Product Description
See what it takes to maximize cycling power, speed, and endurance! Cycling Anatomy will show you how to improve your performance by increasing muscular strength and optimizing the efficiency of every movement.

Cycling Anatomy features 74 of the most effective cycling exercises, each with clear, step-by-step descriptions and full-color anatomical illustrations highlighting the primary muscles in action.

Cycling Anatomy goes beyond exercises by placing you on the bike and into the throes of competition. Illustrations of the active muscles involved in cornering, climbing, descending, and sprinting show you how the exercises are fundamentally linked to cycling performance. From steep inclines to slick terrains, Cycling Anatomy will ensure you're prepared for any challenge that comes your way.

You'll also learn how to modify exercises to target specific areas, reduce muscle tension, and minimize common cycling injuries. You'll also learn ways to pull it all together to develop a training based on your individual needs and goals.

Whether you're training for an upcoming century ride or just want to top that killer hill with strength to spare, Cycling Anatomy will ensure you get the most out of every ride. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Cycling Anatomy
Wanted to deal with some of the aches and pains of cycling. Specifically, I wanted to find out how to strengthen my neck and shoulders which were bothering me on long rides.This book was a great help.Showed me the muscle groups and gave strengthening exercises.

Excellent!
This book is excellent! I found it in my township library and after few days realized that I need my own copy. Though I am not a cyclist, exercises in this book are so good, that I use them regularly. I highly recommend it.

Terrific read with tons of exercises and examples
This book is a must read for any serious cyclist.Dr. Sovndahl covers a plethora of exercises and explains why they are beneficial.I appreciate the holistic approach that is taken to the book, and it really puts the reader in a good mind set before developing a training plan.

Great Book
Cycling Anatomy has been a great help in identifyig exercise to development the right muscle groups for cycling

Great book linking cycling skills to weight training
Easy to understand, this book provides a clear explanation of the muscles used in cycling and how (and why) you should train them. As the book states (and other reviews note) it doesn't provide a work out - you have to decide which exercises make sense for you based on gym resources available and the areas you want to work on. I carry it with me on every trip to the gym. ... Read more

Product Description

Ride faster, fitter, smarter, & farther

Every road rider has goals. Yours may be to begin racing, to become more competitive, or to win a specific tour. Not interested in racing? Perhaps you want to complete your first century ride, improve your overall fitness, or ride father and faster just for the sheer joy of flying on two wheels.

No matter what your goals, The Complete Book of Road Cycling and Racing gives you all the information you need to become a better, more performance-focused cyclist. Written by an accomplished racing coach, cyclist, and exercise physiologist, this book shows you how to:

• Fit the bike to your body for maximum efficiency and comfort
• Ride safely in a group
• Cope with any weather or altitude
• Maintain your bike
• Prepare for races of all types
• Master racing strategies and tactics
• Train efficiently and stay in peak condition year-round
• And much more

Customer Reviews (11)

Too basic!
Worst book ever bought. Way too basic! Went through it all in less than 30 min.

Informative, but many poor explanations

I ride fairly regularly and I bought this book in order to get a more in-depth knowledge of the sport. I am also looking to purchase a new road bike and wanted to learn about what's available and what to look for on a bike.

This book has a good amount of information, but the author tends to explain things poorly when a simple diagram or picture would do a much better job. Because of that, I found this book somewhat tedious to read.

Concise book on road cycling and racing
I got back into road biking about 3 years ago to lower my blood pressure and get some stress relief.The last two years I ventured into longer rides (50, 65, 100 miles).I could complete the rides, but was feeling ... well slow, compared with the other riders.This book has taught me more about my bike and some fundamental skills.The best sections in my mind are those on exercise physiology, training, and nutrition.They quickly gave me some clue how to train, and why certain things were needed.Especially good is that the book is quite small and concise.I could read and get a lot of value from it in the first week.

Excellent for new road cyclists
I am new to road cycling, and this was the perfect book to get me going.It answers many of the questions I was embarrassed to ask others, and is something I keep referring to as I gain more experience.I recommend it to all new cyclists.

Good Overall Coverage for Road Cycling
I enjoy reading this book a few pages at a time before going to bed. I don't see it becoming a reference book, so if you can get one from the local library, it will be just fine. ... Read more

Product Description
More women than ever before are jumping on their saddles to enjoy one of the fastest growing sports in the country-and to improve cardiovascular fitness, control their weight, and liven up their social lives. At the same time, cycling remains very much a "man's sport," an intimidating world that can be difficult for women to navigate.

Now celebrity spokeswoman Selene Yeager covers all the basics-for all ages and fitness levels. Women will learn...

- How to find the perfect bike and other essential equipment
- How to shift, spin, climb mountains, and get back down
- Training techniques that take it up a notch
- What to eat off-and on-a bike
- Competition craziness-race information and strategies
- Why guys who work in bike shops act the way they do
- And more! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (24)

Worthbuying
This is a great book to buy if you're just getting into cycling. I've enjoyed her opinions and use it all the time.

Great book!
I am new to cycling and this book taught me so much.It helped me to improve m cycling.Well written.Will use as a reference in the future.Highly recommend.

Helpful read for beginner/intermediate riders
This book is a great all-around reference title, with solid tips on how to buy a bike, what gear to buy, and how to ride for safety. It can be dry at times, but the author also peppers her writing with anecdotes about cyclists that have made the hobby their own and clearly loves the sport herself. Definitely worth picking up this book if you are a new biker or an enthusiast who wants to learn more.

HANDS DOWN, THE BEST!
I bought this book a year ago and just finished my first century ride this past weekend! It's a must for anyone wanting to become their personal best in cycling.

Well written and empowering
Reading Selene Yeager's book is like having coffee with a dear friend who happens to be a biking and fitness expert. She gives you well-researched facts, industry insider information, the kick in the butt to get going, and the hand to hold when the going gets tough.

I'm 39 years old, and going to ride the bike leg of a mini-tri for the first time. Selene's book has inspired me. I just bought my first bike (with clipless pedals even) and I'm eager to hit the road with her thoughtful training, and riding advice.

A must have for new and aspiring female on and off-road cyclists. ... Read more

Product Description

Cycling Fast is the best resource for any rider with a firm grasp on biking basics and a desire for the thrill of competition. Armed with advice, insights, and instruction from renowned coach and cyclist Robert Panzera, you’ll be ready for every race and every challenge.

Customer Reviews (6)

A fine survey of cycling
CYCLING FAST: WINNING ESSENTIALS FOR CYCLING COMPETITION provides a fine survey of cycling, from selecting a racing bike frame and choosing a race to nutrition for training, bike-handling skills for different terrains, and more. The focus is on competitive cycling: CYCLING FAST is packed with tips and training plans, workouts and checklists perfect for avid cyclers.

The definitive how to race smart book
Rob Panzera has written the quintessential guide for anyone that wants to racebicycles well.
The information is presented clearly and articulately, in logical sequence that not only includes the benefit of insights from a number of well-known members of the professional bicycle racing ranks, but also explains how their hard-earned lessons apply to your developing racing efforts.

If you want to learn to race intelligently and effectively, buy this book and follow Rob Panzera's guidance. He knows his subject extremely well and tells it like it is.

Cycling Fast
As a someone who has been riding a bicycle for years, but an amateur bike racer I found Cycling Fast very informative. It is an excellent source for anyone interested in the sport of cycling, whether a beginner or a seasoned pro.

From how to find a team, training regimens, diet, and mental training, all aspects were covered in thorough detail.I really enjoyed the tips and stories from cycling pros.

Panzera knows the sport of cycling and was generous to share his knowledge. I highly recommend Cycling Fast to anyone interested in the sport of cycling.

Solid steps for becoming a better Bike Rider.

I think this is such an important book because it picks up where so many cyclists stop. First you get interested in cycling, then you buy a bike and some gear. Then you go on a few rides and join a club. Maybe you ride once or twice a week. Before long, you don't know what your next steps are because..

"The fast guys are too fast. How did they get so fast?" "The climbers fly away on the hills. Wish I could do that." And this leaves so many riders with way more questions than answers. Which is why Coach Rob Panzera's Cycling Fast is a must-read guide for anyone (not just racers) looking to find their direction and to take those critical next steps in upgrading their cycling capabilities.

No more secrets on why the fast guys are fast and the climbers fly away. Coach Panzera pulls the curtain back and even reveals the true "A Pro's Experience" to give the average joe a window into the other side of the fence, as professional cyclists deal with the same issues we, the average rider, do.

Top Marks!

Great starting point
I am just a recreational rider, and haven't given much thought to club racing or even joining a club. So I thought this book may be more than I needed, but I was wrong, because even if I never move beyond the recreational level, I feel the book was invaluable in helping me understand what to look for in a bike and how to select one that was right for me. I used the knowledge I read in the book, when I went shopping, and much to my satisfaction I bought a bike that fits me and I really enjoy riding. Who knows, maybe someday I will even use the rest of the book to find a club and try some competitive racing. For now, thanks. A good read. ... Read more

Product Description
Ride Strong, Ride Long ... Whether Your Goal Is 30 Miles or3,000

From two of the country's top cycling experts the mostcomprehensive guide ever to achieving the strength, skills, andstrategies you need for long-distance riding. Whether you're trainingfor day rides, centuries, or cross-country trips, The Complete Bookof Long-Distance Cycling helps you choose the right equipment,train step-by-step, and map out your riding strategy so that you cango the distance.

