Roadie: The Misunderstood World of a Bike Racer
by: Jamie Smith
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Product Description:
In the world of cycling, there are enthusiasts and then there are "roadies" — the cyclist whose passion for bike racing cannot be tamed. A confirmed roadie will go to any length to better his record — from shaving his legs to dropping a fortune on a bike — and the reactions to a roadie's determination can vary from disbelief to outright scorn. Jamie Smith is a confirmed roadie, and in this unique book, he sets out to explain the often-misunderstood world of roadies, delving into the groups many neuroses and lightheartedly illuminating just what it is that keeps these extreme cyclists coming back for more. Accompanied by amusing illustrations from a nationally syndicated cartoonist, this look into a bike racing subculture is sure to convert even the most hardened skeptics.
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Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - A good book for the average cyclist
This was a good book to read in general but how much benifit you get out of it all depends. If you are new to cycling, know 0% about racing, or have a family member that rides, then this book is for you. If you already have a lot of time on the bike/ are fairly experianced with riding then this book is more something to read, and you probally wont get much from it.
In anycase still a good book, easy to read, and good information if you are new to cycling.
Rating: - Dark Secrets of a Growing Cult
Depending on where you live, the amateur racing season is pretty well over now and there must be a lot of people wondering about the irresistible lure that takes their loved ones out on the open road, oblivious to all else.As I turned the pages of Jamie Smith's entertaining new book, "Roadie," it slowly dawned on me just how strange the increasingly-popular pastime of bicycle racing must appear to outsiders.Mr. Smith provides a capsule description of a bike race, which indicates the tone of the ... Read More
Rating: 
- Great book for education and entertainment
As a veteran biker (road and mountain) & triathlete I both identified and enjoyed this book immensely. The book is funny throughout, and I learned things about road racing I had never experienced before. The authors did a great job of keeping equipment and other biking "holy wars" separate from the material, which is very refreshing. (for instance, Powertap is better than SRM, you must have this specific coach to ever be good, etc)
I can't tell you how many times I handed the book to my ... Read More
Rating: - Great Introduction To Road Racing
As a "cyclist" who aspires to be a "road racer" (roadie), I found this book both fun and very informative. It even helped me see correct my cyclist's bad manners of joining a training peloton and/or pace line without requesting permission. Now I ask before a join. By the way as an old marathoner going for ride is not only great cross-training but, as much as I hate to say it, a lot more fun.
Rating: 
- Fun ride cover to cover
Sure, it's no literary masterpiece, but that's not what it's about. It's a good light hearted read for anyone who knows someone who rides a bike and wants to understand why bike riding consumes them.
An invaluable document for anyone who doesn't ride thinking of dating someone who does. It will either convince you to take up the sport or it will convince you to run a mile.
A great light-hearted read, full of insight and great humour.
- A good book for the average cyclistThis was a good book to read in general but how much benifit you get out of it all depends. If you are new to cycling, know 0% about racing, or have a family member that rides, then this book is for you. If you already have a lot of time on the bike/ are fairly experianced with riding then this book is more something to read, and you probally wont get much from it.
In anycase still a good book, easy to read, and good information if you are new to cycling.
- Dark Secrets of a Growing CultDepending on where you live, the amateur racing season is pretty well over now and there must be a lot of people wondering about the irresistible lure that takes their loved ones out on the open road, oblivious to all else.As I turned the pages of Jamie Smith's entertaining new book, "Roadie," it slowly dawned on me just how strange the increasingly-popular pastime of bicycle racing must appear to outsiders.Mr. Smith provides a capsule description of a bike race, which indicates the tone of the ... Read More
- Great book for education and entertainmentAs a veteran biker (road and mountain) & triathlete I both identified and enjoyed this book immensely. The book is funny throughout, and I learned things about road racing I had never experienced before. The authors did a great job of keeping equipment and other biking "holy wars" separate from the material, which is very refreshing. (for instance, Powertap is better than SRM, you must have this specific coach to ever be good, etc)
I can't tell you how many times I handed the book to my ... Read More
- Great Introduction To Road RacingAs a "cyclist" who aspires to be a "road racer" (roadie), I found this book both fun and very informative. It even helped me see correct my cyclist's bad manners of joining a training peloton and/or pace line without requesting permission. Now I ask before a join. By the way as an old marathoner going for ride is not only great cross-training but, as much as I hate to say it, a lot more fun.
- Fun ride cover to coverSure, it's no literary masterpiece, but that's not what it's about. It's a good light hearted read for anyone who knows someone who rides a bike and wants to understand why bike riding consumes them.
An invaluable document for anyone who doesn't ride thinking of dating someone who does. It will either convince you to take up the sport or it will convince you to run a mile.
A great light-hearted read, full of insight and great humour.
