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Serious Cycling - Edmund R. Burke
Serious Cycling
by Edmund R. Burke
NEW, 304 pages
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About Serious Cycling
Ride faster and more efficiently with Serious Cycling. Exercise scientists have unearthed a wealth of information that cyclists can use to improve their performance. However, most cyclists have never had access to this great body of knowledge.
Now you do. Serious Cycling bridges the gap between scientific observation and cycling performance. It takes the latest scientific data on physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, injury prevention and recovery, and training, and translates it into practical applications that will have an immediate impact on your personal training program. Written by one of cycling’s top experts, this book will help you build endurance, increase lactate threshold, and enhance cycling strength and power.
Two-time U.S. Olympic team staff member Ed Burke has combined physiological training principles and real-world experiences to make Serious Cycling the reference that no elite cyclist should be without. The training methods and techniques he presents are what the top cyclists use. You’ll learn how to
• use power meters and heart rate monitors to gauge what is happening in your body while you work out;
• prevent injuries and illness, even during periods of hard training and racing;
• use proper nutrition and cutting-edge supplementation strategies to train harder and recover more effectively;
• make your body and your bike work with—not against—each other,
• get the best, most current information on proper positioning and cycling biomechanics; and
• apply effective tactics and race strategies to ensure your success in time trials, road races, and criteriums.
Whether you’re a competitor, a club member, or a weekend century rider, Serious Cycling will give you the know-how—and the means to apply it—so that you can reach your full potential.
About Edmund R. Burke
Edmund R. Burke, PhD, wrote or edited 11 books on health, fitness, and cycling, including High-Tech Cycling and Fitness Cycling. Renowned for translating the latest scientific research into practical application, he served as the executive editor of Cycling Science and was a columnist for Adventure Cycling, Active.com, and Performance Conditioning for Cycling. He also wrote extensively on cycling physiology, training, nutrition, health, and fitness for Velonews, Bicycling, Winning Magazine, MTB Magazine, and NORBA News.
Dr. Burke was the physiologist for USA Cycling for seven years. During that time he worked with the 1980 and 1984 Olympic cycling teams, which won nine medals. He consulted with several companies in the areas of cycling, fitness equipment design, nutritional products, and fitness programs. A fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine, he served as the vice president of research for the National Strength and Conditioning Association from 1993 to 1995.
Dr. Burke held a doctorate in exercise physiology from 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. Dr. Burke passed away in 2002.
Reviews of the Book
”Not only is this book a top-rated synthesis on road cycling in general, it is also an invaluable tool for helping cyclists at all levels achieve their dreams of athletic success.”
Chris Carmichael
Coach of three-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong
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.
Serious Cycling
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