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Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on September 23, 2010 at 2:29pm

Pedal Power: The Quiet Rise of the Bicycle in American Public Life by Harry Wray. I met the author a few years ago when he was a speaker at a Chicago Cycling Club meeting. I think that many of you would appreciate his perspective on cycling in contemporary America.

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Permalink Reply by Leah Jone on September 30, 2010 at 7:09am

Thanks for your recommendation! My copy of the Art of Urban Cycling arrived yesterday and I can hardly put it down.



Duppie said:

My favorite coffee table book would be "The Golden Age of Handbuilt Bicycles: Craftsmanship, Elegance, and ..." by Jan Heine and Jean-Pierre Praderes. Beautifully photographed, it showcases classic French handbuilt bikes by the likes of Rene Herse, Alex Singer and their contemporaries

My favorite commuting skills book is "The Art of Urban Cycling: Lessons from the Street" by Robert Hurst. Lots of discussion on how to navigate today's urban traffic safely and effectively. I think this book should be required reading for every beginning bike commuter.

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Permalink Reply by Greg Borzo on November 16, 2010 at 5:29am

There are so many great bike books, many of which are already listed (Wray's "Pedal Power," Herlihy's "Bicycle," Moore's "French Revolutions," etc.) that I will just mention one not yet listed.

"Pedaling Revolution" by Jeff Mapes explores the growing urban bike scene with perspective and balance, humor and insight. It lays out the history of the recent bike movement and makes a solid case -- without proselytizing -- for expanding the role and rights of cyclists. He covers politics, follows the money and tracks the buzz behind the growing urban biking culture.

OK. I can't resist. Here's two more.

1. "No Hands" by Crown and Coleman really lays out the story of Schwinn very well. It's the definitive history...and quite a riveting story it is, intertwined, as it is, with almost the entire story of bicycling in the United States from the 1890s up to today.

2. Likewise, "Major Taylor" by Ritchie is the definitive book on that great cyclist. Recently revised, this book is complete and authoritative yet easy to read.

P.S. Thanks to Julie for launching this discussion. The more you know, the better you bike.

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