The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

When Your Wheels Spin Out: Dealing with a Bike Mechanic Mess-Up I am lucky. I have a great bike shop that always does everything it can to make my rides a little better. I have had one issue in 17 years when I went in for a tune up and found out on my ride that the bike was "not right" after my first ride. I returned to the shop and talked to the mechanic and he looked at it and corrected the issue that day. He seemed to appreciate that I came back to talk to him and let him fix the issue without resorting to bad reviews or going to another shop. That is what this post is about. What should you do if you have a similar issue that I did. We trust our local bike shop with our beloved steeds, expecting them to work their magic and send them back purring like well-oiled machines. But what happens when the tune-up turns into a nightmare, and the mechanic's magic touch leaves you with a clunking, grinding, derailed disaster? Fear not, fellow pedal pushers, for there are ways to...

I really dislike the feeling I get when I get back on my bicycle after a couple of weeks off of it. The best explanation I have is that I feel kind of like an elephant on a bike. Some of you have probably had similar feelings. Read on to see what you can do to get back to the feeling of being a cyclist again. If you've taken a couple of weeks off the bike, you're probably feeling like an elephant when you first get back on. Your legs may feel heavy, your lungs may feel tight, and you may be wondering how you ever made it up that hill in the past. Don't worry, it's perfectly normal to feel this way. Your body just needs some time to get back into the swing of things. Here are a few tips to help you overcome the feeling like an elephant on your bike after a layoff: 1. Take it easy. The most important thing is to take it easy when you first get back on the bike. Don't try to do too much too soon. Start with short, easy rides and gradually increase the distance and inte...

Which Do You Prefer? Cycling in the Heat or the Cold Ah, the age-old cyclist's dilemma: to sweat or to shiver? Both the scorching summer sun and the frosty winter wind present their own unique challenges and charms on two wheels. But which reigns supreme in the kingdom of cycling? Let's delve into the pros and cons of each, leaving you, dear reader, to decide where your pedaling loyalties lie. Cycling in the Heat: Pros: Sunshine and rainbows: Let's face it, there's something undeniably exhilarating about cycling under a clear blue sky. The warmth invigorates, and the scenery pops with color. Lightweight liberation: Ditch the bulky layers and embrace the wind whipping through your hair (and jersey! ). Less clothing means more freedom of movement and a lighter, faster ride. Hydration heaven: Ice-cold water never tasted so good! Frequent stops for hydration breaks become welcome respites, and indulging in a post-ride popsicle is a sweet reward. ...