Mercian Rider

Just got got the CD rom from ebay.

I had this when I was just a kid. I read it, and followed as much of it as I could, including the progressive fixed gear training, which I started in the winter. When I bought it, it was referred to locally as the "Cinelli Manual."

I eventually loaned it to another cyclist---can't remember who---and never got it back.

I'm happy to have the CD rom--don't have a strong desire for the physical book. Brings back a lot of fond memories.

Who else had the C.O.N.I. manual back in the day? Who has acquired it after its era? What do you think of it?

dbakl

My friend and bicycle mentor in college had a copy; I read it in the early 70s. Found a copy at the flea market some years ago for a couple of bucks.

I always liked the parts about putting a lettuce leaf in your cap to stay cool, or a piece of steak in your shorts for saddle sores.

repechage

Still have mine, $19.95 way back. Not cheap at all for a paperback.

Scooper

I obtained it several years ago as a pdf file and printed it out, so I have the pdf on my computer and a printed copy in a loose-leaf binder.

Some of the dietary advice and abstinence from sex before a race is funny to read, but the frame design section is interesting and still pretty relevant.

Mercian Rider

It's even more funny because the translation is somewhat literal and awkward.

repechage

Competitive Cycling long long ago did an article about sex and winning races. If I remember correctly the article claimed that Eddy's kids' birthdays were 9 months after major victories.

merlin55

Mine is still in the bookcase...my cycling mentor gave it to me....in 1976. Maybe I should ebay this book

Italuminium

Anquetil swore by a pheasant, some champagne and a woman before a major race. I swear at the same pheasant, champagne and woman when I'm hungover and don't feel like riding the day after.

bassogap

My club folled the fixed gear advice...It seems racers have gotten away from that now...I'm sure using gears all winter does improve strength...But the fixed gear rides were sure fun in the wintertime! Everyone seems to use a much higher seat position,too...I still ride fairly low,though.

dbakl

In my club we'd spend the early months using only the inner ring, forcing you to develop a good spin. But I had a track bike too. What a stupid idea, even then!

bassogap

I don't think I can agree that it was stupip....We did sacrifice a lot of strength training, but the fixed gear did give great snap.....and added fludidity to the pedal stroke....

T-Mar

I still have my original copy from the boom era. I wouldn't exactly call it a paperback. The format is huge and the paper is high quality. The sizing, training and nutritional information was derived more from what worked (or appeared to work) than from scientific principles and is very much dated. However, back in it's day, it was the only thing avialable, unless you had the priviledge of knowing an experienced cycling coach.

repechage

Back then in the USA there were hardly any experienced cycling coaches. There were a few retired racers who knew some things. I watched a few fellow competitors get ground up and burnt out being "coached".

For a short while our club had a pro with recent European experience coaching us in the early season, his talks in the pre season on the basics, I mean very basics, like how to dress properly, care for wet shoes even, were very insightful. The early season training rides were good too, made the whole group much better bike handlers and safer too. One of the best lessons was how to get hit and stay up. Another was to have a race plan, know how you are feeling, what you can do better than the competition and exploit that. Basically don't let the race unfold around you, but know how you can make the race work for you. Basically, think like a winner.

guygadois

I have the two editions of this. They were a couple of years apart. The last one I bought was on amazon for about $25. It is in just fair, but readable, condition.

GG

Moissiere

I was thinking of selling my hard copy of this manual. Everyone sys it was published in 1972. Mine says 1971. Earlier edition? Of course I'd like to get as much as possible. What's best? Ebay? Helpful comments appreciated.

Scooper

Yes; I'd think you would get the best price by listing it on ebay. Use every conceivable applicable keyword in your listing so folks can find it.

I'm not sure how much of a premium there is for a hard copy since e-versions are widely available that have all the content, but there are bound to be some who consider it a collectors' item and want the original hard copy.

repechage

I much prefer the paperback version. But I bought mine in 1973, for $8.50 plus tax.

randyjawa 

I will have to check to see if I have that, when I get back to Canada. Over the years, lots of books, catalogs and brochures have managed to come my way.