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Bicycling Science (The MIT Press) Paperback – Illustrated, 23 April 2004

by David Gordon Wilson (Author)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 123 ratings
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A new, updated edition of a popular book on the history, science, and engineering of bicycles.

The bicycle is almost unique among human-powered machines in that it uses human muscles in a near-optimum way. This new edition of the bible of bicycle builders and bicyclists provides just about everything you could want to know about the history of bicycles, how human beings propel them, what makes them go faster, and what keeps them from going even faster. The scientific and engineering information is of interest not only to designers and builders of bicycles and other human-powered vehicles but also to competitive cyclists, bicycle commuters, and recreational cyclists.

The third edition begins with a brief history of bicycles and bicycling that demolishes many widespread myths. This edition includes information on recent experiments and achievements in human-powered transportation, including the "ultimate human- powered vehicle," in which a supine rider in a streamlined enclosure steers by looking at a television screen connected to a small camera in the nose, reaching speeds of around 80 miles per hour. It contains completely new chapters on aerodynamics, unusual human-powered machines for use on land and in water and air, human physiology, and the future of bicycling. This edition also provides updated information on rolling drag, transmission of power from rider to wheels, braking, heat management, steering and stability, power and speed, and materials. It contains many new illustrations.

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  1. ISBN-10
    0262731541
  2. ISBN-13
    978-0262731546
  3. Edition
    third edition
  4. Publisher
    MIT Press
  5. Publication date
    23 April 2004
  6. Language
    English
  7. Dimensions
    22.4 x 15.44 x 2.92 cm
  8. Print length
    485 pages
  9. See all details
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Product description

Review

Bicycling Science...dispels the mythology that so commonly surrounds bicycle technology, while encouraging the passion riders feel for the sport...--D.R.S. , American Scientist--

...full of interesting material to ponder while pedaling down the road.

--Jearl Walker, American Journal of Physics--

This expanded and updated edition of a classic work offers a comprehensive introduction to bicycle technology...The information Wilson provides may be most appreciated by bicycle designers and builders, but is likely to interest anyone who competes, commutes, of just likes to have fun on two wheels.

---- Science

About the Author

David Gordon Wilson was Professor of Mechanical Engineering Emeritus at MIT. An acknowledged authority on human-powered transit and bicycle design― and the self-described “ father of modern recumbents” ― he was also a prolific inventor and an early advocate for a “ carbon fee” to encourage the use of renewable energy.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ MIT Press; third edition (23 April 2004)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 485 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0262731541
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0262731546
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 18 years and up
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 22.4 x 15.44 x 2.92 cm
  • Customer reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 123 ratings

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  1. David Gordon Wilson

    David Gordon Wilson

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  3. Jim Papadopoulos

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4.4 out of 5 stars
123 global ratings

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Customers find the book's content well-researched and fascinating. It provides a good foundation for study and is highly relevant. Readers describe it as an amazing, worthwhile read for those interested in more clever stuff.

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ContentReadability
7 customers mention ‘Content’7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book provides a well-researched guide to scientific theory. They find it informative and relevant, going in depth. The content focuses on fundamental principles rather than brands or fads. However, some readers feel the analysis is questionable and the book is more like a scientific journal than a standard non-fiction book.

"...Really goes in depth, a fascinating read!" Read more

"Definitely the most scientific book I have come across so far, with a lot of cycling specific but also other literature on the subject reviewed...." Read more

"...a book about cutting-edge technology then, but 95% of the content is still highly relevant and the underlying engineering principles are to all..." Read more

"...This book covers all aspects and goes into considerable depth...." Read more

7 customers mention ‘Readability’7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and engaging. They say it provides good value and is an excellent read for those who want to learn more.

"...Really goes in depth, a fascinating read!" Read more

"A truly excellent, well researched and fascinating guide to the scientific theory behind the bicycle...." Read more

"Brilliant book! Everything technical you need to know on bicycle design." Read more

"...a bicycle rider for many years i thought i would find this book really interesting , but unfortunately i found it unreadable , i thought it..." Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • George
    5.0 out of 5 stars Best bike book by boffins b-ever
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 May 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I bought the third edition for the chapter on materials and stresses (chapter 10) which is replaced entirely in the fourth edition. Really goes in depth, a fascinating read!
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  • Bauke van der Meer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Myth busting in-depth scientific analysis in plain English
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 March 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Definitely the most scientific book I have come across so far, with a lot of cycling specific but also other literature on the subject reviewed. The in-depth analysis of the underlying physics is probably too technical for non-engineers, but the conclusions are nevertheless explained in plain English. The surprising conclusion is that not a lot is known yet about the underlying principles of riding a bike, for example what causes a shimmy. A couple of myths are busted though: weight is usually overrated and so is the aerodynamics of the bicycle. Far more important is the position of the rider and what he wears. In other words, the bike must fit the rider and the rider must be fit!
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  • J. Voelcker
    4.0 out of 5 stars If you're a serious bike techie, this will become your bible!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 December 2011
    Verified Purchase
    A truly excellent, well researched and fascinating guide to the scientific theory behind the bicycle. It concentrates on fundamental principles rather than discussing particular brands or fads. The bulk of the book is devoted to the engineering and physics of frame materials and construction, steering dynamics and geometry, an examination of bicycle aerodynamics and rolling drag, and the basic principles of wheel design - dispelling some common myths in doing so. Also discussed in detail is the human physiology of the rider in terms of power transfer, respiration and heat dissipation.

