The discussions about the pinnacles of bike manufacture and racing raises the question of what is THE Classic book on cycling? Here is my own short list of possibilities:
BIKE CULT by David P. Perry
An encyclopedic and poetic magnum opus, but has anyone read the whole thing cover to cover?
MILES FROM NOWHERE by Barbara Savage
Very honest, personal memoir of a courageous bike trip around the world with her husband. She was hit by a car and killed while riding after writing the book.
TOUR DE FRANCE/TOUR DE FORCE by James Startt
Beautiful photos, informative if not thrilling text, beautiful photos. (I'm still saving up for Graham Watson's book of photos.)
EFFECTIVE CYCLING by John Forester
All the information, political consciousness and cycling ethic one would ever need wrapped up in one nice, big package.
Just started THE IMMORTAL CLASS, a new book by bike messenger/theater director Travis Hugh Culley. It's too early to tell, but this looks to be a very interesting, passionate, if over-wrought book.
Though it doesn't qualify as a book, the Rivendell newsletter deserves mention here.
cheers,
John Dally
Seattle