Nik Cook

Nik Cook

Freelance bike writer

Nikalas Cook is a writer, author, coach and athlete based in the Peak District. He specialises in health, fitness, endurance and adventure sports. Having studied a postgraduate degree in Health and Exercise Science, he worked for eight years as a top personal trainer in London. He was the editor of Totally Active magazine and writes for numerous specialist magazines and websites including 220 Triathlon, Outdoors Magic, Trail Running and Trek and Mountain. He has also edited the British Cycling member’s website, the Insight Zone. He’s written for national newspapers and magazines including The Times, The Financial Times, The Daily Mail, GQ, Men’s Fitness and Red Magazine. But he’s probably most proud of being Derbyshire Life’s beer correspondent. Nik has written two books (Marathon Training: Get to the Start Line Strong and Injury-free; Peak District Trail Running: 22 off-Road Routes for Trail & Fell Runners) and his third, entitled The Road Cycling Performance Manual, was published by Bloomsbury in June 2018. He has also worked with Nigel Mitchell on his book, Fuelling the Cycling Revolution, and with Martin Evans and Phil Burt on their book, Strength and Conditioning for Cyclists. He’s completed numerous cycling challenges including the Trans-Wales MTB stage race, the Fred Whitton, the Raid Pyrenees and both the Paris-Roubaix and Tour of Flanders sportives. Competitively, he likes to combine his cycling with running and has previously won gold in his age-group at the ITU World Long Course Duathlon Championships at Powerman Zofingen.

Recent articles by Nik Cook

When should I upgrade to a tri bike?

Been racing triathlons on a road bike and wondering when, or if, you should upgrade to a tri bike? Nik Cook has the answers
more

What is a good cycling pace?

Want to know how fast your average bike speed compares in triathlon? Nik Cook takes a look at the data and has a handy tip for the number-crunchers…
more

What makes triathlon’s strongest cyclists so fast?

Ever wondered what propels the world's fastest triathlon cyclists to eye-watering PBs? Nik Cook has the answers…
more

What is TSS in cycling?

Training Stress Score is a term used to describe several performance metrics, but what does it mean in cycling? Nik Cook has the answers…
more

Is a triathlon bike or a road bike better for descending?

Nik Cook discusses whether you are better descending in a race on a TT bike or a road bike
more

Single-sided power meters: what are they, how do they work and what are their benefits

Single-sided power meters have made training and racing with power far more accessible and affordable, but how do they benefit performance? Nik Cook explains…
more

How to develop a smoother, more efficient pedal stroke

To achieve a smooth pedal stroke should you do drill sessions, single-leg work or just get out and ride your bike? The answer lies somewhere in the middle, says Nik Cook…
more

Five off-road run sessions

Swapping smooth tarmac for a bumpier, more varied running experience not only focuses the brain more, but also offers excellent workouts that will enhance your racing performance
more

The best bike sessions to do in winter

What type of bike sessions should you do in the colder, off-season months? Long and slow? Or some shorter high-intensity efforts? Nik Cook has the answers…
more

Recovery sessions: what are they, how to do them and what are their benefits?

A recovery bike session sounds simple, right? But you'll be surprised how many of us aren't doing them properly. Nik Cook explains… and provides the session breakdown you should be following
more

How to remove rust from a bike

Rust can quickly take hold of your precious steed if you don't give it some TLC, so here's our handy guide to preventing and removing bike rust
more

Do you need a triathlon bike for 70.3 and Ironman races?

Our experts answer the common question of whether the trusty road bike is “good enough” for a longer-distance triathlon
more

Should you ride on a puncture?

Caught out mid-training with a puncture and no kit/spares? Oops! But is it possible to ride on a slow puncture? Nik Cook provides the advice…
more

Are turbo trainers more effective than cycling outdoors?

What are the fitness benefits of turbo training compared with road cycling? Which is best for strength and which is best for fitness?
more

Tyre pressure for bikes: What to use for different conditions

Working out different tyre pressures to match the conditions can be a headache. Does the length of ride also matter? And what about the type of bike? Here to help is Nik Cook… 
more

How to clean your bike

Nik Cook explains exactly how to clean your bike so it keeps running smoothly
more

Free Ironman run training plan

A free 12-week plan to help you nail the marathon leg of an Ironman
more

Stack and reach: what it is and why it's important for cyclists

When nailing your cycling position, stack and reach are two of the most important measurements. Nik Cook spoke to bike fitting guru Phil Burt to get his input.
more

How does riding a triathlon bike differ to riding a road bike?

Nik Cook explains why riding a triathlon bike will feel very different to riding a road bike
more

How to avoid being a single-paced cyclist

This bike session will help you beat draft packs, tackle short ramps and escape the bunch by adding an extra gear to your riding, says Nik Cook
more

How to improve your lactate threshold for the bike leg

Sustained high-intensity efforts will boost your engine size, cruising speed and mental toughness, says Nik Cook
more

Improve your race-day bike skills

Use this skills-focussed bike session to get you dialled into your race set-up for next season, says Nik Cook
more

How to build cycling strength with a big-gear workout

How to build cycling-specific strength on the bike, without having to head to the gym
more

Bike cadence for triathletes: why it matters and how to find your optimum pedalling efficiency

Nik Cook explains how to find the perfect bike cadence for you that will allow you to pedal at optimum efficiency, and then do a strong run on the back of it
more