Cycling For Dummies

by Gavin Wright, Charlie Pickering (Foreword by)

Overview

Discover the joys and benefitsof riding a bike

Whether you're looking to join the Lycra brigade, tear down mountain bike trails or simply teach yourself — or your child — how to ride, this practical guide covers all your needs, from choosing the right bike and accessories to hitting the road and trails. Improve your health and fitness, reduce your carbon footprint and have fun along the way!

• Pick the bike and equipment that suit you — determine whether a road bike, mountain bike or something in-between is best for you

• Find the time to incorporate cycling into your lifestyle — start commuting to work and plan your cycling schedule

• Understand your rights and responsibilities as a cyclist — know the regulations that apply in your local area

• Stay safe in traffic and off-road — be seen and heard, and feel confident when dealing with potential dangers and hazards

• Train to improve — adopt programs to improve your speed and endurance on the road, or your fitness and skill for mountain biking

• Prepare yourself and your bike for touring — research your route and transport options, get your bike ready and know what to pack

• Get your kids on a bike — add a child to your bike, pick the right bike for your older child and teach your kids to ride the easy way

• Maintain yourself and your bike — prevent or ease cycling ailments and learn how to repair and service your bike

Open the book and find:

• How your bike should be adjusted to fit you

• Advice on the easiest way to get on a bike and start pedalling

• How to avoid dangers presented by cars, trucks, dogs and birds

• Tips for riding with other people

• Pointers on incorporating cycling into the school run

• Guidelines for eating and drinking before, during and after cycling

• The ten best rides in Australia and New Zealand

• Ten great tours and races from around the world

Learn to:

• Choose the right bike for you and your lifestyle

• Select the best gear to keep you looking good and riding well

• Obey the road rules and stay safe

• Find your riding style, from off-roading to cycling with kids

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780730376668
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	07/12/2011
Sold by:	JOHN WILEY & SONS
Format:	eBook
Pages:	384
Sales rank:	774,637
File size:	7 MB

About the Author

Gavin Wright is one of Australia's most knowledgeable cycling journalists. A regular contributor to Australian Cyclist, he has also appeared on television and radio, talking about cycling and good health. Gavin has cycled the world and ridden with champions but is equally at home riding with beginners.

Table of Contents

Foreword xvii

Introduction 1

Part I: Getting Ready to Swing Your Leg Over the Saddle 7

Chapter 1: Getting Into Cycling 9

Chapter 2: Picking the Right Bike 25

Chapter 3: Choosing the Right Gear 59

Chapter 4: Making Sure Your Bike Feels Good 83

Chapter 5: Finding the Time to Ride 95

Part II: Freewheeling Fundamentals 107

Chapter 6: Ticket to Ride: Your First Lesson 109

Chapter 7: Knowing the Rules 121

Chapter 8: Thinking Ahead for Safety 131

Chapter 9: Planning Your Trip and Tips for Safe Riding 143

Chapter 10: Toughening Up for Off-Road Riding 169

Part III: Rolling Beyond the Basics 177

Chapter 11: Training and Improving 179

Chapter 12: Touring and Exploring 197

Chapter 13: Cycling With Other People 221

Chapter 14: Riding with Babies, Toddlers and Children 239

Part IV: Maintaining Your Bike and Yourself 257

Chapter 15: Easing Ailments 259

Chapter 16: Fuelling Your Cycling 275

Chapter 17: Can You Fix It? Yes, You Can! 285

Chapter 18: Checks and Adjustments: The Next Step 303

Part V: The Part of Tens 315

Chapter 19: Ten Good Reasons to Ride a Bicycle 317

Chapter 20: Ten Bicycling Do's and Don'ts 327

Chapter 21: Ten Great Rides in Australia and New Zealand 333

Chapter 22: Ten Great Tours and Races around the World 345

Index 357