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Just Ride: A Radically Practical Guide to Bikes, Equipment, Health, Safety, and Attitude: A Radically Practical Guide to Riding Your Bike Paperback – 13 Jun. 2012

by Grant Petersen (Author)
4.3 out of 5 stars 1,387 ratings
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“No matter what or how you ride, read this book and remind yourself just how enjoyable cycling can and should be.”―Eben Weiss, author of The Enlightened Cyclist Just Ride is a revelation. Forget the ultralight, uncomfortable bikes, flashy jerseys, clunky shoes that clip onto tiny pedals, the grinding out of endless miles. Instead, ride like you did when you were a kid―just get on your bike and discover the pure joy of riding it. A reformed racer who’s commuted by bike every day since 1980, whose writings and opinions appear in major bicycling and outdoor magazines, and whose company, Rivendell Bicycle Works, makes bikes for riders ready to opt out of a culture overrun by racing, Grant Petersen shares a lifetime of unexpected facts, controversial opinions, expert techniques, and his own maverick philosophy. In 87 short, two-to-three page chapters, it covers: ·Riding: Count Days, Not Miles; Corner Like Jackie Robinson; Steer with Your Hips, Shift with Your Legs ·Suiting Up: The Shoes Ruse; Ponchos―the Ultimate Unracer’s Garment ·Safety: #1 Rule―Be Seen; Helmets Aren’t All They’re Cracked Up to Be ·Health and Fitness: Why Riding Is Lousy All-Around Exercise; Saddles Don’t Cause Impotence; Drink When You’re Thirsty―Not Before Also includes chapters on Accessories, Upkeep, and Technicalities, and a final chapter titled “Velosophy” that includes the essential, memorable thought: Your Bike Is a Toy―Have Fun with It.Winner Silver Medal 2013 Independent Publisher Book Awards
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  1. Print length
    212 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Workman
  4. Publication date
    13 Jun. 2012
  5. Dimensions
    11.3 x 2.03 x 22.86 cm
  6. ISBN-10
    0761155589
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0761155584
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Product description

About the Author

Grant Petersen is the founder and owner of Rivendell Bicycle Works. He has been featured in Outside and Men’s Journal, among other magazines. He lives with his family in Walnut Creek, California, and online at Rivbike.com.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Workman; 1st edition (13 Jun. 2012)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 212 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0761155589
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0761155584
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 11.3 x 2.03 x 22.86 cm
  • Customer reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 1,387 ratings

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Grant Petersen

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4.3 out of 5 stars
1,387 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book provides lots of everyday cycling advice and is well written, with one noting its chatty and informal style. They appreciate that cycling is about enjoying yourself, and consider it worth the cost.

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37 customers mention ‘Information value’37 positive0 negative

Customers find the book provides lots of everyday advice and common sense, making it a great guide to cycling.

"My kind of cycling author. Good to see something aimed at the everyday rider who doesn't want or cannot afford the latest tech, or to dress in top..." Read more

"...The information about basic matters seemed useful but not revolutionary; the kind of thing that might arguably be better in a magazine article or on..." Read more

"...It debunks some myths and gives you permission to ditch the kit and the accessories (mostly), spend less, feel freer and do more on your bike...." Read more

"...It is packed full of useful information and tips. This is a book for normal people who just want to have fun on their bikes...." Read more

26 customers mention ‘Readability’26 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well written and easy to read, with one customer noting its chatty and informal style.

"...is written very much for a North American audience and the style is chatty and informal...." Read more

"...Comes with short, easy-to-understand sections about how to choose and maintain your bike...." Read more

"...Mr Petersen gives excellent advice and has written a very readable book...." Read more

"...Great stuff and full of much wise advise, worth every penny of its asking price" Read more

12 customers mention ‘Enjoyment’12 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable as a pastime and a way to enjoy cycling, with one customer describing it as very motivating.

"This is a very motivating book written by someone with years and years of experience of riding and selling bikes...." Read more

"...sensible view of cycling as a: means of transport; a pastime; a way to enjoy life - it does an extremely good job of disassociating cycling from the..." Read more

"There are a few really useful tips to make cycling more enjoyable and safer...." Read more

"A good read and to the point. Cycling is about enjoying yourself not having the latest bike with a large price...." Read more

10 customers mention ‘Value for money’10 positive0 negative

Customers find the book worth the cost, with one mentioning it serves as a real incentive.

