Being a Cycle Coach and Bike Fitter I am passionate about making athletes faster on the bike through training and their position on the bike. Not everybody is able to employ my services so I am often asked what’s the best book out there to help me become faster. I have been on numerous training courses and read many books so have put together my top 5 books for you that are a MUST read!
Training and racing with a Power Meter – Hunter Allen and Andrew Coggan
This is basically the bible for anybody who has purchased a power meter and wants to make the most of this very effective tool on the bike! Lots of the zones & metrics we now take for granted were created by Allen & Coggan and this book and has everything you need to know about your data. You can dive as deep as you wish into the data and there are plenty of workout examples to use.
The cyclist’s Training Bible – Joe Friel
Joe Friel is the co-founder of Training Peaks and I am a big fan of his coaching philosophy. This book is more of an all rounder which, although covers many of the power data metrics, it is not necessary to have a power meter as also refers to heart rate training. There is also plenty of information on planning your training schedule, strength training and many workouts that I find are categorised well.
For anybody looking to complete their own bike fit this book has some really good practical advise with easy to understand pictures. There is also plenty of information on various bike related injuries, what causes them and how to prevent them. Phil is extremely knowledge having worked as Head Physiotherapist at British Cycling and consultant Team Sky.
Strength and Conditioning for Cyclists – Phil Burt and Martin Evans
Never underestimate off the bike training if you want to go faster on the bike. This book covers the basic movement patterns giving you a good bench mark as to where you are currently at and the exercises needed to improve the areas of weakness. Again as with the Bike Fit book there is some great illustrations which are easy to understand and follow.
The Chimp Paradox – Dr Steve Peters
Now my last recommended book targets the mind rather than the body. I see so many athletes not achieve their goals not because of physical ability but the negative impact of the mind. It is amazing how powerful positive thinking is as your mind will give up before your body. Read this book to get the edge on your competitors!
