What is the best training guide book
#1
Thread Starter
worldtraveller
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 352
Likes: 0
From: Ontario Canada
Bikes: 92 Specialized Rockhopper, 96 Maxim, 2006 Argon 18 roadbike
What is the best training guide book
Does anyone know or can list the best training book for cycling out there. One that focuses on many good aspects and cycling and how to increase performance.
More less the one that is least wishy washy and most useful.
As i have seen so many books and manuals but confused as to what one is best to consider. thanks
More less the one that is least wishy washy and most useful.
As i have seen so many books and manuals but confused as to what one is best to consider. thanks
#3
There are a lot of good ones. "Best" is pretty subjective.
Training and Racing with a Power Meter is probably the most efficient, but it assumes you own a power meter.
Time Crunched Cyclist is good if you're in a hurry to get faster, but doesn't really give you a long term program. The best thing is that it's immediately applicable (they give you various programs for different goals)
Cyclist's Training Bible has a lot of great concepts, but a lot of people have a hard time figuring out how to apply it.
Watts per Kilogram is an awesome electronic-only book but it requires a Computrainer.
No Drop Zone gives a good overview of the sport but is light on training information.
I'm sure there are a lot more that I'm not thinking of off the top of my head.
Training and Racing with a Power Meter is probably the most efficient, but it assumes you own a power meter.
Time Crunched Cyclist is good if you're in a hurry to get faster, but doesn't really give you a long term program. The best thing is that it's immediately applicable (they give you various programs for different goals)
Cyclist's Training Bible has a lot of great concepts, but a lot of people have a hard time figuring out how to apply it.
Watts per Kilogram is an awesome electronic-only book but it requires a Computrainer.
No Drop Zone gives a good overview of the sport but is light on training information.
I'm sure there are a lot more that I'm not thinking of off the top of my head.
#4
Because I thought I could
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 969
Likes: 0
From: Wash DC Metro
Bikes: November, Trek OCLV, Bianchi Castro Valley commuter
Best is the one you read and use. Check public library to get started. Browse a bookstore (if your community still has bricks & mortar stores and they stock bike-related titles). Or buy from your local bike shop (they will appreciate your business!). Besides Qcwtom's good suggestions, Friel's "Cycling Past 50" is an abridged Training Bible for the rest of us (non-racers). On line/free: Bicycling Magazine has on line training plans for many types of events - you can just take one, or take ideas from them.
Abdon is right - without context (current fitness, health, your cycling-related goals), it is impossible to be more specific.
Abdon is right - without context (current fitness, health, your cycling-related goals), it is impossible to be more specific.
#5
some guy
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
From: Montreal
Bikes: yes sure do
I bought the Cyclist's Training Bible .
It's as advanced as it gets. It assumes that you participate / have participated in races, will make your life revolve around cycling, will train all year long and own / want to own a power meter.
It has a yearly training plan, self-assessment tests, suggested workouts and nutrition information. It basically shows you how to train like a pro athlete.
I don't own any other training books but it seems to be directed at only the most serious people who are interested in racing.
It's as advanced as it gets. It assumes that you participate / have participated in races, will make your life revolve around cycling, will train all year long and own / want to own a power meter.
It has a yearly training plan, self-assessment tests, suggested workouts and nutrition information. It basically shows you how to train like a pro athlete.
I don't own any other training books but it seems to be directed at only the most serious people who are interested in racing.
#6
Thread Starter
worldtraveller
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 352
Likes: 0
From: Ontario Canada
Bikes: 92 Specialized Rockhopper, 96 Maxim, 2006 Argon 18 roadbike
Well the bible looks good
I am into both road and mt bike
More for road as I do most riding there
Just did 2 races this yeAr after 7years
Only mt bike
I like to be good all around
For road I am able now to ride long distances non stop like 100km no problem
I want to be able to increase my speed
As well figure out how to push myself harder
As feel I am feel not pushing myself hard enough
I am into both road and mt bike
More for road as I do most riding there
Just did 2 races this yeAr after 7years
Only mt bike
I like to be good all around
For road I am able now to ride long distances non stop like 100km no problem
I want to be able to increase my speed
As well figure out how to push myself harder
As feel I am feel not pushing myself hard enough
#7
some guy
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
From: Montreal
Bikes: yes sure do
From reading it, here's when I think the Training Bible becomes most useful:
1- you own a power meter
2- you belong to a bike club / have access to group rides
3- have raced / been racing for at least a year
4- have access to a gym with weight equipment during the winter / off season
5- have access to indoor bikes or own a trainer
6- are responsible for your own nutrition / have time to train
So yeah until you have done all of this, you can't extract all the book juice from it : D
I kind of wanted something less advanced when I bought it but now that I did I may be motivated to step it up a notch, who knows.
1- you own a power meter
2- you belong to a bike club / have access to group rides
3- have raced / been racing for at least a year
4- have access to a gym with weight equipment during the winter / off season
5- have access to indoor bikes or own a trainer
6- are responsible for your own nutrition / have time to train
So yeah until you have done all of this, you can't extract all the book juice from it : D
I kind of wanted something less advanced when I bought it but now that I did I may be motivated to step it up a notch, who knows.
#8
Senior Member


Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 9,201
Likes: 289
From: Vancouver, BC





