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Mastering Mountain Bike Skills
Average Rating: 5.0     Total Reviews: 45
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Great Book     On: 2008-04-05

Great book you can find everything you want to know about mountain biking and is even fun to read.
Excellent book     On: 2008-04-02

This book is quite excellent. I had never been mountain biking before, and read this book. When I finally went out on the trail with experienced riders, I was able to keep up, not injure myself, and generally know what was going on around me. I will say, though, that in reading the book, it seemed like all mountain bike riders were able to do the flashy stuff that was described, when in fact, I found that was not the case. However, it is good to know about. The writing style is very easy to read. There could have been a glossary, and I had to Google terms a number of times, but overall, an excellent book.
Excellent     On: 2008-02-23

A fantastic source of information for anyone wanting to improve their mountain bike riding skills.
Great book of use for all mountain bikers     On: 2008-02-13

I found this to be an excellent book on mountain bike techniques. There are illustrated examples of all the skills you would want to know for all styles of mountain bike riding.
This is a book to work through. For example it starts with the basics like wheelies and manuals and progresses to bunny hops showing how they are related and why you want to know one technique before progressing to another.
Whereas Ned Overends book is XC race oriented, the techniques in this book as just as applicable for downhilling and freeriding as they are to XC and will help you whether you race or just like to ride for fun.
There is also a short section in the front covering the basics of choosing and maintaining your bike(s).
Good but could be better     On: 2008-01-23

I think this is a great book for a visual perspective.

Things that are hard to describe in words are often given good visual treatment. I especially liked it when they showed multiple frames to illustrate a technique that might have changes across time.

For example, they illustrate performing a jump by showing you various frames including hen the rider enters the jump (showing body position, etc), while hes in the jump, and what he looks like when exiting.

This alone puts this book above others I have read on the same topic.

I also liked the treatment of many different topics. Theres a really good cross-section of useful information covered, so it seems like just about anyone in the sport would benefit from the content.

There are a couple of things that I think need to be improved on to make this book better.

First and foremost, the book either needs to dispense with all the flowery, colorful jargon, and stick closer to simple English, or it needs to provide a glossary up front.

I am a beginning rider (supposedly one of the people this book is aimed at) and there were many times I did not understand a section perfectly clearly because of the specialized language they used.

Heres an example, taken from early on in the book:

"Pump backsides. Any time the trail turns downward, press down for some free speed".

That probably makes perfect sense to someone who understands these terms, but it did not help be as a beginner.

What does "pump" mean? Does it mean to "pedal hard"? Does it mean to quickly raise and then lower your body on the bike to "pump it"? And how about "press down" - press down on what? The pedals? The handlebars? The saddle?

Ive read the whole book and Im still not 100% sure if "pump" means "pedal", or something else.

This problem occurs throughout the book, in some places worse than others. There were spots where the language was so flowery that I actually laughed out loud.

I remember one paragraph talking about pimping and nailing and lips and rhino horns. I wasnt sure if somehow a chapter from Alice in Wonderland had ended up in this book about Mountain Biking.

The other thing I found confusing about the book was some of the conflicting advice given.

I found this especially true in areas related to braking. If one just listed all the sentences related to braking you might see something like this: "Stay off the brakes, speed is the key to smoothness", "Use the brakes to remain in control", "Only brake when you really mean to", "Braking is one of the most important skills", "People rely too much on the brakes", and so on.

This all reminds me of an out-take from the movie Poltergeist in which the main characters are giving Carol-Ann advice about how to come home: "Go into the light!", "Get away from the light!", "The light is your salvation!", "The light is the enemy!".

Im afraid that after reading this book I am as confused about braking as poor Carol-Ann is about whether or not she should go into the light.

Apart from these gripes, I have spent many hours with this book and feel that I will become a better rider for it.

Excellent book for basic MT biker     On: 2007-12-07

This book give me a different view of Mt.Bike skill. Not just power but
trick and trade for the entry level like me or even may be higher.
Very educational. I wish I could buy his step-by-step DVD to improve my ride.


