Mountain Bike Master: Essential Skills and Advanced Techniques Made Easy

The book should have been called "a brief introduction to advanced techniques." Despite the fact that the book is supposedly teaching "advanced technique," the author provides far too little description of the techniques discussed to be useful. Each "technique" is given little attention, and there is no discussion of common pitfalls, things to avoid, etc. Additionally, there are too many wasted pages on fluff like "how to set up your bike" and the outdated references to "modern cliples pedals." Also, the book does not explain when/why you would choose one technique other another--i.e. when to use a "manual wheelie" or "torque wheelie." I guess the "made easy" part of the title means "dumbed down to the point of uselessness."The other major drawback is pictures--or lack thereof. The pictures were black and white and there were not nearly enough of them to visualize the techniques being described. One of the pictures on "cornering" just showed the author on his bike with his wheel turned---no lines showing the different approaches through the turns, line of sight, etc....in fact, you could not even see the turn! Also, the author makes distinctions between off-camber cornering and other types of turns, but again, no pictures to show what he means. Most of the photos in the book are extreme close-up so you cannot get a feel for the context of the trail or set up for the move being described.The book may be useful for a teenager who is just getting into mountain biking and wants a very basic introduction with a taste of advanced technique. However, if you are are roadie switching over to offroad and know the basics of bike set-up/basic handling and are looking for a detailed skills manual, look elsewhere, as this book is not worth the money.

First off, this book is very short, 79 pages covering actual skills. This would probably be a good first book for someone new to the sport. I agree with the other reviews, that many skills are not covered in great detail, but the author does cover a number of skills that are not in many of the current skills books. (Starting a stopping on a significant slope.While most of the book was way too basic for me, the section on pedal kicks was a revelation. I've struggled with learning to wheelie for years. I'm not sure what was different about his explanation, but I've made more progress in the day since reading the segment, than I have made in the last year.Also, I commend the author for leaving out the obligatory (and soon to be out dated) section on mountain bike technology.I think that the Lopes, McCormac book is the best skills book for me, but this is still a good entry level book for people new to the sport. Despite being so outdated, I would recommend Will Nealys "Mountain Bike!" as a great beginners book. Gone too soon Will!

Good basic intro to MTB

Difficult to understand! Too technical! It could have been a good book if the author had put an effort in using a less technical and boring description.

Good stuff here. I thought it would be longer. I still learned some things though. Well written and thought out.

Incoherente and a mess, the only real skills you learn from this book are how to read like 5th grader.

Great boook

Intermediate rider here. I've read Brian Lopes' book which covers all disciplines. This book is targeted more towards the XC/ Technical XC rider. I'm an OK rider, not great, and learnt a few things from the book. Highly recommended.Content wise, the pictures were b/w which was disappointing for a book this price.

Poor images. Not Well written. Not extensive. Learned a few things.