5 comments about Mastering Mountain Bike Skills.

1. I think this is a great book for a visual perspective.
   
   Things that are hard to describe in words are often given good visual treatment. I especially liked it when they showed multiple frames to illustrate a technique that might have changes across time.
   
   For example, they illustrate performing a jump by showing you various frames including hen the rider enters the jump (showing body position, etc), while he's in the jump, and what he looks like when exiting.
   
   This alone puts this book above others I have read on the same topic.
   
   I also liked the treatment of many different topics. There's a really good cross-section of useful information covered, so it seems like just about anyone in the sport would benefit from the content.
   
   There are a couple of things that I think need to be improved on to make this book better.
   
   First and foremost, the book either needs to dispense with all the flowery, colorful jargon, and stick closer to simple English, or it needs to provide a glossary up front.
   
   I am a beginning rider (supposedly one of the people this book is aimed at) and there were many times I did not understand a section perfectly clearly because of the specialized language they used.
   
   Here's an example, taken from early on in the book:
   
   "Pump backsides. Any time the trail turns downward, press down for some free speed".
   
   That probably makes perfect sense to someone who understands these terms, but it did not help be as a beginner.
   
   What does "pump" mean? Does it mean to "pedal hard"? Does it mean to quickly raise and then lower your body on the bike to "pump it"? And how about "press down" - press down on what? The pedals? The handlebars? The saddle?
   
   I've read the whole book and I'm still not 100% sure if "pump" means "pedal", or something else.
   
   This problem occurs throughout the book, in some places worse than others. There were spots where the language was so flowery that I actually laughed out loud.
   
   I remember one paragraph talking about pimping and nailing and lips and rhino horns. I wasn't sure if somehow a chapter from Alice in Wonderland had ended up in this book about Mountain Biking.
   
   The other thing I found confusing about the book was some of the conflicting advice given.
   
   I found this especially true in areas related to braking. If one just listed all the sentences related to braking you might see something like this: "Stay off the brakes, speed is the key to smoothness", "Use the brakes to remain in control", "Only brake when you really mean to", "Braking is one of the most important skills", "People rely too much on the brakes", and so on.
   
   This all reminds me of an out-take from the movie Poltergeist in which the main characters are giving Carol-Ann advice about how to come home: "Go into the light!", "Get away from the light!", "The light is your salvation!", "The light is the enemy!".
   
   I'm afraid that after reading this book I am as confused about braking as poor Carol-Ann is about whether or not she should go into the light.
   
   Apart from these gripes, I have spent many hours with this book and feel that I will become a better rider for it.



2. I found this to be an excellent book on mountain bike techniques. There are illustrated examples of all the skills you would want to know for all styles of mountain bike riding.
   This is a book to work through. For example it starts with the basics like wheelies and manuals and progresses to bunny hops showing how they are related and why you want to know one technique before progressing to another.
   Whereas Ned Overend's book is XC race oriented, the techniques in this book as just as applicable for downhilling and freeriding as they are to XC and will help you whether you race or just like to ride for fun.
   There is also a short section in the front covering the basics of choosing and maintaining your bike(s).



3. A fantastic source of information for anyone wanting to improve their mountain bike riding skills.



4. This book is quite excellent. I had never been mountain biking before, and read this book. When I finally went out on the trail with experienced riders, I was able to keep up, not injure myself, and generally know what was going on around me. I will say, though, that in reading the book, it seemed like all mountain bike riders were able to do the flashy stuff that was described, when in fact, I found that was not the case. However, it is good to know about. The writing style is very easy to read. There could have been a glossary, and I had to Google terms a number of times, but overall, an excellent book.



5. Great book you can find everything you want to know about mountain biking and is even fun to read.

5 comments about Zinn and the Art of Mountain Bike Maintenance.

1. If you are overwhelmed by all the moving parts or are just looking for a reference, this book is for you.
   
   This book contains detailed descriptions and illustrations of everything you need to know to maintain and tweak your mountain bike.



2. zinns book is right up to date on keeping your hi tech bike in good
   shape,the best i have read



3. Now although I ride alot, I'm not really big on reading Mountain bike books from cover to cover. And I actually refer to the companion Mountain Biking DVD-Zinn and the Art of Mountain Bike Maintenance DVD more often. This one, on the other hand is just a wealth of information. It covers so many different areas. I've looked at other books in the stores. If you want to own just one Mountain bike maintenance book, this is it. I myself only have one-this one. If you are a more visual person, as I am - get his DVD video. It's awesome too.Zinn and the Art of Mountain Bike Maintenance
   
   I often ride my mountain bike at night and use these lighting products:Down Low Glow Lighting Kit - Two Tubes-Envy(green)



4. This book was recommended by a friend of mine to facilitate my Padawan ways of bike maintenance. I'm very impressed, and the illustrations are excellent. Everything is broken down into the most basic steps when making a repair/modification. It's so much easier to maintain and repair your own bike, than to have your LBS do it. Don't be a tool, buy the book.



