The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Bicycling is a fantastic exercise for people of all ages and a great way to maintain good physical health. However, as we age, our physical abilities decline, and we may face additional challenges that can make cycling unsafe or uncomfortable. In this blog post, we will discuss when a senior should know it is time to stop bicycling permanently. It would be a terrible day for me personally if I ever had to stop cycling. It is a huge part of my life and I am afraid I would grieve the loss of it but I also know that the day will more than likely come someday that I have to put my bicycle away. These are the signs that could cause it. Signs It May Be Time to Stop Bicycling One of the most significant signs that a senior should consider stopping cycling is a decline in their physical ability. As we age, our bodies naturally experience a decrease in strength, flexibility, and balance, which are all essential for safe cycling. For example, seniors may experience difficulty getting on and off ...

Price is around $2,000 which is good for a quality touring bicycle: The Surly Disc Trucker 26-inch is a heavy-duty touring bike that's built to handle long-distance rides on a variety of terrains. The bike is designed to be comfortable, durable, and easy to maintain, making it a great choice for touring cyclists who want a reliable and versatile bike. One of the standout features of the Disc Trucker is its disc brakes, which provide excellent stopping power and increased control, especially in wet or muddy conditions. The bike also comes with a range of braze-ons for racks, fenders, and water bottles, making it easy to customize for different touring needs. The 26-inch wheel size is ideal for smaller riders or for those who prefer a more nimble and responsive ride. The bike's geometry is also optimized for comfort, with a relaxed and upright riding position that helps reduce strain on the back, neck, and shoulders. The Disc Trucker is built with a chromoly steel frame, which pr...

I love cycling but I always notice many more men out there riding when I go for my training rides. I got to thinking about why there are not as many women cyclists and what can be done so I researched it and this is what I found. Cycling is a popular activity enjoyed by people of all ages and genders. However, statistics show that there are more male cyclists than female cyclists. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons behind this gender gap in cycling and discuss potential solutions to make cycling more equitable. Reasons behind the gender gap in cycling: Safety concerns: One of the main reasons why women are less likely to cycle is due to safety concerns. Women are more likely to feel vulnerable and at risk while cycling, especially on busy roads or at night. This fear of traffic and potential accidents is a significant deterrent for women who may be hesitant to take up cycling. Lack of infrastructure: Another reason why women are less likely to cycle is the lack of infrastru...

As a fellow cycling enthusiast, I completely understand the fear that can arise when faced with the possibility of a flat tire. When I first started riding my bike, I was always apprehensive about venturing too far away from home. I was afraid that if I got a flat tire, I wouldn't be able to fix it and would be stranded. But one day, I decided to face my fear and learn how to change a flat tire, and it changed my life. Now, I regularly travel hundreds of miles from home on my bicycle, all by myself, without any fear or hesitation. The truth is, learning how to change a flat tire is one of the most important skills you can have as a cyclist. It's not a matter of if you'll get a flat tire, but when. So, being prepared and knowing how to handle the situation can save you a lot of time, frustration, and even money. I am going to put a couple of options for tire changing kits you can purchase at Amazon down below. Some give you tools that include a mini-pump but I prefer using C...

Cycling is a great form of exercise, but it can also put stress on your body if you're not careful. Whether you're a seasoned pro, a long distance cyclist, or just starting out, it's important to take steps to prevent common cycling injuries. In this post, we'll discuss some of the most common injuries that cyclists face, and offer tips on how to avoid them. Knee Pain Knee pain is one of the most common injuries among cyclists, often caused by overuse or improper bike fit. To prevent knee pain, make sure your bike is properly adjusted to fit your body, and consider investing in clipless pedals and shoes to help distribute the load across your whole foot. Additionally, make sure to ease into longer rides gradually, and take breaks to stretch your legs and rest your knees. I can always tell when I have been overtraining because my knees scream out at me a little more than usual. When that happens, I take a day off and things go back to normal pretty quickly. Lower Back Pa...

