Especially now, when the coronavirus is keeping the country in check and we are all travelling as little as possible and staying at home on the couch, it's a good time to read a book. Why not a cycling book instead of a novel? Even if books seem a little old-fashioned, they are often the best way to impart concentrated knowledge or simply give us an entertaining break.
We have put together our top 10 recommended reads for bikers of all kinds. These include classic bike guides as well as the latest mountain bike titles.
Our recommendations for indoor training and the home workshop
Tip 1: The ultimate bike workshop
Despite many high-tech developments and technical innovations, even laymen can carry out many repairs and maintenance work on their bikes themselves. The revised edition of Thomas Rögner's book "Der ultimative Bike-Workshop" describes and explains the latest technical developments in mountain bike technology such as suspension forks, damping systems, disc brakes and frame materials.
With numerous illustrations and detailed texts, author Thomas Rögner describes the various repairs, maintenance work and the necessary tools step by step. Tables and functional explanations help with troubleshooting, lexicons explain the technical jargon.
Rögner also provides valuable tips on buying and customising a mountain bike to suit your personal needs.
"The Ultimate Bike Workshop" in its entirety is an important guide and the ideal aid for all technical questions relating to mountain biking.
ISBN: 978-3-667-11447-1 |
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Tip 2: Bike maintenance and repair
Modern bicycles can be adjusted and maintained quite easily with a little basic knowledge. Even if a component fails, you can often repair or at least replace it yourself. Although many components are optimised for the type of bike in question, they are very similar in design. The information and knowledge provided here is therefore helpful for all types of bicycles.
This repair manual is aimed at anyone who would like to keep their bike in top shape themselves. It offers
- all the important information
- step-by-step illustrations of work processes
- Many helpful photos and graphics
- quick orientation
ISBN: 978-3-7688-3626-5 |
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Tip 3: Cycling better with yoga
Regular yoga supports the development of flexibility and resilience. Good mobility of the ligaments and tendons as well as supple muscles are in turn the prerequisite for what is particularly important for cyclists: speed and freedom from injury.
Why yoga is good for cyclists - Cycling is considered a very healthy and balanced exercise discipline. Nevertheless, it places particularly high demands on certain muscle groups, and the extremely bent posture when cycling often leads to tension and pain in the back and neck.
Regular yoga helps you to develop flexibility and resilience and promotes recovery after training sessions and competitions. "Cycling better with yoga" is also suitable for yoga beginners and offers every cyclist or cyclist on longer tours a variety of suggestions and easy-to-perform exercises.
ISBN: 978-3-667-10003-0 |
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Tip 4: Cycling physics and biomechanics
Almost everyone knows how to ride and handle a bike. But that doesn't mean that most people have understood cycling. Because the more you familiarise yourself with the supposedly simple technology of the bike, the more complicated the connections seem. For example, why do you have to ride in serpentine lines to keep your balance?
There is a lot to calculate when you set off on your bike. In his book, Michael Gressmann explains the physical aspects of cycling using numerous examples.
Since the first edition in 1987, this much-cited basic work has become the standard reference on cycling physics and the biomechanical processes involved in cycling. Author Michael Gressmann is now publishing the eleventh edition of his book with Delius Klasing Verlag.
ISBN: 978-3-667-11108-1 |
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Tip 5: The blue book of bicycle technology
"The Blue Book of Bicycle Technology, BBB-4" by Calvin Jones is packed with easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions, colour photos and repair tips to keep you comfortable and problem-free on the road or off-road. Flat tyres, brake or gear adjustment, wheel centring, hub, headset or bottom bracket maintenance? With the BBB-4 you are on the safe side.
Carefully researched and revised, the 4th edition of the Blue Book contains updated photos, torque values and tables for quick troubleshooting as well as additional information on wheel construction, electronic derailleurs, 12-speed and 1-X drivetrains, tubeless tyres, disc brakes, headset and bottom bracket standards and more. An indispensable reference book for beginners and experienced bike mechanics.