5. Excellent book full of information about MTB parts including differences from one brand to another. Full of drawings that helps understand how things should be done.

5 comments about Roadie: The Misunderstood World of a Bike Racer.

1. Expertly explains the world of a bike racer with plenty of humor and fun throughout. It is perfect for friends, family, and loved ones of roadies who may not understand. Being a roadie it was an enjoyable read just for the humor.
   
   Recommended for anyone who is a roadie, or close to one.



2. I enjoyed the book, even though it didn't have a lot I didn't already know...the style is fun. This book would make a nice gift to someone who is close to an avid cyclist, which I think is what the author intends. It is also a good read for the weekend warrior - to see how much you have in common with a real roadie...more than you'd think.



3. This is a nice book that talks about the sub-culture of cycling. It is in an easy to read, humorous format



4. I don't race, but I'm an avid roadie and bike mechanic. This is a great book for friends and relatives who frequently ask, "Why do you spend so much time riding a bike?" Whether serious to build a relationship and mutual understanding or as a humerous conversation piece, it would make a great gift...to cyclists of all levels (to have a greater appreciation of the competitive realm) or noncyclists who are close to cyclists. It is easy to read without getting too technical, it has humor infused throughout, the sidebar boxes are great but not distracting, and Mallet's cartoon's are classic (I've been a fan of Frazz for years).
   
   One has to have a connection to cycling to fully appreciate it, but it is a worthy read.



5. I love cycling and read and own lots of cycling books, but this one puts me right off. First of all, what's the idea of having a silly comic-book cover for a hopefully serious book about cycling? Secondly, from the reviews that I've seen of people who have read the book, it sounds more like a joke book than a cycling book: "couldn't stop laughing", etc., etc. I don't mind laughing and jokes, don't get me wrong. In fact "Laughter is the best medicine" is one of great truths of all time. But what's that got to do with cycling? Breaking your back up a massive climb (Alpe d'Huez tomorrow!) or - the one I'm more familiar with - busting a gut trying to hang on to the back of the bunch hardly seems to have anything to do with laughing. Sorry about this book, which could probably have been very interesting, but I take my cycling seriously

No comments about Blazing Saddles: The Cruel and Unusual History of the Tour de France.

5 comments about Slow Fat Triathlete: Live Your Athletic Dreams in the Body You Have Now.

1. I enjoyed this book and have already recommended it to my friends. I'll be doing my first triatholon in a few months. It is a very good motivation and introductory book. I'm reading another book for more detailed information into the actual training.



2. Great book. Couldn't put it down- its not really a training book but a "calm your nerves, here is what it is really like" if you are slow, fat and want to be a triathlete. Of course, it works too if your not a slow fat triathlete as well.



3. I love this book!!! It's great for unsure beginners!! The author really helps you with even the smallest details you need to know. I was so afraid to enter the tri world b/c I thought it was so elite but the author made me realize that ANYONE can do it and so can you!! Buy this book if you are new to triathlons and unsure of yourself. You will feel like a winner even before you race!!



4. This is a solid book written for the tri newbie or anyone interested in learning more about the sport. Don't buy this book if you're looking for a training manual or trying to figure out what you need to do to get prepared for your first race. It's a solid book to kick you in the rear and lead you to that next step if you can get past all the cliches & attempts at humor. The Triathlete's Training Bible is a "must read" if you're serious about putting together a plan of attack.



5. I loved this book. I had a hard time putting it down. It offers inspiration to all of us who are fat and slow or just new to triathlon, and want to compete. I bought this one and Triathlon Training in 4 Hrs. a week. They go well together.

5 comments about Zinn and the Art of Road Bike Maintenance (2nd Edition).

1. The book has a wealth of knowledge on subjects ranging from very basic repairs to super-complicated. Very useful for anyone trying to take care of their favorite possession.



2. Not enough detailed information. Needs more pictures, more examples. Otherwise the info is good and all aspects of what you need to know are covered. Just be prepared to be frustrated when you can't figure things out by the limited picture drawings. This book needs a serious overhaul.



3. This book offers a great deal of information to someone like me who is just now getting in to cycling and is not familiar with the terms and would just like to get a better sense of their bike. It lays out a very helpful maintenance guide that tells you the general amount of time needed between cleanings and replacements.



4. I bought this book and Down's (more popular) book at the same time. Both books have good illustrations, but this book is by far the more detailed and helpful. Down's book is VERY basic and leaves out detail needed to really tune anything to any extent.
   
   Having said that, this book does a decent job of showing how to tune a number of bike features, as well as doing routine maintanence/repairs. However, if you are a gear-head, you probably won't be happy with less than Barnett's painfully exhaustive 4 volume set--which is likely overly detailed for anyone short of a professional shop-set.
   