"...is on ordinary roads in an everyday bike bought because it was good value and could do the job I needed it to do...." Read more

"...For me this alone justified the cost of the book and made me forgive what I consider to be some rather dodgy dietary recommendations...." Read more

"...gives you permission to ditch the kit and the accessories (mostly), spend less, feel freer and do more on your bike...." Read more

"...Great stuff and full of much wise advise, worth every penny of its asking price" Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 August 2024
    Verified Purchase
    My kind of cycling author. Good to see something aimed at the everyday rider who doesn't want or cannot afford the latest tech, or to dress in top to toe lycra.
    My riding is on ordinary roads in an everyday bike bought because it was good value and could do the job I needed it to do. I still have a smile on my face at the end of the ride.
    Read, enjoy, and embrace being an unracer.
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  • Rookfarn
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good, down-to earth advice and information
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 July 2013
    Verified Purchase
    After the first few sections I was neutral about this book. The information about basic matters seemed useful but not revolutionary; the kind of thing that might arguably be better in a magazine article or on someone's blog.

    The short section about nutrition contained much that I fundamentally disagree with. Grant Petersen basically argues for a high protein-low carbohydrate diet and even recommends not eating too much fruit or whole-grain cereal. I would have thought that since the book is aimed at ordinary people who aren't just about to do the Tour de France the best advice would be a normal balanced diet. For me this section was out of place, but to be fair things improved hugely from there on.

    When discussing the technical aspects of bikes, how and why they are constructed, how to set up the machine to suit you, and so on, the writer is in his element. Contained in these sections is much valuable information that would be difficult to find elsewhere. For me this alone justified the cost of the book and made me forgive what I consider to be some rather dodgy dietary recommendations.

    For those who find such things irritating it is worth pointing out that this book is written very much for a North American audience and the style is chatty and informal. Mr Petersen drinks water by the quart and knows the size of his saddle bag in cubic inches. His bike has fenders and he sits on his butt. (However when talking about bike dimensions he works exclusively in metric). This doesn't really detract from the book's value though, as the information and ideas put across are valid anywhere.

    All-in-all I am glad I bought this book. It will help you set your bike up correctly, potentially stop you being bamboozled into buying the wrong bike, provide lots of everyday advice and it dispels many of the myths that surround cycling for pleasure.
    22 people found this helpful
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  • Bo
    5.0 out of 5 stars "Your bike is a toy. Have fun with it"
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 December 2012
    Verified Purchase
    This is a very motivating book written by someone with years and years of experience of riding and selling bikes. It gets you to stop trying to emulate the racing champions (particularly hard this year in the aftermath of the Olympics, Wiggo, the Tour de France etc) and ride just for the fun of it. It debunks some myths and gives you permission to ditch the kit and the accessories (mostly), spend less, feel freer and do more on your bike. Great tips for getting the whole family cycling without guilt or hang-ups too. Comes with short, easy-to-understand sections about how to choose and maintain your bike. I found it particularly helpful in deciding whether to spend ££ on toe cleats and cycling shoes (which I now won't be doing) but I may well be investing in a cape - however unfashionable that looks!
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Steve Wilson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Just fun!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 September 2012
    Verified Purchase
    At last someone who shares my view on bike riding: that it should be fun. Mr Petersen gives excellent advice and has written a very readable book. There is enough technical information to help you out without drowning you in figures. My only complaint is that it is written in American but that is understandable as Mr Petersen is American. It is packed full of useful information and tips. This is a book for normal people who just want to have fun on their bikes. Fanatics find something else!
    11 people found this helpful
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  • Stephen Hore
    3.0 out of 5 stars Speechless
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 September 2015
    Verified Purchase
    For the first time I didn't know what to say about a book. I agree with 50% of the authors critical comments. Best summed up this is a book for the cycling addict, the ride and blog junky and I have to say that at 61yrs old I was becoming one. Thanks for releasing me from the addiction Mr Author
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Crosschops
    4.0 out of 5 stars A nice little read that takes some of the guilt out of cycling
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 May 2014
    Verified Purchase
    This book gives a refreshing, pragmatic and sensible view of cycling as a: means of transport; a pastime; a way to enjoy life - it does an extremely good job of disassociating cycling from the 'sport' of cycling. This subtle, yet important distinction, helps to replace the guilt that burdens many modern cyclists, with a joy that has been forgotten amongst the hurly-burbled of carbon-this and lightweight-that.

