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The Bicycling Big Book of Cycling for Beginners: Everything a new cyclist needs to know to gear up and start riding
Bicycling is undergoing a renaissance in this country as millions of people are taking to the streets in this nostalgic, beloved pastime. From purchasing one's first bike to learning all its different components, Bicycling Big Book of Cycling for Beginners is the go-to guide for any beginning cyclist's collection. The vast territory of cycling and its facets will become a welcome terrain for any rider who wants to ride smarter, faster, and safer using this incredible wealth of knowledge. As the sales of new bicycles increase every year, these helpful tips will educate and inform beginning cyclists so they perform to the maximum potential, all while having fun.Trusted bicycle consultant Tori Bortman distills the essentials every beginning cyclist needs to know. She covers different types of rides, the components of bicycles, proper cycling clothing and equipment, basic road skills, nutrition, training, maintenance, and how to ride for a cause. She also explores how to approach cycling from the conceptual beginnings into tangible, real-time facts about riding as a new cyclist, as well as elaborating on the bountiful health benefits of cycling, including weight loss, stress reduction, and boosted immunity. This is the ultimate guide to bicycling know-how for beginning cyclists.
444 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 3, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 14, 2015
First of all, I think this book should be renamed "The Bicycling Big Book of Cycling for Beginners Who Want to Become Serious Road and Race Cyclists Despite The Fact They've Never Been On A Bike." Admittedly, this means that the full book lends itself to a rather small audience. If you're not planning to be a recreational road biker who puts in a century (100 mile ride) or two, most of this book will be completely irrelevant. However, if you're thinking of buying a road bike, this book is an absolute goldmine of useful information.
Since my background affects how I view the book, it's worth mentioning that while I am a biker, I am not the target audience. I enjoy biking, but I don't bike recreationally. As the book would classify me, I am a commuter biker: I don't own a car, and for the last five years or so, if I want to get somewhere, I bike there. I put in 100mi/week, minimum, with ~40mi of that as a roundtrip road bike commute (to a shelter where I volunteer on weekends) and the rest on my beautiful, beat-up hybrid. So while several portions of this book were quite interesting, I'm definitely not the target audience.
My favourite part--and the one I consider the most invaluable--was the section on bike parts (more specifically, road bike parts). Speaking from experience, buying a road bike is utterly bewildering and somewhat horrifying. Prices for cheap, entry-level bikes tend to start at $1000. I was utterly out of my depth, and online searches only left me more confused. How could I spend thousands of dollars when I didn't even understand what I was buying? (In my case, as even the lowest range bikes felt phenomenally fast compared to my hybrid, I went with a clearance-priced entry-level Fuji Sportif for $500. I'm still quite happy with it.) I really wish I'd read this book before I went out shopping. Even though it probably wouldn't have changed my decision, at least I would have known that on earth I was being offered. Bortman discusses chainring variants, gruppos, and frame materials, and even provides a wonderful little chart that ranks, contrasts, and prices components from Sram, Shimano and Campagnolo. The target audience here is definitely someone willing to shell out thousands. Bortman ranked my poor little roadie's Sora as the lowest-level "poor" option and didn't even bother mentioning my hybrid's Shimano Acera. The chapter ends with a section on bike fitting. I had no idea that "professional bike fitters" even existed. While I can see the point if you're spending thousands, it's hard to imagine paying $200 for a professional bike fit in any other case.
While it's probably only useful for touring and racing cyclists, the section on high-tech bike clothing was interesting. (I wear basic gym or work clothes.) Now I know that the "weird butt pants" are actually called "chamois," and that serious bikers don't wear underwear. (Yeesh, is that really true?)
