Download or read book The Complete Practical Encyclopedia of Cycling written by Edward Pickering and published by . This book was released on 2009 with total page 256 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Everything you need to know about running for fitness and leisure, and training for sport and competition. Pedal power has never been more popular; not only is it easy and enjoyable to cycle, there are added benefits of increased fitness and better health (as well as a reduced carbon footprint). This colourful and comprehensive encyclopedia covers everything a cyclist needs to know at any level of the sport.After a fascinating overview of the history of the bicycle, the book discusses all the essentials such as choosing a bike, basic skills, maintenance, practical advice on getting around, and safety issues such as coping with traffic. It deals with urban cycling and commuting, basic mountain biking, cycling for the family, and BMX bikes. The second part of the part moves up a gear, with a section about choosing the right equipment for touring at home or abroad, how to camp successfully and the lowdown on all types of bikes and how to maintain them. Finally for the more adventurous, the last part of the book presents of extreme touring, competitive performance cycling, the challenge of trail and mountain bike racing, and training schedules for more advanced racing.