable in the saddle. Top Rated Cycling Bib Shorts for Long Rides (Chosen for Comfort, Value & Senior Riders) When you reach a certain age—and especially when you’re riding thousands of miles a year—comfort becomes non-negotiable. A good pair of bib shorts won’t make you faster, but they will keep you riding longer, reduce pressure points, and prevent the chafing or saddle discomfort that can derail a ride. This guide...

Last updated November 15, 2025 Let’s Talk About That Sore Butt Let me say this upfront:  Listen to your body — discomfort is feedback that something needs adjusting. I’ve logged thousands of miles — and yes, I’ve had rides where I could barely sit down. But I’ve also found what works. If you're an avid cyclist, you've probably experienced that uncomfortable soreness in your backside after a long ride. A sore butt from cycling — commonly known as saddle sores — is one of the most frequent complaints among new and experienced riders alike. Quick Answer: Cycling soreness happens when pressure, friction, and moisture irritate your sit bones and soft tissue. The fix? Get a proper bike fit, wear quality padded shorts, pick a saddle that matches your anatomy, use chamois cream, and stand or shift often during long rides. My quick comfort trio: these three keep me riding pain-free. Comfort saddle with memory foam padding — supports the sit bones without bulk...

Last Updated: May 2026 Quick Answer Thicker liners usually win for all-day comfort and rough roads, while thinner liners feel cooler, less bulky, and more “natural” for many experienced riders. The best choice depends on your ride length, heat, saddle fit, and what your body tolerates best. If you ride often, you already know the truth: cycling comfort isn’t just about the bike — it’s about the gear touching your body for hours at a time. And cycling shorts are near the top of that list. One debate that never dies is the chamois (liner/pad) question: are thicker or thinner liners better? Let’s break down the pros and cons in plain language so you can choose what actually works for your rides. Why Some Riders Prefer Thicker Liners ✅ Extra cushioning for long rides Thicker liners add more padding where it counts. If you spend hours in the saddle — especially touring or riding long steady miles — extra cushion can reduce soreness and keep you...

🚴 Real Advice from the Road: I’ve ridden tens of thousands of miles — and wearing cycling shorts the wrong way can ruin your ride fast. Here’s how to do it right. How to Wear Cycling Shorts Properly (So They Actually Work) Cycling shorts are one of the best upgrades a cyclist can make — but only if they’re worn properly. Done right, they reduce chafing, wick sweat, and make long rides significantly more comfortable. Done wrong, they can cause more pain than they prevent. Whether you’re just getting into cycling or looking to improve your comfort on longer rides, this guide covers everything you need to know about wearing cycling shorts correctly. 📏 1. Choose the Right Size Fit is everything. Cycling shorts should be snug but not constricting. Too loose, and they’ll bunch up and chafe. Too tight, and they’ll cut into your thighs or waist. Always check the brand’s size chart before ordering — sizing varies between manufacturers. 🩳 2. Pick the Right Style: B...

Updated July 6, 2026 If you ride long distances — especially back-to-back days — you’ve probably dealt with it: that uncomfortable soreness “back there” that creeps in no matter how good your bike fit or padded shorts are. I’ve been riding for decades, and while I’ve learned to prevent most issues, every now and then the miles catch up with me. That’s when I reach for this: Yes, that’s my actual stick sitting in our medicine cabinet. It’s called the Chamois Butt’r Solid Anti-Chafing Stick , and let me tell you — it works. I’ve used all sorts of chamois creams and lotions over the years, but this is the only product I consistently go back to when things get sore. This post will have some Amazon links. If you order through a link, I will receive a small commission and it will not raise the cost for you. Your support keeps this blog alive. Thank you for your support. 🚿 How I Use It After Long Rides Most often, I don’t need it before a ride — though you could use it that way. For me,...