Discover how to:
* Make the most of everyhour on your bike
* Build your mileage base efficiently
*Customize your training to suit your personality and physicalcapabilities
* Build extra training time into your hecticschedule
* Avoid injuries and the dangers of overtraining
*Achieve the mental edge you need to ride farther and faster
* Trainfor both road and off-road touring
* Choose cycling gear that goesand goes
* Eat for the long haul-- nutrtion before, during, andafter your rides

To help you achieve your riding goals, TheComplete Book of Long-Distance Cycling gives you complete,step-by-step training programs for riding a half-century, century,double century, and beyond. You'll also find strategies and techniquesfor special situations, such as riding in bed weather and riding atnight. Published by the world's leading authority on bicycling, thisinformative guide is a must-have for all cycling enthusiasts.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (34)

Very informative
I purchased this book to help me prepare for an around the world bicycle tour. It does a great job of breaking down the science of cycling. I particularly enjoyed the information it provided on bicycling ailments, and how to fix them. There is also a great section on nutrition, and training for long rides. If you are more than a recreational rider I would recommend this book. It really helps you make the most of your time on the bike.

Great book
Really great service, arrived prompt and as advertised.A must read for anyone preparing to do a long ride for the first time.

Great resource for an overlooked genre
The bulk of the books on cycling out there are about racing, which is cool but not especially helpful for the mere mortals (like myself) who just want to improve distance. I bought this in preparation for the Seattle to Portland ride, and it's more than paid for itself in the benefits I've gotten from it.

The book is comprehensive in its coverage, and written specifically for the rider who is training to complete a century ride. It includes sections on nutrition, bike fit, training schedules, equipment, etc., all of which is relevant to the working cyclist. The advice it gave about neck soreness helped me get over a debilitating tendency I have to tense my shoulders, leaving my neck so tired after 40 miles that I can't lift my head. Now I'm riding >50 miles with no problems.

Includes sample training schedules for single and double centuries. Highly recommended.

Good book and worth the read
I have read this book a couple of times and spot read it just to help me go to sleep at night. It is like so many other books and is a little out of date but still has good and useful information.

F-A-N-T-A-S-T-I-CBOOK ON EVERYTHING CYCLING!
JOHN R. (1st reviewer; OCTOBER, 2008) HAS DESCRIBED THIS BOOK PERFECTLY.I CAN'T ADD ANYTHING TO HIS REVIEW. HE IS RIGHT ON THE MONEY, AND THIS BOOK IS WELL WORTH EVERY PENNY!!!DON'T BOTHER LOOKING FOR ANY OTHER BOOK ON THIS SUBJECT.YOU'VE FOUND IT HERE! ... Read more

Product Description
Conventional wisdom says that middle-aged cyclists should slow down and expect to achieve less as they grow older. But in Cycling Past 50, author Joe Friel shows cyclists that with proper training and the right attitude, the years after 50 can be their best ever.

Written for cyclists of all types-road riders, mountain bikers, track racers-this book provides an in-depth look atthe full range of considerations for cycling successfully into and through middle age.

Joe Friel, a writer and contributing editor to several top cycling publications and a dedicated rider himself, will inspire cyclists toward better performance and more biking enjoyment as he presents:

• basic principles of training;
• advanced workouts to improve endurance, climbing ability, and sprinting;
• training advice for 100-mile events and multi-day tours;
• planning tips and a workout program for getting into racing form;
• injury prevention tips and exercises; and
• body fueling advice.

In addition to explaining the physical adjustments seasoned cyclists can make to keep their biking effective and satisfying, Friel discusses the mental aspects of cycling successfully into middle age. He explains the importance of developing a positive attitude, maintaining a high level of motivation, and taking pride in their accomplishments. He also reminds cyclists that, above all, biking should be a fun activity that should be shared with fellow riders, family, and friends. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (30)

Not what I needed
This might be a good book for someone interested in road racing, centuries, and the such. That ain't me. I was looking for a book to help get back in shape. I found little in this book to help me.

Good Info for the old fart
Lot's of information on aging and training.I really won't know the full story 'til I personally implement the program. 4 rides a week will be tough as I used to be able to improve significantly on just 2 a week.The joys of aging...

great answers for senior cyclist
this is a great book to give you a plan to train and enjoy bicycling as you grow older.Very technical with answers to why you should train correctly for you age.

This training information works!
I'm a fit 51 year old that has worked out my entire life. Last year I did the Ride the Rockies, a grueling multi-day road bike tour through some of the most challenging terrain in Colorado. I followed the training recommended by tour and did fine, maybe in the top 30% of riders (passed 7 riders for every 3 that past me). A friend recommended this book which I used to modify my preparation for this year's ride... a much more difficult 535 mile ride with an average of 3,000 to 5,000 feet of climbing to do each of the 7 days. I had never followed a periodized training routine before, nor focused on several training techniques mentioned in the book like low heart rate training workouts to build pulmonary efficiency (or more accurately, low threshold workouts... read the book). In the months before the ride, my resting heart rate went from 62 to 48. The results during the ride were amazing. I blew past 99% of the riders and the same group of riders that did the ride with me last year, some on the same level some faster, could not even come close to keeping up with me. Everyone was asking what the heck I did. I pointed them all to this book which I followed closely. In fact, their is so much information in this book which includes other terrific advise on nutritional fueling, etc., that I read it a second time with pen and paper in hand.

Cycling Trainning
It's a very good book. It teaches you how to deal with data for your trainning. It will be interesting if the author write a book for cyclists that are not interested in competing, but only in enjoing the bike although worried about improvements. ... Read more

Product Description
Indoor workouts on trainers and spin bikes are great opportunities to isolate weaknesses, work on drills, and more closely measure performance, but the preset courses of a stationary bike can quickly become boring. These spiral-bound, sweat proof workouts enable cyclists and triathletes to choose workouts geared toward their personal objectives, making indoor rides more interesting and productive. Each workout allows the athlete to use heart rate zones, perceived exertion, power levels, or a combination of methods to track performance and improve skills. The workouts are categorized by objective: endurance, force, speed skills, muscular endurance, anaerobic endurance, or power. The book can be used in conjunction with training plans for both triathlon and cycling and is the perfect solution for days when inclement weather threatens to cancel a ride. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Nice Variety
I use workouts in the binder a couple of days each week when the weather does not cooperate.Every time I have selected a workout I am reminded how much I like the variety between all of the workouts.There are a number of workouts to address power, endurance, threshold, climbing, etc.Great investment!

Great book.
If you have to do a lot of indoor training really helps alleviate boredom.Even if you get to ride outside in winter can help give your workouts structure.

Getting ready for the outdoor season
Workouts in a Binder for Indoor Cycling I lead a spin class geared toward triathletes and road cyclists - this guide has changed the way we work, targeting the things we need for the road in this area. A great resource for your indoor training that gives you a real edge in the early spring outdoor season.

cycle workouts
I love this little book.It explains the terms and gives tons of workouts in categories such as strength, encurance, etc.It definitely gives me ideas and motivation.

Workouts in a Binder for Indoor Cycling
So far I think it is a good resource for cycling.I have not gotten through all the workouts yet, but the few I have tried are very good.
The book surprised me because of the smaller size.I guess I was looking for a normal 8 1/2 x 11 size book, but this is okay.
... Read more

Product Description
Professional cycling has been around for more than 100 years, more than enough time for nearly anything imaginable to have happened. Whether it's the Tour de France racer who thought the worst thing that could happen to him was being forced to wear the Yellow Jersey, or the communist team director who insisted, on a whim, that a rider have a toe amputated or the fit of jealousy that started the Giro d'Italia, the sport has an endless supply of examples of human folly. Les Woodland has the perfect knack for telling these improbable, silly, crazy and absurd stories. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Delightful cycling morsels...
This is a collection of quirky, anecdotal short stories about competitive road cycling, written by someone who has toiled as a racer as well as a writer. Les Woodland's writing style has a Nelson Algren/Studs Terkel feel, and you find yourself slowing down to savor every word. These are generally little tales about obscure people in and around the sport of cycling, and Les has a talent for making them entertaining and memorable in his two to four page stories. Many, if not most, of the stories are absurdly funny.

My favorite nugget is "How Not To Organize a Tour," which centers around Les' "brilliant" idea to have one stage of the Tour de France actually take place in England. (I believe this is the only story where Les plays a role.) While working at Cycling magazine, they mocked his idea, but now they embraced it. In self-deprecating fashion, Les says "One day people will thank me and talk of my vision and drive." But after preparing for the stage across the Channel with "Biblical zeal," the stage was a dismal failure. Bikes were impounded by customs. Crowds were thin. It was a logistical disastor. The racing stage was lethargic and uninspired. It was a failure..."Unknown to me and everyone else in Plymouth, things had started to go wrong. On the other side of the Channel, the advertising caravan had decided to stay in France. The people who fling out cheap junk from the back of trucks dressed up as dead flies or vacuum cleaners were not going to pay for a long crossing to a country where nobody knew the products they were selling...It was miserable as it was, driving a huge dead plastic fly around France to advertise insect spray; to go to some awful wet country where everyone knew the food was dreadful and where the fly spray wasn't on sale anyway was out of the question."

This is a must read for anyone who has ridden a road bike a long distance in bad weather, any classic Tour de France fans, or just anyone who appreciates finely-crafted funny little stories. I read this delightful book over and over, and when not being read, it sits in a bookcase next to a Thurber collection. For good reason.

A Ride on the Wild Side of Cycling
In a sport where professional riders often take themselves way too seriously, it is refreshing to get a glimpse now and then of some of their funny or even strange sides, and this book doesn't disappoint.

While there may be a couple of stories in the book that you've heard before, most of them will be new even to serious students of cycling history, since this book is, for the most part, NOT a retelling of tales we've all heard over and over again.Woodland, who's lived on The Continent since about 1970, put a lot of time and effort into tracking down some of our sport's more colorful, if not always well known, characters for a cup of coffee and a good long chat.A couple of the stories come from Woodland's personal meeting with former Tour de France leader Wim van Est, for example.

In the interest of full disclosure, my book, Bicycle History is also published by McGann Publishing, but, as you can see if you look at my Listmania list from January, (it is March 20 as I write this)you'll notice that I've always been a big fan of Les Woodland, and that continues with this book. ... Read more

Product Description
Lonely Planet Knows France.

