Richard's 21st Century Bicycle Book

Richard's 21st Century Bicycle Book
by Richard Ballentine

Richard's 21st Century Bicycle Book
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Book Summary Information

Author: Richard Ballentine
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2001-03-01
ISBN: 1585671126
Number of pages: 376
Publisher: Overlook TP

Book Reviews of Richard's 21st Century Bicycle Book

Book Review: Bicycles 101 - or everything you wanted to know & then some!
Summary: 5 Stars

In the late 70's, I was lucky enough to purchase a copy of Richard's Bicycle Book, 1978 edition, which told me everything I needed to know to setup and maintain my 10 (well, actually 12) speed bike. [I still own this edition - probably a collectors piece now, except it is well thumbed...]

However, as a recent convert to a Mountain Bike, I was looking for something similar, but somewhat more up to date. I ended up with a couple of books by Leonard Zinn, and something called Mountain Biking Skills - all of which are excellent books as far as I can tell. But they all assume you know the basics. For example, they all refer to "spinning", but assume you know what that means.

Richard's new book provides that information. It has the basics, and goes much further than that in that it explains why and how as well as what. And it is not just about mountain bikes. It gives equal time to all bicycles - road, commuter, track, mountain, recumbent & HPV.

But do not get me wrong, it is not just a book for beginners. For example, it is the only book I have found so far that not only talks about how to shift, but also how to select ratios, determine what you have and determine what you need, and then build and maintain it.

The guy is obviously a cycling fanatic, but he presents his ideas pragmatically and intelligently. I wish I had found this book two years ago (obviously not possible without a time machine), but am glad I have found it now. Can anyone tell me how to give it 6 stars out of 5?

Summary of Richard's 21st Century Bicycle Book

The New York Times called Richard's Bicycle Book the very best, the only good book ever written for the amateur cyclist when it was first published almost thirty years ago. Quickly recognized as the essential manual for cyclists at all levels, it has gone on to become a million-copy bestseller. But the times-and the bikes-have changed. Now Richard-older, wiser, and in many ways younger, too-is ready to lead a new generation into a new millennium in this completely new edition of his cyclist's bible.

Richard's 21st-Century Bicycle Book covers all kinds of bicycles-from mountain bikes to kids' tricycles, and including cargo cycles, exotic superbikes and futuristic 70-mph vehicles. Richard provides expert advice on buying the right bicycle and setting it up for maximum comfort and efficiency as well as thorough evaluations of such accessories as anti-puncture tires, child seats, helmets, lights and more. His basic lessons will have even the most wary riding within 15 minutes, and his tips on negotiating traffic will guarantee safe travel for pleasure and fitness riders alike. For the more adventurous cyclists, Richard especially explores the pleasures of mountain biking (with a special focus on recent advances in bike technology), transcontinental touring, off-road expeditions, and competition biking. Bikes and cycling are economical, ecological and, most importantly, great fun, and this is the guide to lead everyone-Sunday cyclists and Olympic hopefuls alike-pedaling into the 21st-century.

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