Smart Cycling: Successful Training and Racing for Riders of All Levels [Paperback]

Arnie Baker (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 26, 1997

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.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Arnie Baker, M.D., a licenced United States Cycling Federation coach, is a leading cyclists medical consultant.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Touchstone; Original edition (March 26, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0684822431
• ISBN-13: 978-0684822433
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #356,585 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

63 of 65 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great indoor training workouts and readable cycling info, February 10, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Smart Cycling: Successful Training and Racing for Riders of All Levels (Paperback)

This is a terrific book for those interested in getting to be stronger on their bikes. Arnie Baker starts off with helpful information on the body and different kinds of trainings - leg speed, strenth/hills, endurance - not the typical drink lots, ride with traffic, and always wear a helmet bike book! Very readable with sound advice. A large part of the book is devoted to wind/magnet trainer workouts. He has specific workouts for different results. I have done a number of them and they have been excellent for building my strength and leg speed. I used to avoid doing indoor workouts so much, that I would loose my base fitness level in the New England snowy months. Now I look forward to my 2-3 weekly workouts of about an hour each - before this book I never lasted more than 40 agonizingly boring minutes. I look forward to continue doing these workouts at night, even when the weather gets warmer and I can't get out to ride during the work week. I've been telling my training partners about this book, maybe I shouldn't, so I can surprise them with my strength!

51 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent for beginning racers, March 15, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Smart Cycling: Successful Training and Racing for Riders of All Levels (Paperback)

I have read this book at least five times cover to cover (no kidding). Every time I pick up something new. For a beginning racer who does not have access to a coach or more experienced racers, this book is full of training and tactical information. Best trainer workouts I have come across and will really get you into shape. Arnie Baker does an excellent job of conveying his book.

101 of 116 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not for "all levels" after all, February 25, 2002

By 

"geeannh" (Pittsburgh, PA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Smart Cycling: Successful Training and Racing for Riders of All Levels (Paperback)

As a commuter trying to train for a century, I thought this book would be great. However, the part of the title "for all levels" is misleading. You must have a heart rate monitor, clipless pedals and an indoor trainer to even consider buying this book, as it focuses primarily on medium-to-high level bikers. It refers very frequently to racing season, has an infuriating section about training with weaker riders, specifically your girlfriend or wife, and says often that if you can't make such-and-such a goal, you're out of shape. This book is for YOU, the male, hard-core racer with seven days a week to train for cycling, but not for riders of ALL LEVELS.