The Ultimate Bicycle Book (The Ultimate)
Richard Ballantine, Richard Grant
The Ultimate Bicycle Book (The Ultimate) Richard Ballantine, Richard Grant Product Details:
Synopsis
Offers detailed specifications on a variety of bicycle types, and includes information on bicycle maintenance, cycling accessories, training, and sport cycling.
A great introduction for the cycling novice.
Richards Ultimate Bicycle Book is a fantastic introduction to the world of cycling, though would be a bit basic for the more experienced rider.
Plenty of pictures, it's a good starting point for those new to cycling...
Brilliant graphics but few laughs compared to the original
Having received the Dorling Kindersley treatment, Richard Ballantine has had a new revised edition of his Ultimate Bicycle Book published in a handy large paperback version. Owners of his original 1972 Richard's Bicycle Book who have not seen the new book will be in for a surprise, as it is full of colourful graphics and snazzy photos. This image-focussed presentation is perhaps the most dramatic and obvious change from the earlier work. This approach works especially well in the maintenance and repair chapter of the book where the exceptionally clear photos of the procedures involved are undoubtedly worth a thousand words of text. The clever "Thirty Minute Service" section is likely to be an encouragement to many cyclists to tackle those overdue bike maintenance jobs.
The rest of the book divides into chapters devoted to mountain bikes, racing bikes, touring bikes, everyday bikes and bikes of the future. Each of these is crammed with interesting facts and trivia, as well as more of those attractive DK photos. Richard's personality, however, seems to have been drained from the concise, authoritative text of the book. Gone is much of the humour that tended to bring smiles to the faces of readers of his original book. Also, the writing doesn't seem to reflect the depth of experience and the cycling wisdom that made his earlier work feel like the voice of an old, trusted friend.
Despite this, few cyclists will regret the purchase of this book, especially as the price makes it quite good value considering its overall quality and presentation.