The Bike Owner's Handbook

Two wheels, two pedals, a seat and a set of handlebars: the bicycle is a beautifully simple means of transport, and its recently renewed popularity continues to soar in urban areas worldwide, with millions of people rediscovering its efficiency and portability. Culture makers such as Talking Heads frontman and artist David Byrne and the satirical blogger Bike Snob have popularized cycling as a lifestyle, and as major cities like Los Angeles and New York embark on major bike-lane construction projects, retailers are also stepping forward with a wide variety of clothing and accessories to accommodate the cyclist's every conceivable need. "The Bike Owner's Handbook" is an attractively designed guide for the millions of bicycle commuters who want to know the basics of repairing and maintaining their bikes without having to immerse themselves in a vast and complicated technical manual, and is small enough to be carried and consulted on the go. The topics covered include bicycle anatomy, changing a tire, adjusting brakes and gears and cleaning the bike. Step-by-step explanations for each task are illustrated with simple, clear drawings and black-and-white photographs taken by Peter Drinkell, the photographer behind cycling clothier Rapha's sumptuous cycle guides to Europe. At the conclusion of each chapter is a QR code that, when scanned with a smartphone, will link the reader to a short film demonstrating the tasks described. An appendix provides cycling inspiration and tips from some of the big names in the field. Small, sturdy and tactile, "The Bike Owner's Handbook" will find a home in the back pockets of countless cycling enthusiasts and casual users.