Idyllic countryside rides along tranquil canals, dramatic coastal routes atop rugged sea cliffs, demanding alpine climbs - France offers a wealth of great cycling experiences, and we have chose the crème de la crème, for every interest and ability level. Whether you want a gourmand's tour through vineyard and farmland, or to conquer the principal climbs of the Tour de France in the High Alps, this guide gives you the best of France on two wheels.

In This Guide:

Everything you need to know to get prepared
Bike maintenance tips to keep you on the road
Comprehensive listings for sleeping, eating and facilities along the way
Amazon.com Review
The French have a nickname for the bicycle: la petite reine, or the little queen. With the country's fondness for the queen of the road, its vastnetwork of quiet back roads, magnificent scenery, and scrumptious eateries,it's the perfect choice for discovering the world on two wheels. LonelyPlanet has created an excellent guide to touring in France, chock-full of itineraries, maps, information, and advice for those who want to get off the bus and set their own pace. They've mapped out the best rides in the country for neophytes, veterans, and off-roaders, with itineraries ranging from a few hours to two months. Here's a sampling: In Paris you can take the bike paths along theSeine or all the way to Monet's gardens in Giverny. The Loire Valley offersintimate excursions beside sandstone villages, magnificent châteaux, and scenic waterways. Take the tiny, winding roads of Provence to see perched villages and spectacular panoramas of the Cote d'Azur, or dip into Champagne for the terraced vineyards of Dom Perignon. For those up to the challenge, there'sthe dramatic volcanic landscape of the Massif Central, with its steepclimbs and sweeping descents. The guide includes a chapter on the island ofCorsica, with its rugged coastal scenery and prehistoric sites.

Traveling by bicycle calls for a plethora of information not found in thetypical tourist guidebook. Lonely Planet has it all. "Facts for Cyclists"provides practical information on when to ride (based on the weather andwind patterns), a checklist of what to bring, information on buying orrenting locally, a list of cycling events, and Internet resources. There are tips for senior, disabled, and gay and lesbian cyclers, and those ridingwith children, as well as lists of which airlines and which types of trains arebicycle friendly, and how to pack and transport your bike. The "Health andSafety" chapter explains the French rules of the road (including theconfusing "Priority to the Right"), and gives tips for getting and stayingfit, and treatments for common ailments on the road. Of course, there's theusual information on where to stay, what to eat, and what to see for a wide range of tastes, from camping to a night in a château. There's also a section on the history of cycling in France and a chapter on the Tour de France and its nuances. With the inclusion of the requisite chapter on bicycle maintenance and repair, you're ready to ride. --Lesley Reed ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Updated, well written, detailed, inviting
Unlike most of the previous reviewers, I've got the 2009 edition of the guide. I can't really give this book five stars without having road-tested it, but for planning a trip (or daydreaming), it's great. The book caters to a broad range of abilities and objectives: if you want to ride all the hors catégorie climbs of the Tour de France, you can follow the routes here, but there's also lots of good advice for enjoying France at a more leisurely pace, and it's never condescending. (The author's experience leading bike tours in France seems to have given him a much better idea than other some guidebook authors of what visitors are hoping for.)

Route information and cue sheets are detailed. The breakdown of routes into daily stages seems sensible (and humane), and the descriptions are engaging but not gushy. There are useful details about traffic, new cycle routes, wind and weather, holiday crowds, places to stay, and the practicalities of travelling to and from the routes with a bike.

A 'must' for any planning a bicycle tour of France
CYCLING FRANCE offers over thirty rides through French countryside, from route descriptions to maps, cue sheets and more. This take-along tote offers everything needed to get prepared, from what to bring and costs to different areas of France perfect for a bicycle tour. A 'must' for any planning a bicycle tour of France.

Out of date, but good basic information
I've done 20 bike trips in France. I loved this book at first, but now is totally out of date and desperately needs a re-do. The first pages of general information about customs, train travel, history, language, cycling culture, etc are great.However, the rest of the book is filled with routes and acomodations that no longer exist and missing many many new routes that have come along in the past decade. For example, cycling along the Loire River is superb along the new EuroVelo6 bike route that did not exist at the time of this book's publication in 2001. It's a paved signed path along The Loire hundreds of miles long and totally separate from cars.France is promoting cycle tourism like crazy, but there is lots of new stuff to know. You can't put a bike on a TGV train for example unless you know the secrets to train travel. Lonely Planet . . . fresh edition PLEASE.

Loved it!
My husband and I used this book about five years ago to tour the Loire region. We have traveled a fair amount but never on bike before this trip. This book gave us a plan of how to do that. (Just the information about bikes on trains made the book worth getting.) We added a little cycling to the beginning of our trip and split some of the rides so we could sightsee more. It's emphasis on backwoods ways of getting into and out of towns was fantastic to help us avoid traffic. We loved seeing all kinds of places we would never have encountered if we hadn't picked up this book. We paired it with the Cadogan Loire Guide for interesting background about where we were visiting and the lodging section photocopied out of some other guide.

I wish they would update it. I tore most of the extra pages out of it (for areas we weren't going to) before our first trip. Glad I saved them. We will use it again this year in Brittany but not without a Michelin map as a back up since it's now so old.

This book sucks!
Sorry to be so blunt, but I spent the last 5 weeks cursing the authors of this book (and those that I met on the road with this book felt the same way). Do NOT waste your money on this thing. It is FIVE years old (I live in Seattle and met one of the authors before she left in June '99). The information is totally outdated and some of the campsites no longer exist! My advice is to get a good guide that is updated regularly, maybe get a good idea for a route from the Mountaineers and then get the Michellin map following the scenic (green) routes (or get the special bikes maps from any bookstore (librarie) while you are there). Cycling in France is a breeze. Enjoy France on the bike...there is no greater place to ride. Don't let McGuide mess with your fun. Live to ride...ride to live... ... Read more

Product Description
Tired of the same ride at the same pace yielding the same results day after day? With Fitness Cycling, you will achieve maximum results from every cycling workout, whether you’re trying to improve your times, bike longer distances, or simply increase your fitness level. With 60 workouts and 13 proven training programs at your fingertips, you will improve your physical conditioning and your performance.

World-class cyclists Michael and Dede Demet Barry, with noted exercise physiologist Dr. Shannon Sovndal, guide you through assessing your cycling fitness level and selecting a training program based on your individual goals.

The dozens of workouts include endurance rides, hill and speed training, time trials, and strength and lactate threshold sessions. Workouts are then arranged into four training zones to lead you from building a base to maintaining peak condition based on your fitness level and cycling ambition. Warm-up and cool-down methods, as well as expert conditioning guidelines, provide the information you need for more informed training, faster times, and improved fitness.

Put an end to the monotonous rides and begin cranking out meaningful miles. Whether you’re looking to jump-start your training or to peak for a race, Fitness Cycling ensures that every workout keeps you on pace to meet your goals. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Very helpful book.
A quick and enjoyable read with enough detail to get and keep me training.Will use as a reference as I roll through the progressions laid out herein.

Not for the recreational rider
I've been riding too many years to count but still enjoy doing two tough road rides over hills per week on a new Trek Madone.I bought this book in an effort to ratchet up a notch with some useful tips about training, diet, etc.Big mistake!There's nothing useful in this book for an experienced recreational rider unless you want to become a racer, in which case go for it - there's plenty of technical advice here that may help a riding zealot.But there's little of interest for someone who enjoys biking and just wants to improve a bit.

Intro to Cycling Fitness
I recommend this book to any cyclists interested in racing or fitness. If you ride for fun, this book is probably the only fitness book you will need for cycling. If you are planning on racing, but you don't know much about cycling training, this is an excellent book to start with.
This book is divided into two parts.
The first part introduces the rider to cycling fitness, and how it is accomplished. This involves explaining your max heart rate, VO2 max, and lactate threshold. It also explains the basics of cycling fitness, such as building a base, increasing speed, and raising your lactate threshold.
The second part of the book gives three 30 week workout plans, building towards some sort of event or race. The three workout plans are aimed at beginners, intermediate bikers, and more advanced riders.
This book does not emphasize power meters, but it does recommend a heart rate monitor. It also rates workouts according to perceived effort.
This is a good book.
David

Fitness Cycling
Descriptive begginer and advanced training programs, easy to follow instructions, straight to the point.

A cycling coach
Good common sense development in this book.Too often these books come out and decide that the person they're talking to is in better shape than Armstrong or is about to get on a bike for the first time.It's good to see that she is aiming at giving good workouts with adequate recovery and a constantly growing workload.

Nice work Ms Barry. ... Read more

Product Description
Lonely Planet Knows Italy

With its variety of landscapes, gregarious locals, delicious food and great cycling tradition, Italy is a biking paradise. From spectacular limestone bluffs and elegant resort towns on the Amalfi coast, to top-of-the-world panoramas in the Dolomites and touring historical marvels around Rome, we've chosen the best rides for every interest and ability level. Whether you want to test yourself on an arduous climb into Sardinia's high country or tour languidly through Tuscan vineyards, this guide gives you the best of Italy on two wheels.

In This Guide:

Everything you need to know to get prepared
Bike maintainance tips to keep you on the road
Comprehensive listings for sleeping, eating and facilities along the way
... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Our Italian Bike Touring "Bible"
This is SUCH a great book! My wife and I have used it for two bike trips in Italy and it has been our on-road guide all the way. We have found it to be, above all, accurate and reliable, but the author has also created great routes (we've done 5) that have led us to memorable, even epic (yes, the "e" word!), rides and vacations. All I've discovered using this book -- I'm 45 and have taken many amazing trips in the world -- is that cycling in Italy has become my FAVORITE thing to do!

A little background: my wife and I have done a lot of riding (we met on a 7-day, 910 km. trip around New England). I'd say we qualify in the "above average" quantity, but we had never done anything major self-supported with panniers.

