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Biography of the Bike

Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Biography of the Bike by Chris Boardman is a delightful exploration of the bicycle's evolution and its impact on society. The book takes readers on a historical and cultural journey, showcasing the technological advancements and the roles bikes have played around the world. It's both an enthusiastic tribute and a detailed chronicle, perfect for those interested in travel and adventure on two wheels.
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Format: Hardback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by the evolution and cultural impact of bicycles. Written by a cycling legend, it combines historical insights with personal reflections, making it a perfect read for those who appreciate travel, adventure, and the transformative power of the bike on society.

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Biography of the Bike, Olympic cyclist and world record holder Chris Boardman narrates the life of the bicycle, from the pedals to electronic gearing.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

From the velocipede era to today's high-tech bikes, dive into the history of the bicycle.

Former Olympic cycling gold medalist and world record holder Chris Boardman is among the most influential bicycle designers in the world. In Biography of the Bike, he examines the evolution of the modern bicycle from the invention of pedals to recent innovations in electronic gearing. The complete stories of each development, such as the modern derailleur, that have helped to move bike design forward, and how those inventions became established in the general marketplace, are laid out in all their fascinating detail.

Complete with profiles of the riders and designers who have been at the forefront of bicycle design over the decades, the book also examines cultural trends, such as bicycle commuting and mountain biking, that have spurred advances in design.

Early efforts at aerodynamic design, the standardisation of the "double-diamond" frame, and the introduction of disc wheels, allow you to see the entire history of your favourite two-wheeled transport. Heavily illustrated with photos of bikes, equipment close-ups, and historical action shots of famous cyclists such as Greg Lemond, Jan Ullrich, and Fausto Coppi make this a book that no biking enthusiast, gearhead, or racing fan will want to miss!

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780760349892

Publisher: Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 22 June 2015

Country: United States

Imprint: Voyageur Press

Contributors:

  • By Chris Sidwells
  • Foreword by Eddy Merckx

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Weight: 250g

Pages: 288

About the Author

Chris Boardman is a leading bicycle designer and the Chairman and Design Director of Boardman Bikes, a subsidiary of Halfords. An Olympic gold medalist, he set three world cycling records and multiple British records and has worn the yellow three times in the Tour de France. A tireless bicycling advocate, he has been awarded an MBE for services to the sport. His nickname, "The Professor," comes from his technical know-how and meticulous attention to detail. Chris has been associated with cutting-edge design since riding his famously radical Lotus bicycle to a gold medal in the 1992 Olympics.

Chris Sidwells is a cycling journalist and the author of more than 20 books on the subject, including My Complete Bike Book (DK, 2003), which was translated into 24 languages, and the Bike Repair Manual (DK, 2004), now in its fifth edition. He is a regular columnist for Cycle Sport and Cycling Weekly, and also contributes to Bicycling, Men's Fitness, GQ, and other magazines.

Eddy Merckx, the Belgian former world champion, has been described by Velo as "the most accomplished rider that cycling has ever known," and by VeloNews as "the greatest cyclist of all time." Winner of three World Championships and five victories each in the Tour de France and the Giro d'Italia, Merckx today is the owner of Merckx Cycles, which specializes in the design and manufacture of top-end competition bikes.

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