    There are sections on alternatives to the standard bike and possible future directions for bicycle design, but today they look a little dated and unfortunately there is a lack of more recent detail, for example on modern suspension systems or composite frame materials.

    Not a book about cutting-edge technology then, but 95% of the content is still highly relevant and the underlying engineering principles are to all intents and purposes timeless.
    6 people found this helpful
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  • Human_Amp
    5.0 out of 5 stars Still 'the bible' of bicycle science
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 September 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Although other books have concentrated on various aspects of science of bicycles they tend to focus on either 'sporting aspects' or DIY (ie for people new to cycling). This book covers all aspects and goes into considerable depth. It demystifies SO many myths handed down in bicycle enthusiast folk law (which in turn is often subjective ! eg ... "this XXXX is better than that YYYY" with the only evidence that the rider thinks so ! The biggest variable in bicycle mechanics is from rider to rider - may 'enthusiasts' prefer to ignore this and focus on unscientific 'gossip' . I recommend this book, over any other book on bicycle design - only wish for an new updated edition.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Alec Jewell
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 October 2016
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    Brilliant book! Everything technical you need to know on bicycle design.
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  • Rory Curtis
    5.0 out of 5 stars In many ways this book is more like a scientific journal than a standard non-fiction book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 November 2014
    Verified Purchase
    In many ways this book is more like a scientific journal than a standard non-fiction book. It has become an essential information source for my masters project - Designing a human powered vehicle. I agree with a lot of the other comments, this book analysis's the physics of human powered designs with frequent references to prior case studies and theoretical speculation, very dry.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Eric Dolphy
    3.0 out of 5 stars Worthwhile attempt but not the whole story
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 September 2011
    Verified Purchase
    I was interested in a scientific explanation of all aspects of cycling. Both man and machine.
    This book sets out to do this and partly achieves it. But some major areas such as the science of frame geometries, the impact hysteresis losses during sprinting, the aerodynamics of different racing positions(e.g. superman position, tri-bars etc) are not covered to any meaningful extent.

    So much of the science of bicycles that has come from the professional sport in the last 20 years (post Greg Lemond) has not been covered. Perhaps the result of this being a re-issue of a much older book.
    The focus seems to be more on the fringes of the cycling world (recumbent bicycles, powered flight).

    It comes across as the work of a well meaning amateur. Sometimes interesting and revealing perhaps with questionable analysis (to what extent was this peer reviewed?).

    ---
    In response to feedback on this comment - I acknowledge the author is a distinguished engineering academic. My observation that work "comes across as the work of a well meaning amateur" should not detract from his many career achievements, one of which was to co-design a successful recumbent bike 33 years ago. The contributions from Jim Padadopoulos do bring the book out of the 1970s in places. It's just a pity the book was not updated to reflect modern developments in cycling from the sports world both on and off road. Perhaps then I could have given more than 3 stars.
    12 people found this helpful
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  • ch S
    4.0 out of 5 stars Gives a lot of information and data for someone in need for a good basis for their own study
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 August 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Physics applied on the bicycle. Gives a lot of information and data for someone in need for a good basis for their own study. Equally good for riders in need to learn more as well as for researchers,designers, engineers into bicycling projects.
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Nick
    5.0 out of 5 stars contains a lot of information
    Reviewed in France on 15 February 2023
    Verified Purchase
    excellent if you want to know about the biomechanics of bicycling.
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  • Leandro Barco Nagore
    5.0 out of 5 stars Muito satisfeito!!!
    Reviewed in Brazil on 28 September 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Ótimo estado de conservação e preço bem em conta. Vendedor atencioso e prestativo. Mesmo com os Correios em greve, remeteu o livro o mais breve que pôde.
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in Canada on 9 February 2018
    Verified Purchase
    A bible of knowledge for those who like to dig deeper in the science of bikes!
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  • Marcello
    5.0 out of 5 stars Splendido libro
    Reviewed in Italy on 29 August 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Libro in inglese molto dettagliato sulla parte teorica e matematica della bicicletta
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  • EH
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love this book.
    Reviewed in the United States on 16 June 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I am an engineer and addicted to cycling. This is my kind of book. The bicycle has to be one of the great inventions of our time. The efficiency of it's design is truly amazing and it hasn't really changed much since the introduction of the "safety bicycle" in the 1880s. This book goes into a lot of technical depth on all things cycling. If you don't like a chapter, then don't read it. Every serious cyclist should read this book though to appreciate the genius and simplicity of bicycle design and how it gets us from point A to point B under human power.
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