In 2009 we got a call from a friend inviting us to a wedding in Northern Italy and when I called an Italian friend to ask him about where it was he said, "You'll be very close to Barolo. You must-a bike-a Barolo." We got on Amazon and bought this book and figured we'd bring our bikes and do one of the author's rides, a 3-day, 200 km. tour of the Langhe and Roero. (We added a fourth day, a 40 km. tour around Alba including lunch in Barolo.) IT WAS EPIC!!!!! We found exactly what the author described in terms of road cues, distances, and elevation profiles, and her recommendations for eating and lodging were spot on. Our daily itinerary over 4 days: get up, breakfast, bike a couple of hours in fantastic scenery, have an awesome lunch with lots of wine, bike a couple of more hours through more picturesque settings, hotel, shower, surprise: we're hungry again!, awesome dinner with lots of wine, bed. Repeat. (Boring, isn't it?!)

We had such a memorable trip we decided to go back in 2010 but this time ride through Tuscany.

I write this having just returned from the airport and having completed 4 of the author's rides in Tuscany ("Chianti Classic," "Siena Explorer," "Road Less Taken," and "Seascapes and Cliff Villages") in 12 days (660 km.), that has now gone down in our books as ANOTHER sweet bike trip to Italy and cemented bike touring in Italy as my favorite thing to do. I haven't even started dealing with our pictures yet as I wanted to write this review: we are SO happy to have had this book -- we feel indebted to the author and Lonely Planet -- to help us plan and guide us on the roads, from one historic town, through agelessly scenic countryside (or cityscape, for that matter), to the next, eating and drinking wine all the way.

If you can deal with bringing your own bikes and following the author's good recommendations as regards planning, what to bring, self-repair (also good sections in the book), you will have a marvelous time. For added convenience, I recommend copying and enlarging the author's cue sheets and keeping them handy while on the road. A GPS is also super handy as the 2009 edition of the book has GPS coordinates throughout. Lastly, this wasn't our only guide book -- we also used Tuscany-specific ones by Lonely Planet and Rick Steves -- but it is our only cycling guide book, and a good Michelin map and this book is all we needed.

We're already using it to plan our next trip!

PS - we found Italian drivers to be SUPER courteous to cyclists and safe. While the shoulders are typically non-existent, all you have to do for reassurance is look at the little old lady on the road in front of you on her cruiser bike with the groceries in her basket wearing a skirt and dress shoes -- and no helmet -- showing no fear. The drivers yield to you in rotaries (and we've gone through some busy rotaries!) and are respectful and patient. It's safer there than in the U.S., by far.

Offers top rides for all ability levels and a range of traveler interests
CYCLING ITALY is a take-along tote for any planning a visit to Italy and who wants to see the Italian countryside via bicycle. From bike maintenance tips and listings for sleeping, eating and facilities to travel tips on resort towns, historical villages, and more, this offers top rides for all ability levels and a range of traveler interests.

An Italian Cyclist Opinion.
Lonely Planet - Cycling Italy by Ethan Gelber it is a very useful guide even for an italian like me. The guide it is also a good introduction to the general world of "cycle touring".
The limit is, for a long distance rider as me, the guide does not suggests a complete uninterrupted tour of italy. This guide in Amazon costs less than in the italian book market(importation tax included). Bye.

Great for any Gringo
My decidedly American husband was able feed his bicycle addition into the Alps of Italy with this book.He bonded with the local bicylists, didn't wreck and managed to find his way back to the appartementi by dark.This book has thebasic phrases and a maps that will allow you to enjoy a little adventure off the beaten track. You might even ride with a fleet of people that share a love of life, filled with riding into the anoxic elevations and descending with gusto to a glass of wine.He saw a magical bit of Italy that most tourists never see. ... Read more

Product Description

Learn from a legend! Trim seconds off your time, train more efficiently, or simply maximize your fitness workouts with Mastering Cycling. 

Customer Reviews (2)

John Howard is at it again...
I finally had the chance to read John Howard's latest book and thought it had helpful tips for both the novice and seasoned rider...I'm a long time cyclist and sometime racer on local SoCal teams and found the book to have some interesting insights; not only on the bike but a complete section on what to do off the bike for better performance and less injury.John outlines a complete program that includes both strength and flexibly exercised to complement training out on the road...John certainly has done it all and even today will be found in the front group of the legendary `Swami's ride" that's more like an abrading comet...Stacked with top riders and a sprinkling of pros, to see John in his 60's hang,he is doing something right...

This book was a disappointment to me
John Howard is legendary in the cycling world.He is a three time Olympian, winner of the Hawaii Ironman, holder of the world speed bicycle record, multiple national champion, etc., etc.When I heard that he had written a book on cycling which is a passion of mine, I couldn't wait to order it knowing that he would reveal the secrets that allowed him to accomplish everything that he has achieved.I must say that the book was a disappointment.Of all the books available on the subject of cycling on Amazon, this is probably the least informative with nothing new to add.I kept hoping the next page would reveal something that would make the purchase of the book worthwhile - I never found it.I give it three stars only out of the respect that I have for the man. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (14)

Road rash is your friend
This is a must read by anyone with an interest in cycling.It is especially helpful for adults new to cycling again, possibly in a new environment.The original title :art of urban cycling" still hold true.But it is not just for a new cyclist, I have over 100K in the saddle and still reference it regularly.This latest purchase was for 5 more copies, I continuously give the as gift.If you like this at all, Hurst also wrote the cyclist's manifesto.It has a bit more history in it.Happy Trails

A good intro for big city cyclists, but by no means comprehensive
I want to start my review by saying that I cycle about 3000-4000 miles a year, mostly commuting and a little touring, and most of this in a city of about 50,000 people in Indiana, and in outlying rural areas and small towns. (I live about 5 or 6 miles from the city, in the country).

The original title that this book was published under, The Art of Urban Cycling, should probably have been kept, as I originally thought that this book was going to be an overview of all kinds of cycling. However, Hurst is writing primarily for people who are going to be cycling in a large city (by "urban," Hurst seems to mean a city that is large enough to have several interstates and other limited access roads going through it, a "downtown" district with skyscrapers, and outlying suburbs). Hurst's comments about urban development, and the influences that transportation developments (such as streetcars, trains, and automobiles) had on expanding these cities, but this analysis does not really go into detail as to how exactly this development affected smaller cities and towns.

Hurst's style is somewhat humorous and whimsical. In spite of his use of mild profanity in the book, he does provide a reasonable, intelligent analysis of the history of cycling, urban riding basics, safety, pollution, and a basic introduction to maintainance and bike types. Hurst delves little into topics that would be relevant to persons such as myself who commute through outlying rural areas, for example, route selection of adequate country roads, dealing with those cars that appear out of nowhere over rural hilltops, etc.

In fact, Hurst seems to insinuate that commuting on a highway is very dangerous and a bad idea. However, there are many areas in the country where the only paved roads available to rural commuters are state and federal highways; this is true, for example, in the Flint Hills of Kansas. Where I live in Indiana, pedalling at least a few miles on the highway is unavoidable if I want to go to my own house, or visit my parents or grandparents.

Much of Hurst's book is geared toward his own experience and background, which includes various aspects of track racing (such as the track stand, which I still think is ridiculous) and an interesting discussion about why bicycle couriers use fixed speed bicycles. I was disappointed that this book didn't speak much about touring (which happens to be my cup of tea), but I guess one book can't cover everything. Much of his advice seems to be geared toward people who will be doing short commutes of 10 miles or less through a city; his suggestion, for example, that panners have fallen out of favor and backpacks are "in," seems to assume that commutes will be short; as anyone who has ever commuted or toured a good distance with a backback knows, the thing tends to push certain parts of your anatomy down onto the saddle, causing much discomfort.

Hurst does not seem to be part of the "anti-motorist" crowd, which antagonizes motorists and clings to the cyclist subculture. However, he (and other cyclists) don't realize that cycle commuting will never be practicable for everyone; many people, for example, live 20 miles from work, have an extremely busy schedule which makes time for exercise difficult, have to take 3 children with them everywhere they go, suffer from COPD or heart failure and can barely exercise, or have to show up to work in a spiffy business suit with shoes. Although I would like for cycle commuting to be accessible to everyone, the fact remains that automobiles are the only mode of transportation that some people will be able to use on a regular basis; automobiles are not necessarily bad, although we as a society could definitely do much to lessen our independence on them.

The discussion about urban pollution and how horrible it supposedly is makes me wonder where the world Mr. Hurst lives; I won't say the air in Indiana is super clean, but I've never suffered any apparent ill effects from it (though long term effects remain to be seen). Wait, I've got a solution to dealing with the urban pollution; MOVE OUT TO THE COUNTRY. (HAHA).

If you do most of your cycling in a small town or through the country, you may not find this book to be very useful.

Good book, would be better in paper format
I bought this on the recommendation of some buddies on [...]. I thought I'd be tricky & buy it for Kindle, so I can easily take it with me and read it on the train to work.

Unfortunately, this is one of those books that would be better in a dead tree book. For one thing, he makes footnotes whenever he quotes something. These notes are sometimes quite detailed, and the references go to a special part in the back of the book. Flipping back & forth is not convenient on a Kindle. The other thing is that some images are mingled into a picture, and the font is tiny & hard to read. If you have a Kindle DX, it is no big deal. On a Kindle or Kindle 2, it is TINY. You'd better have 20/20 vision if you're going to read those parts.

There is some solid survival tips for cyclists here. It is 90% applicable toward urban cycling; only one tiny chapter on suburban cycling. Also, the author continually repeats that when a cyclist gets hit, it is his own fault for not being alert enough. To some extent, this is true. But to put all the blame on the cyclist every time? Get real, Robert. We can't realistically slow down at every green light to make sure no one's going to blow it. We can't anticipate when someone is going to left turn in front of us when we're going 20+ mph.

