I’ll admit it—when I’m not out on the trails, I’m probably curled up with a good adventure book, usually one about a two-wheeled adventure. There’s something inspiring about diving into the stories of epic rides, learning new skills, or just geeking out over the history of the sport. Over the years, I’ve discovered some fantastic reads that have fueled my love for mountain biking even more. Whether you’re looking for tips to up your game, tales of legendary mountain biking adventures, or just a fun way to pass the time on a rest day, I’ve got you covered. Here are some of my favorite mountain biking books that every rider should check out!
Adventure Books
1. Be Brave, Be Strong: A Journey Across the Great Divide
Jill Homer, a writer from Alaska, set her sights on an incredible challenge: completing the world’s toughest mountain bike race, the Great Divide. This grueling 2,700-mile route stretches from the U.S.-Canada border all the way to the Mexico-New Mexico border, and many riders don’t make it to the finish line. In Be Brave, Be Strong, Jill recounts her journey of preparing for the race, pushing through its relentless demands, and the profound ways it transformed her. It’s an inspiring and captivating read, even if you’re not interested in riding or racing the Tour Divide.
2. The Divide: a 2,700 Mile Search for Answers
The Divide: A 2,700 Mile Search For Answers chronicles one man’s epic journey along the Great Divide Mountain Bike Trail, a route that stretches from Alberta, Canada, to the southern border of New Mexico. Nathan’s solo ride unfolds during a pivotal time in his life when he was grappling with big questions and searching for clarity. His account is a mix of humor, inspiration, self-deprecation, and even a touch of philosophical musing.
Mountain Biker Autobiographies
3. At The Edge: Riding For My Life
I’ve been a long-time fan of Danny MacAskill ever since I discovered his trials tricks on YouTube. His videos are so inspiring (my favorite is The Ridge) and his talents are beyond ‘normal’. He also seems like a pretty down-to-earth Scottish dude. Danny wrote the mountain bike book At The Edge: Riding For My Life in 2018 to dive a bit deeper into his childhood and what it takes – mentally and physically – to do the stuff that he does. It’s a great read!
4. Rusch to Glory
Rebecca Rusch, known as the Queen of Pain, is one of the world’s greatest endurance athletes. Her accomplishments are as extraordinary as they are diverse: cycling through Vietnam to search for her father who went missing during the war, completing the grueling Alaska Iditarod Trail Invitational on a fat bike, and earning seven world championship titles in everything from gravel biking to cross-country skiing. She’s perhaps best known for winning the Leadville Trail 100 mountain bike race three times—a feat few can claim.
In her book, Rusch to Glory, she “weaves her fascinating life’s story among the exotic locales and extreme conditions that forged an extraordinary athlete from ordinary roots.” It’s an inspiring and unforgettable read.
Coffee Table Books
5. Back Before They Invented Open Face Helmets: A Book of Cartoons and Doodles
If you’re a fan of Pinkbike’s Sunday comics, then you probably know Taj Mihelich for his hilarious and relatable takes on mountain biking. His cartoons never fail to make me laugh, capturing the quirks and joys of the sport with spot-on humor. Taj has compiled a collection of his work in the book Back Before They Invented Open Face Helmets. While not every comic is about mountain biking, plenty are, making it a must-read for anyone who loves the trails and a good laugh.
6. Epic Bike Rides of the World
Searching for epic mountain bike rides across the globe? Look no further than Epic Bike Rides of the World. This book is packed with incredible ideas for bike adventures—covering everything from rugged mountain bike trails to scenic river cruises and urban explorations. Whether it’s a bikepacking journey through Mongolia or a ride through the streets of New York City, there’s something for every type of cyclist. On my bucket list? Mountain biking in Tasmania.
7. Epic Bike Rides of the Americas
Lonely Planet has also released the book Epic Bike Rides of the Americas. This great coffee table book includes rides and routes throughout North, Central, and South America. Among these pages, you’ll find amazing mountain bike trips like pedaling the Baja Divide, exploring the Whistler Bike Park, and traversing the Trans Ecuador Mountain Bike Route.