  When it comes to cycling, proper hydration is crucial for performance and overall health. Dehydration can lead to decreased performance, muscle cramps, and even heat exhaustion. Therefore, it's important for cyclists to pay attention to their fluid intake before, during, and after a ride. Water Water is the most important drink for a cyclist. During exercise, the body loses water through sweat, and if not properly replenished, dehydration can occur. When cycling, it's recommended to consume at least one bottle of water every hour, even during cooler weather. In hot weather or high-intensity rides, it may be necessary to consume more than one bottle per hour. One way to determine how much water to consume during a ride is by weighing yourself before and after the ride. If you have lost weight, it's a sign that you may be dehydrated and need to consume more fluids during your rides. Electrolyte Drinks In addition to water, electrolyte drinks can also be beneficial for cycli...

As more people look for sustainable modes of transportation, cycling to work has become increasingly popular. Not only is it good for the environment, but it can also benefit your physical and mental health. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of cycling to work and why you should consider incorporating it into your daily routine. Save Money Commuting to work on a bicycle can have a significant positive impact on your finances. Here's an in-depth exploration of the cost-saving aspects of cycling as a mode of transportation: Eliminate Fuel Costs: One of the most apparent financial benefits of cycling to work is the elimination of fuel costs. As gas prices continue to rise, owning and operating a vehicle can become a considerable expense. By choosing to cycle instead, you completely remove the need to fill up your gas tank, saving a substantial amount of money in the long run. The cost savings become even more pronounced if you have a long commute or encounter heavy traff...

  I am 68 years old so this topic has very little to do with me but I know that there are a lot of people who wonder if cycling can decrease a man's ability to produce semen. Surprisingly, many of the people searching for this are women. I guess that they wonder if their cycling obsessed partner will be able to get them pregnant. There is no credible research suggesting that riding a bicycle decreases a man's ability to produce semen. In fact, cycling is a low-impact aerobic exercise that can improve cardiovascular health and overall fitness. However, some studies have suggested that prolonged and intense cycling can cause temporary discomfort and numbness in the genital area, which can lead to erectile dysfunction or decreased sexual function. This is due to pressure on the perineum, the area between the scrotum and anus, which can compress nerves and blood vessels. To avoid this issue, it is important to choose a bicycle that fits your body properly and to use padded shorts o...

Cargo bikes are a type of bicycle that is specifically designed to transport heavy loads. They have a sturdy frame, a large cargo area, and often come equipped with features such as electric assist motors to help with the added weight of the cargo. Cargo bikes have been used for decades in countries such as Denmark and the Netherlands, where cycling is a popular mode of transportation. They are now gaining popularity in other parts of the world, including the United States and Canada. There are several different types of cargo bikes available on the market, including longtail bikes, box bikes, and trikes.  Longtail Bikes Longtail cargo bikes are a popular type of cargo bike that is designed to carry heavy loads and transport passengers. They have a longer frame than a traditional bicycle, with a cargo area behind the rider that can be customized to suit specific needs. One of the main advantages of a longtail cargo bike is its versatility. The cargo area can be fitted with a variet...

If you're a cyclist looking to improve your performance, you may have heard about the benefits of the keto diet . The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that has been shown to improve endurance and increase energy levels, making it a popular choice among athletes. But is bicycling on the keto diet safe and effective for cyclists?  I lost 50 pounds using the keto diet and cycling back in 2018. I kept the weight off until the pandemic and then started slowly gaining it back until I decided to stop gaining. I went back to the keto diet and have lost a great deal of that weight gain and am feeling better than I have since 2019 when cycling. In this post, we'll explore the pros and cons of cycling on the keto diet and provide some tips and tricks for cyclists on a low-carb diet. The Basics of the Keto Diet Before we dive into how the keto diet can affect your cycling performance, let's review the basics of the diet. The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, moderate-protein, an...