Bicycle Technology: Understanding the Modern Bicycle and its Components

by Robert Van der Plas, Stuart Baird

This book helps the interested cyclist select the best components and gives technical insights into the way they work. Essential background information for anyone interested in the technical aspects of the modern bike and its development throughout history. Illustrated with over 900 line drawings and photographs with clear explanatory captions.

Genres: Nonfiction

320 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1990

About the author

Robert (or Rob) Van der Plas is the author of numerous books on cycling, including The Penguin Bicycle Handbook, The Mountain Bike Book, Bicycle Technology, and Bicycle Repair. He lives in San Francisco. He has been called as an expert witness in numerous cases involving bicycle-safety and patent disputes.

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I skimmed over this book. I could tell that the author certainly knew his stuff, but I wasn't that interested in the nitty-gritty details of bicycle parts or the physics involved. Great book if you want to know everything there is to know about bicycles, a bit too much to wade through for a beginning rider who just wants some tips on what to look for in a basic bike, how to tell if it's adjusted properly, etc. The writing was so-so--I found some typos. My favorite part was the historical information.

[T100martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a cyclist, but not someone who's prepared to spend hundreds of pounds to own the latest thing in cycling technology.
So this book suits my needs perfectly. If your bike has an 8, 9 or 10 speed cassette, it's not for you.
But if your happy riding older bikes and benefiting from the vast stocks of good quality and cheap spares that are available, then this book is the complete guide to understanding and maintaining classic bikes.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

In depth knowledge of bikes and tech, with enough history to understand where we came from and where we are heading. Enjoyed the breadth of coverage and as a technical tour de force, it is a success, just not an inspirational book.

[Dann Zinke · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very helpful technical guide to the early 90s cycling scene. A few practical tips here and there that still apply today, as well as an excellent primer on frame design and steering geometries. Obviously short on info for disc brakes, suspension-anything, and lighting systems.