Review of Mountain Bike Like a Champion

Mountain Bike Like a Champion
Average Rating: 4.5 Total Reviews: 21
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Still Relevant after all these years

On: 2009-12-27

It is amazing how relevant this book still is. Ned gives riding tips and racing strategies that can be used by bikers of all skill levels. The only changes since the book was written have been in the technology used by 21st century athletes. I have a friend who has been riding mountain bikes for many years and he says he is still learning from this same book. It is only a shame that in all this time no one else has stepped up to publish a more recent version.

Tidbits of useful information

On: 2009-11-09

I bought this book as kind of a manual of how to handle a mountain bike. As such it is not a good book. What you do get is a number of short chapters convering everything from beginners to to racing professional races. Read a chapter and you will pick up some ideas of how to handle your bike. I wish the book was more structured. Ive given it three stars because I have not found anything better, but this is really a two star book if that better book is published.

I also bought Mountain Bike Magazines Complete Guide To Mountain Biking Skills: Expert Tips On Conquering Curves, Corners, Dips, Descents, Hills, Water Hazards, And Other All-Terrain Challenges and Im giving that book exactly the same review. The coverage is the same.

If you know a better book PLEASE leave a comment.

Must read for new mountain bikers!

On: 2009-11-09

This book is great, I have only had it for a week, but it is an easy read, and not boring. New Overend covers many different aspects of mountain bike technique, and keeps it interesting. This book has helped me with my confidence already. I would suggest this book to anyone who likes mountain biking and would like to learn how to ride better.

Biking skills improved immediately.

On: 2009-02-20

I read the chapters on basic biking skills and immediately I was riding better. I go to Palo Duro Canyon, near Amarillo, Texas, and ride the trails. After reading parts of his book, I was able to get over some of the rough spots that I previously had been walking. It is also much easier to ride the trails because I had been doing many things the hardest way. It is an excellent book!

2 minutes off my daily commute on the first day

On: 2008-12-08

I ride my mountain bike to work through a wildlife management area daily, 8.7 miles. I applied four of his basic lessons with immediate results: pedal in circles, anticipate and single-shift, look farther ahead of you, and lay off the brakes. On my first day after reading Neds book I cut two minutes off my time.

Mr. Overends real-race examples of how his technique improved his performance move the rational explanations on in an entertaining way.

Good but not great

On: 2008-08-29

Ned offers a lot of great tips and invaluable advice on how to best tackle your local mountain on bike without getting too much into the science and nitty gritty of it.

It is small enough to read in on session, which is perfect for those who easily get bored with reading for hours.

The only criticism I have is that it could have included some pictures/photos to make it more engaging.

The Best Book About Mountain Biking

On: 2008-06-25

I love this book. I have owned it for about a month and have read it cover to cover and re-read about half of it at least a couple times. Some books just focus on basic skills and techniques, but this book is more holistic in its approach, putting biking into proper perspective. Ned includes dozens of enjoyable stories and examples from his own biking career that really add color to the overall make-up of the book. Neds book is very inspiring, and it will make you want to ride your bike and improve your skills. It will also encourage you to not ride your bike when the time is not right to ride. Ned seems to understand of living a balanced life, a good reminder for some of us who can be a bit obsessive about our hobbies.

Really Good Book

On: 2007-10-30

Boy, you know you got a gem when it devotes one whole chapter on balance. That is like the most fundamental skill of cycling and if you cant do that right you should take up tennis or something. Most people can do tricks and hops but I venture to say not too many can do a track stand (bike stationary) for more than minute. This is more for XC as the guy writing it is pro XC racer. But these skills are fundamental for every discipline of cycling.

Motivating

On: 2006-02-13

I really dont know if someone can improve your skills by reading a book. If you think so, Brian Lopes book is a better choice. Neds book, however, is a really motivating tool. You will want to ride 100000000000000000 km after reading the book. As a mountain biker for almost 5 years, i must assume that the book is beginners oriented.

NED'S CHAMPION AND HIS BOOK IS HIS COMPENDIUM

On: 2005-11-15

If you feel like reading a book may boost your skill to ride a bike, well dont look any further: grab Neds masterpiece and absorb it to your deepest neurons. Why? Because Neds Ned. He takes you through five milestones or temples columns: Balance, pedaling in circles, shifting frequently, vision and braking. Of course the book has a lot more to tell you, but if you master these five, youll be light-years ahead. Do not believe that reading will take you to the next level of skill, but READING AND PRACTISING YES. Buy Neds book and carefully follow his hints, practice them till boredom and youll be flabbergasted of how farther you can get. I did it and my friends are now behind me....

Very usefull book

On: 2005-10-13

I found this book very usefull, the only catch is the bike slang used to describe every situation, technique, etc. As my nature language is not English it was a lot more difficult to understand every concept explained on the book... maybe for some others this will not be a problem.

Now, this book is great, it will improve your skills and bike control, specially if you arent and advanced rider. The book is full of tips, personal Neds experiences (great value) and various drills to help you improve faster. But, although its a great book this is not a must-have... its simply great-to-have.

