Bike Snob: Systematically & Mercilessly Realigning the World of Cycling

This is a really enjoyable little book, great to read on rainy days when you don't feel like getting out on your bike. The Bike Snob mixes a little bit of attitude -- not too much -- with a pretty practical account of cycling and cycling culture. He's not an over-the-top advocate or even a "snob" in the more-carbon-than-thou sense, but an easy-to-take writer with intelligence and a healthy sense of humor about himself.

The book combines three things -- a little bit of cycling history, a description of cycling culture, and a little bit of introduction and encouragement to people who aren't yet strongly into cycling. He talks quite a bit about the dangers of cycling -- how to ride in traffic, etc. -- and how to get over fears. He also show more talks about some of the more inane cycling fads -- like stubby-barred brakeless fixies ridden by anybody other than a bike messenger.

I confess he caught me out with his description of the different types of cyclists. I knew I was a roadie, but he tweaked me a little bit with his description of the "fetishist." Yes, I have one vintage show-bike that I like to look at more than ride. I do have others that are purely for riding, so I escaped the paragraph with my self-esteem intact.

Reading the book made me like the writer. I'll be a more regular reader of his Bike Snob blog at bikesnobnyc.com -- I just added it to my RSS reader. show less

Very light hearted but still a lot of practical good advice, enough for experienced cyclists and new cyclists both. A bit dated, I imagine... do people still ride those narrow handlebar no brake fixies? Maybe. I have never been much around such hipster environments. Anyway there is a lot of stupid humor but it never really gets in the ways and it works well to break up the monotony of facts. The book doesn't pretend to be more than it is. Very nicely done.

Great book, short, skewers all kinds of cyclists, but overall far from being a snob he's a cycling enthusiast and supporter, asking only that people get out on their bikes! You might feel uncomfortable if your identity is totally wrapped up in an expensive and/or ridiculously large motor vehicle...

If you always thought of those colorfully clad, spandex-covered cyclists on rides sometimes more expensive that your car to be, shall we say, "elitist." then you might seek confirmation within these pages. Now, I consider myself a cyclist: I can ride 100 mile rides, I sometimes commute to work, and about my favorite thing to do on a nice summer day is to ride the 20-mile long lakefront trail in Chicago. I don't really consider myself to be a snob -- my investment is not nearly at that level. But what seems to be bizarre fashion to the uninformed truly does have purpose only realized after spending serious hours riding.

Koelle's book has purpose too that might not be apparent at first glance. Written in style of wry humor, he mixes show more personal anecdotes along with some well-researched history of cycling. We learn that bicycling was a highly fashionable activity early in the 20th century, especially after they worked out gearing enough to do away with the Penny Farthings (those old-timey bikes with the gigantic front wheels).

Included is a travel log following one of the earliest popular bike routes on Long Island, following as best he could descriptions of the route from old magazines. The area has evolved quite a bit...towns have changed name, and streets have changed some (but some are still intact). 95% of my riding is on known paths and roads, and this book reminded me of the joy of discovery when exploring new places or routes. To do so with in pursuit of a goal, to follow a historical path, adds to the romance.

The characterizations of different species of cyclists were funny because they are true. I'm mostly a roadie, but I've consorted with mountain bikers. Each have their own style, manners, and community. I recognize many of the traits identified, and possess quite a few myself. I was rather surprised to learn that I commit a major fashion sin though by wearing a visored helmet on a road bike. I don't really care...but after reading this book I started paying attention a little more, and yes, I guess it's true and others of my ilk undoubtedly consider me some sort of doofus. But screw them, I like my choice of helmet and one its kind did save my life once.

This is a good gift book for any cyclist in your life, or anyone who presumes to become one. And if you're often scratching your head trying to understand a cyclist in your life, maybe for you too. show less

Great book that gives a snarky introduction to cycling and the community of people involved in it. There's not much in the book that is especially practically useful, but it's a humorous look at cycling and cyclists that is filled with sarcasm and wit. A wonderful read for anyone who rides a bike. The illustrations are also gorgeous.

So help me, I LOLed. Quirky look at cycling cultures, history and gear -- definitely an NYC focus, but funny for anyone who rides and follows cycling trends.

Fun, kind of a pointless diversion, really just a pep talk for beginning cyclists. I did get the stickers out of the back because I was the first person to check this book out at my library. I want to point out though for those that don't know Mr. Snob spends a lot of time sticking it to bike snobs and lampooning the "cycling community" (whatever that is)as a whole. So his handle has a lot irony value. Just wanted to put that out there for people that are put off by his name.And sorry dude, you are wrong about fenders. If it rains take the bus.