Smart Cycling: Successful Training and Racing for Riders of All Levels (Paperback)

~ (Author) "The right-sized frame is of paramount importance in assuring proper positioning on your bike..." (more)
Key Phrases: spinning pyramid, stationary trainer workout, trainer setup, Time Gear, Sunday Race, Thursday Intervals (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

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.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Fireside; 1st Fireside Ed edition (March 26, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0684822431
• ISBN-13: 978-0684822433
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #311,515 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

62 of 64 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 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

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

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.