High-Tech Cycling-2nd Edition

328 pages published: 2003

About the Book

For serious cyclists, cycling coaches, and triathletes, the quest for a technical edge never stops. Now two-time U.S. Olympic cycling team staff member and renowned cycling author Ed Burke leads a team of top cycling scientists to reveal the latest advances in the sport.

The newest edition of High-Tech Cycling picks up where the first edition left off, incorporating the most current information on cycling technology, technique, physiology, and mechanics in one comprehensive book. Thorough explanations, along with supportive graphs and illustrations, give you an in-depth understanding of the dynamics between human and machine that combine to create champions of the sport.

Thirteen experts contributed to this book, compiling the latest scientific information available to enhance your cycling performance. From bike optimization to body positioning,High-Tech Cycling provides the details you want, including new information you won’t find in any other book.

With each chapter, you’ll gain fresh insights and new information from another research insider. In High-Tech Cycling, you’ll learn more than what to do and how to do it; you’ll discover the scientific justification for equipment, positioning, and key training decisions. The book covers every aspect of the cycling world, from racing on the road to specific elements of mountain biking.

High-Tech Cycling cuts through opinions and misinformation to give you the cutting edge on the science behind the sport. From heart rate monitors and altitude tents to power hubs, suspension systems, frame construction, pedaling efficiency, and beyond, the book covers every aspect of technology and technique. Additional chapters are dedicated to nutrition, altitude training, and the physiological demands of the sport.

About the Author

Edmund R. Burke, PhD, was the pre-eminent author of cyling books and articles since 1986. He wrote or edited more than 16 books on health, fitness, and cycling, including Serious Cycling and Fitness Cycling. And he completed this second edition of High-Tech Cycling just prior to his death in late Fall 2002.

Renowned for translating the latest scientific research into practical application, Burke served as a columnist for Adventure Cycling, Cycle Sport Magazine, and Performance Conditioning for Cycling. He has also wrote extensively on cycling physiology, training, nutrition, health, and fitness for VeloNews, Bicycling, and Inside Triathlon. He served as executive editor of Cycling Science and managing editor of Performance Conditioning for Cycling.

Dr. Burke was the physiologist for USA Cycling for seven years. During that time he worked with the 1980, 1984, and 1996 Olympic cycling teams, which won nine medals, as well as many world championship teams. He consulted with several companies in the areas of cycling, fitness equipment design, nutritional products, and fitness programs. His professional memberships included a role as fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine and also as vice president of research for the National Strength and Conditioning Association from 1993 to 1995.

Dr. Burke earned a doctorate in exercise physiology from The Ohio State University. He was a professor and director of the exercise science program at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, where he lived with his wife, Kathleen.

Words of Praise

”This is a tremendous compendium. Ed Burke has assembled some of the greatest cycling minds of our time and put them to good use.” Lennard Zinn Technical editor, VeloNews and Inside Triathlon

"...with discussions ranging from basic equipment selection to the nuances of optimal cycling biomechanics, High-Tech Cycling contains a wealth of information on a variety of topics that will be of immediate interest to cyclists of all levels and abilities." Steve Johnson, PhD Chief Operating Officer and Director of Athletics for USA Cycling

From Tailwinds "This book provides valuable insights into the dynamics that exist between the cyclist and the machine, and serves as a noteworthy final tribute to Ed Burke and his commitment to cycling science."