8. Fat Tire Flyer: Repack and the Birth of Mountain Biking
Charlie Kelly, along with Gary Fisher, Tom Ritchey, and others, was one of the originators of mountain biking culture in the United States. They started the Repack race series in the ’70s on the slopes of Mount Tamalpais in Marin County, California. These races were basically a bunch of hippies bombing down dirt roads on klunker bikes, but it was the start of mountain biking as we know it today. Fat Tire Flyer is a book that chronicles the Repack races and how those events grew into a movement. It’s a great look back on the history of mountain biking and a reminder of how far bikes have come!
Mountain Bike Maintenance Books
9. Zinn & The Art of Mountain Bike Maintenance
For anyone interesting in doing their own bike maintenance, a mountain bike repair book is a great resource to have in the shop even if you rely mostly on YouTube videos (like me!). Zinn and the Art of Mountain Bike Maintenance is probably the most widely used mountain biking book and it’s been around for a while. From basic repairs like fixing a flat to more advanced maintenance like bleeding brakes, Zinn (who is a master mechanic himself) walks readers through almost every bike repair and maintenance job imaginable with clear, easy steps and illustrated guides.
10. Park Tool Big Blue Book of Bicycle Repair
Park Tool is the brand of choice for most mountain bike shops, so it’s no surprise that they have a bike repair bible as well. The Park Tool Big Blue Book of Bicycle Repair has detailed guides and helpful images for almost every bike repair you could need from simple adjustments to in-depth overhauls. This is the fourth edition of this book, so you can be sure that the information is up-to-date and accurate for most mountain bikes.
Mountain Bike Skills Books
11. Mastering Mountain Bike Skills
Brian Lopes is a world-champion mountain bike racer, so if you’re looking to improve your skills and up your game, then grab a copy of his book, Mastering Mountain Bike Skills. Filled with stories from his career as a racer as well as helpful riding techniques, it will give you some insights into how to improve your riding no matter your skill level. He has tips for all types of mountain bikers from Enduro racers to pump track riders to cross-country pedalers.
12. Becoming a Superwoman on a Bike: The Beginner’s Guide to Mountain & Fat Biking
Beautifully illustrated, Becoming a Superwoman on a Bike is a fun and informative guide for newbie mountain bikers (and fat-bikers). It’s definitely written for those just starting out, but if that’s you or someone you know, this could be a great resource!
Mountain Biking Books for Kids
13. Mountain Biking Adventures With Izzy: Etiquette is a Big Word
Lindsey Richter is the founder of the mountain bike skills clinic Ladies AllRide. I’ve coached alongside her on several occasions and not only is she an awesome mountain biker, but she’s also a really cool person. In her book Mountain Biking Adventures with Izzy, Lindsey aims to teach young groms the importance of being a good trail steward as well as how bikes can build confidence and create community.
14. The Adventure Friends: Mountain Bike Day
Do your kids love mountain biking, too? Get them stoked for their first ride with this adorable kids mountain biking book featuring four animal friends who go out for a fun-filled day on the trails. Just their names are worth getting the book for – Gnarwhal, Radypus, Pow Cow and Hang Moose.
15. Bernie the Bike Builder
Bernie the Bike Builder is another story by Pink Bike cartoonist Taj Mihelich. In this kids story, he writes about Bernie who is a world-famous bike builder and designs bikes for athletes around the world. But he’s disappointed that none of his friends like biking until he discovers that it’s because none of them have a bike that fits them! Bernie goes on a mission to build bikes for all his pals including T-Rex, Bat, Shark, and more.
16. Goodnight Bikes
Goodnight Bikes is a super cute kids’ book that celebrates all the fun of biking. With its playful rhymes and adorable illustrations, it takes little readers through a day of bike adventures—riding trails, exploring, and finally winding down for bed. It’s the perfect bedtime story for kids who love bikes (or parents who want to spark that love). A sweet and relaxing way to end the day for any little adventurer!
17. Ryan Goes Mountain Biking
Ryan Goes Mountain Biking is a heartwarming story about a young girl who loves exploring the trails with her parents and her labrador, Charlie. From fueling up with a healthy breakfast to conquering steep climbs and thrilling descents, Ryan discovers the freedom and challenges of mountain biking. Complete with a pre-ride breakfast recipe and safety tips for families, this book is perfect for inspiring young adventurers!
Looking for more ideas? Check out my post on the Best Adventure Cycling Books
What are your favorite mountain bike books? Which ones would you add to this list? Let me know in the comments!
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