Ultimate Bicycle Book

This is a fairly outdated edition of this book about cycling. I love DK books for their amazing illustrations and diagrams. A picture really is worth a thousand words. The only thing to know about this edition is that many things are outdated, but that kind of thing might be entertaining to cycling enthusiasts. You can see what was state of the art a decade or more ago. Other than that, you can still learn a lot about bikes by skimming this book.

If there is only one book about cycling you should own - then this is it! Everyone who owns a bike should get this, especially if you're just starting out. It is really what got me started off, now I own my ultimate dream machine and I still refer to it now and then. You see so many riders out there with incorrectly set up bikes. The three things I can notice from about 100 feet away are: their seat is too low; their chain is insufficiently lubricated; and the derailleurs are not adjusted properly. This book will teach you how to set up your bike correctly, and provide you with essential knowledge on cycling.This has all the info in it for beginners and intermediates alike. The main sections are: mountain bikes, racing bikes and touring bikes, future bikes and cycle maintenance. Within these pages, you'll find info about bike set-up/positioning, sizing of frames, clothing, riding techniques, racing and stretching. Plus more info on other specific bike parts, such as: frame construction, types of wheels, gears/brakes, etc. Also specific info about various types of bikes used in: observed trials, the tour de France, criterium races, time¨Ctrials, triathlons, track racing ( & classic bikes). The maintenance section is quite extensive, and will generally be adequate for most people's needs. It covers tools (and there's a lot!), wheel truing, fixing flat tires, adjustments for comfort, brakes, chains, pedals, derailleur adjustment, and cleaning/lubrication.There are plenty of good colour photos, it is well written and very informative - what more could you ask for? If you haven't actually flicked through this book and you're still having doubts about getting it, go to your local bookshop and just have a look through it, you'll see what I mean. All in all a very comprehensive guide to cycling - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for youngsters and/or beginners.

This book has the best most diverse photos of bicycles of any ever. Also some fine writing and insights. The only big photo spread I've ever seen on road-side emergency repairs. Bravo! Also plenty of coverage of bicycle alternatives, which diversity is what bikes are all about in the first place. Bravo again! This book should be kept in print, in libraries nationwide. Richard's Best Book, 2nd ed, should also have never been let go (it has the best bike ART in any book).