Best Mountain Biking Books of 2025

Zinn & the Art of Mountain Bike Maintenance by Lennard Zinn is the ultimate guide for maintaining and repairing mountain bikes, hybrids, and fat bikes. With over 500 pages and 750 illustrations, the book covers everything from basic repairs like fixing a flat tire to advanced overhauls of drivetrains and brakes. Zinn, the world's leading expert on bicycle maintenance and repair, offers step-by-step instructions and clear illustrations that make every job easy to tackle. The book's smart organization and troubleshooting tips make it an essential resource for bike enthusiasts of all levels. Overall, Zinn & the Art of Mountain Bike Maintenance is an indispensable guide for keeping your bike running smoothly for years to come.

To Shake the Sleeping Self is a memoir by Jedidiah Jenkins, who quit his job and cycled from Oregon to Patagonia in search of a life with no regrets. Through his journey, he explores the meaning of a fulfilling life, grapples with his identity, and reflects on the power of travel. The book is a soul-stirring read that will inspire the wanderer in all of us. The author's unflinching honesty and introspection make this book a unique and thought-provoking memoir that readers will find uplifting and inspirational.

Adrift: Seventy-six Days Lost at Sea is a gripping account of Steven Callahan's struggle for survival after his small sloop capsized only six days out at sea. He spent over a month alone in an inflatable raft, fighting for his life. The book is a must-read for adventure enthusiasts, with an engrossing firsthand account that is utterly absorbing. Steven Callahan's writing is remarkable, and he takes readers on an emotional journey of resilience and bravery. Adrift is a timeless classic that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

If you want to take your mountain biking skills to the next level, Mastering Mountain Bike Skills is the book for you. Written by world-champion racer Brian Lopes and renowned riding coach Lee McCormack, this best-selling guide covers all mountain biking disciplines, from cross-country to downhill and beyond. The book offers expert advice on selecting and customizing your bike, as well as developing essential skills to help you tackle any obstacle on the trail. It also includes real-life race stories and techniques to help riders of all levels build confidence and experience the full exhilaration of the sport. Overall, Mastering Mountain Bike Skills is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their ride and take on any challenge the mountain biking world throws at them.

The Cyclist's Training Bible by Joe Friel is the ultimate guide for cyclists of all levels. The latest edition incorporates new training principles, power meter techniques, and strength training approaches. Friel emphasizes personalizing training plans to help athletes train smarter than ever. The book covers every detail cyclists need to consider when planning a season, lining up a week of workouts, or preparing for race day. It also offers guidance on making up for missed workouts, avoiding overtraining, and improving body composition with smarter nutrition. The Cyclist's Training Bible is a must-have for any cyclist looking to get stronger, smarter, and faster.

Ride: Cycle the World is an inspiring book that showcases 100 incredible cycling routes around the world. The book covers rides from day cycles around cities to epic journeys across continents, with beautiful photography and detailed information to help readers plan their trips. The book is organized geographically, with each chapter covering a different continent and offering top tips for getting the most out of each ride. This book is perfect for experienced cyclists or those planning their first bike-packing trip. DK Eyewitness Travel has done an excellent job creating an engaging and informative book that will make you want to jump on your bike and explore the world.

Nala's World: One Man, His Rescue Cat, and a Bike Ride around the Globe is a heartwarming and inspiring memoir that tells the true story of Dean Nicholson and his rescue cat, Nala, as they embark on a bike journey around the world. The book is filled with moments of tension and profundity, as well as charming anecdotes about the bond between a man and his feline companion. The writing style is like listening to a friend's travel tales over a few drinks, and the accompanying photos are sure to melt your heart. Overall, Nala's World is a unique and feel-good read that will leave you smiling.

Lonely Planet's Epic Bike Rides of the World 1 is a beautifully illustrated hardback featuring 200 of the best places to ride a bike. From family-friendly urban rides to epic adventures off the beaten track, the book covers destinations across the Americas, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Each ride is accompanied by stunning photography, a map, and practical details to help riders plan their own trips. The book also includes suggestions for three more similar rides around the world for each story. Lonely Planet has once again delivered a must-have guidebook for cycling enthusiasts and travel lovers alike.

Frommer's Yosemite and Neighboring Parks is a comprehensive guide to one of the United States' most iconic vacation destinations. With insider advice and honest recommendations, the book covers both popular attractions and hidden gems within the parks. It includes practical information, such as tips on safety and advice for beginning backpackers, and opinionated write-ups of hotels, campgrounds, and restaurants. The book also features helpful maps throughout. Written by California native Rosemary McClure and photojournalist Jim Edwards, this guide is an excellent resource for anyone looking to explore the natural beauty of Yosemite and its neighboring parks.

The Divide: A 2700 Mile Search For Answers is a captivating read for anyone who loves mountain biking or outdoor adventures. Nathan takes readers on a journey along the world's longest mountain bike route, the Great Divide, spanning 2700 miles along the Continental Divide from Alberta to the US-Mexico border. The book offers a detailed account of the daily experiences on the route, from braving severe weather conditions to encountering wildlife and seeking help from strangers. Readers will also gain insights into self-discovery, making it a must-read for those looking to be inspired. The book's added feature of a packing list and practical preparations make it an excellent guide for anyone planning to tackle the GDMBR themselves.