A recognised authority in the field of bicycle maintenance and repair for decades, Calvin Jones started his career as a simple bicycle mechanic and service manager. This was followed by positions as team mechanic for the US teams at the Olympics and various world championships, speaker, instructor and industry consultant. A growing community of fans now follow his popular videos on Park Tool's YouTube channel. He has written 10 books on his favourite subject and has been Director of Education at the Park Tool Company since 1997.
ISBN: 978-3-667-11884-4 |
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MTB books - the #allwirdgut recommendations
Riding technique tips or dream areas: A great start to the late season!
Tip 6: Bike riding technique
Since the beginning of the mountain bike boom in the 1980s, the technology of this type of bike has developed rapidly. Today, high-performance suspension systems and powerful disc brakes make even the most demanding trails rideable. This book shows you how to master even the most difficult trail passages safely with the right technique.
Holger Meyer, former member of the national mountain bike team and experienced riding technique trainer, together with bike journalist Thomas Rögner, describes all the necessary mountain bike riding techniques - in text and a detailed series of pictures. This includes tips for beginners, such as braking, riding uphill and cornering, as well as techniques for advanced riders, such as mastering steep hairpin bends or jumps. Everything mountain bikers need to know about riding technique!
ISBN: 978-3-667-10713-8 |
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Tip 7: More flow on the trail
Fancy some fun, adrenaline and euphoria? Bunny hop, steep turn, wheelie or whip: this book reveals all the tips and tricks of the mountain bike pros. FREERIDE and BIKE editor Laurin Lehner presents 77 moves that are explained step by step by world-class bikers. QR codes can be used to call up videos in which each move is demonstrated again in detail.
French bike legend Fabien Barel starts off by explaining the perfect bike set-up. Riding technique instructor Stefan Herrmann builds on this and shows which moves make the after-work lap more fun. Wheelie king Bobby Root also reveals what really matters when riding on the rear wheel. Whether bike park, city or downhill - you will find the right approach for every terrain and every use.
ISBN: 978-3-667-11261-3 |
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Tip 8: Mountain biking for kids
The perfect start to the world of mountain bikes: As soon as the first steps on the balance bike have been mastered, parents are already looking forward to the next milestone: the first bike ride together. But at what age can I take my children on a bike tour? What frame size is suitable and what is the right bike for them? A children's bike should be light - but what other technical details should I look out for when buying one? The Mountain biking for kids guide provides an overview of the rapidly growing market for children's MTBs, explains the riding technique and gives tips on riding safety. The experienced riding technique trainers in the book show you how you can ensure that your kids are safe off-road, have fun on the trails and stay motivated on the climbs.
ISBN: 978-3-667-11576-8 |
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Tip 9: Home territories
Nobody knows the trails of the Alps as well as the locals. Armin Herb and Daniel Simon interviewed experienced locals and elicited their best tips. Bike guides, trail wardens, bike hotel owners, mountain bike filmmakers and hut owners reveal which bike tours between Lake Constance and Salzburg are really worthwhile and which top spots you should definitely not miss out on. The travel journalists travelled with local bike enthusiasts on the most breathtaking trails in the Eastern Alps. In "Hausreviere. Locals reveal their favourite MTB tours in the Alps" you will find all the routes to follow, including not only the well-known highlights, but also real gems for Transalp fans.
The most beautiful mountain bike routes - recommended by locals! Which MTB tour offers the most spectacular views, where are the cosiest huts to stop off at and how can you live the great adventure on a mountain bike holiday? All mountain bike routes have been deliberately selected so that ambitious bikers and leisure cyclists alike get their money's worth. Saddle up your mountain bike and experience the thrill of crossing the Alps by bike!
ISBN: 978-3-667-11844-8 |
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Tip 10: Transalp experience
Crossing the Alps by mountain bike is the supreme discipline of this sport and the dream of many cyclists. If you want to cross the Alps by mountain bike, this book will help you with preparation, routes, the best time and accommodation. There are various ways to cross the 1200 kilometre long Alpine arc: Long or short, easy or difficult, alone or in a group. This guide is suitable for all routes. Crossing the Alps by mountain bike is a special discipline that even amateur cyclists can experience. This guide will help you plan and complete this adventure.
ISBN: 978-3-667-10943-9 |
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