Looking for a bike training book. No SRM yet and likely not to get one in next year or two. So I’d like a book that goes w/ HR or even PE over power-based. i’ve heard good things about Friel but also that it is pretty complex. Any suggestions?
Thanks
Looking for a bike training book. No SRM yet and likely not to get one in next year or two. So I’d like a book that goes w/ HR or even PE over power-based. i’ve heard good things about Friel but also that it is pretty complex. Any suggestions?
I have Friel’s book and also Burke’s High Performance Cycling (i think that’s the title). I’m not a fan of either, sorry can’t be of more help.
I’d forgo the SRM and get a PT wheel, the rest will take care of itself. Wireless PT will come out eventually ('07?) and lots of people are going to sell theirs.
Friel is complex?
Never heard that one…pretty damn easy to follow and the most effective cycling program out there.
#1. Jeukendrup – High Performance Cycling
#2. Burke – Serious Cycling
#3. Burke – High Tech Cycling
These books cover a lot of the technical aspects of cycling (clothing, nutrition, etc.), so are not technically “training” books, but considering that a lower CdA is just as good as more wattage, I think they are actually better.
I have all three of those books, but I still think Greg Lemond’s “Complete Book of Bicycling” from the 80’s ranks near the top.
hammydad,
I’m surprised no one suggested Fred Metheny’s Complete Book of Road Bike Training. Its has outlined separate training programs for recreational, serious recreational and racing level cycling.
If you don’t happen to know who Fred Metheny is, he is one of the four “seniors” who hold the team record for RAAM as well as the Masters 55-60 Colorado State Time Trial champion among other things.
I happen to have all the books mentioned so for and many others as well, including coach Eddie B’s book of bike racing. For someone starting out on a training program to improve their cycling, personally, I think Fred’s book is a lot less technical and much easier to understand. He also explains the training concepts and how they can be modified most effectively to suit individual needs and yet yield the greatest benefit.
Now if you are an experienced cyclist with a fair amount of training knowledge, then Fred’s book will still probably be the one you go to first. The other books mentioned are generally more technical or specialized as far as training is concerned. Often they expect the reader to be familiar with the training concepts and don’t waste a lot of words explaining the fundamentals of the training concepts they are discussing.
A good HRM training book is Heart Zones Cycling by Sally Edwards.
#1. Jeukendrup – High Performance Cycling
#2. Burke – Serious Cycling
#3. Burke – High Tech Cycling
These books cover a lot of the technical aspects of cycling (clothing, nutrition, etc.), so are not technically “training” books, but considering that a lower CdA is just as good as more wattage, I think they are actually better.
I have the same 3 - although Jeukendrup’s is very technical for a general training book (not in terms of reading/language, rather what he focuses on). Serious Cycling is an excellent all-round book for most levels of cyclists, imo.