All you need to know     On: 2007-12-04

This book is a great guide to improving your skill. It is so well written even nubies like me can understand it.
Great Book     On: 2007-11-26

I am fairly new to mountain biking (riding one season before reading the book) and found almost all of the tips and instructions very helpful. I used many of the tips this season (my second) and found I am a much better rider now. I plan to go back and reread the entire manual now because it is written for every skill level, so some of the things that were over my head I think I will now understand. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who isnt an expert already.
Learn from the best     On: 2007-11-05

Great book. Great instruction. Great fun.

Great book for those who are new to the sport or who are at a plateau and dont know how to improve. Very good at explaining the basics and giving advice on how to improve without inflicting serious injury.
solid tips for better riding     On: 2007-10-27

Great book to get some high level tips. It will definitely help improve your riding for intermediate riders looking to take their skills up a notch. The only criticism is that it was not very detailed on instructions/techniques. Definitely and easy read and worth the money.
perfect for all levels!     On: 2007-08-14

i teach mountain biking skills clinics and i have found that this book is an excellent tool in teaching all levels of mountain bikers - beginner to pro. it is a very well written, fun to read, and highly detailed book that will help you overcome your current obstacles and help you to ride the drops you never dreamed you could.
Comprehensive and concise...     On: 2007-08-08

As a rider starting from the bottom, this book makes it that much easier. Has all the answers youve been searching for in one location. The pictures in the book are useful in visualising the words and concepts, without detracting from the actual information.

Very well organised book, and easy to find the information you want. Which comes in handy when you want to refresh your memory on certain aspects.

Now its just a matter of hitting the trails and practicing.
Masters of mountain bike teaching!     On: 2007-08-03

By far the best book I have seen about technique in MTB. Actually, you can forget about the rest of the manuals out there that describe without much idea how to "do it". Read about it and... do it!
Good...but not what I was hoping for     On: 2007-06-13

This is a good book, but it is a bit week on specifics of various techniques. It does have an element of unconscious competence coming through which is frustrating for intermediate riders like myself who need to be taught step-by-step.

It has great pictures but again some of the illustrations (e.g. big drops etc) dont really apply to anybody less than advanced riders, which makes it difficult for us intermediate riders to learn from.
easy and valuable     On: 2007-06-11

Mountain bike is a new sport so accumulation of knowladge in this field is not so much. With this book learning very valuable techniques from a champion is easy and possible.
Great     On: 2007-05-31

This book was really good for beginner and intermediate mountain bikers. It provided good descriptions on how to do certain things and many high quality pictures to go along with the descriptions.
For All Skill Levels
by: Anonymous    On: 2007-04-10

From expert to beginner, this mountain biking book will teach you new techniques and make you a faster rider.
The Best Book Ever     On: 2007-02-23

Lee McCormack knows what hes doing when it comes to both writing a book and riding his bike, and its pretty obvious Brian Lopes is one of the fastest men alive on a bike.
This book has seriously helped me a lot. Im an expert class downhill racer, and even so, I still feel faster after reading this, and the improvements would be even more drastic for riders who are not as skilled as myself.
The book is very well written, and often uses humor to lighten up the mood so it not only is an informative read but an entertaining one. The pictures are well placed and well done.

Overall, Id have to say that this is THE BEST mountain biking book out there...
Excellent book for technical skills. Style is a bit hard to take.     On: 2007-01-23

This is one of the two best books available for mountain biking instruction (the other is William Nealys). Excellent sections on technique and generally good explanations of technique. It is aimed at the already competent rider who is looking to improve.

It has two minor weaknesses- first that McCormacks fawning style of writing gets a little hard to take (sure, Lopes is an amazing rider, we just dont need to get it rammed down our throats every 3 paragraphs). Secondly, some of the photos are a little hard to follow (e.g. the ones that show leaning into corners are inconsistent with the text). Overall, however, it is an invaluable book.

