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

BICYCLING MAGAZINES COMPLETE BOOK OF ROAD CYCLING SKILLS by Ed Pavelka has been on my bicycle book shelf for over a decade. I read it such a long time ago that I decided I needed to read it again to write a fair review. I have been riding for a while so I didn't think an introductory book on road cycling would have much to offer me, especially one that I had read before.

However, as I read the book I realized how much I had forgotten about basic cycling. This book covers all the important points for a person just starting cycling and much good information for experienced riders. Ed Pavelka is listed as the writer of this book. However, it is actually a compilation of expertise from 15 writers. These include professional riders, doctors, mechanics and scientists. All of whom have connections to cycling. Davis Phinney (1984 Olympics & Tour de France rider) wrote some of the most interesting chapters.

The book covers bike position, pedaling, braking, cornering, hills, sprinting, group riding, pace line riding, city cycling, long distance riding, weight training, cross training, eating & drinking, and medical concerns. It also covers riding in the cold, heat, at night and in the rain.

This book was written in 1998. Nevertheless very little of the information is dated. In fact in Chapter 12 Davis Phinney wrote, "Why do many riders choose to go it alone? Club rides can turn into macho free-for-alls, where the novice is quickly sent off the back." See not that much has changed in 12 years.

I recommend this book because it is enjoyable to read and covers all the important riding information. It would make a good gift for a new cyclist.