Aside from these points, it is a great book. No regrets buying, I just wish I'd bought it paper format instead.

Entertaining reading for the suburban rider, too!
I find the content of this book to be very entertaining, and eye opening as I am a suburban/rural rider, not an urban cyclist.

The organization also allows for me to review and follow other's comments on particular sections. So I've read ahead based on reviews at times.

All in all a fascinating book for the active cyclist. The only omission is one often overlooked by bicyclists: growth in the electric assist cycling. Not as an intrusion to purists who bike without auxiliary power, but as a practical extension for the many who would otherwise NEVER take their bikes beyond a few miles from home! This is not an area covered by motorcyclists or their "biker" books or mags either.

The worst book on cycling ever. Really? Really.
Okay, I love cycling. I average between 60 to 100 miles a week. I don't race. I don't train. I ride mostly in the Los Angeles area. I go to the doctor, the store, the post office. meetings. I am an urban cyclist. And when I talk to my fellow drivers, many tell me how much they would love to get on a bike, but with the traffic they are just too afraid. Robert Hurst, author of "The Art of Cycling" likes that these people are too afraid to cycle. He wants you to be too afraid to cycle. There is nary more than a passing mention of the joy of cycling in here. What Robert wants to tell everyone is that cycling is dangerous, deadly and that you will get hurt, badly, and that if you do, you are lucky. I'm not joking. It is all disguised within the book, because Robert first gives us a nice potted history of cycling, motoring and urban growth patterns in the 20th century. Then he gives his "invocation," where he says it is our duty to show others how "easy it is" to ride in the city. Then he states, "Ride with fear and joy." What follows for the next 200-plus pages is a whole lot of fear. He starts by telling us that our streets are really not suitable for riding, that we have bad pavement, potholes, cracks, seams and waves. His advice: find a route, memorize it, and don't vary from it because if you do, you are taking your life in your hands. Scared yet? Oh, it gets better. Next, Hurst wants to tell you how to ride your bike in the city. His first pronouncement is that if you ride with the traffic laws, you can expect "a few trips to the MRI room." Great! What rules are we supposed to follow? Hard to say. Maybe blow through Stop signs (a common activity for cyclists at empty 4-ways), but mostly, he implores riders to just ride scared. No driver is predictable. And if they hit you, it is probably your fault. He announces that you will get "doored" (have a car door open into you as you ride). You will get hit. You will be injured. A lot of his ultimate advice is basic city cycling technique, but it is buried under a mountain of fear-mongering. Slowly, part of Hurst's problems come into focus. The later you get into the book, you get a better idea of the chip on his shoulder. He rants against "strict" vehicular cycling (a term I didn't really know before reading this book)--that is cycling as traffic in the middle of the lane, stop at ever sign, signal like a car without blinkers. I have no stake in with the vehicular cyclists. But Hurst also begins poking at the notion that cyclists should be visible to drivers. He argues that you can't count on visibility with reflective vests, lights, etc. And here is where things really go off the rails. You can literally see where either the publisher or someone said, "Robert, old boy, you can't go around recommending that people cycle at night, in the city, with no lights on their bikes." But, in fact he does. "Riding at night without lights is not only possible, it can also be a very instructive drill." Oh! One might learn a great deal by performing brain surgery on yourself, too! He decries "the alter of Visibility". Mr, Hurst, cars hit things they don't see. Ride to be seen. Light up your bike and body at night. Riding without lights is not a good idea for anyone. Of course, at the end of his ode to light-less riding, he states that he was only speaking theoretically and "the author must insist" on proper lighting. I think by "author" he means "the publisher" or "the editor". He goes on to detail the dangers of riding with fellow cyclists ("highly experienced cyclists," he snobbishly states, "will express a preference for riding alone.") Then comes Chapter 4. This chapter is all about bicycle injury stats! Ready to ride now? Maybe you should know that "Clearly the pain and danger of cycling has been underrepresented in many statistical surveys." Whee! Oh, he claims that all injury stats are pretty bogus, and waxes poetically about the likelihood of getting road rash, a broken collar bone and severe head injuries. Think I'm joking? "Road rash is a precious gift. Road rash is your friend. Bask in it, appreciate it, love it." You can't make this stuff up. His point is that you will be a safer cyclist after planting your face on the pavement, going to the ER or just getting a square meter of skin rubbed off your body. Or maybe you will just quit before you fall. Because, according to Hurst, you will fall, and get hurt. He has more good news: that helmet you wear, it's junk. If I had to bet, I'd bet Hurst doesn't use one. He devotes a few pages to "the helmet controversy" initially painting it as bike riders thinking that their helmets will somehow protect them from a 60 mph impact with a Ford F150. He begrudgingly admits that helmets were made to protect cyclists heads from impacts in the 10 to 15 mph range (this being the actual maximum speed of the vast majority of cyclist falls). But he's right there to let you know that there could be accidents where the helmet could do more damage than good, one where the helmet gets caught on a bumper and you head gets twisted. Oh-kaaay. This is like the extremely rare group of accidents in a car where the seatbelt does more injury to the occupant than the impact would have. Sure, there is a miniscule chance of having that accident, but it is about as good as winning the lottery. Again, he says "wear a helmet" with the someone-told-me-to-say-this tone of the scolded child. Ready for more good news?Hurst puts in a couple of pages listing all the poisons in car emissions, then details special ways for cyclists to breathe. I'm not joking. He asks the question, "does air pollution cancel the health benefits of cycling?" His "joy of cycling" answer? "Who knows?" This is a quote, folks. Yes, he does go on to state that he thinks its better to ride, but by this point (page 197), he has either scared his readers or pissed them off or both. He makes swipes at biking clothes. He rails against panniers (bags that attach to racks on the front or back of a bike), even citing "anti-pannier" sentiment. Okay, you've read my rant. Here's my response to the book: Cycling is great fun. Wear a helmet. Wear bright, reflective clothes. If you might be out anywhere near dark, have good lights in front and back and if possible clipped to you and your helmet. Signal to drivers. They appreciate it. Respect others on the road as you would want them to respect you. Pay attention when you ride. But ride. Explore. You've never seen a place the way you will see it on a bike. It is a wonderful, visceral experience. There is no right or wrong bike: 27 speed or fixed gear or BMX--just ride. I didn't mention Hurst and his long rant on the lack of safety of bike paths (which he ultimately supports, in a way), but use these. Get your kids out on them. Go slow before you go fast. But feel the wind on your face. Cycling is really not as dangerous as Hurst wants you to believe. It is a joy, and fear is not and should not be the motivation for being a safe cyclist. Respect is the key for safety. Cyclists get enough uninformed fear-mongering from non-cyclists. We don't need it from a supposed advocate. One last warning: Do not get this book for a beginning cyclist! It could easily paralyze them from ever riding again. This book is a real shame. ... Read more

Product Description
Take your road cycling to the next level with the newest techniques, equipment, and skills from the leading magazine in the sport. Check out how to:

* Ensure your bike is in tip-top shape in 8 easy steps
* Boost your efficiency with smooth pedaling and proper form
* Brake without wasting speed or wiping out
* Ride safely in wet, cold, and hot weather
* Convert your mountain bike for the road
* Master the skills of riding in traffic
* Get long-distance secrets from the Race Across America record-holder
* Train indoors with these 5 workouts
* Prevent saddle sores, numbness, and knee pain
* Motivate yourself to train harder
* Discover the world of recumbents and tandems
* Sprint like a champion
* Attack hills for maximum fitness
Amazon.com Review
Maybe you're a novice who has yet to squeeze into that firstpair of sexy Lycra shorts. Or perhaps you're a seasoned racer who isseeking ways to become stronger and faster. Whatever the case, youwill be well served by Ed Pavelka's comprehensive guide, which takesthe reader on a highly readable ride through road cycling--from thebasics of handling and maintenance to the subtle intricacies ofracing. Instead of asking the reader to take his word on everysubject, Pavelka has gathered a cast of Olympians and renownedmechanics to tackle whichever topic reflects his or her strongestsuit. Besides the basics, chapters also include in-depth advice onsprinting, hill climbing, using heart monitors effectively, trainingindoors during the wintry months, and even surviving your commute inthe concrete jungle. If that's not enough, Pavelka has devoted anentire section to medical concerns, including overtraining, soreknees, and saddle sores. --Ben Tiffany ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

serious
If you are serious about riding then you need this book. Things you might not other wise think of, to make you a better rider in everyway. Handle the bike in turns, and in traffic. Top riders sharing their knowledge, seriously.

Easy reading collection of articles
As another reviewer pointed out, this is a colleciton of articles that don't make one continous book. I look at it as more of a manual. I didn't read it in order, but just went through the chapters that I thought were relevant and returned for the others later.

I am pretty new to cycling (beyond riding my bike as a kid). Although I was not impressed with the review of fast food burritos, I did find much of the information to be useful and encouraging.

It is a primer. You'll probably want to move on to other cycling books if you are interested in the topic, but this is a decent place to start.

Light Reading
If you want to know little about not a lot then pick this book up. Yes, there is some good advice, but by no means a cycling bible. Do we really need to go over the menu and nutritional value of fast food restaurants?

Dated, but still a fun read
I'm an experienced cyclist and I found this a fun read.It's a collection of articles that were published in Bicycling magazine back in the 90's on various aspects on road cycling.There are sections on skills, training and nutrition and I found useful information throughout the book.I feel that the articles were chosen to have a timeless slant as there aren't many examples on equipment, most of the articles are on technique.
Specifically I found the few articles on training that included examples to be helpful, like the suggested trainer routines, use of an heart rate monitor, and estimating calories burned.
This type of book is what I call a bathroom book, as the short articles are perfect reading when you want something to read for a few minutes.
The book is also a success in that it helps get you in the mood to go riding.There's not a lot new here, but it's fun to read someone elses opinion on something most of us already know how to do.

