The Splendid Book of the Bicycle: From boneshakers to Bradley Wiggins (Hardback)

If you love bikes in all their forms — the history, the tech, the culture, the sheer joy of riding — this is the kind of book you’ll disappear into for hours. The Splendid Book of the Bicycle is a big, beautifully illustrated celebration of cycling, packed with stories, facts and gorgeous images from every corner of the sport.

It takes you right back to the bicycle’s invention and traces how it evolved into the machine we know today. You’ll meet the fearless early riders who pedalled across continents, dive into the golden age of cycle touring, and see how bikes have shaped films, books and art. There’s plenty for racing fans too, with lively histories of the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, the Vuelta a España, plus deep dives into track racing, BMX and mountain biking.

The book also explores the science behind cycling — balance, aerodynamics, speed — and looks ahead to the future with flying bikes, floating bikes and cutting‑edge e‑bikes. And for the practically minded, there’s an exploded diagram of a typical bike and simple maintenance tips to keep your own wheels spinning smoothly.

With its mix of vintage and modern photography, fun facts and wide‑ranging stories, this is a brilliant gift for bike lovers and curious readers alike.