The All-Road Bike Revolution

by Jan Heine

Modern all-road bikes combine attributes that were considered mutually exclusive just afew years ago: comfort and performance. Speed on smooth pavement and on roughgravel roads. A lively feel and the ability to carry a camping load. Handling that is bothstable when the rider is tired and responsive on twisty mountain descents. All-road bikes combine the best aspects of racing, touring and even mountain bikes in just one bicycle.In this book, you'll find out how all-road bikes work and what is important when choosing one. A must-read for cyclists interested in the technology of their bikes, and for every cyclist contemplating his or her next bike purchase.

Genres: Nonfiction, Cycling, Sports, Bicycles

256 pages, Hardcover

Published November 15, 2020

Reviews

[Pavel · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s great that this book exists—not for amateurs, but as a nice, snobby deep dive into the bike world.

[Mark McGraw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard a fascinating interview with Jan Heine on a podcast and shortly after, saw this book advertised. This was an outstanding, accessible, interesting book. Just the description of hysteretic and suspension losses as they contribute to rolling resistance is well worth the price of the book. I think I understand bike tire composition and geometry better now, as well. This is a reference you'll want to have around as you think about building a bike, buying a bike, or even making component changes on the bike.

[Brian Gowthorpe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, he does get a little carried away, but he is an enthusiast with a particular axe to grind. Whilst some of the physics was beyond my slender capability, I learned a lot and this thorough book helped to clarify my thoughts.

And what a remarkable machine the bicycle is. And how easy it is for bikes to be uncomfortable or lacklustre. Before reading this book I had been having trouble deciding whether gears or pneumatic tyres were the main miracle. I’m now clear that the tyres have it.

[Desmond Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very detailed and up-to-date information for those who are invested in understanding and enjoying their cycling experience in depth. I think it will appeal to all types of riders, but perhaps more to the gravel/all-road set than to racers.

[Aaron Blew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great details about all aspects of cycling and what can make one bike great while another is just meh. I look forward to using this book as a reference for my future bike plans.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I don't agree with everything in this book, I learned quite a bit and found it very interesting.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is always more to learn about bicycles. For anyone, beginner or leathery old hand. All-Road Bike Revolution helped me see an older bike I haven't ridden much the last several years in a whole new light. The comic-esque illustrations keep the mood light and help to demonstrate theories, especially the many counter-intuitive ones that pop up in the course of explaining the mechanics and science of bike riding.

The book could really benefit from the inclusion of a glossary, though. Many specialized terms are bandied about that aren't always immediately defined so much as gradually insinuated, possibly, eventually, fully revealed.

[Conan Xin]

本书重新审视了自行车超过150年历史，向我们证明了一点：从来就没有什么完美的设计。

这本书基本上是在问：有没有可能制造出一辆适合所有需求的自行车？通过真正思考什么是结合乐趣与冒险的体验，它挑战了那些认为轮胎越薄越快、车架越硬越好或者需要牺牲舒适度来换取性能的传统观念。

尽管这是一本十分技术宅的书，但我相信这是一个很好的例子，通过重新理解一个像自行车这样普遍产品背后的信息、原理和数据，来颠覆曾被接受的关于自行车的 “真理”。我把这本书推荐给所有那些在用新型的数据和实验来重新定义优秀体验和设计的人们。

不管你只是单纯想买辆新自行车，还是在寻求观察世界的全新方式，读这本书就对了。

[Asa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

[Jonny Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading this book. It gave me a much better overall sense of cycling independently, and helped me think through all of the aspects of cycling in the context of my own adventure goals.

[Leo · Rating 5 out of 5]

so much good info.

[Shreyas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enough science and anecdotal evidence combined in order to be compelling

[John Wetzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely opinionated book but an enjoyable take on gravel bikes in particular.