The Cyclist's Training Bible

Hands down, Friel's book is the best on how to become a strong cyclist. I disagree with some of the previous reviews' comments that this book is too complicated; I found it relatively simple to follow. This book is way better than the Carmichael books in that it gives you specific information on how to design a training program to fit your specific needs. It has really great information on different workouts to make you stronger, proper nutrition, recovery, weight lifting, and stretching. If you buy this book and follow it, you will, without a doubt, reap incredible benefits in your cycling.

Having studied most of the works of Armstrong, Lemond, Hinault, Burke, Carmichael, etc. and having used personal trainers including Kirk Willett, the current Prime Alliance GM, I can say that this is the one book you simply cannot do without if you want to race a bicycle. Whether you want to train 100 hours a year as a first year racer, or are looking to rack up a thousand hours and get your first real pro contract, you will benefit from this text.I work about a 50-60 hour week and raise a family. There is no way I could have achieved the level of cycling proficiency I have without this text. It makes the amount of time I decide to spend training pay dividends on race day.This book has two potential drawbacks. First, it is possible to get too wrapped up in the minutae of planning each and every workout for the next six months. Friel offers literally hundreds of possible workouts to choose from, and a system for selecting workouts that will help you approach each ride with a specific purpose. So long as you have some ability to read and apply both principals and a suitable level of detail, this book can not be beat.My second issue is that I have worn out the binding from so much use and now need to buy a new copy.

If your idea of a good season is to just ride, or be pack fill until the hills then don't waste your money. On the otherhand, if you can set goals, want results and need to raise your performance year over year then get this book. You have to read, understand and follow the content of this book closely. If you can, then you will be able to set up a year 'round training program which will provide the results you have been looking for. This book is technical. You will have to focus as with any effective performance program. No, you really don't need the expensive testing stuff. You can get the same test information with a cheap wind trainer or the recommended time trial tests. A bike, a good heart rate monitor, this book and a true desire to get faster (in this order)is all you need.

This is a bold book in my opinion, and the author doesn't cut corners. Friel states up front that cycling requires tremendous dedication and makes no apology for this nature of the sport. Other books are soft in comparison. Sometimes I re-read this book simply for inspiration to train well because the author is so passionate about optimizing one's ability.The only downside may be that his training advice is very hard to follow for most people. The natural inclination is to do fairly idle rides without purpose, but the book emphasizes always riding with a purpose and gameplan. The very act of organizing a yearly calendar and planning for peaks can be daunting. In fairness, he does provide some good advice for riders who have limited time to commit to the sport, but one can gather from the tone of his writing that the book is really meant for the individual with at least 15 hours a week at his or her disposal for training. Afterall, this is the cyclists training *bible*.I have found personally that the book was helpful for me to become versed in the language of cycling training. I use a coach on my team for my training regimen, but this book has educated me so that I understand that purpose for what I do. This alone has improved my dedication and enjoyment in following a regimen.

this is the most comprehensive book on training for cycling that I have read. The book is not filled with "I-already-knew-that" information such as buying a bike, proper equipment, and other information intended for beginners. The book provides the reader with the information necessary to establish a custom annual training schedule.