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Mountain Bike Like a Champion
By Ned Overend, Ben Hewitt and Ed Pavelka
4.5 out of 5 stars (23 Reviews)
List Price: $18.95
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Publisher:  Rodale Books
Edition:  Edition Unstated
Date:  December 31, 1969
Binding:  Paperback
Pages:  240
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Paperback  August 27, 1999 $4.17 $2.25
 
Product Description:
 
Master the techniques of America's greatest rider.

* Glide over rocks, logs, and ledges
* Attack steep climbs and rapid descents
* Carve through curves and turns
* Train smart, then ride to win

Improve your performance with these tips, techniques, and off-road tales from mountain biking legend Ned Overend.

"At the 1990 world championships in Durango, Colorado, Thomas Frischknecht and I were locked in a dogfight.... At the start of the fourth and final lap was a pitch of rocky, loose trail that went straight up the face of a ski run.... My Swiss rival had been dismounting and running this climb while I stayed on my bike. On previous laps, I'd opened a little gap, so I knew this would be my chance. I attacked when Thomas got off again. He never caught me.... To ride that steep trail, I had to use five climbing techniques. There's no reason why you can't make them part of your arsenal, too."
 
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4.0 out of 5 stars.  As close to a mountain biking bible as there is, August 28, 2000
By eugene (Santa Monica, CA USA)
I recently got into mountain biking and headed out to the mountains with some friends. I came home a bloody mess and realized I needed some guidance so that I knew roughly what basic mountain bike techniques I should work on. I bought about four or five different mountain bike books, and this was by far the best of the bunch. Why?

Ned Overend is a mountain bike champ, so he definitely knows his stuff. His book is comprehensive, covering everything from trail etiquette and equipment to basic mountain bike techniques and training regimens. The language in the book is straightforward and easy to understand, but it isn't simplified to the point where important details are left out.

The only thing I wanted more of was step-by-step action photos demonstrating various techniques. There are some nice shots in the book, but I would have preferred more sequential photographs for some of the more advanced techniques. I guess I'll have to find a good video for that.

Of course, there's no substitute for hitting the trails to improve your technique, but if you're looking to nail down some of the basics, this is the best mountain bike instructional guide out there, hands down.

37 of 38 people found this review helpful

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5.0 out of 5 stars.  An incredibly useful tool for all mountain bikers!, January 19, 2000
By David B. Smith (San Francisco, CA)
What an amazing book! For new and old, beginner or experienced, this book is so useful. Full of invaluable tips and hints, and written in a easily understood style, with lots of real life experiences from the world's most successful mountain biker. It is totally up to date, with advice that pertains to first timers or experienced riders. Ned's down to earth attitude shines right through the book. A must have!

21 of 24 people found this review helpful

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5.0 out of 5 stars.  Words of wisdom from a mountain bike legend!, December 15, 1999
By Bryan Ward (Idaho)
Anyone who has been involved in the sport of mountain biking knows that Ned Overend has played the game better than most. Ned's eloquent explanations coupled with real life "mountain bike racing" anecdotes creates an invaluable book for every mountain bike enthusiast and racer.

14 of 16 people found this review helpful

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5.0 out of 5 stars.  The Essential Primer for Mountain Biking, July 29, 2001
By Paul Bryan (Kenmore, WA USA)
Whether you are just getting into the sport, or already an avid rider, you will find this book full of useful tips across virtually all dimensions of riding. Ned has done a great job of distilling his years of experience into practical advice that anyone can quickly put to use. Though more photos would be even better, the book is clearly illustrated to ensure that you see each recommendation in action.

I have been mountain biking for more than a year, and the only regret I have about reading this book is that I didn't do it sooner--it would have saved me from a few falls.

Forget your owner's manual, this book should be included with every new mountain bike sold!

12 of 12 people found this review helpful

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5.0 out of 5 stars.  Ned, the Lung, June 24, 2002
By Roger (Springfield, VT)
Ned is one of the finest examples of a athlete. He is one that just wont quit, he loves the sport, the competition and most of all he challenges himself. Its great when such a athlete stops and takes some time to help out his fans by writing such a helpful book. Some of it most experienced riders will already know, but still the book contains tips and such to fine tune your skills. The biggest help for me was his tips on fitting the bike. After following his tips my S-Works feels and handles all so much better. Its the little things. For the cost of book you cant beat it. Instead of subscribing to a cycling magazine in hope of finding new help, save yourself some money and time and get it all in one source. Ned is a great guy, rides some of the best bikes made, he knows his stuff.. Although he is a busy guy with Xtera and all he even takes some time to meet, email and answer questions. The book itself will make techniques make more sense and easier to concur. Buy it for yourself or a friend, its a great gift!

