Mountain Bike!: A Manual of Beginning to Advanced Technique (The William Nealy Collection)

I haven't been mountain biking yet, but t like this book. Referencing issues addressed by other reviewers. It is somewhat dated. I could tell from looking at the helmets in the pictures and the author talking about his worst crash among other smaller references.I was not put off by the text and the fact it's a cartoon makes it really easy, quick read. Although, I have no way of knowing whether the advanced techniques are outdated, I wanted an introduction. I think the basic concepts are explained pretty well and I am not the quickest study. I also appreciated his suggestions for practicing falls, suggested dismounts, and learning in your own backyard.I think the use of humor brings the sport alive, and appreciate the look into the "culture" of the sport. I am a pretty ambitious skier so I can relate to it for the most part. I mean, if you're going to do something dangerous, you want to feel like you are going to have fun and fit in with the other "fun hogs" on mountain. I thought this book was funny, and it made me want to give this sport a try. In my opinion, some of the more "technical manuals" lack this quality.As with any book about sports, you can't develop the motor skills from the book (although I seriously wish such a skiing text existed). It just gives you some idea of what you will be doing on the mountain.I was actually thinking of writing the author to tell him how much I enjoyed the book, but unfortunately he has been dead for more than a decade, which is probably why there has been no update. The copy I received was from the 13th printing, and I feel that says something about this book, despite the fact it lacks new information. Obviously, it should be supplemented with another book or voracious reading of internet posts related to mountain biking, but for being the most entertaining sports manual I have ever read, - 5 stars.

My friend loaned me this book several years ago when I first started to get into mountain biking. Now that my kids are hopefully getting into the sport, I bought my own copy for them. Although the cover may seem outdated (hey, what’s the one thing you don’t judge a book by?), the basic techniques inside are timeless and the illustrations make learning them very easy.

I would have looked at the publishing date and dismissed this book entirely (and unfairly). I have not ridden single track in over ten years, and mostly got by on general good shape back then. This book is a godsend. 90% of the information and tips inside are timeless. No, it doesn't go into the advances in gear since it was written, but the basic fundamentals are spot on perfect. Do not let the publishing date turn you off, if you are trying to go beyond just rails to trails and into a bit more off road, this is a great resource. It may not be the only book you need, but it is a great starting point.

Well, it convinced me that I should stick to a road bike with wide, knobby tires -- not a real mountain bike. I enjoyed it but won't really use much of it in my regular bike riding, even on trails.

This is a fun beginners mtb book. Advanced guys aren't going to get much out of it. This more oriented on telling you what not to do. A lot of examples from the authors experience mtb and his injuries. Here's a clue from my experience. Don't try catch yourself with your leg when you are going down. You'll get a nasty break and be out of action for six months.

This is the most epic mountain bike book EVER WRITTEN

Awesome book! An informative and entertaining read to hone your skills before heading out to the trail!

Note the date of publication - 1992. As such suspension, now not only commonplace but integral to modern techniques of mountain biking, is not discussed. Some of the finer and basic points such as body and pedal position, weight transfer, climbing and crash survival still apply but the more complicated techniques do not. Also, though the illustrations are good at conveying subject matter, the entire text of the book is handwritten script, is incessant with the groin jokes, and features a bit of profanity. At the end of the day, it's cheap, a quick read, and has some good basic pointers, but it's outdated and strives a bit too much to be a comic strip.

This has been my all time favorite mountain biking book since I was a kid. It’s as relevant today as it ever was, and it contains meaningful and useful information delivered in a fun way by a real rider applicable to young and old . An absolute classic and a must have for any mountain bike aficionado.

This is a great book for all levels of mountain bike enthusiasts. The neophyte can really learn from it and even the experienced rider can learn a few new tricks. Or at the very least discover why certain things happen whilst on a bike. All types of rider will get enjoyment from the book along with plenty of smiles. It approaches mountain biking from a fun angle, as many of the drawings hare drawn to make you smile. ( it is all drawn no photographs)

This book is a joke. Yes, content is useful, but it is presented in weird unreadable way, looks like scanned pages from someone's handwriting journal from last century.Dear Author, what about usability, what about respecting people with disabilities, elderly people wearing reading glasses, and so on? Have you ever thought of why Amazon website uses Arial font for text and not handwriting?

Very good beginner's bike book with funny cartoons :)

Thank you William, for your instructive drawings.At last I understand....My moutainbiking has improved massively after reading your book.