The Bicycle Book (edition 2012)

This is a wonderful anthology of writing about cycling and bikes. Of course there is lots missing, there always will be from a book this length, but if you want to know about the woman who cycled across the channel or what it feels like to make your own bike frame, or read a wonderful interview with Graeme Obree then you will really enjoy this book. Put it on your Christmas list! ( )

Doesn't quite hold out the initial promise, but remains interesting and informative throughout.

The introduction is superb. A real hook-setting pleasure to read for any cyclist. The author, in captivating prose, describes the reality of moder cycling. It is fun! There are various other benefits and downsides but the overriding pleasure in cycling comes through very clearly. Bella is one of us, a "normal" cyclist, not a racer, not a hobbyist, just someone who likes to cycle. Unfortunately this is all spoiled by the next (first) chapter, which describes, in some detail, what's involved in hand building your own frame. This is not a "normal" cyclists activity, and I suspect the book was written, partly at least, to finance this. It is shame that the 'perfect' machine, doesn't then feature in any of the succeeding chapters.

The remaining chapters cover racing in quite some detail (despite the author's statement in the Introduction that she wasn't going to). Some of the history of the development of the bicycle and how various cultures responded to it; an off-road section; and some interviews with both cabbies and messengers.

Of all these, only the history section has any relevance to normal cyclists. The others are interesting perhaps, if you've followed any of the Grand Tours, or been involved in messenger culture. But I suspect they have little relevance to most cyclists. Bella does manage to maintain the light and humorous style that was so effective in the introduction. She is frequently sarcastically dismissive of 'wanna-bies' and "Serious Men" who spend the money, but don't take cycling seriously enough for her.

Overall it is a worthy read for anyone who considers themselves a cyclist, but contains little that is especially noteworthy. I doubt that there is much appeal for anyone who doesn't ride, and hasn't experienced the joy of the open road. ( )