Book of Cycling

History of the Bicycle

• The first two wheelers
• Technological development
• The Beginnings of Cycle Sports
• Mobility in transition

What were the predecessors of the bicycle and when and where were they constructed? How did the development continue? When were the first bicycle competitions held? Which role does the bicycle play for the development of traffic and mobility – up until today?
In the chapter on the history of the bicycle we answer these and many more questions.

Technology

• Basics and bicycle components
• Physics of cycling
• Bicycle types
• Repair & mainetenance
• Equipment

Which are the different components of a bicycle? The Book of Cycling presents frames, tyres, valves, chains, drivetrain & transmission, gears and brakes. How do the physical principles of cycling work? Which different bicycle typers are there? How can I repair and maintain my bicycle by myself? And what kind of equipment is useful?
Everything on these topics and more can be found in the technology chapter.

Body & Training

• Musculature
• Nutrition
• Health
• Training
• Doping

Be it purely for leisure or for professional sports – cycling can be trained. Which muscles are particularly stressed when cycling? What should be considered when it comes to nutrition? What does the right training look like and how does doping affect it?
These topics and more are covered in the Body & Training chapter

Cycling Sport

• Disciplines
• Organization & competitions

All kinds of different cycling competitions are being held since the 19th century. What are the special features of the different disciplines from road and track cycling to BMX and mountain biking to some particularly curious variants? Which are the most important organizations for professional and amateur cycling and who holds the most impressive sporting records?
The cycle sport chapter provides the answers.

Road Bicycle Racing

• Rules & tactics
• One day races
• Stage races
• Legends of cycle sports

The Tour de France is the most famous cycling race of the world. Which other important one day and stage races are there? What tactics do the cycling teams use? What are the most impressive records and the most bizarre stories during the Grand Tours?
Learn more in the chapter on road bicycle racing.

Travelling

• Bicycle tourism
• Long-distance cycle routes
• Legendary climbs
• Mountainbike spots
• Travel stories

For many bicycles are also parts of their vacation and travels. What does a typical cycling holiday look like? What special long-distance cycling routes are there? Which are the most legendary climbs? Where can I find the best mountainbike spots? And what are some of the remarkable stories which people experienced while travelling on their bicycles? Find out about this and more in the chapter on travelling.

Mobility

• Bicycles as means of transport
• Mobility concepts
• Safety
• Bike theft
• Laws
• Cycling Movement

Bicycles can play a crucial part for mobility and traffic in our century. What constitutes bicycles as means of transport and which advantages do they bring about? Which role can the bicycle play in modern mobility concepts? How can you keep safe while cycling? How do I prevent my bike from being stolen? And how do cyclists organize themselves? These are among the questions being answered in the mobility chapter.

Economy

• Bicycle industry
• Manufacture and brands
• Supply chains
• Bicycle commerce

Bicycles have a growing commercial significance. What does the bicycle industry look like? Which are the most important manufacturers and brands and how did they emerge? How do supply chains for bicycle components work? What sets bicycle dealers apart from other shops? These and similar topics are covered in the chapter on ecomonmy.

Culture

• Bicycle culture
• Music
• Literature
• Movies

Bicycles are not merely means of transport but have found their way into our culture. What is typical about bicycle culture? Which role do bicycles play in movies and TV shows, music and literature? Learn more in the chapter on bicycle culture.

Future of the Bicycle

How significant can bicycles be in the future? Which technical innovations and traffic concepts can we expect and how will bicycle culture evolve? In the chapter on the Future of the Bicycle we dare to outline possible future scenarios.