Just Ride is written by Grant Petersen, founder of Rivendell Bicycle Works in the USA. Grant champions the world of the "un-racer" and debunks the fashions of cycling influenced by racing. Clip-in pedals and carbon frames get short shrift as do cycling specific clothing and energy food.
I found myself agreeing with just about everything he said and recognised that I had fallen into the trap of following the latest trend derived from the competitive side of cycling. I've ditched the SPD pedals - didn't like them anyway - gone back to wearing my normal (Rohan) clothing and stopped eating those "energy bars" that upset my digestion. I'm really enjoyng cycling again. This book may challenge how you view cycling. If you must have the latest gear you may feel insulted. I love Grant's down to earth approach e.g; "Don't sign up for a ride that you have to train for" and he is non too complementary about charity rides.
He states that no ride is too short and your handlebars should be higher than your saddle. I love this guy! Read this book and find out where marketing has led you astray and cost you pounds!
BOOK - "Just Ride"
Re: BOOK - "Just Ride"
I loved reading this book, I also agreed with 90% of what he said.
Re: BOOK - "Just Ride"
Yes, it's a breath of fresh air. A real antidote to reading magazines like cycling plus. I am trying to reduce the amount of cuycle specific clothing I use, for example I don't use Lycra shorts for rides under 30 miles and prefer loose fitting t shirts to cycle jerseys.
Re: BOOK - "Just Ride"
+1 on this.
It felt strange reading a book that is regarded as a bit 'out there' in reviews and blogs , only to discover that it's pretty much 'common sense' isn't it? It's not that radical to say you might want to just wear a regular long sleeve shirt is it?
It made me laugh in places and say out loud 'obviously' quite a lot - but in a good way.
It should be compulsory in school and a section each night should be read out on all TV channels simultaneously.
However, I don't really understand the stuff about diet and carbs etc. So, I can't comment on that section. but it seems vaguely sensible.
I am not at all critical of those who want to get all lycra'd up and race and buy carbon- it's just that I don't want to do it and I believe that 'image' of the stereotypical cyclist puts others off starting, or they start and don't cycle as much as much as they might.
I also have a bit of a issue with the commercialisation and selling of essentially simple and cheap things that everyone can do. Why pay £1000's for bikes and gear. I can buy a perfectly decent vintage 10 speed bike off eBay that would have cost a lot of money back in the day. It might have top of the range Shimano components on or just average Huret or something. But either way, I can be up and on a bike for less than £30.
I also know a few folks in the last few years who bought the expensive bikes, all the gear, got all kitted out then the enthusiasm wore off and the bike is sitting unused in the shed. Maybe all the faff of getting all the kit on put them off. Maybe all the pain of racing to beat their own or others times put them off...? Whizzing around so fast maybe they missed the beauty in front of them..? Who knows?
It's a bit like joining a golf club or tending to tropical fish...great idea,wonderful if you're into it, but just too much trouble for most people.
I often see golf clubs, tropical fish tanks and bikes in our local ad mag.
It felt strange reading a book that is regarded as a bit 'out there' in reviews and blogs , only to discover that it's pretty much 'common sense' isn't it? It's not that radical to say you might want to just wear a regular long sleeve shirt is it?
It made me laugh in places and say out loud 'obviously' quite a lot - but in a good way.
It should be compulsory in school and a section each night should be read out on all TV channels simultaneously.
However, I don't really understand the stuff about diet and carbs etc. So, I can't comment on that section. but it seems vaguely sensible.
I am not at all critical of those who want to get all lycra'd up and race and buy carbon- it's just that I don't want to do it and I believe that 'image' of the stereotypical cyclist puts others off starting, or they start and don't cycle as much as much as they might.
I also have a bit of a issue with the commercialisation and selling of essentially simple and cheap things that everyone can do. Why pay £1000's for bikes and gear. I can buy a perfectly decent vintage 10 speed bike off eBay that would have cost a lot of money back in the day. It might have top of the range Shimano components on or just average Huret or something. But either way, I can be up and on a bike for less than £30.
I also know a few folks in the last few years who bought the expensive bikes, all the gear, got all kitted out then the enthusiasm wore off and the bike is sitting unused in the shed. Maybe all the faff of getting all the kit on put them off. Maybe all the pain of racing to beat their own or others times put them off...? Whizzing around so fast maybe they missed the beauty in front of them..? Who knows?
It's a bit like joining a golf club or tending to tropical fish...great idea,wonderful if you're into it, but just too much trouble for most people.
I often see golf clubs, tropical fish tanks and bikes in our local ad mag.
Re: BOOK - "Just Ride"
Sums up my thoughts as well scooper8.
I thought the bit on 'too many gears' contradicted himself - starts by saying have less gears then ends up saying why not have loads? Baffled me that.
I thought the bit on 'too many gears' contradicted himself - starts by saying have less gears then ends up saying why not have loads? Baffled me that.