I suggest also looking at Nealys book. Its less technical than this book, but explains some basic concepts that are left out by Lopes/McCormack and is a lot more lighthearted and fun in its approach while still being crammed full of information.
Best and most detail book ever     On: 2007-01-12

Detail, detail, and more detail of whatever you want to do.
Tons of knowledge     On: 2007-01-10

This books covers wide range of technique and knowledge. Some of them are pretty new to me and probably not on other books. It simply describe the concept/physics and comes with a lot of beautiful color pictures. I consider myself a beginner to midlevel rider. It is fun to read this book even I can not do those tricks/jumps yet. Definetly get this book if you are serious about mountain biking.
A Must Have Book 4 MTB'ers     On: 2007-01-10

Good knowledge, from basic to master. Very clear explaination and good quality picture. If you are mountain bikers, you must have this book.
A must have !!!!     On: 2007-01-09

The most complete and comprehensive mountain bike riding instruction manual, written by one of best riders out there. Indispensable for those who are just starting out on this exhilerating sport, excellent for those who want to improve their technique and performance wether its XC, 4X or Downhill . Highly recommended.
Great book!     On: 2007-01-05

This is a great book for anyone wanting to set out mountain biking with good fundamentals. Of course Brian Lopes is an awesome biker, but he and Lee McCormack distill the content to be applicable to the beginner and up levels. And its structured in such a way that you dont need to go sequentially through it, but can pick-and-choose specific areas that you want to work on.
Buy this book!     On: 2007-01-05

This book has everything you need to improve your current riding skills. A must have for the beginner all the way to expert levels.
For all MTBers: the best book out there
by: robert.bowers@bigpond.com    On: 2006-11-03

Having read every MTB book I have seen and year and years of bike mags (with their "essential training tips" I have become very cynical of rehashed articles with little substance. However, Mastering Mountain Bike Skills is a book on a whole new level. Forget buying magazines for training tips and get this book, a good book on weight and a good book on cardiovascular training, end of story. And for those not into the race scene this reading and rereading this book periodically will both make you faster and take your riding to a more enjoyable level.
Great book for all technical bike skills     On: 2006-07-11

This book covers everything in Mountain Biking from selecting a bike, to jumping doubles. The book covers all skills from the basic to the extreme, but it seems to concentrate more on skills needed for riding technical terrain. The techniques in the book are explained very well with photos and diagrams, and it is an entertaining read. Really the only thing lacking in this book is XC training stratagies. However this topic probably deserves a book to itself.
Great book for all technical bike skills     On: 2006-07-10

This book covers everything in Mountain Biking from selecting a bike, to jumping doubles. The book covers all skills from the basic to the extreme, but it seems to concentrate more on skills needed for riding technical terrain. The techniques in the book are explained very well with photos and diagrams, and it is an entertaining read. Really the only thing lacking in this book is XC training stratagies. However this topic probably deserves a book to itself.
great tool for improving your riding     On: 2006-05-04

Im lucky enough to live near some great off road trails - the Avalon area in Maryland. Problem is that Im an old guy (the bike I had before the Cannondale Prophet I just bought is older than you!) (all right - Im over 50) and I really like riding trails. So, now Ive got a new bike thats a lot more capable than me, I want to get better. The trails I ride are twisty single track with lots of roots, rocks, stream crossings, occassional short downhills with berms on the turns... great stuff. Well, enough about me (it is all about me though isnt it?), but this book was a great help. First, as they say in the book "let the bike roll". When youre perched at the top of a gnarly section its nice to be able to call up your mantra of "let the bike roll" as you head down into a gully full of rocks, roots, fallen branches etc. The book gives solid advice on skills to learn so that you get the most out of your bike (things like weighting and unweighting). It gives you insight into how to do things like manuals, hops, etc that most riders dont know how to do. (To learn you have to practice but this book really helps get you started). Ive really enjoyed the book and read it and try stuff in it practically every day.
Best Step-by-Step I have read for mountain biking     On: 2006-02-22

The combination of experienced authors, supportive facts, and the fashion in which the material is presented makes this book the best way to learn about mountain bike skills. The format is what I like the most. There are clear frame by frame pictures of moves with concise descriptions to go with them. The authors also provide interesting scientific facts about cycling physics. The troubleshooting sections are also helpful. The chapters are all well organized and packed full of helpful and not so obvious information. Any rider can benefit from this book. The book is more than a list of tips (like most other books: outside foot down, look ahead, etc.) It is the best tool that I own for improving my skills next to my bikes. I am a seasoned racer and I am learning so much from this book. Buy it!
Exactly what I needed when I bought my first bike     On: 2006-02-20

I know people dont read the 5 star reviews but this book deserves it! This book is an excellent overall source of mountain biking skills, well written and illustrated by one of the industrys biggest names.

