Mountain Bike Like a Champion [Paperback]

Ned Overend (Author), Ben Hewitt (Author), Ed Pavelka (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 1999

Master the techniques of America's greatest rider.

* Glide over rocks, logs, and ledges
* Attack steep climbs and rapid descents
* Carve through curves and turns
* Train smart, then ride to win

Improve your performance with these tips, techniques, and off-road tales from mountain biking legend Ned Overend.

"At the 1990 world championships in Durango, Colorado, Thomas Frischknecht and I were locked in a dogfight.... At the start of the fourth and final lap was a pitch of rocky, loose trail that went straight up the face of a ski run.... My Swiss rival had been dismounting and running this climb while I stayed on my bike. On previous laps, I'd opened a little gap, so I knew this would be my chance. I attacked when Thomas got off again. He never caught me.... To ride that steep trail, I had to use five climbing techniques. There's no reason why you can't make them part of your arsenal, too."

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book is loaded with Ned's secrets for a lifetime of great rides. It's destined to be a classic."--Juli Furtado, two-time world mountain bike champion

"Ned Overend is the grand master of mountain biking. If you want to improve your skills, this is your source."--John Tomac, world mountain bike champion and 10-time national downhill champion

From the Back Cover

Improve your performance with these tips, techniques, and off-road tales from mountain biking legend Ned Overend.

"At the 1990 world championships in Durango, Colorado, Thomas Frischknecht and I were locked in a dogfight.... At the start of the fourth and final lap was a pitch of rocky, loose trail that went straight up the face of a ski run.... My Swiss rival had been dismounting and running this climb while I stayed on my bike. On previous laps, I'd opened a little gap, so I knew this would be my chance. I attacked when Thomas got off again. He never caught me.... To ride that steep trail, I had to use five climbing techniques. There's no reason why you can't make them part of your arsenal, too."

"This book is loaded with Ned's secrets for a lifetime of great rides. It's destined to be a classic."--Juli Furtado, two-time world mountain bike champion

"Ned Overend is the grand master of mountain biking. If you want to improve your skills, this is your source."--John Tomac, world mountain bike champion and 10-time national downhill champion

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Rodale Books; Edition Unstated edition (August 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1579540813
• ISBN-13: 978-1579540814
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #591,767 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #46 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Individual Sports > Cycling > Mountain Biking

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars As close to a mountain biking bible as there is, August 28, 2000

By 

Eugene Wei "eugene" (Santa Monica, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mountain Bike Like a Champion (Paperback)

I recently got into mountain biking and headed out to the mountains with some friends. I came home a bloody mess and realized I needed some guidance so that I knew roughly what basic mountain bike techniques I should work on. I bought about four or five different mountain bike books, and this was by far the best of the bunch. Why?

Ned Overend is a mountain bike champ, so he definitely knows his stuff. His book is comprehensive, covering everything from trail etiquette and equipment to basic mountain bike techniques and training regimens. The language in the book is straightforward and easy to understand, but it isn't simplified to the point where important details are left out.

The only thing I wanted more of was step-by-step action photos demonstrating various techniques. There are some nice shots in the book, but I would have preferred more sequential photographs for some of the more advanced techniques. I guess I'll have to find a good video for that.

Of course, there's no substitute for hitting the trails to improve your technique, but if you're looking to nail down some of the basics, this is the best mountain bike instructional guide out there, hands down.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An easy way to gain a wealth of information., August 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Mountain Bike Like a Champion (Paperback)

Last week I purchased this book and have read it cover to cover. The book is set up so you can read and work on specific aspects of Mountian Biking. The tip sections are extremely helpful as are the drill tips. I would recommend this book to anyone new our experienced. There is a ton of information on how to prpare for races and epic rides.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Essential Primer for Mountain Biking, July 29, 2001

By 

Paul Bryan (Kenmore, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mountain Bike Like a Champion (Paperback)

Whether you are just getting into the sport, or already an avid rider, you will find this book full of useful tips across virtually all dimensions of riding. Ned has done a great job of distilling his years of experience into practical advice that anyone can quickly put to use. Though more photos would be even better, the book is clearly illustrated to ensure that you see each recommendation in action.

I have been mountain biking for more than a year, and the only regret I have about reading this book is that I didn't do it sooner--it would have saved me from a few falls.

Forget your owner's manual, this book should be included with every new mountain bike sold!