The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

🛠️ I've been riding for decades and have been lucky to have a great local bike shop that takes care of me. In 19 years, I’ve only had one issue — and even that was handled well. After a tune-up, my bike didn’t feel right on the first ride. I brought it back, calmly explained the issue, and the mechanic immediately took care of it. No bad reviews, no yelling — just a professional exchange that left both of us satisfied. But not everyone’s experience goes that smoothly. So what should you do when your bike comes back from the shop worse than when it went in? Let’s break it down — calmly, clearly, and with a cyclist’s perspective in mind. 🚲 TL;DR: Bike Shop Mess-Up? Here’s What to Do If a recent tune-up left your bike worse than before, don’t panic. Take a test ride, document the issues, and return calmly to the shop. Most mechanics want to make things right. This post walks you through how to handle a bad repair without losing your cool — and how to advocate for yourse...

Updated: December 28, 2025 Quick Take Feeling like an elephant on a bike after a long layoff is normal: your legs feel heavy, your lungs feel tight, and everything feels harder than it “should.” The fix isn’t hero workouts—it’s short easy rides, smart pacing, recovery between rides, and removing friction so your body wakes back up fast. If you’ve taken weeks—or months—off the bike and then tried to jump right back into “normal” riding, you already know the feeling. Your legs feel like concrete, your breathing gets spicy way too early, and the first hill makes you wonder how you ever rode it in the past. I call it the elephant-on-a-bike phase . It’s not a character flaw. It’s not “getting old.” It’s just what happens when your body loses rhythm and efficiency for a while. The good news: if you do this the right way, that heavy feeling usually disappears faster than you expect. Discl...

Which Do You Prefer? Cycling in the Heat or the Cold? Last Updated: December 9, 2025 This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Quick Answer: Both heat and cold come with challenges, but as a 70-year-old long-distance cyclist, I’ll take heat every time. Warm muscles, loose layers, and fast hydration stops beat frozen fingers and stiff legs any day. ☀️ Cycling in the Heat (My Pick!) Look — I’ve ridden in every kind of weather West Texas can throw at a person. For me, heat wins. My body feels alive, my cadence is smoother, and I don’t spend half the ride wrestling layers. Pros Sunlight boosts mood & energy: A bright sky hits different when you’re grinding out miles. No bulky layers: Just bib shorts, a jersey, and that’s it. Freedom. Hydration rituals: Cold water on a hot ride is its own religion. Cons Heat sneaks up on you: You don’t feel dehydrated until you’re cooked. Sunburn risk: I’ve ...

Cycling in Cold Weather: How I Keep My Ears, Fingers, and Toes Warm Enough to Ride Last updated: December 21, 2025 Quick Take: Winter cycling doesn’t have to be miserable, but you can’t fake your way through the cold. If you keep your ears, fingers, and toes truly warm, you can keep riding outside far longer than you think. My own must-have setup: a skull cap with glasses holes to block wind around my ears, insulated full-finger gloves or pogies for my hands, and a combo of wool socks plus shoe covers for my feet. I hate cold weather, but I still ride in it unless it gets so brutal that I’m forced inside on an indoor bike. I’m from West Texas, so I can’t pretend to know what real winter feels like compared to those Minnesota riders—those folks are on a different level—but it still gets cold here, and these are the lessons I’ve learned the hard way. After 155,000+ miles over the years, I’ve noticed something: it’s rarely my core that sends me home early o...

The years may have passed, but the thrill of the ride hasn’t faded. For senior cyclists, the wind in your hair and the hum of the wheels still spark joy. But what if you could share that joy with someone who matches your rhythm—your cycling soul mate? Finding a riding partner in your golden years isn’t just about fitness—it’s about connection. Shared laughs on scenic trails. Mutual encouragement on steep climbs. Quiet moments as the sun rises behind the hills. Here’s how to find that perfect cycling companion who understands the joy of the ride and the meaning behind it. 1. Look Within Your Riding Circles You don’t have to look far. That person who always matches your pace on group rides? The one who shares your love for old steel frames or early-morning pedals? They might just be your perfect match—on the bike, and maybe beyond. 2. Join Senior-Specific Cycling Groups There are clubs and communities built just for you. Groups like the Adventure Cycling Association’s 50+ Club or Silve...