For someone new to the sport its ideal, with simple explanations for everything from bunny hopping to pedal stroke. Ive been working through the material in this book for 2 months now and Im still learning.

The author specializes in sprint events but has also ridden with US track cycling team and won road stages, time trials and BMX events. His all round knowledge comes through in this book.

Downhill not xc     On: 2006-01-11

This is an excellent book if you are just getting dh or you you just want to improve your cornering. But he also trys to tell you how to climb and eat right during long endurance xc races, and it just doesnt work to have a downhiller trying to teach an xc racer how to climb and eat.
Conscious Competence     On: 2005-12-26

Learning anything proceeds along a continuum. Starting from where one isnt even aware how much one doesnt know, (unconscious incompetence), the first step is to become aware of just how much one doesnt know. This would be the stage of conscious incompetence. As one gains knowlege and practices a set of skills, they are in the phase of conscious competence. Elite atheletes, like Brian Lopes in mountain biking, have reached the stage of unconscious competence. They no longer even have to think about it, they "just do it." Lopes started riding at 4 years old, and turned pro at 17. Rising from the ranks of BMX, Brian has been successful in a vast range of off road biking activities. Not only has he been successful at many of the biking disciplines, he holds world records in bunny hopping and distance jumping, and he is even the star of a mountain bike video game "Downhill Domination" for PlayStation.

The problem is, people at Brian Lopes level of unconscious competence are not necessarily any longer the best teachers for us mere mortals. The years of developing skills, motor memory, reflexes, and balance, mean folks at this level are no longer even aware of all that goes into their amazing performance. They arent even necessarily able to say how they do certain things.

Enter Lee McCormack, a man who has been explaining things and writing about bicycling for years. Despite some pretty impressive biking acheivements of his own, he is still close enough to his conscious competence to break down and write about the basics and specific skills that go into excellent biking performance.

Mastering Mountain Bike Skills describes itself as for anyone who wants to ride better, faster, or more confidently. It helps you master the skills to all types of terrain in almost any type of situation: cross country, freeriding, downhill, dirt jumping, bikercross, urban terrain, and even skate parks.

Chapters cover bike selection and setup, balance, position, pedaling, pumping terraqin for speed, braking, cornering, wheelies and hops, drops, jumping,speed, lines, and racing.

I read this book straight through, but its one youll want to keep out and refer to often as you ride, develop, and practice skills. Theres great tips and tricks for people at all levels of skill and experience. Its also fun that Lee throws a lot of little jokes in all through his writing. The combination of Brian and Lee have produced a book that will help me in getting back into mountain biking after an 11 year break, and will be referred to often.
A must read!     On: 2005-10-17

Awesome text and pics! Full of important tips and great source for skills learning. I met Brian in Brazil and lost the opportunity of buying the book. And now I got it, eventually.
Great Bike Book     On: 2005-10-06

This book gives detailed practical tips, and advice on all aspects of riding bikes. Step by step instructions with pictures make it very easy to understand. If you want to learn how to ride in all areas and improve on what you already know this is a very good book. I would recommend this book for anyone that wants to learn more about handling a bicycle.
Is it too late in life???     On: 2005-09-30

Im going on 53 and got my first mountain bike 1 year ago. After a rude introduction to single track, I decided to try and learn some skills. This book looked like a good source of info, so I ordered it. My first impression was that Ill never risk most of the moves shown by the pros in the book. Its definitely geared toward all-out riding. But I went back to the book and got more selective with the chapters. I then realized that all the basics are there. Not only are the techniques shown, but theres great explanations of why they work. Its almost like having a video. So what first looked like an intimidating how-to manual, now seems more like Pandorras Box. I look forward to practicing whenever I can spare the time, then getting out and enjoying some terrain. The deer trails above my home have taken on new meaning.
as goo as the author     On: 2005-09-20

an excellent book, with wich its easy to improve your skills. Big pictures, clever tips, good advice. VEry instructive.
A must-have for those who wanna improve their skills on their own.
This Book Will Improve Your Skills     On: 2005-09-19

I found this book extremely helpful. It has tips and techniques found in no other mountain biking literature. It is a very entertaining read as well. You wont be disappointed!
A great book     On: 2005-09-11

