This book celebrating cycling covers the bicycle’s invention and subsequent historical development, stories of intrepid early cyclists who traveled the world, the 20th-century popularity of cycle touring, and the depiction of bicycles in films, books and art. It examines the sport of cycling, including histories of the Tour de France and the other great European races, the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España, and goes on to explore velodrome-based cycling and the rise of BMX and mountain biking. It investigates the science behind balance and aerodynamics, and covers the future of bicycles, including innovative flying, floating and electric bikes. It also touches on the technical aspects of bicycles, including an exploded diagram of a typical bike and tips for basic maintenance of your own bike. Beautifully illustrated with vintage and modern images, this book is a perfect gift for both bike obsessives and general readers.
