[Billy]

I'm ready to start seriously thinking about cycling. Yes, that means I'm not ready to go out and do anything about it, just yet. That's my process. <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"><br><br>
The areas that I don't understand are 1) bike selection, 2) bike maintenance, and 3) training plans. Are there any books you could recommend that address these areas? I hope the question of what distance does not matter. If it does, think Oly or HIM.<br><br>
Thanks in advance for your help,<br>
Billy

 

[Boyerdavea]

Billy - I would start with "The Triathlete's Training Bible" by Joe Friel. It was well worth the investment.

 

[hobey]

1) There are a lot of great on-line sources for bike selection. First off, it's all about fit. Here's a good place to start....<a href="http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/bikes/difference.shtml" target="_blank">http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/bikes/difference.shtml</a>. And post here. All our cycling gurus will come out of the woodwork.<br>
2) Maintenance: A good on-line source is <a href="http://www.sheldonbrown.com/" target="_blank">http://www.sheldonbrown.com/</a>. The Zinn books are great too. I have the one for Tri Bike Maintenance<br>
3) The bible is a good resource but one caveat...if you're up to understanding the science of periodization and balancing training in each sport to create your own plan, it's perfect. Personally, I think it's a bit much for a newbie and would go with a book that's lighter on the science and heavier on the plans such as Barnhardt's Training Plans for Multisport athletes. Don't feel as if you need to religiously follow a written plan unless you are coached and you understand why you're doing a certain workout. I've never actually followed a plan as written.