Jason Sumner - Bicycling Complete Book of Road Cycling Skills: Your Guide to Riding Faster, Stronger, Longer, and Safer

Also by Jason Sumner:

75 Classic Rides Colorado

Bicycling 1,100 Best All-Time Tips

Mention of specific companies, organizations, or authorities in this book does not imply endorsement by the author or publisher, nor does mention of specific companies, organizations, or authorities imply that they endorse this book, its author, or the publisher.

Copyright 2016 by Jason Sumner

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any other information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the publisher.

Book design by Christina Gaugler

Page number listed refer to the print edition:
Photography by Jamie Squire/Getty Images (page 170); Mike Tittel (page 147); Gallery Stock (pages 11, 38, 80, 125); and all other photography by Matt Rainey/Rodale Images

Illustration by Joe Karapelou (page 183)

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file with the publisher.

ISBN: 9781623364953 paperback
ISBN: 9781623364960 ebook

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In my humble opinion, there are three kinds of people in this world: those who love cycling, those who will love cycling, and those who will never try cycling. Point being, if you spend any time on a bike, youll quickly discover its virtues as humankinds best invention. What else on this earth combines efficient transportation with life-enhancing exercise, joyful and exhilarating fun, and environmental friendliness all in one perfect package? Certainly nothing I can think of.

Cycling is also a true lifetime endeavor. You no doubt remember the sheer glee the first time you got rolling on your own without training wheels. And with any luck youll all be riding bikes well into your golden years, that same wide smile across your face. Indeed, studies have shown that cycling improves concentration and memory function, reduces stress, and generally makes you happier and healthier.

But there is much more to riding a bike than what you learned as a kid. Basic skills such as steering, cornering, descending, braking, shifting gears, and even drinking from a water bottle all take practice. Indeed, the more you ride, the better (and faster) cyclist youll become. Of course, a few pointers along the way come in handy, too.

Thats where this book comes in. Within the following pages youll find explanations detailing such things as how to buy a bike, tips for on-bike fueling, and how to train for your first century ride. There are also pointers on climbing, sprinting, and the all-important art of countersteering. The mental game is covered, too, with advice on how to overcome fear and use the power of positive thinking.

How best to use this book depends a lot on your current status as a cyclist. If youve already been riding for a few years, then its likely youre ).

If you are brand new to this wonderful and amazing sport, start at the beginning of this book and work your way through. The sections and chapters follow a logical order that start with the basics, and then dive into more technical topics. Learn how to dial in your on-bike position (). If you run into a word or phrase you dont know, flip to the glossary in the back of this book.

But before you start flipping the pages, know this: If you are truly committed to becoming a better cyclist, then, like so many things in life, you would do well to set some goals. Whether you are riding for fun, fitness, weight loss, stress relief, or because you want to become the next Chris Froome, having goals will serve as motivation to ride, and ride better.

Finally, if you take nothing else away from this book, please memorize the following list and take its advice to heart, because it covers the 10 things that should be a part of every ride you do.

Check your bike: Properly inflate tires, lube chain as needed, and check brakes.

Wear a helmet: Always. No matter what. Period.

Carry basic tools: At a minimum always carry a spare tube, tire levers, an inflation device, and a small multitool.

Bring fuel: Your car needs gas. You need food and drink.

Be prepared: If theres even a remote chance of foul weather, make sure you have the right clothes.

Lather up: Skin cancer is not a joke. Wear sunscreen.

Bring ID: If something bad does happen, help the first responders by identifying yourself.

Pack your phone: Say what you will about smartphones, but they are great for calling for help or navigating when you get lost.

Be seen: Even just a basic blinky tail light will help drivers spot you. If you know youll be out past dark, outfit your bike accordingly.

Have a plan: Know where you are going and how you are getting there.

Before you figure out the perfect on-bike position, before you devise the perfect training plan, and even before you head out for your first ride, you are going to need a bike. While many of the people who pick up this book already have their two-wheel situation sorted out, there are plenty who dont. Or maybe its time for a new bike. Because, hey, who doesnt love a new bike?

So what is the best strategy for buying a bike? How can you assure the best bang for your buck without sacrificing on-road performance? Well, before you head to your local bike shop (or start perusing the Internet), you need to ask yourself some key questions.

Are your cycling goals modest? Are you simply seeking a comfortable companion that will allow you to spin easy miles and perhaps complete the local century ride? Or are you the more competitive type, with aspirations to raceand even win?

The answers to these questions will go a long way toward determining the type of bike you buy, be it one with a more relaxed endurance geometry (think more upright, like riding a Harley), or one that puts you in a low, aggressive position that allows you to cheat the wind at every turn. Either way, there will be dozens of potentially perfect bikes from which to choose.

Nearly all the major bike manufactures (and many of the smaller ones, too) offer an array of bikes to suit a variety of needs and desires. Take Specialized, for instance, which in 2016 had a road bike product line that included the Tarmac (lightweight race bike), Venge (aero race bike), Roubaix (endurance bike), and Diverge (gravel bike), plus specific offerings for track, cyclocross, and time trial. The same could be said of Trek, Giant, Scott, Cannondale, and so on.

Yes, it gets confusing quickly. And thats why doing research ahead of time is key. Read online product descriptions and product reviews. And, most important of all, know that there isnt one right answer. There are likely dozens of bikes capable of delivering the fun and performance you are looking for. In the end it might just come down to color. Because if you dont like the way your bike looks, whats the point?