The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

  When cycling, it is important to stay hydrated and maintain proper electrolyte balance to avoid cramping, fatigue, and other negative effects of dehydration. One way to ensure this is to add electrolytes to your water bottle, but many products on the market also contain calories, which can be problematic if you are trying to avoid unnecessary energy intake. In this post, we will discuss several ways to get electrolytes in your water bottles during bike rides without adding calories. Electrolyte Tablets: One option for adding electrolytes to your water bottle is to use electrolyte tablets. These are small tablets that dissolve in water and provide a concentrated dose of electrolytes without adding any calories. Many brands offer electrolyte tablets with different combinations of minerals, such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. Electrolyte Drops: Another option for adding electrolytes to your water bottle is to use...

Some people may view their bicycles as mere means of transportation or a leisurely way to enjoy the outdoors. But for me, my bike is much more than that. It's a companion, a trusted steed that has faithfully carried me through countless miles of adventure and exploration. I can't fathom parting ways with my beloved bicycle until it has exhausted its last pedal stroke. In this blog post, I want to share my perspective on why I ride my bikes until they're completely worn out before getting a new one. A Journey Together: From the moment I first straddled the seat of my bike, I knew we were destined for countless journeys together. Every squeak of the chain, every gust of wind against my face, and every hill conquered only strengthened our bond. We've traversed busy city streets, serene country roads, and rugged mountain trails. Each ride is a testament to the shared experiences and memories we've created over the years. Built-In Reliability: As the miles pile up, my bi...

Can Cycling Help You Lose Belly Fat? If you're trying to lose belly fat, cycling can be a powerful tool to help you reach your goals. It’s a low-impact, joint-friendly cardio workout that burns calories and strengthens muscles. But how much do you really need to cycle to see results—and what else matters? Let’s break it down. 🚴‍♀️ How Cycling Helps Burn Belly Fat Cycling works in two key ways: 1. Burning Calories A moderate 30-minute ride can burn around 250 calories —more if you ride faster or include hills. Burn more calories than you consume, and your body taps into fat stores, including belly fat. 2. Building Muscle Cycling builds lower-body muscle, which increases your resting metabolic rate . That means your body burns more calories even while you’re not riding. More muscle = easier fat loss. ⏱️ How Long Should You Cycle to Lose Belly Fat? It depends on your weight, fitness level, and goals, but here’s a simple guide: Beginners : Start with 30 minutes, 3–4 ti...

  As an avid cyclist who has been touring for many years, I can attest to the benefits of using tubeless tires. Since making the switch, I have noticed a significant decline in punctures, which has made my tours more enjoyable and hassle-free. While there is an initial setup process for tubeless tires, I have found that topping off the sealant is not a major issue, and it only requires a few extra minutes of maintenance time. One of the major advantages of tubeless tires is the absence of an inner tube, which allows for lower tire pressure, and better traction. This makes for a more comfortable ride, especially during long-distance touring where reducing fatigue is essential. I have also found that tubeless tires offer improved rolling resistance, which has enhanced my performance, enabling me to maintain speed for longer periods of time. Another benefit of using tubeless tires is the reduced need for carrying tubes , which has allowed me to use a smaller bike bag, freeing up spac...

Dear 13-year-old me, I'm writing to you from the year 2023, and I want to tell you how much cycling has mattered to me in my life. I know that you're not a big fan of cycling right now. You think it's boring and slow, and you'd rather be doing something else, like hanging out with your friends. But I want you to know that cycling is going to become one of the most important things in your life. As you get older, you're going to start to appreciate the freedom and flexibility that cycling gives you. You'll be able to go wherever you want, whenever you want, without having to worry about traffic or parking. You'll also start to appreciate the health benefits of cycling. It's a great way to stay in shape, and it can help to reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other chronic health conditions. But most importantly, cycling is going to give you a sense of adventure. You'll get to explore new places, meet new people, and see the world from a diff...