    It's a springy read that will provide some sense and balance. Jolly sensible stuff.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Colin Rose
    5.0 out of 5 stars An american tells us how to cycle as an european!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 December 2012
    Verified Purchase
    I cycle on the continent in countries where it is a part of life and there I feel safe, no lycra, no helmets. Yet in Britain and obviously in the USA cyclists dressed up in ludicrous lycra and go faster helmets feel insecure, maybe if they did not look like alien species then motorists might realise that they are ordinary vulnerable people. Cycling should be fun and practical not an excuse for the marketing men to get there claws into you and this is the handbook for a sensible approach to the Bike. Great stuff and full of much wise advise, worth every penny of its asking price
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Marie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great little anti cycling establishment read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 April 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Great book, just sums up how I used to cycle before I got all serious. Thought provoking and I am sure you will not agree with all of it but it debunks quite a few cycling myths and it brings cycling back down to earth from its racing pedestal. The book is a great advocate for integration of cycling into daily life as a fun thing or as another mode of transport such as you would use your car and it promotes cycling as a general sport not just for elite athletes. It may be written from an American perspective but it is still valid in this country or Europe.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • john k yau
    5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Book
    Reviewed in Canada on 12 September 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Awesome book - always interesting advice.
    Report
  • Joao Paulo
    5.0 out of 5 stars Cycling is just fun, so just ride.
    Reviewed in Brazil on 19 May 2019
    Verified Purchase
    It is an obligatory reading to the ones that disagree with the excessive consumerism linked to road cycling. It also has some precious tips for beginners.
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  • Cecil
    5.0 out of 5 stars they are steel framed and they look awesome (think "I'm Batman") but do not handle well
    Reviewed in the United States on 13 December 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Petersen, Grant (2012-05-08). Just Ride:
    A Radically Practical Guide to Riding
    Your Bike . Workman Publishing Company.
    Kindle Edition.

    Part 1 Chapter 1 "Don't Pedal
    Circles" is tantamount to get the new
    rider over the hump. Once a rider
    becomes familiar with a bike then he or
    she should target their leg movement,
    finding that one can 'mash' for less
    than a quarter of a stroke and relax the
    rest of the 'circle' is a game changer.
    I discovered it by myself through some
    reflection after a month of just getting
    by ~pedaling in circles~. What a
    difference that was.
    Yes, I'm not accepting of my bikes
    frame geometry and its handling.
    There are other niches of bikes that
    imply comfort, they are steel framed and
    they look awesome (think "I'm Batman")
    but do not handle well. So the
    quirkiness doesn't stop with the racer
    mentality.
    I liked the illustrations. Great
    artistic stuff.
    (He even drew the 'Tree Stand'! The
    author must have made him do it.)
    I'm more of a 'good steward' than a
    'Captain Planet' type of guy.
    It doesn't take anything away from the
    book, in my opinion it doesn't add
    anything either. Except for one caveat,
    if the hype of the racer mentality was
    addressed then there may still be a ways
    to go. But maybe that is how the author
    arrived at this point to write this
    book. So that's a good thing.
    In Chapter "55 Chains: everybody’s
    least favorite bike part"
    Granted this chapter could have been
    expanded into another book.
    In sunny humid Florida I leave the
    detergent and water method to others.
    I've got bottles of 99% isopropyl
    alcohol standing in the wings if I get
    my chain wet.
    Pass me the 'PB penetrant' please, then
    kerosene (If.. I'm going to totally lube
    the chain inside and out with whatever
    comes next).
    Else, a couple of dabs of turbine oil
    on a mechanic's lint free rag to clean
    the chain (after riding the bike) and a
    couple of dabs of powdered 5 micron
    Teflon and/or hexagonal boron nitride on
    the rag to make it super slick and
    protect it. It only take a couple of
    minutes and it isn't a dirty operation
    at all.
    But really one should clean a brand
    new chain the very first day after
    riding it (and the next day... ) until
    it shows very little grease migration.
    The new grease that migrates outward
    gets heavier with road dust, which makes
    it migrate outward even faster.
    Effectively wicking the inside of the
    chain. Make sure the chain isn't
    vibrating a lot by adjusting the chain
    or the grease will come out
    prolifically.
    Also, if you can imagine 'Mommy
    Dearest'... "No Wire Brushes....Everrr!"
    Though to be fair the author just said
    'brush'. Make sure the bristles are not
    breaking off.
    No doubt the author stands head and
    shoulders, when it comes to bikes, over
    the typical guy that just purchased a
    bike.
    So these are the 'errata' in the book
    that the author needs to address, more
    along a typo than anything else.

