How to be a Cyclist: An A-Z of Life on Two Wheels

by John Deering, Phil Ashley (Photographs)

No bicycle repair was ever made easier by turning your bike upside down. White shorts are for other people. A helmet perched on the back of your head is perfect if you ride your bike backwards. These and a host of other handy pointers jostle for attention within this A-to-Z guide to being a cyclist. It’s an essential manual and source of wisdom for those who would be kings of the road. Many pitfalls await the unwary middle-aged-man-in-Lycra, but fear not, for the guide is here to steer you through choppy waters. No more passing out halfway up a hill. No more ridicule in the work place. No more hurty knee. And no more sock crimes. Pearls of wisdom are scattered throughout this book. For instance, who could deny that life is too short to drink bad coffee? That a noisy bike is marginally more annoying than a whiney toddler? Or that style should ever be sacrificed for speed? Written by experts who know everything there is to know about cycling, How to Be a Cyclist is mandatory reading for all bike riders.

224 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2014

Reviews

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny and informative but very blokey. Not really a criticism but I felt a bit excluded as a female cyclist.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it. Was a bit concerned with the Jonathan Livingston Seagull type start (pilgrim) but it worked. Not a book to learn how to ride but rather how to be a rider. A realistic look at the world of cycling with both good and bad parts and its many imperfections. I liked the british style sense of humour (needed where conditions are often not ideal for a relaxed ride on local roads) and the range of topics covered. Would always have liked more information on the different forms of races, bikes, etc but enjoyed the book and pictures from cover to cover.

[Matt]

special note: bought from Big Bad Wolf 2016 (05-May-2016) at ICE BSD.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

****-mouthed and opinionated but entertaining. Plenty of useful observations and facts.