Comfort Bicycle - Making Your Old Bike Comfortable

Making a used bicycle more comfortable is actually quite simple and can range in price from free to a few hundred dollars -- most comfort bike modifications being in the $20-$40 range.

I don't know what age bicycling goes from being a sheer adrenaline rush to "a fitness activity",  but I do know that even at 40, 50 or 60 years old, you can be comfortable while pumping the pedals.

Are you going through the same thing I am? Seat a bit too hard? Can't lean down into racing stance for hours anymore? Do you have your chiropractor on speed-dial?

Making your bicycling way more comfortable and enjoyable again will be the focus of this hub.

Your touche, hands and back will love some of the trouble-free upgrades you can order and bolt on today. I've grouped these into categories for the sake of this bicycling 'hub':

1. Clothes, 2. Seat and Post, 3. Handlebars, 4. Tires and 5. Free options.

Comfort Bicycle Clothing

Bike clothing is often overlooked as the source of a comfortable ride. Just a few wardrobe changes can have you spend hours of comfort on a bike instead of minutes of pain.

Gloves, Gel Gloves

Gloves are probably one of the cheapest comfort upgrades you can make to your riding. I personally use a full finger glove but have used fingerless or three finger (for your braking and thumb) just as successfully in the warmer weather. Look for something with heavy padding on your paws such as thick leather, gel or foam padding. If possible, get a pair with padding on your braking/shifting fingers as well. My own personal gloves are full-finger and can be found at my Comfort Bicycle Amazon Store at the link below.

Shorts

Cycling shorts may not win you fashion awards, but a good pair with padding built in will save you a sore rump. Look for shorts or a liner with a washable "Chamois" pad made of either foam or softened leather. If you can't do the spandex look, grab a liner to put under your baggy shorts or pants.

Comfort Biking Seats and Seat Post Mods

Your next comfort biking option will help your butt, and consequently your back. These options will add hours to your rides and reduce your Ibuprofen bills.

Seat

A simple seat change can make a world of difference. A bit wider, a bit cushier and possibly even gel would be good. Make sure to buy the correct type (rail or post attached). For men you may consider a seat with a grove down the middle to relieve/prevent prostate troubles.

Seat Post

Seat posts can be replaced with a spring loaded variety that adds a cheap type of suspension to your bike. They are extremely cheap at only $14 or so. Be sure to buy the correct diameter that will fit your bicycle. Measure the old post to be sure. Check out this Wikipedia link for common sizes.

Seat Covers

A tie on gel seat cover is also an option. I do not recommend it myself as they tend to slip and are just as expensive as a new seat these days. But if you are not mechanically inclined to change the seat, go for a padded cover. 

Comfort Bicycling Handlebar Related Items

One comfort issue I have become painfully aware of in the last two years is being leaned over too far. It is causing a pain in my hands, neck and lower back. I used to try to get as low as I could on the front but now use riser bars to put me into more of an upright position. This is accomplished quickly with the next few part swaps.

Fatter Tires

Hard bumps, slamming edged curbs can be more comfortable with a wider set of tires. If you don't have at least a 2.1" wide tire, think about replacements. I've seen bike tires go as fat as 2.4". My favorite brands happen to be Panaracer, Hutchinson, Kenda and Ritchey. You can see the models I prefer at my Comfort Bicycle Amazon Store (link at the bottom of this HUB).

Free Comfortable Bike Secrets

Perhaps the cheapest comfortable change you can make to your riding is just to use your gears more. The video below describes the basic operation.

I would add to this that you want to always be pedaling about 80 rotations per minute (pedal RPMs).

The way you tell if you are in too HIGH a gear is your legs will begin to burn and hurt. If you are in too LOW a gear, your lungs with be overworking and burn (can't catch your breath).

Most people do not realize just how fast you should be pedaling and use too high a gear, wear-out in minutes, and go home in pain. A smart rider pedals at 80 RPMs and gets into a rythm. I used to ride for 4 hours on a Sunday and people always thought I was pedaling too fast -- but in fact, was at the perfect speed for comfort and endurance.

The other free comfort tip is to ride with a friend. My spouse and I have the greatest time riding together that the little aches and pains often go into the background.

As you get older, your peak endurance and speed taper off. One quote from a famous road bike rider has helped my get over this fact:

"It never gets easier. You just get faster." - Greg Lemond

Remember this as sometimes we push ourselves into an uncomfortable zone by over-exertion - and subsequently quit riding. Take your time. High RPMs. Get your bike upgraded with the suggestions above and soon you will be faster than you even imagined...and comfortable at the same time.

You can check out each of the categories I mentioned above with my personal choice of products.

Most are much cheaper than a local bike store and they actually have them in stock when you want them.

Anyway, check out the categories now and be riding in comfort from now forward. I call it "buy and bolt-on comfort bicycling"...

Comfort Bicycling Amazon Store <-click to access comfortable bike products

Comfortable Clothes, Comfortable Seats and Seat Posts, Comfortable Handlebars, Stems and Bar Ends, Comfortable Tires