The Custom Road Bike

Description

This lavishly illustrated book reveals the state of the art of the custom racing bicycle. Each chapter covers a particular part of the bike, starting with the largest subject area - frames (steel, aluminium, titanium and carbon fibre), then moving on to forks, headsets, wheels, tyres, hubs, gear components, chains, brakes, saddles, handlebars, pedals, water bottle cages and accessories. As well as an overview of the components available, with beautiful studio images of the latest kit, the chapters include interviews and opinions from the top designers and manufacturers. There is advice on sizing and geometry and having your own frame custom measured and made; how saving weight and focusing on quality make the bike better; and which bike is suited to particular riders and different disciplines (Cyclo-Cross, Time Trial, Track, etc.). In addition, professional mechanics show the details, special tools and secrets behind making racing bikes run like clockwork. Chapter by chapter, the book builds up the complete guide to specifying and buying your dream bike.

Author description

Guy Andrews is Editor of Rouleur magazine. He has been an editor and writer on cycling for the last fifteen years.

Table of contents

CHAPTER ONE - BIKES Introduction The Road Bike / The Time Trial Bike / The Track Bike / The Cyclo-Cross Bike CHAPTER TWO - FRAME DETAILS Frame Materials, Geometry and Design / Dropouts, Frame Components and Lugs Feature: Richard Sachs Cycles CHAPTER THREE - STEERING Forks / Headsets and Aheadsets Feature: Chris King Components CHAPTER FOUR - WHEELS Introduction / Track Hubs / Road Hubs / Tyres and Tubulars / Rims and Spokes / Wheelsets / Quick Release Skewers Feature: Bob Parlee CHAPTER FIVE - SADDLES Feature: Brooks Saddles Seatposts Feature: Ben Serotta CHAPTER SIX - CONTROLS AND CONTACT POINTS Handlebars, Handlebar Stems and Handlebar Tape / Brake Levers and Gear Shifters / Road Brakes / Cantilever Brakes / Cable Systems Feature: Independent Fabrication CHAPTER SEVEN - THE GEARS Bottom Brackets and Bearings / Cranks / Derailleurs: Front and Rear Gear Mechanisms Feature: Ernesto Colnago CHAPTER EIGHT - THE DRIVE Pedals / Cassettes / Chains Feature: Dario Pegoretti CHAPTER NINE - FINISHING KITS AND BUILDING Extras