Its a comprehensive book on how to ride. It is very practical for all levels of riders. The pictures are very helpful and clear.
Great Book with Great Details !     On: 2005-09-03

After Reading this book and Rereading it again I could not get enough of all the tips! I am back into Mountain Biking with a hardtail and this book was just the ticket to get me motivated! Thanks to the Author Brian Lopes/ Lee McCormick for a great motivating book.
Bught 3 for gifts too!     On: 2005-08-31

Excellent book. As it states in the intro, many mountain bikers do what they do well without thinking about it. The book puts the details in the "how to" and in logical order. Great for beginers and for those who want to perfect some of the skills they dont think about...
A "must read" for any mountain biker
by: outdoorfitnessguru    On: 2005-08-31

Mastering Mountain Biking Skills in not only the best mountain biking book Ive seen, its one of the best sports training books that Ive ever seen. It has tons of photos to illustrate every skill that the authors are trying to teach. It seems like a lot of love of the sport went into both the writing and making of this book - it seems like the authors really want thier readers to become the best MTB rides that they can. You will see all of the skills and techniques needed to become a great MTB rider.
Accelerate your skills with this book!     On: 2005-08-06

Wow! The information and the way it is expressed(clear cut, humorous and to the point) has accelerated my mt. biking skills exponentially. I have biked for a number of years and taught myself by trial and error. Trial can be frustrating if the skill isnt picked up quickly and error . . . hurts! I wish I had read this book before picking up the passion of mt. biking. I recommend this book to intermediate and advanced riders without reservation. Check it out and and see what I mean!

Huckingly yours,

Apollo Yiamouyiannis
fitnessbyapollo.com
It is just the best book on Mountain biking !     On: 2005-07-20

Inspiration and Information!
Brian Lopes gave us both!
By taking us throught the ways and skills of top class mountain biking he inspires whilst teaching all of us his amazing techniques for extracting the best out of this sport!
The best books ever writen about mountain biking!
It is just the best book on Mountain biking !     On: 2005-07-19

Inspiration and Information!
Brian Lopes gave us both!
By taking us throught the ways and skills of top class mountain biking he inspires whilst teaching all of us his amazing techniques for extracting the best out of this sport!
The best books ever writen about mountain biking!
Masterful Indeed!     On: 2005-06-01

Bicycle training includes physical, psychological, and skills training. Although riders often ignore the latter, without skills training mountain bikers limit their potential enjoyment and development as competent cyclists.

This is one of the best books ever published on acquiring mountain biking skills, a book whose principles broadly apply to other forms of bicycling, including road cycling.

The book is well-organized and the topics flow well. The book begins with general bike set-up and pedaling, transitions to braking, cornering, hopping, dropping, and jumping, and puts the basics together in chapters about flowing, crazy (miscellaneous) conditions, and racing.

The book has more than 100 color photos and diagrams, which overall illustrate its points well. Diagrams, such as those on pages 64, 66, and 67 depicting zero, negative, and positive camber help the reader learn the meaning of familiar yet uncertain terms. Time-sequence photography, such as images on pages 106 and 107 illustrating the difference in jumping techniques of a dirt-jumper and cross-country racer are superb.

The book attempts to detail principles for beginners and experts alike, and overall does a great job.

As excellent as the book is, it could be improved.

A glossary would help. Authors and editors often forget that not everyone knows the meaning of the jargon words-such as rail and carve. Even if explained at first usage, a glossary of mountain biking terms would improve the book.

The language is hip, sometimes crude. Although attractive to many who practice downhill mountain biking, the lingo might not appeal to all. For example, in describing pedaling style at the bottom of the pedal stroke on page 34, the authors write: "Pretend youre scraping dog crap off the bottom of your shoe."

The book includes descriptions and illustrations that are inconsistent. For example, in describing a series of turns on page 59, the text describes a left then right series of turns, but the illustration is right then left. In describing how to carve flat turns, on page 66, the text says lean your bike more than your body, but the rider is leaning his body more than the bike. On page 69, in describing skidding into loose corners, the text describes the method of dealing with a skid turning left, but the time-sequence photos are of a rider turning right. Such inconstancies make it more difficult for the reader to follow the authors points.

