The Complete Book of Cyclocross, Skill Training and Racing Paperback – October 17, 2008

If you're interested enough in cyclocross to be thinking about this book in the first place, then you probably already intend to buy, or already own, Simon Burney's book. Both are worth having.Based on the previous review, I was reluctant to buy this book, but as a new 'cross addict, I'm not exactly looking at a library of available 'cross-specific books. Burney's book is probably more comprehensive, altogether, but Mares' book would be well worth the purchase price if ALL it had were the numerous drills that Mares lays out. I was planning next Spring to practice mounts and remounts, etc., pretty hard, and I couldn't be happier to have a book that systematically lists the drills I should be doing. Yeah, a lot of this stuff could be found online (which could also be said of Burney's book), but I don't know anywhere that has quite this number of drills, especially presented in this well-ordered a fashion. And drills aren't ALL this book has, either.There are some typos and grammatical errors, yeah, but for an instructional that maintains its basic clarity despite them, it really doesn't matter. It's not "War and Peace." Having said that, the guest-written chapters at the end are pretty unreadable.If you're into 'cross, get it.

The book contains a lot of really good ideas for CX drills and training sessions. Good photos and diagrams, and good advice regarding how to conduct a practice session, equipment, and other CX related aspects.My main criticism is the inclusion of a large number of ads, including outdated offers! That's more suitable for a magazine than a book. But other than that, well worth it.

Great book, fun read, learned a lot. About a 1/3rd of the book is the UCI rule book.There are a few typos.Still my go to book for CX!

Is a good guide, the necessary detail to begin in this sport.

Bought as a present

While this book provides useful information about specific drills and dismount/remount related movements, along with detailed pictures of those movements, that is its strength. Throughout the book there are distracting typographical and grammatical errors. Also, the sections on equipment selection do not adequately describe the huge amount of varying equipment for the sport and the impact it would have on racing. Handlebar width, brake profile, and even the superiority of tubulars over clinchers (which they are unanimously considered) is not explained in detail. Pinch flats aren't even mentioned. The author should seriously consider re-branding the book as a drill and training specific manual, as it is anything but all-inclusive, despite its claim of being comprehensive. "Cyclocross - Training and Technique" is a far superior reference to both the new rider and those looking to improve as a cyclocross racer.

This book has great pictures and steps on proper "euro" and NA cross techniques. If you have Simon's book it's still worth getting. The section on beginners and junior cx is spot on.

This is the best book on cyclocross around/available. Buy it. You won't be disappointed. (sorry to all Simon Burney fans but that book is boring and limited). Get up to date!

a good training guide