Sunday, February 26, 2012

Bicycling Magazine's Complete Book of Road Cycling Skills : Your Guide to Riding Faster, Stronger, Longer, and Safer

Bicycling Magazine's Complete Book of Road Cycling Skills : Your Guide to Riding Faster, Stronger, Longer, and Safer Review



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


Friday, February 24, 2012

Bicycle: Bone Shakers, Highwheelers, And Other Celebrated Cycles

Bicycle: Bone Shakers, Highwheelers, And Other Celebrated Cycles Review



This photographic survey is richly illustrated with images of one of the world's largest private collections of bicycles from the 1850s to the 1950s and includes some never-before-published photographs. From antique high wheelers and "boneshakers" to tandems, tricycles, and circus clown bikes, it proves a fascinating historical retrospective of the bicycle's development and evolution. Gil King is a writer, editor, and photographer whose work has appeared in many national publications.


Thursday, February 23, 2012

Bike Touring: The Sierra Club Guide to Travel on Two Wheels (Sierra Club Outdoor Adventure Guide)

Bike Touring: The Sierra Club Guide to Travel on Two Wheels (Sierra Club Outdoor Adventure Guide) Review



First published in 1979, Bike Touring introduced tens of thousands of riders to the joys of bicycle travel, and quickly became the go-to reference for an entire generation of bike-touring enthusiasts. But much has changed in the last three decades—and this fully revamped edition provides authoritative information on both the latest equipment and the ever-expanding universe of touring options for a whole new generation of riders.

Readers learn how to train, equip, plan, and pack for tours of any length and difficulty, from overnight trips near home to multiweek journeys abroad. Author Raymond Bridge surveys the wide range of touring options, which now include extensive commercial offerings and roof-to-roof (or “credit card”) tours, as well as independent, self-contained travel. Chapters covering bike styles—road, mountain, and world-touring models—along with bike frames and fit, drive trains, wheels, brakes, saddles and handlebars, and accessories, offer up-to-date guidance on the myriad equipment choices from the booming bike industry. And chapters on camping, transporting bikes, and roadside repairs are full of expert advice to help both novice and experienced bike travelers get maximum pleasure from any journey while saving money and staying safe.


Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Bicycle Repair Book: Maintenance and Repair of the Modern Bicycle

Bicycle Repair Book: Maintenance and Repair of the Modern Bicycle Review



Keeping your bicycle well maintained - and being able to fix it when it does develop a problem - is your best guarantee for its continued good service. van der Plas shows you how to do all repairs by yourself. Preventive maintenance and adjustments, selecting tools and spares, illustrated step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting guide and reference tables, information on the latest equipment for road and mountain bikes, and more. Fully revised, update and expanded 2nd ed.


Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Cycling Past 50 (Ageless Athlete)

Cycling Past 50 (Ageless Athlete) Review




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 at the 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.


Sunday, February 19, 2012

Custom Bicycles: A Passionate Pursuit

Custom Bicycles: A Passionate Pursuit Review



-Unique study of the names and bikes of the world's most famous, innovative and legendary makers of contemporary bespoke bicycles. Features bike builders from the UK, France, Italy, the US, Germany and Australia -Looks at the passion of each bike builder, the techniques behind their success, and the characters that are so famous among those seeking out a bike builder -Hundreds of spectacular color photographs complement each entry and make each chapter more interesting and each character more readily identifiable -Features a foreword by Phil Liggett, the man behind the English-language commentary of the Tour de France Cycling has never lost its appeal. Alongside mass-produced models, the craftsmanship of bespoke bicycle makers has emerged to satisfy the passion of people who ride bikes as a means of daily transport, as a sport and for recreation. This book by passionate cyclists Christine Elliott and David Jablonka is the product of a world-wide search for the most influential bike makers on the planet. The result is a presentation of a wonderful collection of expertly honed, human-powered machines, built by some of the best and most creative bicycle makers practicing their skill today. It highlights the range of techniques, materials and design elements, and the passion behind producing each custom-made bike by some of the best and most creative bicycle makers in the world. It's guaranteed to take you on the ride of your life. Features a foreword by Phil Liggett, the legendary voice behind the English-language broadcasts of the Tour de France.


Snow Bored (Ridge Riders)

Snow Bored (Ridge Riders) Review



The Ridge Riders are bored to tears. So much snow has fallen on their mountain biking practice hill that they can't practice. The only bright spot is that they don't have to go to school. Luckily, Dozy has a great idea. He turns an old skateboard and a pair of sneakers into a snowboard. Before long, everyone is snowboarding. But when Fiona's horse takes a terrible fall on the snow, Slam needs to ride through the ice to find the veterinarian. Will he make it, or is Fiona's horse doomed?