   Though a complete novice can use this book, it seems geared more to people who have at least a common sense knowledge of bikes & tools when they are looking at them right in front of them. [Down's book spends time describing things that should be obvious at a gance, while leaving out detail you need to fix something.]
   
   Definitely a recommended buy from me....very useful.



5. Zinn's interest in and experience with bikes and biking is obvious to me when I look over this book or read his tech reports in Velo News (magazine and website). I found the second edition a welcome improvement over the first edition in its inclusion of a section on cantilever brakes (the first edition refers the reader to Zinn's mountain bike book). Since I have owned cyclocross bikes for several years, and found cantilevers infinitely more adjustable (and sometimes infinitely more frustrating) than the side pull brakes found on most road bikes, I welcomed this section. Beyond that, I like the straightforward way Zinn writes (always advocating the proper tools but sometimes offering ways to improvise), I find the illustrations most helpful and the organization of the book easy to follow. While this book does not cover everything (what does and how many of us really need that much information?) it is the one source I return to over and over again; the grease stains on the pages of my copy attest to its frequent use. Combine this book with the Park Tools website and the exhaustive information provided by the late Sheldon Brown, and you will find most of what you need to complete standard bike build or repair jobs. This is the bike book I own that spends the least amount of time on the shelf.

5 comments about The Triathlete's Training Bible (2nd Edition).

1. All triathletes should begin here. Even if you have lots of experience, you should own this book. Everything you need to know, every question you might have, this book will guide you in the right direction. Even after 6 years of racing, and 5 Ironmans, I still refer to it.



2. I am an exercise scientist, and triathlete, and this is the best book on periodizing triathlon workouts that I have come across. It is very detailed, so is more geared toward intermediate to advanced athletes. If you are looking for good strength training workouts, though, this book does not have that. The strength training in here is very generic, not tri specific.



3. Buy this book! If you are a Triathlete, novice or Elite, this book will help you to train smart and reach your goals! Period.



4. it takes either a lot of hubris or some sort of confidence to put "bible" into the title of your book. joe friel doesn't do so without good reason. not only does this book come highly recommended from my collegiate triathlon friends, but in taking a triathlon "class" this semester to help with my pre-season training, this was our supplementary textbook. a great book through and through with advice for athletes on so many levels from a proprietor of the (tri)sport.



5. This is a great book for both beginnners and intermediate triathletes. The book contains the basics, as well as advanced techniques, of training. The concept of "periodization" was especially helful for me. It is easy to read and the author fully explains everything. It is does not matter whether you train for sprint events or Iron Man level events, the concepts still apply.

5 comments about It's Not About the Bike: My Journey Back to Life.

1. Both my wife and I are currently cancer patients. The book gave us the courage to believe that we can beat cancer. Lance's book is a must read for anyone who has cancer or if you have anyone in your family going through cancer treatements. It is a great mix of athletics and the will to survive and what it takes to accomplish both. Get it and read it!



2. Whether or not you are a fan of Lance Armstrong, this book is incredibly helpful. Helpful for getting a grip on the implication of testicular cancer diagnosis and treatment. Also helpful for tackling the mental battle that comes with this disease. It is full of hope, and an important read for those diagnosed with Testicular cancer,and their significant others.



3. I had a meeting with VP in the company and as I got in his office you can sense he was a Lance fans. I'm not! Maybe for his way to act that he so well describe in his book! As an ex-athlete my self I could not hide my opinion about Lance. It was a nice and healthy conversation. Few weeks later I had another meeting with the same VP and as I walk in to his office he gave me this book as a present, knowing I'm an avid reader.
   
   I read it during the long flight back home! Great inspiring book! Never did read a sportsman biography but this one is worth each single word.
   
   You learn something new every day! I guess I learn something more about a great individual and athlete!
   
   PS - I have a colleague that is fighting a similar battle and I gave the book to him because sometime other peoples words are better then your.



4. I picked this book with trepidity. Having read scores of biographies from succesful sportspersons, I did not expect this one to be any different. They struggle, they compete, they succeed. I started reading this purely based my wife's strongly recommended this.
   
   And it just did move me completely!
   
   
   Once I started reading, there was no looking back. This is gripping cover-covcer. I guess the cycle races are such. We get so involved in the sport. Whern Lance talks about Cancer, it is not in absurd medical terms or over-simplification. He did carry me long - thtough his journry. I could vicariusly experience being with him in the ward in Idianopolis or at the Finish line of Tour De France.
   
   A narrative style that takes the audience at a leisurely pace, keeping the reder hooked and attached to the strory.
   
   Truly inspirational. A day after I finished the book, today, I am shaving my head for a cause - cancer patients!



