Full Gas Forever Review — A Book That Rekindled My Love for the Bike
Amy Favieres - Ultra Open Water Swimmer
It’s fair to say that navigating the world of cycling can feel like a minefield, especially as a woman over 40. Add in motherhood, work, hormones, and a general sense that your bike has become a glorified shed ornament, and it’s easy to see why so many of us quietly hang up our helmets. Finding cycling books that reflect where I am are hard to find!
That’s why Full Gas Forever landed in my life at exactly the right time. It’s more than just another addition to the pile of cycling books gathering dust; it’s a rallying cry for women like me who’ve lost their mojo but still have miles left to ride.
Comfort & Fit (of the read, not the bib shorts)
From the very first page, this book felt like a friendly nudge from someone who gets it. The chapters are short and punchy, perfect for those of us juggling work, life, kids, and the occasional hormonal meltdown. Each section is easy to digest, but still brimming with knowledge. It’s the kind of book you can dip in and out of, whether it’s on the sofa with a cuppa or in the car waiting for the school run to end.
The tone is both warm and no-nonsense, blending practical tips with motivational insights. I felt seen, encouraged, and oddly excited to dig my bike out of the shed.
Functionality (a.k.a. What You’ll Learn)
Co-authors Ed and Lexi are a dream team, combining expertise with empathy in a way that makes you want to take action. They tackle everything from cycling technique and bike setup to nutrition, hormones, recovery, and the holy grail of injury prevention: strength training.
The sections on strength and mobility are particularly brilliant. You don’t need to be a gymnast (thank goodness!), just commit to a few simple moves that fit into real life. These tiny tweaks make a massive difference in keeping us cycling stronger for longer.
I especially loved the chapters on hormones, recovery, and sleep, areas that women’s fitness books often skim over. Lexi breaks down how shifting hormones affect energy, recovery, and training zones in each decade of life, while Ed takes the fear out of tech and gear, explaining how to make your bike work for you, not against you.
Value (inspiration meets science)
What sets Full Gas Forever apart from other cycling books is its total refusal to patronise. This isn’t a book about wattage, FTP tests, or elite-level training, though you’ll still pick up plenty of performance tips. It’s about rediscovering the joy of cycling, learning how to adapt with age, and building habits that make you feel strong, capable, and in control.
It’s also an incredible value in terms of impact. You’ll walk away not just with practical knowledge but with renewed motivation. The authors remind us that we don’t stop exercising because we get old, we get old because we stop exercising. That single sentence alone was worth the cover price.
Recommend (spoiler: yes, absolutely)
If you’re a woman who’s ever felt like cycling culture wasn’t built for you, this book will be a breath of fresh air. It’s inclusive, relatable, and refreshingly real. Whether you’re riding to the coffee shop or training for your next sportive, Full Gas Forever will help you do it with confidence and joy.
It’s one of the few cycling books I’ve read that makes you want to lace up your shoes (or clip in) immediately after the final page. And best of all? It helps you understand how to keep riding for decades to come, body, brain, and spirit all working together.
Final Verdict
Full Gas Forever is a 10/10 for me. It’s practical, empowering, and delightfully human, a book that meets women where they are and permits them to dream big again. After finishing it, I found myself pulling my bike out of the shed, dusting off my helmet, and pedalling off into the sunset with a grin on my face.
If you only read one of the many cycling books aimed at women this year, make it this one. It might just reignite your love affair with two wheels.