Friday, February 17, 2012

The Six-Day Bicycle Races: America's Jazz-age Sport

The Six-Day Bicycle Races: America's Jazz-age Sport Review



Six-Day bicycle racing was once the biggest spectator sport in America: In the 1920s and 1930s, those envents held at indoor tracks around the country attracted bigger crowds and paid bigger purses than baseball, football, or hockey. This highly pictorial books tells the story of six-day racing in America from its beginning in the last decase of the 19th century up to attempts at revival in the 1970s. A lively text by Peter Joffre Nye and an amazing collection of duotone photographs allows the reader to relive this exciting period, this almost forgotten era of American sports history.


Thursday, February 16, 2012

Riding With Reindeer: A Bicycle Odyssey Through Finland, Lapland, and Arctic Norway

Riding With Reindeer: A Bicycle Odyssey Through Finland, Lapland, and Arctic Norway Review



In the summer of 2007, Robert Goldstein departs Helsinki on a self-supported bicycle epic across Finland with the goal of pedaling to the Barents Sea. Aboard a folding bicycle towing a wagon, he weathers furious storms, survives a near-disastrous accident and obsesses whether he will be eaten by a bear as he makes his way through the remote forests of Eastern Finland. In sparsely populated Lapland, his solitude is relieved by reindeer who become his constant companions as he slowly makes his way through the Arctic.

More than a travelogue, Riding with Reindeer intersperses an often humorous narrative about the author's adventures (he manages to get trapped in the women's shower in one remote village) with rich cultural and historical anecdotes as he passes through endless forests littered with rotted fortifications, rusted tanks and mass graves--the detritus of Finland's desperate defense against a massive Soviet invasion in the winter of 1939. Riding with Reindeer gives insight into the mind of the solitary traveler and into the soul of a country whose honest and resourceful yet often taciturn citizens are always willing to lend a helping hand to the stranger on the little blue bicycle gamely grinding his way through their "Suomi" - literally "the end of the land."


Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Zinn & the Art of Road Bike Maintenance

Zinn & the Art of Road Bike Maintenance Review



Zinn & the Art of Road Bike Maintenance Feature

  • By Lennard Zinn
  • The world's most popular road bike repair manual will make a mechanic out of anyone
  • Best-selling author Lennard Zinn shares his wealth of road bike knowledge in this second edition
  • More than 300 illustrations
  • Paperback, 440 pages, 8 1/2 x 11"
Lennard Zinn is a cycling god. Zinn and the Art of Mountain Bike Maintenance is revered as a bible among the fat-tire set; he now extends the gospel to the rest of the cycling faithful in Zinn and the Art of Road Bike Maintenance.

From simple, routine maintenance to more complicated tasks, Zinn remains "convinced that anyone with an opposable thumb can perform any repair on a bike." He begins with "Basic Stuff" such as pre-ride inspections and cleaning the drive train, and continues on through the super-advanced task of wheel building--arguing that "the construction of a good set of bicycle wheels is actually a straightforward task." Zinn guides readers step by step through every possible repair on every possible part, handlebar grips to Maric Mektronic electronic shifting, with plain-speaking text and helpful illustrations. There's even a section on emergency repairs, including unexpected advice such as straightening a bent rim by hitting it against the ground: "You may be surprised how straight you can get a wheel this way."

This comprehensive manual is essential reading for those who love their bike. "All you have to do is follow the instructions and trust yourself." Indeed. --M. Stein

You only need one look inside to see why Zinn & the Art of Road Bike Maintenance has become one of the world's best-selling books on bike repair. This smartly organized and clearly illustrated guide to road bike repair and maintenance—now in 2 colors for easier reference—can make a mechanic out of anyone. Lennard Zinn's expert advice makes quick work of taking care of every part of a road bike.

Zinn can teach anyone how to completely and properly maintain all aspects of a bicycle to ensure years of trouble-free riding. Newcomers and experienced mechanics alike will benefit from the hundreds of illustrations, the exploded views of how components go together, and Zinn's practical, time-saving tips. The level of detail is astonishing, but Zinn's friendly advice is confidence-inspiring, and his years of experience make tackling even the most daunting task fun and easy.

All the latest high-tech equipment is covered in this new edition, but Zinn does not neglect older bike technology. Indeed, no matter what road bike you may have in your garage, chances are you'll find it—and the way to fix it—in these pages.

