Steve Peat Forged By Speed

Review: Forged by Speed by Steve Peat

Steve Peat’s book, Forged by Speed (with Tim March) is a raw and exhilarating ride through the career of one of downhill mountain biking’s most legendary figures.

Anna Beck 12.01.2025

Steve Peat’s book, Forged by Speed (with Tim March) is a raw and exhilarating ride through the career of one of downhill mountain biking’s most legendary figures. As someone who has followed the sport for years, it’s rare to come across a book that so seamlessly blends personal narrative with the gritty realities of professional racing. This memoir does just that, providing an inside look at Peat’s journey from his humble beginnings to becoming a multiple World Cup winner and icon of the sport, in a voice that you can almost hear Peat narrating while you read.

Peat’s writing style is engaging—honest, humorous, and down-to-earth. He doesn’t shy away from the brutal truths of racing, the many crashes, the injuries, the mental and the physical toll that come from pushing yourself to the limit for years on end. 

For retro mountain bike lovers, early descriptions of his entry into riding aboard the ‘Muddy Fox’ in the Wharncliffe Woods trails depict a tale relatable to all mountain bikers. Still, unlike most riders, Peat’s dedication and commitment to progression these early days riding cross country led him to be the fastest in the World at the UCI World Championships at Mt Stromlo, Canberra, in 2009. Throughout the book, this is the goal Peat is constantly chasing while battling the likes of other downhill icons such as Sam Hill, Greg Minaar, Rob Warner, Nathan Rennie, Nicolas Vouilloz and Chris Kovarik for the win. 

What stands out is how candidly he discusses the highs and lows of his career, never glorifying the sport but rather sharing a balanced view of what it takes to succeed at the top level. He doesn’t shy away from the difficulties of being an elite athlete: sponsorship, dealing with British Cycling, and even that first point of diving into the world of sport when Peat could easily have taken another, much darker path in life. His words have a beautiful vulnerability, especially when he speaks about the personal sacrifices and struggles behind the victories.

The heart of the book, though, lies in Peat’s ongoing love for the sport and his relentless pursuit of speed. He brings the reader into the world of racing like few others can, describing the technical aspects of downhill riding in a way that’s accessible yet still rich in detail. Whether you’re an avid mountain biking enthusiast or someone with only a passing interest in the sport, Forged by Speed offers valuable insights into what it takes to compete at the highest level from the 1990s to the late 2000s. His attention to detail, from the mechanics of a perfect run to the mental game, is both enlightening and inspiring, not to mention the partying and chaos that was part and parcel of downhill racing at the time.

In conclusion, Forged by Speed is a must-read for any fan of mountain biking or anyone who appreciates stories of perseverance and passion. Peat’s journey is one of resilience, and this memoir is a testament to the unrelenting pursuit of greatness in a sport where speed is everything. This book is the perfect gift for the downhiller or lifelong mountain biker in your life and was an entertaining read.

Forged by Speed can be purchased online at adventurebooks.com