Product Description

The bicycle is almost unique among human-powered machines in that it uses human muscles in a near-optimum way. This new edition of the bible of bicycle builders and bicyclists provides just about everything you could want to know about the history of bicycles, how human beings propel them, what makes them go faster and what keeps them from going even faster. The scientific and engineering information is of interest not only to designers and builders of bicycles and other human-powered vehicles but also to competitive cyclists, bicycle commuters and recreational cyclists. The third edition begins with a brief history of bicycles and bicycling that demolishes many widespread myths. This edition includes information on recent experiments and achievements in human-powered transportation, including the "ultimate human-powered vehicle," in which a supine rider in a streamlined enclosure steers by looking at a television screen connected to a small camera in the nose, reaching speeds of around 80 miles per hour. It contains completely new chapters on aerodynamics, unusual human-powered machines for use on land and in water and air, human physiology and the future of bicycling. This edition also provides updated information on rolling drag, transmission of power from rider to wheels, braking, heat management, steering and stability, power and speed and materials. It contains many new illustrations.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #29899 in Books
• Published on: 2004-04-23
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 485 pages

Customer Reviews

Fascinating scientific
I am neither a scientist nor an engineer, but I was listening in Physics at school (to 18+) and I am a cyclist - and I read this virtually cover to cover with fascination. If people were pushing bikes at 63mph when this was published - just how fast are they going now?

It is an excellent example of the kind of text that might get a child cyclist interested in science.

Invaluable Resource
This book provides invaluable insights into the science and technolgy of cycling. It provides interesting information on the power required to propel different types of bikes and on the power outputs achievable by various categories of rides. It also describes the various technologies used in standard cycles as well as more esoteric variants (e.g. cycle powered boats and planes). If you are interested in the science of cycling thus is an essential purchase.

Good book but a bit esoteric
This book is a must read for anyone that fancies themself a scientist and is interested in the subject of bicycling.

However, it is a bit dry and boring for others. As an engineer I found it interesting and informative.