Untrustworthy.There must be better books for this subject.
Some information in this book I find implausible, and some I /know/ to be false, which further reduces any confidence I may have in the rest of the information.For a subject like cycling, you need someone who understands the underlying physics as well as helpful subjective seat-of-the-pants techniques.Ed Pavelka seems to only have the latter skill, which gives his advice no firm foundation.

A case in point is the brief article on steering.His final conclusion is sound - that countersteering (see Wikipedia for an explanation) is how you steer effectively, but he prefaces it by asserting erroneously that there are 3 ways to steer.To paraphrase, he says you can steer simply by pointing the handlebars where you want to go, without leaning the bike at up to 15mph (defying the laws of physics), or you can steer just by leaning the way you want to go, or you can countersteer.

There is only one way to steer: countersteering.Most of us never realize that is what we're doing.Most of us learned to do it unconsciously on the day we first learned to ride, and from then on we muddle through with a unconscious "micro-countersteer" that starts the bike falling sideways, which we catch by turning the corner.The key to good steering is to use deliberate, active and controlled countersteering - a skill which becomes obviously essential on a motorcycle, where the increased weight makes it impossible to muddle through a turn on unconscious control.

He comes to the right conclusion - so what's the big deal?Well, to me, the big deal is he's made me read and try to understand false information which is of no use whatsoever, and /his/ understanding of the subject is flawed.How am I supposed to trust anything else he says, if it's nothing more than his assertions based on his own gut feeling?

Frequently, theory alone is insufficient, very occasionally practice trumps theory, but best of all is practice based on theory._Sound_ theory. ... Read more

Product Description
Covering interesting and varied philosophical terrain, Cycling - Philosophy for Everyone explores in a fun but critical way the rich philosophical, cultural, and existential experiences that arise when two wheels are propelled by human energy.

• Incorporates or reflects the views of high-profile and notable past-professional cyclists and insiders   such as Lennard Zinn, Scott Tinley, and Lance Armstrong
• Features contributions from the areas of cultural studies, kinesiology, literature, and political science as well as from philosophers
• Includes enlightening essays on the varieties of the cycling experience, ranging from the ethical issues of success, women and cycling, environmental issues of commuting and the transformative potential of cycling for personal growth
• Shows how bicycling and philosophy create the perfect tandem
• Includes a foreword by Lennard Zinn, author and owner of Zinn Cycles Inc.

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Work
Michael W. Austin really knows his stuff.He continues to amaze and enthrall me with the breadth of his knowledge about all things philosophy and sports.My only hope is that he will continue to produce at this astounding rate.Anyone who is a cyclist, is interested in cycling or has thought about riding a bike should buy this book immediately. ... Read more

Product Description
Cycling is exploding in a good way. Urbanites everywhere, from ironic hipsters to earth-conscious commuters, are taking to the bike like aquatic mammals to water. BikeSnobNYC cycling's most prolific, well-known, hilarious, and anonymous blogger brings a fresh and humorous perspective to the most important vehicle to hit personal transportation since the horse. Bike Snob treats readers to a laugh-out-loud rant and rave about the world of bikes and their riders, and offers a unique look at the ins and outs of cycling, from its history and hallmarks to its wide range of bizarre practitioners. Throughout, the author lampoons the missteps, pretensions, and absurdities of bike culture while maintaining a contagious enthusiasm for cycling itself. Bike Snob is an essential volume for anyone who knows, is, or wants to become a cyclist. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

Bike Snob
I got this for my hubby who loves to rides bikes but doesn't read a lot. He could not put it down. This is a must read for bike riders. Its funny yet also informative. The price was good too.

Fantastic book!
For every entry level in this world. You will enjoy every single page of this masterpiece.

Bike Snobbery at its finest
It is not a requirement to be a bike enthusiastic to enjoy this book. This book will appeal to you if enjoy a good stereotype-lashing and dishing out generalizations surrounding cycling and people in general. Love sarcasm? Revel in the merciless? This book is a goldmine.

//Bike Snob NYC// takes his cruel, scathing, and direct brand of humor that has made him beloved among bicycle enthusiasts online and has successfully taken it into print. His rants and tirades although one sided and callous ring true. He venomously exposes the underlying superficiality of the hipster cycling obsession in a humorous, cruel yet good-natured way.

Like a father figure trying to steer his flock, he also manages to hand out sound advice. He generously offers guidance but not solutions to common cycling issues. Stopping short of actually telling you what to do, he gives paints you a general idea, then shoves you off to figure it things out for yourself. The insights into cycling history in American culture provide an interesting counterpoint to the tongue lashings found throughout the book. Short, concise and ridiculously funny, you may not come out a better person for reading this, but you will certainly be entertained.

Reviewed by: Auey Santos

There is no such thing as the perfect bike snob...
There is no perfect bicycle book, although Eben Weiss comes as close as anyone has in recent years. As has already been pointed out by others here, the `Bicycle Snob' book is a conveniently portable condensation of material, observations, et al, from his bicycling blog, with sharp corners rounded off and language neatly smoothed out to fit uncontested on any pedalist's book shelf.

What Weiss has done here is produce a book that, while very amusing, articulately arch and volubly informative, would be best regarded as a beginner's 'Audubon Field Guide to Urban Two-Wheelers', for he would seem to have prepared a (near) perfect introduction to bicycling for those who are not quite fully fledged members of the sub-species he describes so cleverly (blame this on his editor or publisher, perhaps.

Clearly, Weiss found himself faced with the challenge of mixing lots of disparate author objectives into the writing bowl in order to reach the widest possible audience. It appears a compromise of sorts was reached with his editor/publisher in that the book definitely has a strong element of `Bicycling for Dummies' in it. Including basic bicycle maintenance advice (and a condensed `how-to' guide) is great for absolutely hopeless or totally unknowledgeable would-be cyclists (and for providing encouragement to and moral support for those who have always eyed cyclists and their steeds rather warily), but it wasn't quite the sort of uniformly high-level Oscar Wilde type rumination on cycling that I was expecting from someone who is used to being a bit more...um, shall we say, unconstrainedly candid?

Much of what I found in this book version of Weiss' take on the two-wheeled universe was quite fulfilling, since I find that although I tend to wear wool sox with my Keen sandals, I mostly fit the same `Retro-grouch meets the Lone Wolf, versus the Curmudgeon' pattern that he styles himself after. I suspect that age has much to do with this, since it is a known human awareness dynamic that age & experience tend to catalyse a strong sense of cynicistic crankiness in individuals who have been observing the foibles of humanity for more than half a century. Weiss proves himself a sharp and astute observer of his fellow cyclists, certainly, and although I'd personally add a category or two more to his `various subsets of cyclists', they are for the most part quite accurate to a most entertaining degree.

I am reminded of a few encounters of my own with some of these types of cyclist he describes, one of the most memorable being the ultra-roadie I met one afternoon after returning home (on my bicycle) from work. This chap (a supremely fit 30s-something) was dressed from head to toe in brightly colored roadie Lycra and had shaven his arms, legs, head (and probably anything else he could take a razor to) in the approved manner of a `serious' road racer. His bike was at least a ten thousand dollar machine, based on what I could discern from checking it quickly over, and he had experienced a flat just a short way from my home on a major urban artery. He didn't appear to have an adequate pump with him, although he did have a spare tube.

Passing by him on my old 1971 Peugeot PX-10 commute bike, I felt an immediate pang of comraderly sympathy for his plight, vividly recalling numerous similar circumstances I had had in the past, stranded out in the middle of nowhere on a hot day and eyeing my small Crank Brothers pump with some perplexity. Therefore, upon reaching home I grabbed my heavy-duty floor model bike pump from the garage and cycled the short distance back to him, offering to let him use it to speed up the job (and lessen the work).

Before I really knew what was happening, he commanded me to take the pump and blow up his tire while he critically supervised the whole process with a stern gaze. Taken aback by this unexpected brazenness, but also admittedly highly bemused by his moxie/mojo titre, I dutifully pumped his tire up for him. No sooner was it full and the Presta fitting disconnected than he got back on the bicycle and pumped off, putting on a blazing display of accelerating biceps and quads that rapidly disappeared in the distant heat-haze. Standing there with the pump in my hand and receiving not so much as a nod of thanks from this supremely self-assured fellow, I marveled open-mouthed at the arrogantly assumptive nature of self-important people like this. To me, that was the supreme `archetypal roadie experience' and it's probably why I will never be one myself (yuk). So much for the `brother cyclist' empathy urge!

At any rate, Weiss has delightfully nailed the main groups of cycle subsets to the cross of his overall witty riposte and also managed to cover a few other areas of concern I share. One of these is his critical analysis (doubtless toned down considerably in the book) of cycling sub-cultures (especially the `style cyclist'). In his macroanalysis of cycling style, Weiss makes very relevant reference to basic principles of human sociology and in this context, while he places himself squarely in a deserved niche as a skillful and astute raconteur, he is still able to inform and educate the reflectively challenged. Weiss references the same patterns involved in any cyclist's attempt to stand out from the crowd on two wheels that are found in Chapter One of the human mating manual (e.g. the most brightly feathered, most verbally conspicuous male gets the fecund female). After all, for most ordinary people life is all about setting one's self apart from and above the herd, isn't it? The methods used by urban cycle stylists to do that with a bicycle are most fascinating and worthy of a whole field study guide in and of themselves.

In furtherance of this association, Weiss seizes upon the `fixie' phenomenon and makes rather incisive statements about the foolish affectation `fixie cyclists' have for that particular fad's code of conduct and sense of style (and make no mistake, folks, the fixie thing IS all about perceived style and élan). Safety is an entirely separate matter (by fixie reckoning) and has never had anything to with style and élan in the fixie world. Of course no matter how super-cool a hipster thinks he is, there's nothing very wise at all about riding around in a highly congested urban environment without accessory brakes on one's bike, unless one is simply subconsciously compelled to end up as an organ donor.

