A new, updated edition of a popular book on the history, science, and
engineering of bicycles.
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.
