Bicycling Science, fourth edition

Bicycling Science, fourth edition

Bicycling Science, fourth edition

Bicycling Science, fourth edition

Paperback(fourth edition)

$39.95 
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Overview

An updated edition of a classic: an indispensable companion for a new era in cycling.

The bicycle is almost unique among human-powered machines in that it uses human muscles in a near-optimum way. This essential volume offers a comprehensive account of the history of bicycles, how human beings propel them, what makes them go faster—and what keeps them from going even faster. Over the years, and through three previous editions, Bicycling Science has become the bible of technical bicycling not only for designers and builders of bicycles but also for cycling enthusiasts.

After a brief history of bicycles and bicycling that demolishes many widespread myths, this fourth edition covers recent experiments and research on human-powered transportation, with updated material on cycling achievements, human-powered machines for use on land and in air and water, power-assisted bicycles, and human physiology. The authors have also added new information on aerodynamics, rolling drag, transmission of power from rider to wheels, braking, heat management, steering and stability, power and speed, and other topics. This edition also includes many new references and figures.

With racks of bikeshare bikes on city sidewalks, and new restrictions on greenhouse gas–emitting cars, bicycle use will only grow. This book is the indispensable companion for a new era in cycling.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780262538404
Publisher: MIT Press
Publication date: 05/05/2020
Series: The MIT Press
Edition description: fourth edition
Pages: 568
Sales rank: 383,848
Product dimensions: 6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.31(d)
Age Range: 18 Years

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.

Theodor Schmidt, a Swiss engineering consultant specializing in motive solar and human power, worked with David Gordon Wilson on several projects, initially within the International Human-Powered Vehicle Association. Schmidt was editor of Human Power and is now editor of Human Power eJournal.

Table of Contents

Preface vii

In Memoriam David Gordon Wilson xi

1 A Short History of Bicycling 1

2 Human Power Generation 41

3 Speed Achievements and Racing 129

4 Power and Speed 171

5 Bicycle Aerodynamics 213

6 Rolling: Tires and Bearings 261

7 Braking 319

8 Steering, Balancing, and Stability 349

9 Power Transmission and Hybrid Systems 393

10 Special Human-Powered Machines 453

11 Human-Powered Vehicles for Transportation 523

Index 547

What People are Saying About This

Paul B. MacCready

In this much-modified third edition of Bicycling Science, David Gordon Wilson has at last compiled the definitive book about this efficient method of travel. He covers all of the bicycle's facets, from history to physics to aesthetics, in a book that is both exacting and entertaining.

Chester Kyle

The third edition of Bicycling Science is the best book of its type since Archibald Sharpe's 1896 Bicycles and Tricycles. Wilson's book includes excellent updates on topics ranging from bicycle history, human power, and bicycle stability to aerodynamics and mechanics. It will become the essential reference for those who really want to understand what makes a bicycle work.

Richard Ballantine

Bicycling Science is the ultimate fundamentals book in cycling science. The third edition of this highly respected work is more comprehensive and better than ever—rigorous in its scholarship, yet clear and entertaining, at times even lighthearted. Wilson sets out what is established and known on the physics of cycles and human power, and identifies open questions and directions for ongoing research. For anyone with a deep interest in cycling science and human power, this book is simply essential.

From the Publisher

If you want to really understand the physiology and physics that make your bike fun and fast, Bicycling Science is the one book you need. For more than a quarter century, it has been bicycle technology's Rosetta stone for dedicated enthusiasts and professionals alike. The third edition expands on this tradition nicely, adding and updating valuable information.

John Schubert , Technical Editor, Adventure Cyclist Magazine

Endorsement

The third edition of Bicycling Science is the best book of its type since Archibald Sharpe's 1896 Bicycles and Tricycles. Wilson's book includes excellent updates on topics ranging from bicycle history, human power, and bicycle stability to aerodynamics and mechanics. It will become the essential reference for those who really want to understand what makes a bicycle work.

Chester Kyle, Co-founder, International Human Powered Vehicle Association

Bicycling - Fred DeLong

Will be cherished by the cyclist who wants to know more about what makes him and his bicycle tick.

Recumbent Cyclist News - Bob Bryant

Bicycling Science is the bible for bicycle and human-powered vehicle development. It offers the reader a good understanding of the technical aspects of bicycle design, as well as a look back at where we've come from, and perhaps where we're going. Everyone involved in the bicycle industry should read this book—a real gem.

Adventure Cyclist Magazine - John Schubert

If you want to really understand the physiology and physics that make your bike fun and fast, Bicycling Science is the one book you need. For more than a quarter century, it has been bicycle technology's Rosetta stone for dedicated enthusiasts and professionals alike. The third edition expands on this tradition nicely, adding and updating valuable information.

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