The Dancing Chain: History and Development of the Derailleur Bicycle (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Ron Shepherd (Author), Raymond Henry (Author) "THE BICYCLE is a two-wheeled, rider-propelled machine..." (more)
Key Phrases: derailleur makers, touring derailleur, expanding chainwheel, Tour de France, British Cyclo, Gran Sport (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

(A)ll the history, the fundamentals, and the reasons for continual changes in design... -- David Gordon Wilson, Human Power, June 2001

(A)ll the history, the fundamentals, and the reasons for continual changes in design... --David Gordon Wilson, Human Power, June 2001

(T)rust me on this one: The Dancing Chain is a must." -- Gabe Konrad, On the Wheel, October, 2001

(T)rust me on this one: The Dancing Chain is a must." -- Gabe Konrad, On the Wheel, October, 2001<br /><br />(T)rust me on this one: The Dancing Chain is a must.” --Gabe Konrad, On the Wheel, October, 2001 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description

PLEASE NOTE: This was the previous (2nd) edition published back in 2004. Effective 1 January 2009 it has been replaced by a new, thoroughly updated and expanded 3rd Edition, including much additional information and updated for new 2009 product introductions. The reference number (ISBN) for the new 2009 edition is 9781892495594. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Cycle Publishing; illustrated edition edition (January 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 189249521X
• ISBN-13: 978-1892495211
• Product Dimensions: 11.5 x 9.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,526,917 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dances With Chains, May 8, 2000

By	John A. Eldon "John E" (San Diego CA, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

For over 30 years, since my freshman year at UCLA, I have been an avid recreational and utility cyclist and "gear-headed" bicycle collector, tinkerer, and restorer. Since I always enjoyed Frank Berto's technical articles and insights on the design and operation of bicycle transmissions, I eagerly awaited publication of "The Dancing Chain." I was not disappointed! This well-illustrated and well-researched tome is the only comprehensive reference I have ever seen on the history of bicycle transmissions. It is a great read for any bicycle fan with an interest in history or technological evolution. My only nit-picking gripe is that the organization of the chapters sometimes makes it a little difficult to follow the chronology of a specific product line or manufacturer, although the material is all in there. I share Berto's appreciation of SunTour's innovative slant planograph rear derailleur design, which has since been almost universally copied by the competition.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Dancing Chain by Frank Berto, June 18, 2001

By	David M. Van Hook - See all my reviews

The Dancing Chain by Frank Berto dvanhook 06/18/01 01:48 pm EDT rating:

An invaluable reference document for vintage bicycle enthusiasts! It is well and thoroughly researched and fully illustrated with photographs and beautiful line drawings of bicycles and bicycle parts as they have developed over the past one hundred years. It also contains a many helpful and interesting graphs and charts. This beautiful book is as complete and authoritative as is possible, but is very readable even for those with no technical background. It is certain to become a collectors item and was published as a very limited edition.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book for Bike Nuts, November 2, 2000

By	R. Crew "Raymo853" (State College, PA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I am very glad I purchased this book. This book involves much more about the history of bicycles than the title may lead you to believe.