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Title: SMART CYCLING : SUCCESSFUL TRAINING AND RACING FOR RIDERS OF ALL LEVELS by Arnie Baker ISBN: 0-684-82243-1 Publisher: Fireside Pub. Date: 26 March, 1997 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $15.00 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.57 (7 reviews)
Rating: 4
Summary: Good info for adding a base to your training
Comment: Arnie Baker is very succinct in his writing. When he writes about a topic, i.e. bike fit or cycling shorts, he explains the terms and why it is important every rider. There is no fluff. Every subject is treated this way. This makes for a very easily digestable, quick read. Some of the sections on racing may not be applicable to everyone, but it's nice to know, esp. if you are watching a race on TV. The strategy is great, if you are into that stuff, like me :-)
I bought this book primarily for the 12-week indoor trainer workouts, and it has not disappointed. If you perform the workouts every week, you will definitely see an improvement in your fitness. This is my second winter with the 12-week cycle, and I can see the improvements. Charting your progress is a great idea and is a definite motivator. At the end of the 12-weeks, I was able to easily complete a 100k rally. You can too, regardless of your level. If the workouts are too difficult, simple adjust your gearing or effort appropriately and you will see improvement. As Arnie says many times, the gearing and effort suggestions are nominal and should be adjusted based on your abilities. A very reasonable approach.
The only reason this book did not get 5 stars is because the trainer workouts only cover one day per week. I ride at least three days a week in the winter, so I would like to see a more detailed plan for the entire week, not just the one specific workout.
Rating: 3
Summary: Not for "all levels" after all
Comment: As a commuter trying to train for a century, I thought this book would be great. However, the part of the title "for all levels" is misleading. You must have a heart rate monitor, clipless pedals and an indoor trainer to even consider buying this book, as it focuses primarily on medium-to-high level bikers. It refers very frequently to racing season, has an infuriating section about training with weaker riders, specifically your girlfriend or wife, and says often that if you can't make such-and-such a goal, you're out of shape. This book is for YOU, the male, hard-core racer with seven days a week to train for cycling, but not for riders of ALL LEVELS.
Rating: 5
Summary: Great tool for all cyclists
Comment: 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.
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