Ever wondered what it takes to conquer the Tour de France? Or just to be the best cyclist you can be? Thankfully, there are books out there that answer these questions and many more. In this edition of CyclingScoop Book Club, we’re shouting how the absolutely essential reads for any cyclist. From technical manuals to historical facts to tales of inspiration on the road, these books are a wellspring of knowledge for cyclists and cycling enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you’ve been riding for years or just watch the Tour de France once a year, there’s something for you here!
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Can reading about cycling be just as enjoyable as riding a bike? Well, maybe.
One thing’s for sure: reading allows you to experience everything wonderful about cycling through the eyes of others. That goes for stories as well as instructions. By learning about how to tune-up and ride your bike through books, you’ll have the best handle possible on how the experts do it — after all, in books, you can learn from their experiences without ever having touched a bike before! You’ll also get attuned to the history, culture, and science of cycling.
What’s the end result? You might just find a deeper appreciation for the sport and those who practice it — including yourself! So let’s check out some books that, no matter what they’re about, will inspire you to set new goals, explore new routes, and push your limits on the bike.
What if I’ve never read a cycling book before?
If you’ve never read a book about cycling (or even considered it), that’s okay!
Many of you are probably pro cycling fans, but because pro cycling books are few and far between, it’s unlikely that you’ve read many of them. Fortunately, our essential books go in-depth, especially on the pros. Behind-the-scenes stories are a way to go beyond what is covered in the media. If you only watch a few races a year and don’t know a lot about the history of the sport, these books are a way to learn about talented cyclists who may not always receive the same level of attention as the top contenders. Learning the history and evolution of pro cycling helps fans appreciate the sport’s current state and the challenges faced by riders throughout the years.
But it’s not all pie-in-the-sky stories about winning the Tour de France. We’ve also included some books about how YOU can be a better cyclist. From working on your bike to training, there are a lot of “moving parts” that come with getting more serious about riding. It’s not just interesting — it’s practical! Here, learning about proper nutrition and training can help amateur cyclists optimize what they’re doing on their day-to-day rides.
And cycling books are not one-size-fits-all.
While the specific benefits of reading about cycling can vary depending on a person’s experience level and interests, it’s important to note that there is always overlap between the different categories of cyclists and cycling fans. Someone who only watches races might still benefit from reading about nutrition tips or training techniques, while an amateur cyclist might find inspiration in a book about the history of the pros. So don’t be afraid to jump into any one of these books, regardless of what your current situation is. The value of reading about cycling lies in its ability to broaden your perspective and inspire you to try new things.
Books let us connect with people, the authors, and those authors have a lot of experience with cycling. You might find a different perspective within these pages… or you might find confirmation that we all have shared experiences and views, no matter who we are and how much knowledge we have about cycling from the start.
Ready for our essential recommendations? Let’s go!
Photo from Mari Potter (via Unsplash)
Five cycling books every cycling enthusiast should read
1. Zinn & the Art of Road Bike Maintenance: The World’s Best-Selling Bicycle Repair and Maintenance Guide
Knowing how to perform basic bike repair and upkeep is essential for any cyclist. That’s regardless of experience level, because as soon as you start riding, things can go wrong with your bike. Not only does it save you money on professional repairs to learn how to make minor adjustments and fixes yourself, but it also empowers you to keep your own bike in safe working condition. Simple tasks like changing a flat tire, adjusting brakes, or cleaning your chain can prolong the life of your bike. But how do you learn how to do these things if you’re a beginner?
That’s where this guide comes in. From simple repairs to advanced ones, the author Lennard Zinn will take you step by step through what you need to do — plus the tools and equipment you’ll need to do it. It’s got all the basics as well as sections for individual parts. For example, you can learn how to adjust your shifters and derailleur for easier shifting, which makes a huge difference in your ride. Keep in mind, this is no small book! However, for cyclists, it’s nearly a must-have on your shelf for making your own repairs. If you want a tome you can trust for repairing and mechanically enhancing your bike, this is the one for you!
