The Practical Cyclist: Bicycling for Real People

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The Practical Cyclist: Bicycling for Real People

3.48 of 5 stars 3.48 · rating details · 31 ratings · 10 reviews

"...with plenty of tips and advice for those who want to get back into biking even after decades have passed, "The Practical Cyclist" is a read many readers will embrace for fitness and the environment." - James. A. Cox, The Midwest Book Review

"Dust off the bike, put some air in the tires, and discover a new world that has been waiting for you. that's an easy-to-accept inv...more "...with plenty of tips and advice for those who want to get back into biking even after decades have passed, "The Practical Cyclist" is a read many readers will embrace for fitness and the environment." - James. A. Cox, The Midwest Book Review

"Dust off the bike, put some air in the tires, and discover a new world that has been waiting for you. that's an easy-to-accept invitation from the author, who is a bicycle enthusiast, commuter, and self-described all-round "neighborhood bike guy" from Clearwater, Florida. the text addresses the transition into a two-wheeler mindset in an easy-to-follow format. His writing style is light enough to convince a reluctant reader to take that first spin around the block and do so eagerly and confidently. The advice is sound, too. The author encourages first-time bike commuters to resist the temptation of taking the same route they take with an automobile. "There are many roads that all, eventually, lead to the same place if you're willing to work at it,"he writes. "You want, poetically speaking, to take the road less traveled. It will make all the difference." And this book will make all the difference for a bicyclist with an open, resourceful mind and a willingness to step outside the box for an adventure on two wheels."- ForeWord Magazine

"This introductory book is an easygoing ramble through the basics and joys of cycling for anyone who has just mastered riding or is returning to the bike after a long hiatus. Haynes, a commuter cyclist in Florida, aims to encourage more regular local riding and commuting with practial tips on selecting from various types of bikes; basic bike mechanics; gear and accessories. This practical, low-key approach eases the reader into integrating cycling more often into their life for pleasure or health and as an affordable, flexible, local transportation option. - Jean Chong, Momentum Magazine

"First off, here's what this book is NOT; a comprehensive guide to training, repair, nutrition, racing strategy or any of that other in-depth stuff. What his book IS is a very simple, very practical and extremely humorous guide to bicycling for everyday purposes. Seasoned cyclists and hardcore commuters probably won't get much out of The Practical Cyclist other than a lot of laughs...frankly, it's just not written for the accomplished cyclers among us. But for someone just entering this wonderful world of bicycles, this book is a must read. Let's hope this book sells a billion copies!!! - Jack "Ghost Rider" Sweeney, bikecommuters.com

Riding a bicycle is something you never forget—even if the last time you owned a bike, it had playing cards pinned to the spokes.

People are coming back to bicycling in droves; propelled by rising gas prices, expanding waistlines, or the allure of fancy gear, bicycling for all ages has never been more popular.

The Practical Cyclist is for those who have not been actively cycling for years, or perhaps are new to the sport; it is bicycling for real people. The author recognizes that not every cyclist cares about fancy equipment and competitive riding. The book’s low-impact approach is uniquely geared to people who would like to come back to cycling but don’t know where to begin.

There are many reasons for hopping back on a bike—becoming healthier, saving money, saving the environment, but mainly to have fun. The Practical Cyclist provides simple, basic information that takes the intimidation out of visiting a bike shop and includes:

How to choose equipment Proper riding technique Safety tips Accessories Easy rules on where, when, and how to rideAs this book says, anyone can ride a bike and look good doing it. You don’t have to go fast, and you don’t have to go far. You just have to go.

Chip Haynes has been a year-round commuter for a decade, and he owns too many bicycles. He writes about bicycling for The Wire Donkey and is known as “the neighborhood bike guy” in Clearwater, Florida.(less)

Paperback, 192 pages

Published April 1st 2009 by New Society Publishers (first published March 1st 2009)

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Feb 13, 2013 Cindy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Fun book. Has some good advice. Real information on sizing your bike to you. I like that he has no problem getting off his bike and walking it up a steep hill. Now I don't feel like such a wimp.

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Aug 14, 2009 Sarah rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2009, non-fiction

Good overview of the basics of bicycling (geared more towards commuting and short trips around town, I'd say), but tries too hard to be funny.

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Jun 17, 2009 Eric Miller rated it 4 of 5 stars

Great Guide to Bicycling! Here's my interview with the author at Newcolonist.com http://www.newcolonist.com/podcasts.html

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Aug 22, 2012 Erin rated it 4 of 5 stars

A useful overview of bikes and biking and I really liked the author's goofy writing style!

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May 22, 2011 Jim rated it 5 of 5 stars

Funny and easy read packed with practical information for someone who enjoys riding a bicycle.

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Feb 16, 2010 Netzach added it

Decent information but the author was trying too hard to be funny

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Oct 13, 2012 David rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: health

Basic.

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Nov 28, 2009 Tom rated it 4 of 5 stars

from KCPL, due 2009.1209 returned

Excellent overview of cycling in general. Somewhat specific to DFs.

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Apr 24, 2009 Jack rated it 5 of 5 stars

Getting an advance copy from the author to review for Bikecommuters.com

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May 13, 2009 Leif Schenstead-Harris rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: New bikers.

Practical Cyclist was pretty much exactly as described, a low-intensity conversational walk-through of the basics of biking. And, while Haynes may know a fair amount about biking (though his decorative style is indeed questionable), his jokes are pretty limp. Nevertheless, a fairly informative if not exciting book.

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Feb 20, 2013 Taryn rated it 3 of 5 stars

Feb 16, 2013 Cam rated it 3 of 5 stars

Jan 30, 2013 Narjes zivdar marked it as to-read

Shelves: unfinished

Jan 02, 2013 Doug rated it 3 of 5 stars

Dec 30, 2012 Martin Bassani rated it 3 of 5 stars

Dec 15, 2012 Nicopotomous rated it 4 of 5 stars

Dec 11, 2012 Marci rated it 4 of 5 stars

Nov 28, 2012 Sean Klingler rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: nonfiction

Nov 15, 2012 Daniel rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-fiction

Sep 17, 2012 K.E. rated it 4 of 5 stars

Sep 01, 2012 Mark marked it as to-read

Shelves: samples

Aug 14, 2012 Phil459 rated it 3 of 5 stars

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Aug 13, 2012 Barbara rated it 4 of 5 stars

Sep 12, 2012 Trista added it

Shelves: unfinished

Apr 18, 2012 Jimmy marked it as to-read

Shelves: bicycle

Feb 15, 2012 Caribeth marked it as to-read

Dec 28, 2011 Hollis rated it 3 of 5 stars

Dec 17, 2011 Terri rated it 4 of 5 stars

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