470 pages : 26 cm

"In this, the definitive history of the bicycle, David Herlihy recounts the saga of this far-reaching invention and the passions it aroused." "Because we live in an age of cross-country bicycle racing and high-tech mountain bikes, we may overlook the decades of development and ingenuity that transformed the basic concept of human-powered transportation into a marvel of engineering. This history retraces the extraordinary story of the bicycle - a history of disputed patents, brilliant inventions, and missed opportunities. Herlihy shows us why the bicycle captured the public's imagination and the myriad ways in which it reshaped our world."--Jacket

Includes bibliographical references and index

Introduction -- pt. 1. The pre-history: The elusive mechanical horse. The draisine abroad. Wheels and woes -- pt. 2. The "boneshaker" era: The bicycle breakthrough. The American adventure. European development -- pt. 3. The "high wheel" era: The high mount prevails. The pinnacle of the high wheeler. Growing safety concerns -- pt. 4. The "safety" era: The rise of the rover. The bicycle boom. Legacy of the boom -- pt. 5. The twentieth century: Utilitarian cycling. Recreational cycling. Competitive cycling -- Conclusion: Cycling into the future

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