Get it on Amazon.com in paperback. ☆
2. The Cyclist’s Training Bible: The World’s Most Comprehensive Training Guide
Okay, so your bike is perfectly tuned and ready to go. Now what? Efficient training is key to maximizing your cycling performance and preventing injuries. When you understand the principles of training for any sport, such as progressive overload, rest and recovery, and periodization, you can create a personalized training plan that suits what you want to do on the bike. Sound nice? Then the Cyclist’s Training Bible is perfect for you!
This book is beyond informative and comprehensive. You’ll find anything you want to know about how to train on the bike here. The author, Joe Friel, is a personal cycling coach who mainly focuses on triathalon, so he has a broader perspective on how to train for multiple disciplines such as running and swimming in addition to cycling. He brings all of his knowledge to bear in this book. The best of all is that it’s genuinely easy to read. Like Zinn’s repair guide, this is perfect for reference — but because it’s well-written and engaging, you might find yourself reading front to back, too! Keep in mind that some of the workouts recommended in the book are tough for beginners. However, stick with them and you’ll find yourself in better shape before you know it.
Want to hear more from Joe Friel about his perspective on training and his experiences? Check out his appearance on the Get Fast! podcast in the YouTube video below.
Get it on Amazon.com in paperback. ☆
3. The Official History of The Tour De France
The Tour de France is the most prestigious and iconic cycling race in the world. Do you want to learn more about its history and, well, what makes the Tour the Tour? If so, this is the one book you need to check out!
The official history of Le Tour lives up to the title and makes the race come to life in these pages. All the photography in the book is fantastic. In fact, this is a great coffee table book! A foreword by Bernard Hinault brings a personal perspective to the book, as well. Because this book was published in 2020, the most recent editions are missing. However, with all of the history and perspective you’ll find inside, you might find yourself envisioning how those races fit into the narrative and what might happen in the future. If you love the Tour de France, this book isn’t to be missed!
Get it on Amazon.com in hardback. ☆
4. Half Man, Half Bike: The Life of Eddy Merckx, Cycling’s Greatest Champion
Cycling biographies are a treat for fans as they give an inside look at the peloton. We limited our recommendation to a single biography for this list, although if you enjoy it, you should expand to others as well. But what better way to introduce someone to the world of pro cycling biographies than with the story of cycling’s greatest rider?
Eddy Merckx is widely regarded as one of the greatest cyclists of all time, having achieved unparalleled success in both road racing and track cycling. You’ll learn about his remarkable career and victories with this biography. It doesn’t shy away from Merckx’s controversies. The author, William Fotheringham, has an extensive bibliography of cycling books, but we think this is one of his best. Others think so too — this is the best selling cycling book on Amazon! And why shouldn’t it be? Merckx’s story is a testament to hard work and dedication, inspiring cyclists of all levels to strive for their own successes on the bike. After reading, you’ll be ready to answer the question: does he have an equal in the modern sport?
Get it on Amazon.com in paperback or hardcover. ☆
5. The Rider
Fiction?! We bet you weren’t expecting a fiction book to make an appearance on the list.
But cycling is all about narratives. We root for our favorites, celebrate when they win, feel sad when they lose, and appreciate everything in broader context. The Rider is all about that philosophy. This book was originally published in Dutch in 1978 and has been translated to English for the broader readership. In this story, you’ll follow a lone cyclist surviving a brutal stage of the Tour de France.
While the author, Tim Krabbé, takes some liberties with the practicalities of bike racing for the sake of narrative, there’s no doubt that this book captures the spirit of cycling. How does he do this? Surprisingly, he’s a really big chess enthusiast and uses this knowledge to shape the way he describes the race. It creates an atmosphere like no other. The readers are brought into the story alongside the characters to struggle through to the finish line together. There’s a reason this book is such a cult classic amongst cyclists!
Want to know more? The documentary movie linked from YouTube below (the title translated to “His Twenty-Two Was Still Clean”) is an homage to The Rider featuring current pro cyclists and the author himself. Check it out before (or after) you read!
Get it on Amazon.com in paperback or Kindle. ☆
Which of these books would you like to read? Let us know what you think and if you have any recommendations of your own! They may even be featured in one of our upcoming book posts. Happy reading! ★