The rest of the book went a bit bipolar. Some of the sections assume that you've never been on a bike before and don't know how to balance, start, or stop, while others focus on the sort of nutrition issues only relevant to serious racing or touring cyclists. Honestly, I don't think either section are particularly useful; they involve general knowledge or commonsense, or they'd be more understandable from a youtube video. The biggest disappointment for me was the (depressingly short) section on bike maintenance. Bortman goes over a few sketchy basics for changing a punctured tube, but for all other forms of maintenance, she recommends taking the bike into the shop. I actually requested this book because I thought it would teach me basic maintenance such as how to balance my wheels, adjust my derailleur, clean out my drivetrain, etc. Instead, the book told me to take the bike to my local bike shop. Gee, thanks.
Overall, despite the title, this book is geared towards a very small target audience: new riders who are willing to shell out a serious amount of cash for a good roadbike and aren't sure where to start. For that audience, I think it would be a great read, and the section on components would be particularly invaluable. If you're just a run-of-the-mill biker, however, I'd suggest just passing this by.
~~I received a copy of this ebook through Netgalley from the publisher, Rodale Books, in exchange for my honest review.~~
Since my background affects how I view the book, it's worth mentioning that while I am a biker, I am not the target audience. I enjoy biking, but I don't bike recreationally. As the book would classify me, I am a commuter biker: I don't own a car, and for the last five years or so, if I want to get somewhere, I bike there. I put in 100mi/week, minimum, with ~40mi of that as a roundtrip road bike commute (to a shelter where I volunteer on weekends) and the rest on my beautiful, beat-up hybrid. So while several portions of this book were quite interesting, I'm definitely not the target audience.
My favourite part--and the one I consider the most invaluable--was the section on bike parts (more specifically, road bike parts). Speaking from experience, buying a road bike is utterly bewildering and somewhat horrifying. Prices for cheap, entry-level bikes tend to start at $1000. I was utterly out of my depth, and online searches only left me more confused. How could I spend thousands of dollars when I didn't even understand what I was buying? (In my case, as even the lowest range bikes felt phenomenally fast compared to my hybrid, I went with a clearance-priced entry-level Fuji Sportif for $500. I'm still quite happy with it.) I really wish I'd read this book before I went out shopping. Even though it probably wouldn't have changed my decision, at least I would have known that on earth I was being offered. Bortman discusses chainring variants, gruppos, and frame materials, and even provides a wonderful little chart that ranks, contrasts, and prices components from Sram, Shimano and Campagnolo. The target audience here is definitely someone willing to shell out thousands. Bortman ranked my poor little roadie's Sora as the lowest-level "poor" option and didn't even bother mentioning my hybrid's Shimano Acera. The chapter ends with a section on bike fitting. I had no idea that "professional bike fitters" even existed. While I can see the point if you're spending thousands, it's hard to imagine paying $200 for a professional bike fit in any other case.
While it's probably only useful for touring and racing cyclists, the section on high-tech bike clothing was interesting. (I wear basic gym or work clothes.) Now I know that the "weird butt pants" are actually called "chamois," and that serious bikers don't wear underwear. (Yeesh, is that really true?)
The rest of the book went a bit bipolar. Some of the sections assume that you've never been on a bike before and don't know how to balance, start, or stop, while others focus on the sort of nutrition issues only relevant to serious racing or touring cyclists. Honestly, I don't think either section are particularly useful; they involve general knowledge or commonsense, or they'd be more understandable from a youtube video. The biggest disappointment for me was the (depressingly short) section on bike maintenance. Bortman goes over a few sketchy basics for changing a punctured tube, but for all other forms of maintenance, she recommends taking the bike into the shop. I actually requested this book because I thought it would teach me basic maintenance such as how to balance my wheels, adjust my derailleur, clean out my drivetrain, etc. Instead, the book told me to take the bike to my local bike shop. Gee, thanks.
Overall, despite the title, this book is geared towards a very small target audience: new riders who are willing to shell out a serious amount of cash for a good roadbike and aren't sure where to start. For that audience, I think it would be a great read, and the section on components would be particularly invaluable. If you're just a run-of-the-mill biker, however, I'd suggest just passing this by.
