Serious Cycling

by Edmund R. Burke

This text explains cycling physiology and how it applies to endurance training, tempo (intensity variation) training, speed training and training "periodization" for peaking at important competitions. It also provides information on cross-training alternatives.

Genres: Cycling, Nonfiction, Fitness, Sports

296 pages, Paperback

First published December 12, 1986

Reviews

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding book for a comprehensive look at what it takes to prepare for the sport of cycling. Great for a beginning competitive athlete or for a committed cycling enthusiast.

[Jan Ko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book with complex info from beginning of buying equipment, nutrition, training to race.
Multiple Info or ways are described, which can be confusing for some readers.

[Folkert Wierda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a re-read. This is a book mostly intended for road and track racers. Mountain bikers and e.g triathletes will find some mention, but not extensive discussion of their specific interests. The book's organization is a little chaotic, but the depth of several of the chapters is pretty good. Especially on food and on performance enhancing supplements. Training structure and planning are discussed, but a much better book for that topic is Joe Friel's "The Cyclist's Training Bible". A good read for anyone serious about getting their cycling to the next level.

[Sasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this book is clearly intended for the serious amateur or pro cyclist, I have found it helpful for myself, a recreational cyclist. I used the stretching and strength training exercises, as well as the nutritional section, more than any other part of the book. I do not race and I train primarily for endurance rides in the summertime, so the information was helpful and answered many of the questions I had about various kinds of training regimens.

[Erik · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book for avid cyclists who like to go fast and go hard. This is not your average cycling book for touring cyclists, it is unique in that this book was designed specifically for competitive cyclists. A great read for those who have read all the "other" cycling books and are looking for something more in line with their goals. Get it!

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must reference for any serious racer.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book that covers all aspects of bicycle race training. My only reservation is the chapter where he discusses the many ways of doping.

[Hasan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cycling is not so complicated so it is hard to write one more book on it. In Serious Cycling's 280 pages the author gets around to the subject of pedaling on page 270.

[Virgilio Pigliucci · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quite outdated. Not really worth your time… if you are serious about cycling, spend more time on your bike and try to live an healthy and balanced life…. results will come! (Without cheating!)