Sage advice has its exceptions. When exceptions are not qualified as such, readers may be confused. For example, throughout the book, the problems associated with needless, overzealous, panicked, or overly cautious braking are reiterated. The novice mountain biker may think: "Always stay off the brakes!" Yet in describing how to conquer switch backs, page 68, the first item of advice is "Slow WAY down....you want to reach a happy speed, not scare yourself..." which, of course, is what novice riders think in every situation they consider braking. If the authors had said: "This is an exception to letting-the-brakes-go-to-ride-more-effectively rule," theyd clarify their thinking for the reader and gain credibility.

These minor quibbles aside, this book has great information about mountain biking skills, from one of the most skilled riders who has every lived. If you are a mountain biker, get this book-even if only to look at the pictures.

Reviewers note/disclaimer: The publisher sent me a review copy. I was not paid for this review.
Masterful Indeed!     On: 2005-05-31

Bicycle training includes physical, psychological, and skills training. Although riders often ignore the latter, without skills training mountain bikers limit their potential enjoyment and development as competent cyclists.

This is one of the best books ever published on acquiring mountain biking skills, a book whose principles broadly apply to other forms of bicycling, including road cycling.

The book is well-organized and the topics flow well. The book begins with general bike set-up and pedaling, transitions to braking, cornering, hopping, dropping, and jumping, and puts the basics together in chapters about flowing, crazy (miscellaneous) conditions, and racing.

The book has more than 100 color photos and diagrams, which overall illustrate its points well. Diagrams, such as those on pages 64, 66, and 67 depicting zero, negative, and positive camber help the reader learn the meaning of familiar yet uncertain terms. Time-sequence photography, such as images on pages 106 and 107 illustrating the difference in jumping techniques of a dirt-jumper and cross-country racer are superb.

The book attempts to detail principles for beginners and experts alike, and overall does a great job.

As excellent as the book is, it could be improved.

A glossary would help. Authors and editors often forget that not everyone knows the meaning of the jargon words-such as rail and carve. Even if explained at first usage, a glossary of mountain biking terms would improve the book.

The language is hip, sometimes crude. Although attractive to many who practice downhill mountain biking, the lingo might not appeal to all. For example, in describing pedaling style at the bottom of the pedal stroke on page 34, the authors write: "Pretend youre scraping dog crap off the bottom of your shoe."

The book includes descriptions and illustrations that are inconsistent. For example, in describing a series of turns on page 59, the text describes a left then right series of turns, but the illustration is right then left. In describing how to carve flat turns, on page 66, the text says lean your bike more than your body, but the rider is leaning his body more than the bike. On page 69, in describing skidding into loose corners, the text describes the method of dealing with a skid turning left, but the time-sequence photos are of a rider turning right. Such inconstancies make it more difficult for the reader to follow the authors points.

Sage advice has its exceptions. When exceptions are not qualified as such, readers may be confused. For example, throughout the book, the problems associated with needless, overzealous, panicked, or overly cautious braking are reiterated. The novice mountain biker may think: "Always stay off the brakes!" Yet in describing how to conquer switch backs, page 68, the first item of advice is "Slow WAY down....you want to reach a happy speed, not scare yourself..." which, of course, is what novice riders think in every situation they consider braking. If the authors had said: "This is an exception to letting-the-brakes-go-to-ride-more-effectively rule," theyd clarify their thinking for the reader and gain credibility.

These minor quibbles aside, this book has great information about mountain biking skills, from one of the most skilled riders who has every lived. If you are a mountain biker, get this book-even if only to look at the pictures.

Reviewers note/disclaimer: The publisher sent me a review copy. I was not paid for this review.
The most useful mountain bike skills book in exhistence!     On: 2005-03-08

Im an "emerging" sport level DH/Freeride biker that wants to take it to the next level but Im having trouble finding fast, knowledgable riders to ride with. In this book, Ive found that rider and then some.... This book is very well illustrated with lots of detail starting from the basics to jumping 50ft gaps. Most of the books Ive seen go to the extreme of showing you how to drop off a curb, MMBS shows you how to drop off a CLIFF. They have bike setup tips, usefull troubleshooting guides and tons of race winning tips. The list goes on... I received my book yesterday (#55 - Thanks for the signature Brian), Ive read every word and I am looking forward to trying it all.

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