~~I received a copy of this ebook through Netgalley from the publisher, Rodale Books, in exchange for my honest review.~~
October 8, 2020
Bicycling Big Book of Cycling for Beginners: Everything a New Cyclist Needs to Know to Gear Up and Start Riding by Tori Bortman. Bortman is a bicycle consultant who owns Gracie's Wrench, where she offers classes and one-on-one bicycle consultation. I generally separate my bill paying job from my reviewing but here the two merge. I have been a professional bicycle mechanic and service manager for several years. I earned my USA Cycling mechanics license and formerly raced at the local velodrome. As a mechanic I deal everyday with bicycles, people, and their questions.
The Big Book starts with a good breakdown and explanation of the types of riding styles. However, missing from the mix is even a mention of track bikes or velodrome. I know it is a small group, but it is a group that I belong to, so I will mention it. The component breakdown and comparison is very good and keeps to Shimano, SRAM, and Campagnolo. It thankfully does not mention the lower quality companies whose parts are found on department store bikes. To help with the comparison of the quality of the components, they are matched to price points on bicycles. This way you know what you should be getting on a $1,200 bike or a $500 bike.
Choosing the right bike is one of the most important considerations in cycling. Here the breakdown goes into frame materials and the benefits, cost, and properties of the materials. Shopping for your bike, especially your first bike, should be done at a real bicycle shop-- not a sporting goods store that happens to sell bikes and definitely not a a department store. Before I am accused of bias, it is no fun telling a customer that repairs for their almost new department store bike costs than they paid for it. Go to a bike shop first. Another concern when shopping for a bike is the brand. “The truth, as long as you avoid department store bikes and go to a brick-and-mortar bicycle shop, the brands will be reliable.” Also bike shops have full service departments, if in case something goes wrong with your new bike it can be fixed in house and if there is a defect, you have a warranty. Fit, test riding, and demos are important to get you on the right bike. Bicycling's Big Book cover this in detail as well as possible upgrades and accessories.
The section on bike fitting is excellent. Again, go to a bike shop and get fit when you purchase your bike. Most shops have factory trained fitters. Bike fit has come a long way from “Do your feet touch the ground?” If your bike does not fit, you will not be comfortable on it, and you will not ride it. Fit is very important, if not the most important consideration, in buying a bicycle.
Bicycle equipment is also covered in detail: clothing, shoes, and helmets. How to dress. Proper layering, chamois cream, fenders, gloves, sunscreen, and a host of other accessories are explained in detail. What to carry when you ride and how to carry it is thoroughly covered. How to ride and more importantly how to hold your line is explained. There are sections covering nutrition on and off the bike. Tools and basic repairs are covered. Major repairs are not covered but things like keeping your bike lubed and how to change a flat are covered. As a mechanic, one thing that completely baffles us how a grown man cannot change a flat tire. I have been doing this since I was in grade school. Please, read the maintenance section. Mechanics like helping customers with bike problems, but we tire of fixing flats for adults rather quickly. It is easy to do, and if you need help after reading the book, a mechanic will be happy to show you. Also, please, don't bring in a mud coated bike for repairs; there is a section on cleaning your bike too.
Honestly, I thought this book would be an easy target to poke holes in. I will admit that I like this book, and as a beginners guide it is comprehensive and informative. The information is not dumbed-down or above the level of a beginning rider. It is very practical and highly recommended by this mechanic and rider.
The Big Book starts with a good breakdown and explanation of the types of riding styles. However, missing from the mix is even a mention of track bikes or velodrome. I know it is a small group, but it is a group that I belong to, so I will mention it. The component breakdown and comparison is very good and keeps to Shimano, SRAM, and Campagnolo. It thankfully does not mention the lower quality companies whose parts are found on department store bikes. To help with the comparison of the quality of the components, they are matched to price points on bicycles. This way you know what you should be getting on a $1,200 bike or a $500 bike.
