The Long distance cycling handbook by Simon Doughty
This is aimed at those riders who want to take on an Audax event, the Etape, a touring holiday or even a long charity ride. These very broad subject areas are all really well covered, so this book will be good for beginners and experienced riders alike. Although some of the subjects are not covered in enough detail for the really keen rider, there is enough in here to keep you busy for hours. Essential reading for anyone wanting to ride further and faster.
A&C Blacks
ISBN 0713668326
Paperback 224 pages
£14.99
Entertainment value:
4/5

Bicycle – The Noblest Invention – by Bicycling magazine staff, with a Foreword by Lance Armstrong
This is a must have for the any type of cyclist. Excellent illustrations and writing from the staff at Bicycling magazine. The Foreword (by you know who) is not just a comment, it’s a true insight into what Lance feels about bikes – marvellous stuff. Although this book has an American flavour to it, the content is fascinating for any cyclist. I couldn’t put it down. With sections on sport, culture and history – it’s the bike riders perfect coffee table book.
Rodale Press
ISBN 1 4050 3430 0
Hardback 320 pages
£19.99
Entertainment value:
5/5

Cycling – an introduction to the sport by Tony Roberts
This is a very basic book. The pictures are clear and well presented however some are poorly positioned – a derailleur picture is the wrong way round and so is one of a crank, oops… so it doesn’t have the authority of Simon Doughty’s book. The maintenance sections are weak and it covers far too much ground. However, the content is fine for beginners and it will be useful for anyone new to the sport, but with the glaring errors in design it’s hard to give it a top mark, this must be frustrating for the author who clearly knows his subject.
New Holland Publications
ISBN 1 84330726 X
Hardback 160 pages
£17.99
Entertainment value:
2/5

We’ll have some more books reviewed very soon…