I gave 4 stars and maybe it should be 4.5 but not 5 because it lack a little of detail and it contain very few photos. Maybe more experienced riders find usefull a simple explanation (which is simple for him being an experienced rider) but beginners like us need more photos so we can understand right away every concept.

Hope this helps!

Inside information

On: 2005-09-23

this book gives good insight informaiton into the techniques of handling a mountain bike. It is interesting to see descriptions of techniques that have been gained through years of trial and error.
It gives an opportunity to refine techniques that have been learned . It would be difficult for a novice biker to apply the information directly. Practice is essential. A few more practical excercises would be good, Mr. Overend. All in all, a good read.

Wonderfully helpful and well written

On: 2005-02-01

I have been riding adult bikes for 31 years. This book taught me balance exercises that I did not know. Lots of the book just repeats stuff that can be found elsewhere but that is valuable too. Shouldnt there be one compendium that captures 95% of the knowledge on a subject? This is a wonderful book and very well priced.

Ned, the Lung

On: 2002-06-25

Ned is one of the finest examples of a athlete. He is one that just wont quit, he loves the sport, the competition and most of all he challenges himself. Its great when such a athlete stops and takes some time to help out his fans by writing such a helpful book. Some of it most experienced riders will already know, but still the book contains tips and such to fine tune your skills. The biggest help for me was his tips on fitting the bike. After following his tips my S-Works feels and handles all so much better. Its the little things. For the cost of book you cant beat it. Instead of subscribing to a cycling magazine in hope of finding new help, save yourself some money and time and get it all in one source. Ned is a great guy, rides some of the best bikes made, he knows his stuff.. Although he is a busy guy with Xtera and all he even takes some time to meet, email and answer questions. The book itself will make techniques make more sense and easier to concur. Buy it for yourself or a friend, its a great gift!

Ned Overend proves he's a Champion

On: 2002-03-29

Great tips for riders of any level. This book contains descriptions and examples from Neds years of experience in mountain biking, all very helpful and easy to follow. If you enjoy mountain biking, this book will help you get to the next level. Without a doubt the best [money] you will ever spend for mountain bike equipment. This book should be sold with every mountain bike!!

If it's by Ned, it has to be good.

On: 2001-12-14

This book is like a Mountain Bikers Bible. Anybody who rides in the mountains should get this book. It will make you a better rider and it could save you from a bad bike accident.

The Essential Primer for Mountain Biking

On: 2001-07-29

Whether you are just getting into the sport, or already an avid rider, you will find this book full of useful tips across virtually all dimensions of riding. Ned has done a great job of distilling his years of experience into practical advice that anyone can quickly put to use. Though more photos would be even better, the book is clearly illustrated to ensure that you see each recommendation in action.

I have been mountain biking for more than a year, and the only regret I have about reading this book is that I didnt do it sooner--it would have saved me from a few falls.

Forget your owners manual, this book should be included with every new mountain bike sold!

As close to a mountain biking bible as there is

On: 2000-08-29

I recently got into mountain biking and headed out to the mountains with some friends. I came home a bloody mess and realized I needed some guidance so that I knew roughly what basic mountain bike techniques I should work on. I bought about four or five different mountain bike books, and this was by far the best of the bunch. Why?

Ned Overend is a mountain bike champ, so he definitely knows his stuff. His book is comprehensive, covering everything from trail etiquette and equipment to basic mountain bike techniques and training regimens. The language in the book is straightforward and easy to understand, but it isnt simplified to the point where important details are left out.

The only thing I wanted more of was step-by-step action photos demonstrating various techniques. There are some nice shots in the book, but I would have preferred more sequential photographs for some of the more advanced techniques. I guess Ill have to find a good video for that.

Of course, theres no substitute for hitting the trails to improve your technique, but if youre looking to nail down some of the basics, this is the best mountain bike instructional guide out there, hands down.

An incredibly useful tool for all mountain bikers!

On: 2000-01-20

What an amazing book! For new and old, beginner or experienced, this book is so useful. Full of invaluable tips and hints, and written in a easily understood style, with lots of real life experiences from the worlds most successful mountain biker. It is totally up to date, with advice that pertains to first timers or experienced riders. Neds down to earth attitude shines right through the book. A must have!

An incredibly useful tool for all mountain bikers!

On: 2000-01-19

What an amazing book! For new and old, beginner or experienced, this book is so useful. Full of invaluable tips and hints, and written in a easily understood style, with lots of real life experiences from the worlds most successful mountain biker. It is totally up to date, with advice that pertains to first timers or experienced riders. Neds down to earth attitude shines right through the book. A must have!

Words of wisdom from a mountain bike legend!

On: 1999-12-16

Anyone who has been involved in the sport of mountain biking knows that Ned Overend has played the game better than most. Neds eloquent explanations coupled with real life "mountain bike racing" anecdotes creates an invaluable book for every mountain bike enthusiast and racer.

An easy way to gain a wealth of information.

On: 1999-08-27

Last week I purchased this book and have read it cover to cover. The book is set up so you can read and work on specific aspects of Mountian Biking. The tip sections are extremely helpful as are the drill tips. I would recommend this book to anyone new our experienced. There is a ton of information on how to prpare for races and epic rides.