Cycling Book Suggestions

Submitted by Kris Thompson on Wed, 11/02/2011 - 20:38

Looking for some good cycling book suggestions. Please provide the name a a brief reason why you like it in the comments below. I'll tally them all up in a article soon with my own huge cycling library suggestions

Summarizing and categorizing a little

History Books
- **** Hearts of Lions Best book explaining the history of American Cycling, especially track cycling
- **** Major Taylor - Before there was Jackie Robinson there was Major Taylor, amazing cyclist having to conquer amazing social injustices

Fun & Light reads
- **** Bobke and Bobke II Best ab workout while reading a book. You'll laugh non-stop!
- *** Greg Moody's fictional series. There are 4 I think, somewhat mystery style book and some are Colorado based
- ** Yellow Jersey. Someone in the comments liked this... for me it was just TOO fictional. Could not believe the story was possible... but a good read

Other
- **** The Art of Cycling by Robert F. My 2nd favorite book in my entire library!!!! (Hearts of Lions is 1st) Other commenter liked this book.. It is a must for every commuter but really beyond that, every cyclists should read it.
- **** Positively False. Floyd's attempt to prove he is clean. First half of the book just covers his life up to pro racing and that was VERY interesting. Think very Amish! Part 2 of the book where he tries to prove he is clean is interesting but boring
- ** Man on the Run - Story of an italian cyclist who won the tour, did drugs and then died. Melodramatic but interesting like a train wreck.

From Comments below
- "Need for the Bike" by Fournel. One of my favorites. A great collection of stories about the bike which demonstrates a true love of cycling.
- "We Were Young and Carefree" by Laurent Fignon. A good read, though Fignon exhibits a bit too much hubris at times.
- 10 points by Bill Strickland. Commenter said it was motivating, but this book creeped me out.
- The Race & The Tour by Dave Shields
- The Happiness of Pursuit by Davis Phinney
- BikeSnobNYC & A Dog In A Hat
- Lance Armstrong's War

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18 Comments

"Need for the Bike" by

Submitted by BudT (not verified) on Wed, 11/02/2011 - 20:48

"Need for the Bike" by Fournel. One of my favorites. A great collection of stories about the bike which demonstrates a true love of cycling.

"We Were Young and Carefree" by Laurent Fignon. A good read, though Fignon exhibits a bit too much hubris at times.

Next up for me (over the holidays) is Robbie McEwen's new book.

The Rider - by Tim Krabbe

Submitted by Ben (not verified) on Wed, 11/02/2011 - 21:57

Its the story of one rider in one race ( a road race) and does a fabulous job of bringing you into the race and into the head of the racer.

It's one of the "must reads" as a cyclist as far as I'm concerned.

+1 for The Rider

Submitted by Pete Webber (not verified) on Thu, 11/03/2011 - 07:43

This is a great book, very motivating and entertaining too. Old school.

Bobke and Bobke II by Bob Roll

Submitted by Ben (not verified) on Wed, 11/02/2011 - 22:07

Both books are great semi autobiographical books that are full of humor, and will get you on the inside of many of the inside jokes that are thrown around during commentary of cycling; especially the Tour de France.

10 points by Bill Strickland.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 11/02/2011 - 20:50

10 points by Bill Strickland. It doesnt get more motivational than that.

10 points creeped me out

Submitted by Kris Thompson on Thu, 11/03/2011 - 20:53

Technically, as stated on the back of this book, it is not a book about cycling. Disturbing story.

great read

Submitted by PinkBike (not verified) on Wed, 11/16/2011 - 07:13

I love this book. I've read it 3 times and also have it on audiobook. A wrenching story. Incredibly well written. Beautiful.

The Art of Cycling by Robert

Submitted by Lesley (not verified) on Wed, 11/02/2011 - 20:56

The Art of Cycling by Robert Hurst is a must, regardless of how much cycling experience the reader has under their belt. Even if you're already doing a lot of what the book suggests by instinct, it helps reinforce good habits. I may have avoided a couple of painful mistakes had I read this when I first started bike commuting.

Could not agree more...

Submitted by Kris Thompson on Thu, 11/03/2011 - 20:51

The Art of Cycling by Robert Hurst is a MUST read for every cyclist!!! I've been wanting to post a review of this book but I'm afraid I won't do it justice if I half ass it... so the review has not been done.

Hurst's piece is a great

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 11/04/2011 - 13:47

Hurst's piece is a great read. Forgot to mention it in my first post. I thoroughly enjoy his work, and this book is full of useful information for bike commuters at any experience level. This book has taught me the value of being vigilant on the bike.