Although there are a few inconsistencies in this book, such as his `narchy admonishment (in `Rules vs. Fashion') that despite there being NO absolute rules one must heed, there ARE certain things one ought to observe (like align one's tube stem with the tire data), Weiss never loses sight of the fact that style...all style...is an affectation that one either accepts or rejects to suit the whim and I find myself in agreement with him most of the time. I do maintain some disagreement with him in the matter of wearing a helmet, however, since my background in medicine has given me insights into the need to protect one's noggin against massive head trauma that he clearly does not have, and whether one rides against the proper directional flow in bicycle lanes or not, having a skid-lid wrapped around one's brain is still a very, very good idea.

As I said, in writing a book suitable for everyone, Weiss has apparently had to mollify his publishers who are clearly concerned about not unnecessarily alienating certain types of would-be cyclist reader/buyers. You therefore can't expect him to turn the full `retro-grouch' heat up on many of his more entrenched opinions and I respect that. One thing that he makes clear is the fact that to a great extent, bicycling IS all about the bike in a certain larger sense (sorry, Lance!), although the most important thing is still to simply get on a bike and ride it...any bike, anywhere, any time.The riding's the thing, not the affected style adopted. The highly affected (or is it `afflicted'?) humming beans among us shouldn't be allowed to have it any other way!

This is a great book for someone who is interested in learning a bit about the bicycle culture before plunging into it for the first time. It's also a great book for the Compleat Bicycle Fanatic who must have a copy of every bicycling book ever written on his reference shelf. It's additionally a worthy read for anyone interested in the sociological affectations (or mating rituals) of the human race and for those who haven't been previously amused and entertained by the somewhat more acerbic commentary found in Bike Snob's blog. Overall, it is a very entertaining read in many places throughout its pages.

One final aspect of this book stands out in my mind. Weiss is clearly a product of the New York City mindset, a nuance that is reflected in both his references and context. It probably fits the NYC scene perfectly, where `style cycling' has reached a new high water mark. For a bit more casual west coasties like myself, it loses a bit of its ionic charge in the venue relocation. Still, it is a worthy read and most enjoyable as a complete piece.

It makes me wish I have more faithfully been following his pithier blog observations in their archetypal, buck-nekked fleshly identity. I've no doubt it would probably be delightful to share some Leninaid (SIC) with Weiss and trade bicycle stories with him, based on what I have read in 'The Bike Snob (book)'. My only remaining question: When's the movie going to be released?

Oh dear...
Not sure who this book is written for.I'm amazed anyone would find it amusing.

The excellent BikeSnobNYC blog is widely read, even by the great Lance himself.It is very well written; amusing and often hilarious daily observations, interwoven with a series of long-running in-jokes.For me, it is one of the very few "must read" publications on the internet.

So, this book was a real disappointment.It is a sort of introduction to cycling, for example explaining the differences between a road rider and a mountain biker.If you don't already know that, I can't believe you'd care enough to read about it.And if you do know, then you're probably looking for something with a bit more depth.

My recommendation?Stick to the blog ... Read more

Product Description
The core of John Forester's concept of Effective Cycling is that bicyclists fare best when they act, and are treated in return, as drivers of vehicles, with the same rights and responsibilities that motorists have.In this new edition of his classic introductory work, Forester reasserts this idea in terms of practice and education as well as theory while also addressing--among much else--the two major forces that have shaped bicycling since the early 1980s: the proliferation of high-quality equipment and the seriously insufficient progress on the social, political, and psychological fronts.The book is filled with details, strategies, and tips that will be useful both to occasional cyclists and to those who enjoy cycling as a way of life--all drawn from the author's many years of experience as a cyclist, a Cycling Transportation Engineer, and the founder of the Effective Cycling Program. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (24)

Effective Cycling
After taking the League of American Bicyclists' road riding course and qualifying as a League Cycling Instructor, I finally decided to buy the book that started it all: *Effective Cycling* by John Forrester.Talk about putting the cart before the horse!I wish I had read this book BEFORE undergoing instruction by the League.It's not that the League's safety instruction differs that much from Forrester's ground-breaking book, on which it's based.Rather, it would be interesting to have read the "real story" about bicycle safety before embarking on League certification.Forrester writes in a highly-opinionated, emotionally-charged, curmudgeonly style which can be highly entertaining if taken with a grain of salt.Throughout the book, I found myself thinking, "Don't sugarcoat it, John; tell us what you REALLY think."The man has an ax to grind, which is this: the bicycle-selling, highway-building, motorist-coddling establishment has conspired to make cyclists deathly afraid of riding in traffic.The cycling establishment (i.e., the current League) has gone astray by caving in to highway engineers who want to completely separate cyclists from motor traffic by forcing cyclists to ride on segregated, multi-use cycling paths, which are statistically the LEAST safe, MOST DANGEROUS place that cyclists can ride.The book goes on to teach proper riding techniques and traffic lane positioning skills, which, if adopted, will truly transform the way one rides a bicycle.The polemic nature of the book can be annoying; and a lot of the blow-by-blow narrative could have been edited out.Also, some of the recommended do-it-yourself safety modifications date the book to a time when bicycle lighting systems, for instance, were primitive and readers had to turn their own parts on a lathe.On the other hand, it's fun to read someone's strong opinions based on his thorough research and hard-won experience, especially when that someone is an iconoclast like Forrester.Forrester is to bike paths as Rivendell's Grant Petersen is to racing bicycles or Vanguard's John Bogle is to mutual funds.They all take a different approach to their subject that no one else follows at first.Later, their ideas start to catch on.If you're passionate about cycling, Forrester's book will make you think twice about widely-held assumptions while teaching you to be a safer cyclist.

Good but not complete
Mr. Forester has cycled many more miles than I ever will, and done much more for cyclists than I ever will -- not just through this book, but through his work as a traffic engineer and on traffic legislation. And I do enjoy this book and recommend it, and agree with most of the praise other reviewers here give it.
But still, I find something naive in his trust in vehicular-style cycling. Maybe that comes from his background as a traffic engineer, where a certain number of accidents per vehicle-miles driven is acceptable, and considered evidence that rules are working. But the trouble is, for you or I as individual cyclists, there is no acceptable level of accidents. The only acceptable number is 0 per lifetime, if we're talking about our bicycle colliding with someone else's car. So I think we might have to sometimes ride in un-vehicular ways, to keep ourselves safe from the unattentive or malevolent driver. We might have to jump a curb, ride on a sidewalk, refrain from signaling right turns, e.g....as I said, I am no expert on cycling, but other authors who are cycling experts (Dave Glowacz in Urban Bikers' Tricks & Tips: Low-Tech & No-Tech Ways to Find, Ride, & Keep a Bicycle and Robert Hurst in The Art of Cycling: A Guide to Bicycling in 21st-Century America) give respect to Forester's approach but then mix in some of their own hard-earned tips for when to go un-vehic. To become a better cyclist you might want to read all three of these books (along with Portia Masterson's Bicycling Bliss: Riding To Improve Your Wellness, which focuses on using your body correctly).
I enjoy the opinion and politics Forester weaves through his book. But I am amused by his separation of pro-cyclists from anti-automobilists, whom he does not tolerate. Again, maybe that comes from being a traffic engineer, to whom cars are the environment as much as water is to a fish. But to me, part of the fun of being a cyclist is imagining, and talking about, and maybe helping create, a car-less world. If we can't hate cars, who can we hate? Well, Forester seems to save his invective for the pesky pedestrians, who behave unpredictably, not like vehicles, and can cause cyclists such problems when the cyclists venture off the orderly street and onto the pedestrian-laden sidewalk or multiuse path. Even more deadly, in Forester's book, are the dreaded dogs, who can kill you by running under your front wheel.
Still, let me finish this review by praising Forester for reminding us that we do have the full right to the use of the roads -- and not just the side streets, but the main arterials if we wish to get to our destination quicker. As he points out, being bigger or faster does not grant you more rights, or else 16-wheelers and Porsches would take precedence over the other motor vehicles. That is an empowering concept for us two-wheelers. And there is much more to be gained by the careful study of this book, and by practicing many of its suggestions.

pleasant reading
This book reads well and it is factual. A great read for anyone new to cycling and it makes a good reference book to have in your library..

Read it and learn
Cancel your subscription to _Bicycling_ magazine. Read this instead. Ride and learn. Learn to ride with confidence. Sure, the equipment advice is hopelessly obsolte. Who cares? Five speed freewheels, drill holes in your hubs for oil ports? Forget about it. Doesn't talk about LED headlights or blinking taillights? You already know about those.

He invented the priciples that are described here, coined the term vehicular cycling, and pretty much wrote the bible for on-road cyclists. Take it out of your library if you are skeptical, but this really should be on the bookshelf on every cyclist.

Skip the politics, but learn how to ride in traffic safely and maintain your bike
This is an excellent book, which used to be the basis for the League of American Wheelmen (now the League of American Bicyclist's) safe cycling class (at the time known as Effective cycling.Learn all the critical skills for riding safely in traffic, including such things as emergency stops and emergency turns (i.e. when a car "hooks" you by making a right turn in front of you).

This book has been around for a long time, restructured and revised in this 6th edition, it's a much better read -- I just wish John could give up on his political ranting (correct as much of it is) and spend some time on riding safely in the world of bike lanes, etc. rather than wishing they didn't exist -- sadly, given legislative ignorance such things are here to stay and every cyclist should know how to use them safely! ... Read more

Product Description
Stay Younger Longer with the Real Life Answer to Low-Carb Diets

Build muscle and lose fat with the real-life answer to no-carb/low-carb diets. Low-carb diets like Atkins and South Beach are notoriously difficult to maintain over time and have been deserted by millions of people. Health-conscious people all over America are ready for something better. Discover the secret that athletes and trainers have been using for years with a healthy carb cycling diet.

