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High-Tech Cycling - Edmund R. Burke
High-Tech Cycling
by Edmund R. Burke
NEW, 328 pages
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About High-Tech Cycling
For serious cyclists, cycling coaches, and triathletes, the quest for a technical edge never stops. Now two-time U.S. Olympic cycling team staff member and renowned cycling author Ed Burke leads a team of top cycling scientists to reveal the latest advances in the sport.
The newest edition of High-Tech Cycling picks up where the first edition left off, incorporating the most current information on cycling technology, technique, physiology, and mechanics in one comprehensive book. Thorough explanations, along with supportive graphs and illustrations, give you an in-depth understanding of the dynamics between human and machine that combine to create champions of the sport.
Thirteen experts contributed to this book, compiling the latest scientific information available to enhance your cycling performance. From bike optimization to body positioning, High-Tech Cycling provides the details you want, including new information you won’t find in any other book.
With each chapter, you’ll gain fresh insights and new information from another research insider. In High-Tech Cycling, you’ll learn more than what to do and how to do it; you’ll discover the scientific justification for equipment, positioning, and key training decisions. The book covers every aspect of the cycling world, from racing on the road to specific elements of mountain biking.
High-Tech Cycling cuts through opinions and misinformation to give you the cutting edge on the science behind the sport. From heart rate monitors and altitude tents to power hubs, suspension systems, frame construction, pedaling efficiency, and beyond, the book covers every aspect of technology and technique. Additional chapters are dedicated to nutrition, altitude training, and the physiological demands of the sport.
About Edmund R. Burke
Edmund R. Burke, PhD, was the pre-eminent author of cyling books and articles since 1986. He wrote or edited more than 16 books on health, fitness, and cycling, including Serious Cycling and Fitness Cycling. And he completed this second edition of High-Tech Cycling just prior to his death in late Fall 2002.
Renowned for translating the latest scientific research into practical application, Burke served as a columnist for Adventure Cycling, Cycle Sport Magazine, and Performance Conditioning for Cycling. He has also wrote extensively on cycling physiology, training, nutrition, health, and fitness for VeloNews, Bicycling, and Inside Triathlon. He served as executive editor of Cycling Science and managing editor of Performance Conditioning for Cycling.
Dr. Burke was the physiologist for USA Cycling for seven years. During that time he worked with the 1980, 1984, and 1996 Olympic cycling teams, which won nine medals, as well as many world championship teams. He consulted with several companies in the areas of cycling, fitness equipment design, nutritional products, and fitness programs. His professional memberships included a role as fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine and also as vice president of research for the National Strength and Conditioning Association from 1993 to 1995.
Dr. Burke earned a doctorate in exercise physiology from The Ohio State University. He was a professor and director of the exercise science program at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, where he lived with his wife, Kathleen.
Reviews of the Book
”This is a tremendous compendium. Ed Burke has assembled some of the greatest cycling minds of our time and put them to good use.”
Lennard Zinn
Technical editor, VeloNews and Inside Triathlon
"...with discussions ranging from basic equipment selection to the nuances of optimal cycling biomechanics, High-Tech Cycling contains a wealth of information on a variety of topics that will be of immediate interest to cyclists of all levels and abilities."
Steve Johnson, PhD
Chief Operating Officer and Director of Athletics for USA Cycling
From Tailwinds
"This book provides valuable insights into the dynamics that exist between the cyclist and the machine, and serves as a noteworthy final tribute to Ed Burke and his commitment to cycling science."
About Cycling
Cycling, also called bicycling or biking, is the use of bicycles for transport, recreation, or for sport. Persons engaged in cycling are cyclists or bicyclists. Apart from ordinary two-wheeled bicycles, cycling also includes riding unicycles, tricycles, quadracycles, and other similar human-powered vehicles (HPVs).
Bicycles were introduced in the 19th century and now number about one billion worldwide. They are the principal means of transportation in many regions.
Cycling is an extremely efficient mode of transportation optimal for short to moderate distances. Bicycles provide numerous benefits compared to motor vehicles, including exercise, an alternative to the use of fossil fuels, no air or noise pollution, much reduced traffic congestion, easier parking, greater maneuverability, and access to both roads and paths. The advantages are at less financial cost to the user as well as society (negligible damage to roads, and less pavement required). Criticisms and disadvantages of cycling include reduced protection in crashes, particularly with motor vehicles,] longer travel time (except in densely populated areas), vulnerability to weather conditions, difficulty in transporting passengers, and the skill and fitness required.
In many countries, the most commonly used vehicle for road transport is a utility bicycle. These have frames with relaxed geometry, protecting the rider from shocks from the road, and easing steering at low speeds.
Road bikes tend to have a more upright shape and a shorter wheelbase, which make the bike more mobile but harder to ride slowly. The design, coupled with low or dropped handlebars, requires the rider to bend forward more, utilizing stronger muscles and reducing air resistance at high speed.
The price of a new bicycle can range from US to more than US,000 (the highest priced bike in the world is the custom Madone by Damien Hirst, sold at 0,000 USD),depending on quality, type and weight (the most exotic road bicycles can weigh as little as 3.2 kg (7 lb)). Being measured for a bike and taking it for a test ride are recommended before buying.
The drivetrain components of the bike should also be considered. A middle grade dérailleur is sufficient for a beginner, although many utility bikes come equipped with hub gears. If the rider plans a significant amount of hillclimbing, a triple-crank (three chainrings) front gear system may be preferred. Otherwise, the relatively lighter and less expensive two chainrings may be better. Much simpler fixed wheel bikes are also available, and may be more suitable for commuters.
Many road bikes along with mountain bikes include clipless pedals to which special shoes attach, via a cleat, permitting the rider to pull on the pedals as well as push. Other possible accessories for the bicycle include front and back lights, bells or horns, disc brakes, child carrying seats, cycling computers with GPS, locks, bar tape, fenders (mud-guards), baggage racks, baggage carriers and pannier bags, water bottles and bottle cages.
For basic maintenance and repairs, cyclists can choose to carry a pump (or a CO2 cartridge), a puncture repair kit, a spare inner tube, and tire levers. Cycling can be more efficient and comfortable with special shoes, gloves, and shorts. In wet weather, riding can be more tolerable with waterproof clothes, such as cape, jacket, pants and overshoes.
Items legally required in some jurisdictions, or voluntarily adopted for safety reasons, include bicycle helmets, generator or battery operated lights, reflectors, and audible signaling devices such as a bell or horn. Extras include studded tires and a bicycle computer.
Bikes can also be heavily customized, with different seat designs and handle bars, for example.
High-Tech Cycling
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