9 of 10 people found this review helpful

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3.0 out of 5 stars.  Tidbits of useful information, November 9, 2009
By Jackal (Singapore)
I bought this book as kind of a manual of how to handle a mountain bike. As such it is not a good book. What you do get is a number of short chapters convering everything from beginners to to racing professional races. Read a chapter and you will pick up some ideas of how to handle your bike. I wish the book was more structured. I've given it three stars because I have not found anything better, but this is really a two star book if that better book is published.

I also bought 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 and I'm giving that book exactly the same review. The coverage is the same.

If you know a better book PLEASE leave a comment.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

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3.0 out of 5 stars.  Inside information, September 23, 2005
By bard (Grimstad, Norway)
this book gives good insight informaiton into the techniques of handling a mountain bike. It is interesting to see descriptions of techniques that have been gained through years of trial and error.
It gives an opportunity to refine techniques that have been learned . It would be difficult for a novice biker to apply the information directly. Practice is essential. A few more practical excercises would be good, Mr. Overend. All in all, a good read.

2 of 3 people found this review helpful

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5.0 out of 5 stars.  Wonderfully helpful and well written, February 1, 2005
By Michael Reding (Albuquerque, NM USA)
I have been riding adult bikes for 31 years. This book taught me balance exercises that I did not know. Lots of the book just repeats stuff that can be found elsewhere but that is valuable too. Shouldn't there be one compendium that captures 95% of the knowledge on a subject? This is a wonderful book and very well priced.

2 of 3 people found this review helpful

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5.0 out of 5 stars.  If it's by Ned, it has to be good., December 14, 2001
By Bedevere E Curry (Edison, NJ USA)
This book is like a Mountain Bikers Bible. Anybody who rides in the mountains should get this book. It will make you a better rider and it could save you from a bad bike accident.

2 of 4 people found this review helpful

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4.0 out of 5 stars.  Very usefull book, October 13, 2005
By Gerardo G. Graham (Mexico city)
I found this book very usefull, the only catch is the bike slang used to describe every situation, technique, etc. As my nature language is not English it was a lot more difficult to understand every concept explained on the book... maybe for some others this will not be a problem.

Now, this book is great, it will improve your skills and bike control, specially if you aren't and advanced rider. The book is full of tips, personal Ned's experiences (great value) and various drills to help you improve faster. But, although it's a great book this is not a must-have... its simply great-to-have.

I gave 4 stars and maybe it should be 4.5 but not 5 because it lack a little of detail and it contain very few photos. Maybe more experienced riders find usefull a simple explanation (which is simple for him being an experienced rider) but beginners like us need more photos so we can understand right away every concept.

Hope this helps!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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5.0 out of 5 stars.  Ned Overend proves he's a Champion, March 29, 2002
By Michael Sisti (Atlanta, GA USA)
Great tips for riders of any level. This book contains descriptions and examples from Ned's years of experience in mountain biking, all very helpful and easy to follow. If you enjoy mountain biking, this book will help you get to the next level. Without a doubt the best [money] you will ever spend for mountain bike equipment. This book should be sold with every mountain bike!!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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3.0 out of 5 stars.  Good but not great, August 28, 2008
By Damian Foo (Sydney, Australia)
Ned offers a lot of great tips and invaluable advice on how to best tackle your local mountain on bike without getting too much into the science and nitty gritty of it.

It is small enough to read in on session, which is perfect for those who easily get bored with reading for hours.

The only criticism I have is that it could have included some pictures/photos to make it more engaging.

1 of 2 people found this review helpful

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5.0 out of 5 stars.  NED'S CHAMPION AND HIS BOOK IS HIS COMPENDIUM, November 15, 2005
By Max Sirio (Nice, France - Savona, Italy)
If you feel like reading a book may boost your skill to ride a bike, well don't look any further: grab Ned's masterpiece and absorb it to your deepest neurons. Why? Because Ned's Ned. He takes you through five milestones or temple's columns: Balance, pedaling in circles, shifting frequently, vision and braking. Of course the book has a lot more to tell you, but if you master these five, you'll be light-years ahead. Do not believe that reading will take you to the next level of skill, but READING AND PRACTISING YES. Buy Ned's book and carefully follow his hints, practice them till boredom and you'll be flabbergasted of how farther you can get. I did it and my friends are now behind me....

