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...

🚴‍♂️ Quick Take: A good bike lane can mean the difference between a close call and a catastrophe. After a lifetime of cycling — and one crash that could have ended far worse — I’ve learned firsthand why cities like Lubbock need better cycling infrastructure now, not later. Why Bike Lanes Matter More Than Most People Realize As cyclists, we all know the uneasy balance of sharing the road with vehicles that outweigh us by thousands of pounds. A bike lane isn’t just a strip of paint — it’s often the only physical space between us and potential tragedy. And after decades on two wheels, I can say this with certainty: bike lanes save lives. But here in Lubbock, Texas , our bike lane network leaves a lot to be desired. There are a few scattered routes, and while they offer some protection, they’re often disconnected, poorly maintained, or built on streets that still feel unsafe to ride. Compared to cities like Santa Fe, Austin, Waco, San Diego, and Albuquerque — where bike...

Quick Take: Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) is the stiff, achy feeling that shows up 12–72 hours after a hard or new effort on the bike. It’s caused by micro-tears in your muscles as they adapt to new stress. For cyclists, DOMS can mean heavy legs, altered pedaling form, and disrupted training. The good news? Smart recovery and consistency reduce its impact over time. 🚴 My Worst Ride With DOMS A couple of years back, I learned the hard way just how much DOMS can derail a ride. I had knocked out a set of steep hill repeats—more climbing than I’d done in months. I felt proud finishing them, but the next morning my legs were on fire. Still, I saddled up for a planned 40-mile ride. Bad move. From the first pedal stroke, my quads felt like concrete. I struggled to hold even my easy pace, and by mile 20 my form was falling apart. Instead of a solid training day, it turned into a slow grind home and two more days off the bike than I’d planned. Lesson learned. ⚙️ What Is DOMS...

Last Updated: September 29, 2025 When a Knee Replacement Starts Hurting Again: What Cyclists Should Know Quick Take: If your knee replacement starts hurting years later, don’t ignore it. Common causes include loosening, infection, or wear. The right steps are x-rays, a bone scan, bloodwork to rule out infection, and a visit to your orthopedic surgeon. My Story: 11 Years After Knee Replacement Eleven years ago, I had a total knee replacement. At the time, it was the best medical decision I ever made. For ten full years, I rode pain-free—thousands of miles on the bike with no regrets. That kind of pain-free living almost made me forget how bad my knee used to be. But this year, something changed. At first, it was subtle—an ache under the kneecap, soreness along the outside of the joint. I figured it was overtraining. Then the pain grew sharper. After rides, the knee swelled up, and sometimes the back of the joint throbbed the next day. I went back to my orthoped...

Last Updated: October 1, 2025 Dead Legs in Cycling: Why It Happens and How to Bounce Back Quick Take: “Dead legs” are rides where your legs feel heavy and won’t respond. Common causes: poor recovery, low glycogen, weak sleep, monotonous training, or Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness(DOMS). The fix: rotate hard/easy days, fuel before/after, hydrate with electrolytes, prioritize sleep, and use light movement, stretching, and massage to flush the legs. When Your Legs Turn to Lead Some rides are magic. And then there are the others—the days your legs feel like wet sandbags and every small hill rides like a mountain. That’s “dead legs.” It’s frustrating not because it hurts, but because it messes with your head. I get those days too. Last week I rolled out for a tempo ride and a few miles in, I could barely turn the cranks. Flat, powerless legs. Confidence took the hit more than my fitness. Here’s the deal: dead legs happen to everyone. There’s a real why—and reliable ways...

Quick Answer: Training hard and losing weight can change how your body reacts to blood pressure medication. What once kept you steady might suddenly push your readings too low. When Training Hard Creates an Unexpected Side Effect This past summer I probably reached the best shape of my life. I was piling up long miles, dropping weight, and feeling strong on the bike. Then something odd started happening: every time I stood up, I felt like I was about to faint. Not just once in a while — all day long. Stand up, grab a chair, steady myself, wait for the dizziness to pass. I knew something wasn’t right. The Hidden Factor: Blood Pressure Medicine I’ve been on blood pressure medication for years. Lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide had kept me level even when cycling didn’t seem to move the needle much. But this time was different. My weight had fallen to the lowest it had been in decades, and my fitness had changed the game. Before doing anything drastic, I started checking...

Quick Answer: Riders often forget small but critical cycling essentials — until they’re stuck without them. These budget-friendly items can save your ride (and your skin). 7 Cycling Essentials Most Riders Overlook (Until It’s Too Late) After decades on the road, I’ve learned it’s not the big gear that saves a ride — it’s the little overlooked items you only miss when they’re not there. These are the inexpensive, practical essentials that can turn a disaster into just another story to laugh about later. 1. Chain Quick Link and Multi-Tool with Chain Breaker If you’ve ever snapped a chain 30 miles from home, you know why this is #1. A quick link (or master link) is a tiny part that can literally save your ride. Toss one in your saddle bag and you’ll never be stranded. 2. Reflective Ankle Bands Studies show drivers spot moving reflectors faster than stationary lights. Reflective ankle bands cost almost nothing, but make you highly visible at night. They’re one of the...