Cycling Books – Route Guides, Books about Bike Repair & More

Cycling is cult. And publications with repair instructions, training guides and cycling maps have been around for almost as long as the bicycle itself – more than 200 years. In 1817, it was the Nuremberg mechanic Carl Johann Siegmund Bauer who published a book about the ‘Draisine’, which was first introduced in the same year. In it, he described Drais's riding machine down to the smallest detail – and also gave tips on how to use the new form of transport.

Whether as a helpful guide, an inspirational bike touring book or a mechanic's bible – there is an enormous variety of cycling publications available today. It makes no difference whether you are looking for an inspirational map for your next cycling adventure or tips for your next bike maintenance – cycling books enrich the lives of many cycling fans.

Bikes are now an integral part of the literary world. So if you want to read deeper into the world of cycling and spend as much time as possible with your favorite activity, it should be easy for you to find the right title. We have listed all types of cycling books below. We'll start with the most popular categories: Bike touring books, bike repair books and riding technique and training books.

Your ride starts with thorough planning. With the right cycle maps, you can plan detailed routes and discover hidden cycling routes that online tools may not offer. From classic cycling maps to compact cycling guidebooks and accurate bike touring books, you can easily buy this literature online from us to help you prepare for your next adventure.

In principle, bike route maps are similar to the standard maps used by hikers, but they have to meet some specific requirements that make them more tailored to cyclists. To help you make your purchase, we’ve put together a list of the most important criteria and requirements that a cycling map should meet: 

• Cycling maps should be tailored to cyclists’ needs. This means that cycle routes should be clearly marked.
• Type of terrain and ground conditions should be indicated, as should altitude.
• Very detailed cycling maps also show the percentage gradient for steep ascents, so you won’t be in for any nasty surprises.
• It’s a real plus when maps also point out the sights to see along the route.
• They may also include information in rest stops, repair workshops and pedelec charging points, for example.
• Cycling maps should be printed on weatherproof, tear-resistant paper – no one wants a map that they can no longer read as it’s been reduced to mush by the rain.
• Some cycling map suppliers also offer GPS tracks with recommended tours and elevation profiles to download in addition to their paper maps. 

Specialized mountain bike guides, on the other hand, go into more depth and detail about the respective needs of the target group and offer the best possible orientation on the road. Weatherproof material and additional GPS tracks can increase the usefulness of the maps.

We also strongly recommend that you have a cycle map with you for tours in Germany and Europe. Popular routes such as the Weser Cycle Route or the Baltic Sea Coast Cycle Route can be planned down to the last kilometer using maps specially created by the ADFC for cycle tours. We also recommend practical accessories such as map holders and compasses to help you make the most of your bike maps on the road. They help you to stay on the right track at all times during your journey.

The story of Eugène Christophe, who repaired his broken bicycle himself during the Tour de France in 1913, is an impressive example of the importance of expertise in cycling repair. This anecdote shows how important it is for every cyclist – whether professional or amateur – to have a basic knowledge of cycling. A classic bike repair book provides you with this know-how. It will teach you how to keep your two-wheeler in good condition or how to repair your rig yourself in the event of a breakdown. Are you looking for a technical guide to modern e-bikes or a compact step-by-step guide to MTBs? Our assortment of bicycle maintenance books provides you with the necessary information about bicycle mechanics, bicycle technology and specific step-by-step instructions.

Not everyone has to be a born mechanic, thanks to comprehensive specialized literature, anyone can acquire the necessary skills. We have a wide selection of bike maintenance books that show you step by step how to maintain your two-wheeler. No matter what you want to fit or repair on your two-wheeler – the right manual on bicycle technology will give you the knowledge you need.

• Manuals for bike repairs: Indispensable for basic and advanced repairs as well as regular maintenance intervals
• Ergonomics guide: Teaches you how to adjust the riding position of your bike to better suit your body's needs

Whether you are an experienced cyclist or just starting out, you can improve your cycling training, riding technique and style with the right specialized literature. Books, such as a road bike training book, offer detailed instructions to optimize your endurance, strength and technique. These resources are not just for professionals, but also for ambitious amateur athletes who want to systematically improve their performance. You will also find guides that focus on topics such as bike fitting, cycling in triathlons or the right nutrition.

Your riding technique plays a crucial role, regardless of whether you are traveling on the road or off-road. An MTB riding technique book can help you perfect your handling control and make the difference in competitions or on challenging trails. These titles offer valuable tips and tricks to improve your skills on the pedals.

• Bike training books: To improve your endurance, strength and skills in competition
• Books about riding technique: To improve your skills on the pedals
• Health guides: For a better understanding of your body and to improve your nutrition
• Manuals: For an optimal overview when starting out in a sport

Bike photo publication and calendars with special shots reveals a glimpse into a world of cycling that remains hidden to many. They tell you all about the passion for biking, cycling culture and the latest trends, spectacular jumps, rapid downhill runs and unique insights into the cycling scene. The focus is on impressive photos. Whether you're an enthusiast or not – everyone will love it.

There are cycling fiction novels to get you dreaming and for exciting or entertaining cycling stories. They will make cycling fans happy and those who aren't yet will be well on their way after reading the first few lines. After all, not everyone has to cycle from Germany to China to be able to relive the experience in their own way and let it sink in. After all, reading through an adventure story about a bike ride at over 4,000 m altitude in the Andes while enjoying the fire in the fireplace at home can be quite nice, can't it?