Choosing the right bike is one of the most important considerations in cycling. Here the breakdown goes into frame materials and the benefits, cost, and properties of the materials. Shopping for your bike, especially your first bike, should be done at a real bicycle shop-- not a sporting goods store that happens to sell bikes and definitely not a a department store. Before I am accused of bias, it is no fun telling a customer that repairs for their almost new department store bike costs than they paid for it. Go to a bike shop first. Another concern when shopping for a bike is the brand. “The truth, as long as you avoid department store bikes and go to a brick-and-mortar bicycle shop, the brands will be reliable.” Also bike shops have full service departments, if in case something goes wrong with your new bike it can be fixed in house and if there is a defect, you have a warranty. Fit, test riding, and demos are important to get you on the right bike. Bicycling's Big Book cover this in detail as well as possible upgrades and accessories.
The section on bike fitting is excellent. Again, go to a bike shop and get fit when you purchase your bike. Most shops have factory trained fitters. Bike fit has come a long way from “Do your feet touch the ground?” If your bike does not fit, you will not be comfortable on it, and you will not ride it. Fit is very important, if not the most important consideration, in buying a bicycle.
Bicycle equipment is also covered in detail: clothing, shoes, and helmets. How to dress. Proper layering, chamois cream, fenders, gloves, sunscreen, and a host of other accessories are explained in detail. What to carry when you ride and how to carry it is thoroughly covered. How to ride and more importantly how to hold your line is explained. There are sections covering nutrition on and off the bike. Tools and basic repairs are covered. Major repairs are not covered but things like keeping your bike lubed and how to change a flat are covered. As a mechanic, one thing that completely baffles us how a grown man cannot change a flat tire. I have been doing this since I was in grade school. Please, read the maintenance section. Mechanics like helping customers with bike problems, but we tire of fixing flats for adults rather quickly. It is easy to do, and if you need help after reading the book, a mechanic will be happy to show you. Also, please, don't bring in a mud coated bike for repairs; there is a section on cleaning your bike too.
Honestly, I thought this book would be an easy target to poke holes in. I will admit that I like this book, and as a beginners guide it is comprehensive and informative. The information is not dumbed-down or above the level of a beginning rider. It is very practical and highly recommended by this mechanic and rider.
May 4, 2018
This is a great book if you want to understand the basics about road biking. In my case, I came from mountain biking so it was much needed to have instructions on several aspects of the new level. It's a very comprehensive guide that will take you through different aspects of road biking: from choosing your road bike, the anatomy of it, riding, training, eating, maintenance. Highly recommended if you're new to road biking!!
October 9, 2018
Most Excellent!
This book is absolutely the best for new and old bicyclists. It covers everything you need to know about choosing, riding, respect, maintenance, in a easy to understand way. This book covers it ALL! It’s all you will need.
This book is absolutely the best for new and old bicyclists. It covers everything you need to know about choosing, riding, respect, maintenance, in a easy to understand way. This book covers it ALL! It’s all you will need.
July 8, 2021
Great reference book, I learned a lot.
April 12, 2015
I found this book leaned a bit more towards those looking to get into cycling as a serious sport more than just the casual rider. With that in mind it did contain a lot of good info on a wide range of subjects including training and nutrition, just to name a few. The other thing I noticed, with the focus on those looking to cycling as a sport, was that the author focused only on drop bar bicycles. Hybrid and mountain bike riders, and all others were kind of left out. There is some good info that can be used for all cyclists and if this book is available for loan at your library may be worth a look. Now for those drop bar road bike enthusiasts looking to go for the gold this may be a good addition to your personal library.
December 24, 2015
Great book for beginners and to use as a reference!! I read this before I started riding the new road bike (that I had purchase for the first time) and by the time I was finally able to get on I understood the different types of features or the bike and the motion of the pedals as well as basic maintenance and knowledge about cadence, endurance, etc!
April 20, 2016
I've been a recreational rider for about 10 years. I have become a bit more serious during the past four years. Still, there are lots of tips and tricks that I picked up. It can help you at any level. One caveat, the focus is for people that ride on the road, as opposed to off-road.
March 20, 2015
I found this to be a very informative and fact filled book for cyclists at all levels.
September 4, 2015
Recommended by Kristine W. , Main Library, Adult Services
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews