The American Bicycle (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "IN AN AGE OF MUCK-raking journalists and sensational headlines, an editor named Sterling Elliott stood out..." (more)
Key Phrases: bicycle bust, bicycle renaissance, bicycle trust, New York, Major Taylor, United States (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The first ever color history of the American bicycle industry, from the high-wheelers a century ago to the high-tech lightweight wonders of today, The American Bicycle examines the bicycle's shift from transportation to recreation, its uniquely "American" design, plus collecting and nostalgia. 250 illustrations, 200 in color.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Motorbooks Intl (October 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0760300372
• ISBN-13: 978-0760300374
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 10 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #548,101 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great photos, January 29, 1999

By A Customer

Though not a comprehensive study it is more a tour of the unique. It shows the more unusual bicycles, which is exactly what I fancy. What this book does show that I have never seen before is wooden bicycles! I love this. There are other books that will cover Scwhinn, etc. What I would have liked to have seen is the all plastic ten speed and other unusual entries from the 70's and 80's. As a former collector, restorer, and bike lover I am buying th book and making a wooden bike.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One Colorful Book, August 16, 2001

By	Chad Spivak (North Miami Beach, Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The American Bicycle (Paperback)

This is an amazing book. The history of the American bicycle has never been more beautifully depicted than on the pages of this book.

THE AMERICAN BICYCLE is chock full of super photographs and illustrations of bicycles through the years. From the very first large-wheeled bicycles to the lightweight speedsters of today, this book covers it all. The book is divided into several detailed sections that fully describe a period of time in bicycle manufacturing. The book covers all of the main producers, especially Schwinn.

THE AMERICAN BICYCLE takes an in-depth look at some of the more unique bicycles, and ventures into the realm of collecting and restoration. This book truly was interesting reading. The colorful photographs and diagrams and the carefully crafted writing make for a wonderful "coffee table book," that is sure to be conversational piece in any household.