5. A page-turner like no other, once I started it, I couldn't stop. Without a doubt, Lance is one of kind athlete, but that's not the point. The early achievements, the cancer battle, the return to the sport - it's an amazing story of the resilience of the human spirit, both on the account of people around him, and Lance himself. It's a gem of a book and an inspirational read, it reminded me of what we are all capable off.

5 comments about The Bicycling Guide to Complete Bicycle Maintenance and Repair: For Road and Mountain Bikes(Expanded and Revised 5th Edition).

1. I got this book about two years ago when I bought my first serious road bike. Whether you are serious biker or just have a few kids bikes in the garage, this is a truly excellent piece of work. Starting with the basics of bicycle maintenance, it proceeds to review every major (and minor) component of the bike (road and mountain), and then discuss them from a trouble shooting point of view, followed by step-by-step photos of whatever it is you want to do. Wrench in one hand, book in the other (a bike stand helps) I have replaced/adjusted/cleaned dérailleurs, brakes, gear cassettes, etc. with nothing but this book. Just did a major spring overhaul last weekend. A clean well-lubricated drive train and shifting mechanism is such a nice thing. You kind of forget between cleanings. You still need to get some special tools at your local bike store, but this tells you which ones and why.



2. I have this title and one other and after starting out for the first time last year, I have overhauled my bikes, three neighbor's 20 year old bikes, two from people I work with and both of my brother's bikes. A little common sense and a set of Park tools and one other very popular book will cover most of what you need. This book has more illustrations and describes most procedures twice, is brief and in detail. No wonder it is the number one seller.



3. This is a good book for the beginner; it has a lot of drawings, pictures to help you understand different styles of bikes and the parts that make them a bike.
   
   I found that it had a little too much on the older bikes but perhaps this is good as I have taken a real liking to bicycles and hope to build my own this winter; Todd does not waste words, the book is well written and precise; it is nice to have when learning as it does provide a good understanding of how bikes parts work together to make a bicycle.
   
   It does have all but the latest shifters and such; in reality bikes are made of many brands and models of parts making it impossible for any single book to have all you need to know about all bikes; for the latest specifications most bike component manufactures have web sites where you can download your model of derailleur, fork for the manufactures specifications.
   
   I gave this 4 stars because of the dated information the negative and 4 for the positive comprehensive coverage of so many possible items he coverers so well.
   
   This is a good book for the beginner, gives a comprehensive illustrated example of how bikes work.
   
   Hooty



4. I bought this book and the Zinn book at the same time. Both books have good illustrations, but this book is much less detailed and helpful. It is VERY basic and leaves out detail needed to really tune anything to any extent.
   
   Having said that, this book does a fair job of showing how to do routine maintanence/repairs. It spends time describing things that should be obvious at a gance, while leaving out detail you need to fix something, however. So, it would seem to be aimed at the rank novice, with 2 left thumbs--above a "Dummies" book, but not by a whole lot, IMHO.
   
   Zinn's book is more detailed, and offers a more comprehensive tour of subjects than this book. It can be used by the novice, but aims at those who have some basic understanding of what is right before their eyes--bike or tool.
   
   However, if you are a gear-head, you probably won't be happy with less than Barnett's painfully exhaustive 4 volume set--which is likely overly detailed for anyone short of a professional shop-set.
   
   Anyway, if I had to do again I would have bought the Zinn book and skipped this one.



5. This is a great book for anyone wanting to save money and do their own bike maintenance and repairs. It's straightforward, easy to understand, and has lots of pictures to guide you through the process. I highly recommend it.

5 comments about We Might As Well Win: On the Road to Success with the Mastermind Behind a Record-Setting Eight Tour de France Victories.

1. Fascinating stories and in-depth incites into the philosophy behind his great success. I had the pleasure to listen to Johan at a recent book signing in D.C. He's the real deal; humorous, intelligent, and genuine. I highly recommend his book.



2. As I married into a cycling family, I slowly learned quite a bit about cycling and the madness that is "Le Tour". I fell in love with the riders, their personalities, the traditions, and even Phil Liggett. I was very surprised to find that I really enjoyed Johan's autobiographical account of his winning ways. I knew that he was intelligent, but the man has to be near genius. He toots his own horn slightly but honestly and that can be appreciated. I definitely recommend reading this book. It provided great insight into the man with the plan and the director of the team that should have been in France this July!



3. Interesting, well written book . If you enjoy cycling or just watching the Tour de France this book has a lot of the inside stories about the winninsist cycling team - Discovery and how this team director came to the team. He also talks about his winning strategies.



4. This was a great read I didn't want to put it down. I read some of Lance's books and this gives a different side of the story.



5. Bruyneel's insight into the peleton is unsurpassed and his experiences towards 8 Tour de France victories and countless other wins highly entertaining. However the book is deeper than just bicycle racing and offers insights into living life effectively.