Last Updated: June 2026 Quick Take: After tens of thousands of miles and more bib shorts than I care to admit, these Przewalski Men's 3D Padded Bib Shorts are still the ones I keep buying. Comfortable, durable, great for long rides, and half the price of premium brands — they’ve held up better than anything else in my closet. When it comes to cycling gear, one thing has become painfully obvious over the years: price doesn’t determine durability. I’ve spent big money on fancy bib shorts that wore out quickly — seams frayed, colors faded, and the fit loosened up way too soon. Then I tried the Przewalski Men’s 3D Padded Bib Shorts . And honestly, I haven’t looked back since. Better Quality at a Lower Cost These bibs cost a fraction of what I used to pay, but the build quality surprised me. The stitching is tight, the fabric holds its shape, and the compression is spot on — snug, but not restrictive. I’ve worn these through long-distance training, hot T...

  Cycling is a fantastic way to stay fit, clear your mind, and enjoy the great outdoors. But let’s be honest—after a long ride, your legs might feel strong, but your rear end can feel like it took the brunt of the punishment. If you’ve ever winced when sitting down the day after a ride, you’re not alone. Soreness "down there" is a rite of passage for many new (and even experienced) cyclists. Fortunately, you don’t have to suffer through it. There are some practical, tried-and-true ways to stay comfortable in the saddle—and I’ve used them all. 1. Get the Right Bike Seat Your bike saddle is one of the most important components when it comes to comfort. Don’t make the mistake of thinking more padding automatically means a better ride. A good saddle should be firm, supportive, and the right shape for your sit bones . Bike shops can help you measure your sit bone width to match the saddle. Some riders prefer cutouts to reduce pressure, and others benefit from a flatter or narr...

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy through my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Last Updated: September 1, 2025 Quick Answer: Yes—long pressure on the perineal (saddle) area can cause temporary groin numbness for some men. The usual fix: support your sit bones (right saddle), dial in height/tilt, stand on the pedals periodically, and wear quality padded shorts. Persistent symptoms? Get medical advice. Can cycling cause groin (saddle) numbness? Cycling is excellent exercise, but some male riders notice temporary numbness in the groin or saddle area after longer rides. In most cases it’s not serious and improves when you relieve pressure. The key is reducing soft-tissue load and improving fit. Why it happens Perineal pressure: The soft tissue between your sit bones can get compressed by the saddle, reducing blood flow and causing numbness. Nerve irritation/compression: Important ...

Let’s talk about something most cyclists never do — at least not out loud. The tingling. The numbness. The awkward post-ride soreness that lingers longer than it should. If you’ve ever stepped off your bike and wondered, “Is this normal?” — you’re not alone. In fact, this post is a follow-up to one of the most popular and surprising articles on my blog: 👉 Can Cycling Improve Orgasms? The Surprising Science Behind the Ride But this time, I want to dig a little deeper — into the very real concerns cyclists have about sexual health, saddle pain, and how to ride with comfort and confidence for years to come. 🧠 The Science of the Saddle When you ride a bike, especially for long distances or multiple days in a row, a lot of pressure is focused right where you don’t want it — the perineum , the area between your sit bones that contains major nerves and blood vessels. For men, too much compression here can lead to erectile issues or prolonged numbness. For women, it can cause vaginal d...

Quick Take: After decades of solo touring, I’m shifting to shared roads—Oklahoma Freewheel in 2026 and RAGBRAI in 2027. Same love of the open road, new kind of joy: community, stories, and pie. Why I’m Riding RAGBRAI and Oklahoma Freewheel Next Even though I’ve decided to hang up my solo touring shoes, I’m nowhere close to done chasing the open road. The difference now is the kind of adventure I want—one shared with thousands of riders moving toward something unforgettable. From Solo Tours to Shared Roads For years I chose the rhythm of planning my own route, being alone with the road, and letting each day unfold. Now I’m craving the laughter, the mid-ride conversations, and the festival energy that big events bring. In 2026 I’m riding Oklahoma Freewheel , and in 2027 I’m finally checking RAGBRAI off the list. Last time I rode a week-long event like these was BRAG — the Bicycle Ride Across Georgia — back in 2001 . That was 25 years ago this coming summer. The memor...