The Custom Road Bike

Book excerpt: This lavishly illustrated book reveals the state of the art of the custom racing bicycle. Chapter by chapter, the book builds up the complete guide to specifying and buying your dream bike. Each chapter covers a particular part of the bike, from frames to forks, headsets, wheels, tyres, hubs, gear components, chains, brakes, saddles, handlebars, pedals and accessories. There are also interviews with and opinions from the top designers and manufacturers. There is advice on getting your own frame custom measured and made and which bike is suited to particular riders and different disciplines. In addition, professional mechanics show the details, special tools and secrets behind making racing bikes run like clockwork. The Custom Road Bike is the deluxe guide to creating the ideal road bike, whether it's for weekend racing or a stage of the Tour de France.