    (1) Page 162 shows "G Bottom Bracket
    Height*
    The arrow should be pointing to the
    center of the bottom bracket.
    (2) Rake is measured at a right angle
    from the steering axis to the center of
    the front axle. (the diagonal line is
    not shown).
    (3) "D head tube angle": Taking into
    consideration tire size, inflation,
    different forks and rake which is used
    to consider trail and flop, the head
    tube angle is best measured from the
    head tube with plumb, then subtract it
    from 90 degrees.) Or pictorially
    displayed at the angle the steering axis
    and the ground makes.

    Would be nice:
    (4) Not shown is mechanical trail "Hands
    off riding".
    Mechanical trail is the length from a
    right angle of the steering axis to
    where the bottom of the tire contacts
    the ground.

    (Don't ask me how I know all this stuff,
    it is too embarrassing and is costing me
    a pretty penny and I'm largely on my own
    with it. And in the end I will own what
    'bif' calls a 'Clown Bike'. 'bif'... man
    ... what does he know.)

    The S24O sounds nice and relaxing.

    This book had me thinking and going all
    over the place on the internet to
    investigate things.
    All in all a very good read. The author
    is to be commended for bringing his
    professional views up front. I learned a
    lot from this book and enjoyed reading
    it.
    Just because you have that 'racer
    mentality' doesn't mean you can't glean
    something (a lot) from this book.
    Report
  • Koma
    5.0 out of 5 stars 自転車雑誌や専門書のあやしげな常識に挑戦した本
    Reviewed in Japan on 6 April 2015
    Verified Purchase
    ロードバイクに興味があるが、上下専用のウェアに身を包んで、
    ビンディングで足を固定しなければいけないと思いこんで、
    手を出しかねている人に向けた目からうろこの啓発本。

    題名にある通り、自転車をもっと気楽に楽しむことを目的に
    レースや自転車業界の経験豊富な著者が、業界都合で押し付けている
    怪しげな自転車の常識を、服装・靴・アクセサリー・自転車の材質に
    至るまで本音で切りまくる日本語では有り得ない貴重の情報が満載。
    内容によっては、これにより命が救われる可能性があるかも!?

    手袋やヘルメットの有効性についてまで疑問視するのは、個人的には
    やり過ぎの感はあるが、全ての常識に対して問題提起することで、
    各自が本当に望んでいることに気付かせる著者の意図もあるようだ。

    各項目ごとに1～3ページと短くまとめてあるので、英語が苦手でも
    自転車に興味があれば何とか内容が理解できそうな点も有難い。
    この本の価値の4倍以上はあるというコーナリングのコツも
    確かに他では見聞きしたことがなく、スピードと安全に役立っている。

    個人的な話で恐縮だが、この本の影響もあってクロモリの650Cの
    ロードバイクに、泥除けとリアキャリアとセンタースタンド(2本足)を
    付けて、長袖のワイシャツと裾をマジックテープで巻いたジーンズで
    日々40～50Kmの自転車散歩を楽しむ生活を送っている。
    (少なくともわざわざ出掛けて路面の泥水をかぶったり、大事な自転車を
    その辺に転がしたり立て掛けたりするのが常識とは思えないので。
    センタースタンドは、駆動系のメンテや前後のパンク修理にも意外と便利)

    今まで自転車の雑誌や専門書・エッセイ等を40～50冊も読みあさったが、
    世間の常識に惑わされずに、自分が本当に望んでいる自転車ライフを
    実現したいのであれば、この本をおいて他には考えられない。
    Report
  • Kyle Maloney
    3.0 out of 5 stars Ok but not great value
    Reviewed in Australia on 15 October 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I liked the philosophy and most of the content but it was too short and over priced. I was expecting more.
    Report