This is the definitive guide to choosing, buying and owning a bicycle, also containing sections on riding in traffic, cross-country, competition, the history and politics of cycling - and beyond. The latter part of the book is devoted to maintenance and repair, written in immensely clear language which encourages even the rankest amateur to pick up a spanner!Ballantine's prose always sparkles with true enthusiasm, and he is never pedantic. The book is illustrated throughout with clear line drawings.

'The very best, the only good book in fact, ever written for the serious amateur cyclist' New York Times

'Packed with facts...marvellous' Observer