This new edition includes:

  • The basics: Even if your mechanical skills stop at pumping tires, Lennard's guidance will show you how to maintain your bike in perfect condition.
  • The advanced: No matter how arcane the task, Lennard has time-saving tips to speed your work. Integrated spindle cranks, carbon forks, internal headsets, ceramic bearings — they're all in here with exploded diagrams to show you the way.
  • The latest tech: Lennard makes sense out of the newest components including: Campagnolo's 11-speed, Shimano's electronic Dura-Ace, SRAM's Red shifters, Campagnolo's Ultra-Torque cranks, and more.
  • Older components: Still spinning a SunTour freewheel? Let Lennard's years of experience help you make sense of old metal.
  • Cyclocross: New cyclocross-specific information throughout, along with more Pro Tips, more illustrations, more recommendations — more of what you need to know.


Bicycle History: A Chronological Cycling History of People, Races, and Technology

Bicycle History: A Chronological Cycling History of People, Races, and Technology Review



Since its invention in the 1860s, the bicycle has had a fascinating history. Author James Witherell has spent years collecting the essential, the trivial and sometimes just downright odd facts that make up the story of the bicycle. Instead of composing a narrative history, he's arranged them in chronological order, painting an informative, fun and irresistible picture of what might be mankind's greatest invention. Witherell has given special emphasis to the Tour de France.


Sunday, February 12, 2012

Short Bike Rides in and around New York City, 3rd (Short Bike Rides Series)

Short Bike Rides in and around New York City, 3rd (Short Bike Rides Series) Review



Short Bike Rides in and around New York City, 3rd (Short Bike Rides Series) Feature

  • By Phil Harrington
  • This book will take you on a cycling tour of New York's five boroughs, giving routes for both the urban sprawl of downtown and the wondrous countryside surrounding this hustling, bustling city
  • No matter what your interest in cycling, you'll find the perfect ride in this book
  • 3rd edition, paperback binding
  • 224 Pages
SHORT BIKE RIDES NEW YORK CITY 3RD EDITION


Cyclist BikeList: The Book for Every Rider

Cyclist BikeList: The Book for Every Rider Review



Bikes are becoming an ever-more vital part of daily life for people of all ages. Laura Robinson combines fascinating history (the first bike was propelled by the rider’s feet pushing against the ground) with useful and fun information, including tips for the way to dress for safe and efficient biking; what to eat for maximum body efficiency; and how to select and maintain a bike.

The book features riding superstars like Lance Armstrong as well as the kids from Chippewas of Nawash First Nations, whose mountain bike team is coached by Robinson.

Detailed diagrams and charts of different types of bikes, tire treads, and even road signs, along with bios of famous cyclists throughout history make this lively book the perfect resource for both dedicated riders and first-time cyclists.


Friday, February 10, 2012

Tour de France: The History, The Legend, The Riders

Tour de France: The History, The Legend, The Riders Review



One of sport's toughest ordeals, the three-week Tour de France sees riders pitted against all kinds of terrain and weather in unrelenting competition with their rivals. In this updated edition, Graeme Fife sets the 2009 race in the context of the event’s remarkable history, which began in July 1903. Combining meticulous research with a fast-paced narrative style, he penetrates the mystique of the race and paints a colorful picture of the men whose exploits have given the Tour an enduring universal appeal.


The Essential Touring Cyclist: A Complete Guide for the Bicycle Traveler, Second Edition

The Essential Touring Cyclist: A Complete Guide for the Bicycle Traveler, Second Edition Review



The classic guide for beginning and intermediate cyclists is back—and it’s better than ever. With the latest on bikes, gear, and training techniques and new sections on short tours, and touring abroad, this new edition of The Essential Touring Cyclist promises to appeal to a whole new population of aspiring cyclists. Whether you’re heading out for five hours or five months, this vividly designed, heavily illustrated, and resource-rich guide delivers everything you need.


Wednesday, February 8, 2012

The Golden Age of Bicycle Racing in New Jersey

The Golden Age of Bicycle Racing in New Jersey Review



Cycling in New Jersey began in the 1880s, when colleges and communities formed some of the nation's first cycling clubs, and the popularity of the sport quickly spread, with races held in Plainfield, Trenton and Asbury Park. The region was also home to cycling's golden era of velodromes, built in Newark and Nutley, and some of the world's most famous cyclists competed here, including Frank Kramer, Willie Honeman, Arthur A, Zimmerman and Alf Goullet. This heritage is still alive today, with the colorful annual Tour of Somerville. Historian and journalist Michael C. Gabriele traces 130 years of cycling history in the Garden State, illuminating the people and events that shaped the sport.


Monday, February 6, 2012

Bicycle Race

Bicycle Race Review



A counting book
for the youngest --
filled with motion,
excitement, and
suspense. Twelve
riders compete
in a bicycle race.
Who will win?
(A word to the wise:
Keep your eye
on Number 9!)