Smart Cycling: Successful Training and Racing for Riders of All Levels

by Arnie Baker

Book Overview

Smart Cycling is intended both for experienced racing cyclists who want to improve their skills and technique and for recreational riders who want to cycle for fitness or get into racing.

Smart Cycling features a 12-week programme for stationary training as well as advice on topics such as choosing a bike, positioning yourself correctly, and more.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0684822431
• ISBN13: 9780684822433
• Release Date: March 1997
• Publisher: Touchstone Books
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

not too hot, not too cold, just about right -

this is quite a nice little book on training, more than worth buying just for the very nice sequence of 1 hour trainer workouts - nicely hits the middle ground between the over the top, training bible type books, which offer plans to center your otherwise pointless life around bike training, and the mass-mkt, "this is how you sit on your bike, now go do some intervals" type of schlock. be warned that the workouts are challenging, if you're mostly a recreational cyclist like myself; usually took me 2~3 weeks to get through one of his hours honestly, with lots of opportunity to explore the red line - probably works best in conjunction with less intense, longer workouts. in addition to the 12 wk sequence, there are additional fun hours available to focus on particular aspects of cycling, which can also provide opportunity to explore one's limits.

Great tool for all cyclists

Racing is one focus of this book, but the training methods and indoor workouts are valuable for riders of any ilk. I'm a pleasure and fitness road rider, now on workout 6. Combined with a HR monitor, I've seen measureable improvement and workouts fly by. The workout structure is easily understood. My only recommendation is to make copies of the workouts, so you don't trash your book as you record your performance. Enjoy the time on your trainer for a change.

Excellent for beginning racers

I have read this book at least five times cover to cover (no kidding). Every time I pick up something new. For a beginning racer who does not have access to a coach or more experienced racers, this book is full of training and tactical information. Best trainer workouts I have come across and will really get you into shape. Arnie Baker does an excellent job of conveying his book.

Training Bible

Everytime I thumb through this book I find more information that I actually use. The trainer workouts are very challenging. I have most of them printed out in large time so I can see them from trainer and not sweat all over the paper! The only addition I would like to see is a good weekly schedule on how to use the trainer workouts.

Great indoor training workouts and readable cycling info

This is a terrific book for those interested in getting to be stronger on their bikes. Arnie Baker starts off with helpful information on the body and different kinds of trainings - leg speed, strenth/hills, endurance - not the typical drink lots, ride with traffic, and always wear a helmet bike book! Very readable with sound advice. A large part of the book is devoted to wind/magnet trainer workouts. He has specific workouts for different results. I have done a number of them and they have been excellent for building my strength and leg speed. I used to avoid doing indoor workouts so much, that I would loose my base fitness level in the New England snowy months. Now I look forward to my 2-3 weekly workouts of about an hour each - before this book I never lasted more than 40 agonizingly boring minutes. I look forward to continue doing these workouts at night, even when the weather gets warmer and I can't get out to ride during the work week. I've been telling my training partners about this book, maybe I shouldn't, so I can surprise them with my strength!