The Racing Bicycle

Book excerpt: The most informative book on the precision and craftsmanship of the racing bicycle—essential reading for gearheads. This beautifully illustrated volume is a celebration of the design history and craftsmanship of the racing bicycle. Easily the most well-researched book available on the subject, it covers every aspect of the art and design of the beloved cult object, whose rich history intertwines with that of design, engineering, and sports. With special feature sections dedicated to the fifty most legendary brands, this is the story of the visionaries who created two-wheeled legends. From the cradle of road biking on the plains of northern Italy to the rugged trails of Marin County, where mountain biking was born, the book explores the most hallowed names in bicycle design, from Cannondale and Campagnolo to Shimano and Specialized. It is a fascinating look at how the racing bicycle’s design and parts have evolved over time. Complete with sublime photography of the design features that make each bike unique, including gears, shifters, cranks, handlebars, and wheels, this book represents a heartfelt tribute to the precision, craftsmanship, and speed of the racing bicycle. Edited by a seasoned cycling veteran and long-time cycling journalist, this is the perfect book for cycling fanatics and design aficionados alike.