The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

I am posting this article in the middle of the summer even though it is about winter cycling. There is a good reason for that. By the time Google indexes this post and it gains traction in Google's organic searches, it will be winter and that is why it is being posted in July. Cycling in cold weather can be a challenging experience, especially when it comes to keeping your extremities warm. In particular, the ears, fingers, and toes are the most vulnerable parts of the body during cold rides. To make your winter cycling experience comfortable and enjoyable, it is essential to invest in the right gear to keep these body parts warm and protected. In this article, we'll take a look at the three most important things to have well covered on cold rides and recommend some products from Amazon that can help you stay warm and comfortable on your winter rides. Ears The ears are one of the most sensitive areas of the body when it comes to cold weather. Exposing them to cold wind can caus...

One of the top bicycle searches is "best bike shop near me." This blog is read all over the world so I can't very well tell everyone that comes here what the best bike shop in their location is. Yes, I do have a favorite bike shop in Lubbock, Texas. It is Velocity Bike Shop on 50th Street. I have been using Velocity since I moved to Lubbock in 2006 and I am convinced it is the best bike shop anywhere. Below, I discuss what makes a bike shop the best but first let me tell you a short story of why I love Velocity Bike Shop in Lubbock. The story will give you an idea of why you should always trade at a bike shop and not a big discount store like Walmart. I bought a Specialized AWOL in 2014. I rode that bicycle a lot. It was my favorite bike of all time and it was my trusty touring bike.  Starting in 2014, I rode at least one long distance tour every year through 2019. I took the bike to Velocity on a regular schedule and kept it it tip-top condition. I had decided around Dec...

I lived in a small town when I was a beginning cyclist. We had one bike shop and I really wanted a decent bike that could hold up to the training I was interested in doing. The owner of the shop was a great guy and always made me feel welcome and would go out of his way to give me good and relevant advice. I learned a lot from him and was very appreciative of all he did for me. By the way, the bicycle I bought from him lasted me more years than I ever dreamed it would.  His lead mechanic was a completely different story. He was a sarcastic, narcissistic, know-it-all. He made sure to let everyone who walked into the shop know that he was a better cyclist and knew more about cycling than anybody who has ever lived. Furthermore, he would find a way to make fun of you. If you were overweight, he might call you Clyde(after a Clydesdale). If you had been in a long bicycle ride, or race, he would let you know that you sucked because he could have rode it faster.  This guy is why so m...

Choosing the right bike can be an overwhelming task, especially if you are new to cycling. There are several factors to consider, including the type of cycling you plan to do, your budget, and your physical abilities. In this article, we will focus on the different types of bikes available and which one is suitable for each type of cycling. Road Bikes Road bikes are designed for speed and efficiency on paved roads. They are characterized by their lightweight frames, skinny tires, drop handlebars, and narrow saddles. Road bikes are ideal for racing, long-distance riding, and fitness training. If you plan to ride long distances on paved roads, a road bike is an excellent choice. They are fast and efficient, allowing you to cover a lot of ground quickly. However, they are not suitable for off-road riding or commuting. Mountain Bikes Mountain bikes are designed for off-road riding on rough terrain, including trails, gravel roads, and mountainous terrain. They are characterized by their wid...

The Benefits of Choosing a Local Bike Shop for Your Bike and Gear Needs As a cyclist, buying a new bike or gear can be an exciting yet daunting experience. With so many options available, it can be challenging to know where to start. However, one option that should not be overlooked is visiting your local bike shop. Not only can a local bike shop provide you with personalized service and access to professional bike services, but it can also offer numerous other advantages that are hard to find elsewhere. I know firsthand the benefits of choosing a local bike shop. I owned a Specialized AWOL that had about 30,000 miles on it, which I had purchased from a local bike shop that I really like and use all the time for bicycle-related gear and service. One day, the bicycle chainstay cracked in half, and I took it to the bike shop, just wanting to see if anything could be done to fix it. The picture with this article is the actual cracked bike. The owner of the bike shop asked me to leave the ...