"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
"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
"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
