Mountain Biking - Need Guide Suggestions

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drumbum
09-17-04, 05:52 PM
Hi all,
I've found a couple books about mountain biking on Amazon, and im curious about these two:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0875963005/ref=wl_it_dp/104-4370404-1093528?%5Fencoding=UTF8&coliid=I3I4LS9ZMMRS47&v=glance&colid=2P4JG1W9KHXOB

and

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1579540813/ref=wl_it_dp/104-4370404-1093528?%5Fencoding=UTF8&coliid=I11L361RYVZPCQ&v=glance&colid=2P4JG1W9KHXOB

I'm wondering about getting these books because im interested in learning and improving correct techniques. I can make it down easier singletracks, but don't know enough to try the harder ones.

Which book would you recommend?

Thanks,
Vaughn

Dannihilator
09-17-04, 05:56 PM
I suggest trial and error books didn't do a thing for me.
drumbum
09-17-04, 06:01 PM
I'm just looking for something to help me understand the basics.

hooligan
09-17-04, 06:18 PM
Sure go with a book, but those who learn by themselves usually have more fun and also more self experience. If you are a total noob trying to get into dh, get as much help AND experience as possible as dh is not an overnighter. Otherwise books are almost useless. My friend, on his skateboard, learned how to ollie without any help, but it took him 3 weeks. I learned the technique and it took 3 hours. But he can go higher than me. It's all bout exp.
cryptid01
09-17-04, 07:14 PM
I suggest trial and error books didn't do a thing for me.

I agree. Find someone to ride with and learn from (or with) them. Books are for intellectual stimulation and fantasy - riding is pure reality.

If you can find a way to get to a pro level race, I suggest you go and spectate. After seeing in person what really is possible on a bike, you will be amazed at the confidence you gain.
a2psyklnut
09-19-04, 10:55 PM
Forget the first one! I think I got that free with a magazine subscription. It was a joke.

The Ned book is a good one. More oriented towards racing but a lot of good information. However, I gotta agree with Gastro. Read for the stimulation, RIDE for the experience.

With that said, buy them both. It definitely WON't hurt to read them.


I would also take Amazon's recommendation and buy the Zinn maintenance book. It's a good "how to" to reduce the number of visits to the shop for basic stuff you can do at home or even on the trails.

L8R