By allowing you to eat full, nutritionally balanced meals on any day, The Carb Cycling Diet breaks away from the "deprivation model" of most diets on the market today. Alternating between limited-carb and normal-carb days, you have your cake and eat it, too, without having to rely on supplements or sugar substitutes.

The Carb Cycling Diet includes easy recipes and meal plans for normal- and low-carb days. Monitoring what you eat is simple with the Carbohydrate Content and Glycemic Index tables included. Plus, The Carb Cycling Diet provides tips on exercise, sports supplements, and how to keep motivation high.

As former Nutritional Consultant for the Russian National Athletic Team, physician and exercise physiologist Roman Malkov, M.D., understands the secret that the world's top athletes have used for years. Carb cycling works for them and it can work for you!

Easily adaptable to anyone's lifestyle, The Carb Cycling Diet is a groundbreaking, sustainable, scientifically based diet to build muscle, lose fat, and stay healthy for life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A very good book on a no fad diet
I have read several books on carbohydrate cycling diets and this is one of the best. Not only is the book easy to understand, but it also has good recipes ... Read more

Product Description

Ride faster and more efficiently with Serious Cycling. Exercise scientists have unearthed a wealth of information that cyclists can use to improve their performance. However, most cyclists have never had access to this great body of knowledge.

Now you do. Serious Cycling bridges the gap between scientific observation and cycling performance. It takes the latest scientific data on physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, injury prevention and recovery, and training, and translates it into practical applications that will have an immediate impact on your personal training program. Written by one of cycling's top experts, this book will help you build endurance, increase lactate threshold, and enhance cycling strength and power.

Two-time U.S. Olympic team staff member Ed Burke has combined physiological training principles and real-world experiences to make Serious Cycling the reference that no elite cyclist should be without. The training methods and techniques he presents are what the top cyclists use. You'll learn how to

- use power meters and heart rate monitors to gauge what is happening in your body while you work out;
- prevent injuries and illness, even during periods of hard training and racing;
- use proper nutrition and cutting-edge supplementation strategies to train harder and recover more effectively;
- make your body and your bike work with—not against—each other,
- get the best, most current information on proper positioning and cycling biomechanics; and
- apply effective tactics and race strategies to ensure your success in time trials, road races, and criteriums.

Whether you're a competitor, a club member, or a weekend century rider, Serious Cycling will give you the know-how—and the means to apply it—so that you can reach your full potential.

Customer Reviews (6)

Okay... but better books out there now
This give you some good basics, but you are better off buying any book for cycling that focuses on training with a power meter.

One of the best cycling books out there
i've had this book for a year now and every time i read it i get something new out of it. this book is concise and to the point. not everything in here is what people want to hear, but it is all beneficial. this book has helped me a lot and has shaped my training plan. i recommend it strongly. unlike some books that trash around and beat the bush, this book is straight up and tells you what to do, how, when, and how long. it looks at different groups of riders and has a recommendation for each and what sort of training they should be doing at a given time. however, like someone mentioned, there are no racing tactics in this book, just how to get into shape for the race/season. but if you think about it, if you train consistently and hard, you can get ahead of all the riders (early on) and call it good. yeah, you may be geting the full force of the wind and all, but with all the training in you, you should be ready. the elements are something to expect. make them your advantage. start by getting this book.

"The" book for bike racing (training, nutrition, fit, etc)
This book is packed with valuable information. This book alone is all one needs to get start a serious cycling training and racing regimen. The only thing that would be better is hiring a personal cycling coach. Even then this book would be a great augmentation.

Good info on training for competition not on tactics.
A big question for me when buying my first book on training for racing, was "Who provides the most reliable and important information?" I have seen Dr. Burke quoted in a variety of sources including Bicycling magazine, Velo magazine,and Chris Carmichael's web site. So I had the impression he is respected in the sport. Further, when reading his writings in other sources, he has gone into the underlying physiological processes that contribute to one's performance on a bike. As such, I decided to purchase his book based on his apparent credibility and the depth of information he provides. Strengths of his book include its excellent coverage of what goes into training for competitive cycling. From beginning "base training" to sprint training, periodization, and planning one's training for the entire year. He also speaks at length on nutrition, equipment/rider aerodynamics, body positioning on the bike, and adjunct training methods. Again, there is an emphasis on underlying physiological processes including some discussion of relevant research. I would say the book's weaknesses lie with it's failure to address racing tactics. Certainly, you learn about what is happening with the body at race pace, but this book will not tell you about positioning for a sprint or pacing one's self for a time trial.
In short, buy this book if you are serious about racing and want to enhance your knowledge of what goes into training for competition. Don't buy this book if you want to learn about tactics.

I won't leave home without this one !!!
Very detailed, I found "serious cycling" easy and enjoyable to read.Ideal for the self - coached athlete, it helps personalize your cycling program depending on your present abilities. While reading youfind that there is much more to training and becoming a better rider thenyou first thought, but it puts the "why" into training inaddition to the "how" giving a better understanding andappreciation with what changes your body must undergo to be a bettercyclist.

Periodization, training modes, keeping diaries and more... The nutrition section I found to be a little "old school" but,nevertheless, interesting and backed by studies.This information is aimedat the "serious cyclist" and may be too much for someone notwilling to put forth the 15+ hours a week. ... Read more

Product Description
Intended both for experienced racing cyclists who want to improve their skills and technique, and for recreational riders who want to cycle for fitness or get into racing, this book features a 12-week programme for stationary training. There is also advice on topics such as choosing a bike. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Awesome Workout Programs for Stationary Bike Trainers.
The stationary bike training programs in this book are incredible.
There is a 12 week program as well as various technical workouts that focus on different aspects of training: aerobic, speed, acceleration, strength, and time trials to name a few.
I've used the 12 week program to train for a couple of triathlons.The tips on racing and bike fitment have been useful for me as well.
I have appreciated the content of this book enough that I have given it to other cyclist, so that at this point I have actually purchased this book three times.
I have trouble imagining anyone using a stationary bike trainer without the advantage of having this book.

Good overall road bike training book
Like the book. It explains alot of helpful things to the cyclist. I especially like the cheap way to lighten your bike!It also comes with a set of trainer riding programs to get you ready for next season.It explains aerobic and anaerobic training and the difference there is.Also, that you should get a good heart rate monitor and cadence meter for the training programs.I am using these programs this winter and look forward to the benefits.I recommend the book.

A must for those starting racing and for a stationary training guide
I am new to competitive cycling and have recently started cycling at Veteran level.

I am a family doctor and an avid reader of cycling books and I feel this is one of the best.

The sections of the book do not flow that well and give the impression that the book is probably cobbled together from a selection of the author's other writings: Getting started, training, Stationary training, Racing, Cycling in your head. Don't let that put you off however, this is a good read packed with factual non-faddish and very practical advice in a easily read format.

A lot of room in this book is given for use of a stationary trainer, which may not be for everyone, but if this is what you seek, it's the best stationary trainer resource I've yet found. Worth buying for this section alone. Racing tactics and approach, especially 'cycling in your head' are all very helpful and put together concepts and ideas that aren't found anywhere else. I read this first 18 months ago, and have read plenty since, but I find I remember the sayings of this author more frequently in my training and racing, more so than any other book i've read. The author is prolific in cycling literature but has more recently been releasing ebooks which are available through his website - to my mind less accessible than a 'real' book that you can get from a library or buy and pass on. No doubt he has some more outstanding works in pdf, but I havenn't ventured there. This book is a great resource, I keep going back to it and find it more helpful as I gain more racing experience, for these reasons, 5 stars from me.

A cycling coach
This is a great book, covers all the needs a cyclist is going to run into as he/she moves to proficiency.There are many of the training drills and ways to improve speed that are discussed and promoted.The adjustment of the bike is always a little formidable but Baker gives enough information where someone with a little mechanical ability can take care of a lot of his own needs.

Nice job Arnie Baker.

After reading Bicycling Medicine by the same author, I can't help but be disappointed and a bit confused.
P.S. After thinking about this book some more following the review, I realize that its big problem is that it's unfortunately titled.This is not a book about "smart" cycling.

I've met plenty of chronically novice riders who had quite a lot to teach me about smart cycling, and none of that information is contained here.This book, I'd argue, should be retitled to save it from the flamingly bad reviews, and here I suggest "Performance Cycling," because that's what the book is actually about--maximizing your performance, energy output, results, etc . . . .

This is not a book for the non-competitor.

----------------------------------------------

No. 1 thing I want to say: Arnie Baker's other book, Bicycling Medicine, is a great book that anyone who rides--even novice, fair weather, just-for-fun riders--should have; Bicycling Medicine is essential for anyone who ever felt uncomfortable or suffered some kind of pain as a result of riding; Smart Cycling however is no such must-read.That's why I'm so increadibly disappointed, and a bit glad that I didn't read this book before the other since I would have dropped the author altogether.

Arnie-baby, what the hell happened?This is atrocious.This is the pasta weighing, single digit gram fretting, Armstrong-wannabe, weenie cycling guide of the age.I thought we were friends, that you were for the common cyclist out to do a century or three a year.Oh well, at least you have that other book to fall back on.

This book gives the impression that cycling is a highly technical sport which requires all sorts of gizmos and careful monitoring of your performance level.

Fooey!

If you're not a competitive cyclist, determined to win races, you don't need to be doing the kind of self-analysis and monitoring of performance you read about in this book.And that's coming from someone who rides thousands of miles a year, non-racing.

Bottom Line: Follow this book's advice and you'll be completely disenchanted with cycling in no time, which is horribly odd since Arnie Baker MD, champion cyclist and all around good joe also wrote what I consider the essential cycling book of all time--Bicycling Medicine! ... Read more