Mountain Bike Magazine's Complete Guide To Mountain Biking Skills: Expert Tips On Conquering Curves, Corners, Dips, Descents, Hills, Water Hazards, And Other All-Terrain Challenges

It manages to avoid the patronising 10 page filler on why Mummy thinks you really should wear a helmet, and the incomprehensible comparison of the crank end twistor setting downplate angle of 1.72 degrees versus 1.83 degrees (a major controversy at the 1984 Boot Hill Lower Upper Mid South Dakota championship eliminator resulting in several fatalities after a discussion in the bar got out of hand). And it has very amusing cartoons. These (inter alia) explain to newbies that going headfirst over the handlebars can result in 'Pain and misery', while not doing so results in 'Happiness and success', oh yes, this cartoon also explains about hopping over logs, but since my preferred style leans more to 'Pain and misery' it's nice to see this perfectly legitimate method of riding recognised in print (even though it is labelled 'Wrong').

Despite its 'Expert' label in the title, most of the chapters are written by people at least remembering what it was like NOT to be able to do things, and so the explanations really resonate with the new-and-not-so-good. The opening of Chapter 10 about Wheelies as basketball players is, in my view, a classic of gonzo sporting humour, and deserves to be read widely. (But I'm not going to quote it!)

I should say that this is probably the most enjoyable book I have yet read on mountain biking, and recommend it to anyone who likes doing inappropriate things on expensive, delcate pieces of metal which usually involve the removal of bits of skin and limping for a week or two.


Great for beginners   January 2, 2001
 15 out of 15 found this review helpful

Buy it before you buy your bike. The book begins with a bunch of info on how to pick a good bike and more importantly, how to pick a good bike shop. If you stick with the sport you will quickly outgrouw this book, but it covers the most important basic skills and even includes advice on racing. A quick read. I finished it on the first day, but it's worth re-reading after you gain more skill, as everything will make more sense.

Given that you've read the book you'll learn way faster on the bike than poring over the book. In fact, it's probably a good idea to take this book and some 2x4's out to a grass field with some rolling hills and go for it. And remember: if you're not falling you could be learning much faster.


Eh   January 25, 1999
 9 out of 16 found this review helpful

I was suprised to see that this was the book that matches the title - I already own it! Since I'm here, I'll give you the scoop: it's great for beginners, and some of the techniques are solid. However, the anecdotal section is completely boring, and absolutely useless for technical info.

I give it a "6", so it's back to searching for me...


Want to begin creating or refining your skills?   May 17, 1998
 6 out of 11 found this review helpful

This book is not for the absolute begginer mountain biker. This book has helped me refine my skills. Maybe every other night I'll plop down in bed and reach past the Mists of Avalon to a slightly lighter piece of paper. Within two minuets I am pumped to go try to pop a wheelie or climb a hill. This book is filled with wit, insperation, and great little tips that we don't all do naturally.


Worth reading!!!   January 9, 1998
 2 out of 3 found this review helpful

The author combines humorous anecdotes and informative directions. It gives every reader the sense of the author relating to his audience. I found the tips to be very useful and makes the most complicated sound easy. I give it 8 out of 10.