1 of 2 people found this review helpful

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4.0 out of 5 stars.  Motivating, February 12, 2006
By flavio pimenta (Distrito Federal, Brasil)
I really don't know if someone can improve your skills by reading a book. If you think so, Brian Lopes book is a better choice. Ned's book, however, is a really motivating tool. You will want to ride 100000000000000000 km after reading the book. As a mountain biker for almost 5 years, i must assume that the book is beginner's oriented.

1 of 5 people found this review helpful

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5.0 out of 5 stars.  Still Relevant after all these years, December 27, 2009
By Author of Almost Columbine (Carver, MA)
It is amazing how relevant this book still is. Ned gives riding tips and racing strategies that can be used by bikers of all skill levels. The only changes since the book was written have been in the technology used by 21st century athletes. I have a friend who has been riding mountain bikes for many years and he says he is still learning from this same book. It is only a shame that in all this time no one else has stepped up to publish a more recent version.

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5.0 out of 5 stars.  Must read for new mountain bikers!, November 9, 2009
By Avi8trnick (Riverside, Ca)
This book is great, I have only had it for a week, but it is an easy read, and not boring. New Overend covers many different aspects of mountain bike technique, and keeps it interesting. This book has helped me with my confidence already. I would suggest this book to anyone who likes mountain biking and would like to learn how to ride better.

0 of 1 people found this review helpful

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5.0 out of 5 stars.  Biking skills improved immediately., February 20, 2009
By Howard Smith (Amarillo, Texas)
I read the chapters on basic biking skills and immediately I was riding better. I go to Palo Duro Canyon, near Amarillo, Texas, and ride the trails. After reading parts of his book, I was able to get over some of the rough spots that I previously had been walking. It is also much easier to ride the trails because I had been doing many things the hardest way. It is an excellent book!

0 of 1 people found this review helpful

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5.0 out of 5 stars.  2 minutes off my daily commute on the first day, December 8, 2008
By Mavenready (Lousyana)
I ride my mountain bike to work through a wildlife management area daily, 8.7 miles. I applied four of his basic lessons with immediate results: pedal in circles, anticipate and single-shift, look farther ahead of you, and lay off the brakes. On my first day after reading Ned's book I cut two minutes off my time.

Mr. Overend's real-race examples of how his technique improved his performance move the rational explanations on in an entertaining way.

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5.0 out of 5 stars.  Great book so far, February 22, 2011
By Steve
I haven't finished reading this book yet, but so far it is very informative and well written. I like the author's anecdotes from past races which help put things in perspective. I have already learned a few things from this book that I never considered before. I definately recommend this book for the novice learning to mountain bike or for the experienced biker that wants to improve their skills and compete in races.

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5.0 out of 5 stars.  Still Relevant after all these years, December 26, 2009
By Author of Almost Columbine (Grove City, Florida)
It is amazing how relevant this book still is. Ned gives riding tips and racing strategies that can be used by bikers of all skill levels. The only changes since the book was written have been in the technology used by 21st century athletes. I have a friend who has been riding mountain bikes for many years and he says he is still learning from this same book. It is only a shame that in all this time no one else has stepped up to publish a more recent version.

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5.0 out of 5 stars.  The Best Book About Mountain Biking, June 25, 2008
By s0ckeyeus
I love this book. I have owned it for about a month and have read it cover to cover and re-read about half of it at least a couple times. Some books just focus on basic skills and techniques, but this book is more holistic in its approach, putting biking into proper perspective. Ned includes dozens of enjoyable stories and examples from his own biking career that really add color to the overall make-up of the book. Ned's book is very inspiring, and it will make you want to ride your bike and improve your skills. It will also encourage you to not ride your bike when the time is not right to ride. Ned seems to understand of living a balanced life, a good reminder for some of us who can be a bit obsessive about our hobbies.

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5.0 out of 5 stars.  Really Good Book, October 30, 2007
By dasn0wman (Brooklyn, NY United States)
Boy, you know you got a gem when it devotes one whole chapter on balance. That is like the most fundamental skill of cycling and if you can't do that right you should take up tennis or something. Most people can do tricks and hops but I venture to say not too many can do a track stand (bike stationary) for more than minute. This is more for XC as the guy writing it is pro XC racer. But these skills are fundamental for every discipline of cycling.

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5.0 out of 5 stars.  Must read for new mountain bikers!, November 8, 2009
By Avi8trnick (Riverside, Ca)
This book is great, I have only had it for a week, but it is an easy read, and not boring. New Overend covers many different aspects of mountain bike technique, and keeps it interesting. This book has helped me with my confidence already. I would suggest this book to anyone who likes mountain biking and would like to learn how to ride better.

0 of 1 people found this review helpful

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