10 Cycling Books That Make Great Gifts (Even If You Don’t Ride)

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Last Updated: December 2025

Looking for a thoughtful gift for a cyclist? These 10 cycling books hit the sweet spot — smart, funny, and inspiring. Whether you’re buying for a brand-new rider or a lifelong cyclist, each one earns a permanent place on the shelf.

10 Cycling Books That Make Great Gifts (Even If You Don’t Ride)

I’ve ridden more than 150,000 miles over the years, and these are the books that still matter — not just for training, but for the love of the ride itself. They’re the kind of gifts cyclists actually appreciate because they reflect who they are.

1. The Rider — Tim Krabbé
   The greatest cycling book ever written. A single race told minute by minute — gripping, raw, and timeless. A guaranteed hit for any serious cyclist.
2. French Revolutions — Tim Moore
   A hilarious attempt to ride the entire Tour de France route. Every cyclist knows this kind of suffering — and every non-cyclist laughs just as hard.
3. Miles From Nowhere — Barbara Savage
   A breathtaking round-the-world journey from the days before GPS. Emotional, fearless, unforgettable — the perfect gift for dreamers and travelers.
4. Zinn & the Art of Road Bike Maintenance — Lennard Zinn
   The book every cyclist eventually owns. Turns bike repairs from panic moments into confidence. Great for tinkerers or new bike owners.
5. It’s All About the Bike — Robert Penn
   A love letter to craftsmanship. Penn travels the world building his perfect bike and shares why cyclists are wired the way they are.
6. The Secret Race — Tyler Hamilton & Daniel Coyle
   A riveting insider look at pro cycling’s dark side — honesty, pressure, and redemption. A powerful read for any sports fan.
7. Where the Pavement Ends — Erika Warmbrunn
   A solo journey from Russia to Vietnam. Humble, brave, and beautifully told — an inspiring gift for anyone chasing adventure.
8. Ride the Revolution — Various Authors
   A collection of women’s cycling stories that celebrate grit, passion, and progress. Perfect for the female cyclist in your life.
9. The Cyclist’s Training Bible — Joe Friel
   The go-to training manual for cyclists who love data, structure, and progress. If your gift recipient tracks watts or heart rate, this one will impress.
10. The Escape Artist — Matt Seaton
    A moving memoir about obsession, family, and finding balance through cycling. Quiet, emotional, and deeply relatable for older riders.

🎁 Quick Picks (If You’re Not Sure)

Best Story Gift:
The Rider — Tim Krabbé

Best Adventure Gift:
Miles From Nowhere — Barbara Savage

Best Practical Gift:
Zinn & the Art of Road Bike Maintenance — Lennard Zinn

Best “Serious Cyclist” Gift:
The Cyclist’s Training Bible — Joe Friel

Why These Books Make Great Gifts

Cycling gear wears out. Bikes get replaced. But stories like these stay. They capture the humor, heartbreak, and freedom that keep cyclists pedaling — long after the ride is done.

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FAQ

What’s the best cycling book for beginners?

The Rider is the purest introduction to the sport. For practical skills, go with Zinn & the Art of Road Bike Maintenance.

What’s the best long-distance cycling memoir?

Miles From Nowhere — nothing else captures the courage and beauty of long rides quite like it.

Are these good gifts for older cyclists?

Absolutely. I’m 70 and still ride, and these are the books that remind me why cycling will always matter.

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