The Urban Cyclist's Survival Guide [Paperback]

James Rubin (Author), Scott Rowan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2011

As gasoline prices reach record highs and one in three Americans is considered obese, many individuals have made a lifestyle change that trims their expenses and their waistlines. More and more city dwellers trade the automobile and bus ticket for a bicycle. From young parents in Brooklyn with their children in protective seats and baskets laden with groceries to tech workers pedaling down Los Angeles Sunset Boulevard, it is a growing trend.
The Urban Cyclist s Survival Guide is the essential reference for commuters looking to take to the bike lanes. Authors James Rubin, a former professional athlete based in Los Angeles, and Scott Rowan, a cyclist who has logged more than 15,000 miles on Chicago s streets, share insights gleaned from their experiences riding the roads of two of America s largest cities.
What is the best bike to purchase? Which helmet provides the best protection? What is the best route? The Urban Cyclist s Survival Guide answers all the questions posed by wannabe commuters.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

A Los Angeles based journalist, James Rubin has written for regional and national publications including the Wall Street Journal. He rides his 10-year-old Specialized mountain bike largely through scenic Griffith Park and the surrounding Hollywood Hills and Los Feliz.

Scott Rowan has worked in professional sports since 1995 as a reporter, editor, and producer. He began bicycling for all his commuting and transportation needs in 2004, averaging approximately 2,500 miles per year.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Triumph Books (August 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1600785662
• ISBN-13: 978-1600785665
• Product Dimensions: 5 x 0.7 x 8.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 1.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,981,821 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 17 people found the following review helpful

1.0 out of 5 stars Instead Check Out . . . . September 30, 2011

By Clipped In

Format:Paperback

Dave Glowacz's Urban Bikers' Tips and Tricks beats this book hands down as the essential guide to big city biking. Glowacz's book is well-reserached, presented with hundreds of graphics and is free of the condescending snark of Rowan's book.

14 of 19 people found the following review helpful

1.0 out of 5 stars Not a trusted source September 30, 2011

By scotto

Format:Paperback

I have not read the entirety of this book, but have read the excerpts that I have been able to find on the internet.

I don't know if I would trust this guys advice.

He talks about how many accidents/close calls he has been in throughout all his years, whereas I have been cycling for nearly the same amount of time in the same city with much fewer "incidents." If I took the advice he purports, I could end up in more "incidents."

In general there is a bit of a condescending tone towards some road users (namely other cyclists).

Maybe he is trying to incite rage between cyclists (as if drivers raging at cyclists weren't enough).

Rather than purchasing this book, I would suggest finding the online bike community for your city and starting there. The people are usually very friendly and would love to help someone safely dip their toes into urban cycling.

13 of 18 people found the following review helpful

1.0 out of 5 stars Wishing death on other cyclists is not cool September 30, 2011

By rcrantz

Format:Paperback

Any self-respecting cyclist should try their utmost to avoid giving money to someone who cheerfully admits that he hoped another cyclist would die. And yet in the introduction to this book, referring to a cyclist who is wearing headphones and has no helmet: "I instantly hope natural selection weeds him out today." Note that the man in question isn't doing anything dangerous; he's just not wearing the appropriate safety gear. Apparently this is enough to merit a death wish!

That's all you need to know. Don't give this man money. Don't support books that wish death on fellow cyclists. There are plenty of good bike resources out there--don't feel bad giving this one a pass.