Cycle Publishing
Van der Plas Publications

 

1282 7th Avenue
San Francisco
CA 94122, USA


Tel.: (415) 665-8214

 

Bicycle Technology

Understanding the Modern Bicycle and its Components
New, second edition, completely rewritten, expanded and updated. With 800 illustrations.
Rob van der Plas & Stuart Baird
Format: 8˝ x 11 inch jacketed hardcover
Description: 320 pages with 800 black & white illustrations
ISBN: 9781892495-66-2
Price: US$39.95

Click here to order from Amazon.com

A thorough and up-to-date treatment of the technical aspects of the modern bicycle, illustrated with 800 photographs and other illustrations.

This new, 2nd edition was completely rewritten, with up-to-date material and numerous clear illustrations, covering both the modern bike itself and its components in a historical context.
 

 


About the book

This completely rewritten, updated, and expanded second edition of Bicycle Technology explains every technical aspect of the modern bicycle in all its varieties—from road bike to downhill bike, and from folding bike to E-bike and recumbent. Also highlighted is the technical development, with many "then-versus-now" exposes. A must-read for anyone serious about the technical aspects of the bicycle and its components, as well as for those who are interested in the history (and the future) of the bicycle.


Table of Contents

Introduction

1. History and Development of the Bicycle

2. Anatomy of the Bicycle

3. The Bicycle in Motion

4. The Cyclist in Motion

5. Materials for Bicycle Construction

6. The Basics of Bicycle Design

7. Common Bicycle Details

8. The Frame

9. The Wheels

10. The Steering System

11. The Drivetrain

12. Derailleur Gearing

13. Hub Gearing

14. Rim Brakes

15. Disk Brakes

16. Other Brakes

17. Seat and Seatpost

18. Suspension Systems

19. Lighting Systems

20. Load-Carrying Equipment

21. Other Accessories

22. Bikes for the Short and the Tall

23. The Tandem Bicycle

24. Folding an Parting Bikes

25. Recumbent Bicycles

26. Not Just Two Wheels

27. Power-Assisted Bicycles

28. The Future of the Bicycle?

Appendix

Bibliography

Index


What the Critics Say

1.

Lifelong bicycle aficionados Rob van der Plas and Stuart Baird have indulged their passion for cycling and created a beautifully illustrated compendium dedicated to the technology and engineering that goes into the modern bicycle and its key components.

Their new book, titled Bicycle Technology, covers every detail and aspect of the modern bicycle, from the frame materials to the drivetrain, gears, to the wheels, suspension lights, bells and whistles, and more. They have shared their technical know-how and love of the history and the developments of the bicycle from its inauspicious beginnings to the use of space-age materials, and the incorporation of electronic innovations of today.

                  High On Adventure, September 2010

2.

The bicycle continues to be one of the most useful, efficient, and 'planet friendly' means of transportation available. The collaborative work of bicycle experts and enthusiasts Rob van der Plas and Stuart Baird, "Bicycle Technology: Understanding the Modern Bicycle and its Components" is a superbly and profusely illustrated, 320-page compendium detailing all of the parts that comprise the modern bicycle and covers the complete range of bicycle types including road bikes and mountain bikes.

Beginning with informative chapters on the history and anatomy of the bicycle, "Bicycle Technology" goes on to cover the materials used in the creation of bicycles, the basics of bicycle design, and then devotes specific chapters to all of the bicycle parts and systems from the frame and the wheels, to the steering and gearing, to brakes, seats, suspension, and so much more. Of special note are the chapters dedicated to power assisted bicycles and the future of bicycles.

Enhanced with an appendix, a bibliography, and an index, Bicycle Technology is an especially recommended instructional resource and reference for personal, academic, and community library collections.

                  Midwest Book Review, October 2010

3.

This amazingly comprehensive 320-page book by lifelong bicycle aficionados Rob van der Plas and Stuart Baird is the ultimate book on the bicycle. From the average rider to the "gearhead," there is something for everyone. With hundreds of illustrations, a short yet thorough history, current model developments and speculations on future designs, this book will provide wonderful hours of reading for all bike lovers everywhere. The illustrations are amazing. This is a wonderful gift even if you aren't a bike lover. You surely will be when you've finished reading the book.

                Escapees, November-December 2010

 



 
 
 
 
From the contents

 


 
 
About the authors

Rob van der Plas is a mechanical engineer with a lifelong passion for the bicycle and its technology. His previous books include The Penguin Bicycle Handbook, The Mountain Bike Book, and Bicycle Repair. He lives in San Francisco.

Stuart Baird is a retired avionics engineer with a passion for the bicycle and the ways its performance can be optimized. He lives in Devault, Pennsylvania.