In this highly readable book, Nicholas Clayton charts the complete history of the bicycle, a machine that is still regarded as the most efficient means of translating human energy into motion. <br/><br/>Covering about 200 years of its development, the author examines the technological developments that have led to the modern bicycle, including the hobby-horse, velocipede, boneshaker, tricycle, the pneumatic tire, shaft drive, hub-gear, derailleur and many others. He also looks at differences in design, whether for ladies' bikes or for sport and off-road.The book is filled with interesting information and anecdotes and the author tackles such questions as why the penny farthing had such a large front wheel or the meaning of trail-and-fork-offset.<br/><br/>As the bicycle continues to grow in popularity, both as an environmentally friendly travel solution and for sports as varied as triathlon and cyclo-sportive, this book provides you with all the answers you need about one of the most ingenious human inventions.