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Cyclist BikeList: The Book for Every Rider
Bikes are becoming an ever-more vital part of daily life for people of all ages. Laura Robinson combines fascinating history (the first bike was propelled by the rider’s feet pushing against the ground) with useful and fun information, including tips for the way to dress for safe and efficient biking; what to eat for maximum body efficiency; and how to select and maintain a bike.
The book features riding superstars like Lance Armstrong as well as the kids from Chippewas of Nawash First Nations, whose mountain bike team is coached by Robinson.
Detailed diagrams and charts of different types of bikes, tire treads, and even road signs, along with bios of famous cyclists throughout history make this lively book the perfect resource for both dedicated riders and first-time cyclists.
The book features riding superstars like Lance Armstrong as well as the kids from Chippewas of Nawash First Nations, whose mountain bike team is coached by Robinson.
Detailed diagrams and charts of different types of bikes, tire treads, and even road signs, along with bios of famous cyclists throughout history make this lively book the perfect resource for both dedicated riders and first-time cyclists.
64 pages, Paperback
First published April 13, 2010
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6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
May 31, 2010
Who doesn’t remember the first time they set flight on a bicycle without the assistance of training wheels, or a parents protective grip? The feeling of confidence and sheer joy that I felt at this milestone moment in my life has not been easily matched since.
Although children don’t ride bikes in the numbers nor the frequency that they used to prior to this age of technology, Cyclist BikeList could be just the type of book to inspire young riders to get out there and explore what excitement and adventure a bicycle in the outdoors has to offer.
To show just how far we’ve come with the technology of the bicycle, this informative book begins with the course of its evolution. Playful illustrations show us the bikes humble beginnings as a pedal-less, wooden device back in 1817 to its safer and much improved current form almost two hundred years later.
For the technically inclined, there is a detailed diagram used to show the various parts that make up a modern bicycle, while the ins and outs of bicycle engineering are also outlined as it is explained how a bicycle works via the combination of its parts and their specific mechanics.
Riding tips are found in the text, or through an illustrated character’s conversation bubbles as asides throughout. There are elaborate instructions on how to change gears properly, as well as little things, like, that you should “always pedal with the ball of your foot for maximum efficiency.”
Parents will appreciate the advice on how to shop for a bike, how riders can stay safe while riding, and what the important legal requirements are regarding helmets, signaling and the obeying of traffic signs. Since this is a Canadian book, most of the information provided is surrounding Canadian laws, but is still useful to any cyclist looking to keep safe. One would be wise to check out their local laws regarding cycling regardless of where you live, as regulations can change and need to be stayed on top of.
As well as extensive checklists detailing the essentials needed, there are instructional sections on how to dress appropriately for safety, comfort and hygiene, and what accessories are required for different types and lengths of bike rides.
As well as an extensive chapter on how to maintain your bicycle, there is another on how to help the rider maintain their health, and what it takes to properly fuel the body. The author breaks down the importance of complex carbs, protein and other crucial vitamins and nutrients, as well as addressing a cyclist’s need to eat and stay well hydrated while riding, in order to keep energy levels up.
Cyclist BikeList is the perfect blend of history, mechanics, safety and inspiration. Although I have seen some websites recommend it for 7-9 year olds, I find it to be geared (no pun intended) more towards the 9-12 year old. That being said, this is a beautifully illustrated and colourful reference material that will keep any cycling-minded child, teen or adult reading right through to the last page.
One thing I think this book could have used was a glossary of terms at the back, as I am certain that most children don’t know the meaning of ‘pneumatic’ or ‘centrifugal.’ On the other had, this may encourage a child to take a moment to look the words up, which is always helpful to a growing vocabulary. Strangely, there were some instances where the definition of a tough word was provided in parenthesis after it was used, like in the case of ‘metallurgy,’ I’m just not sure how some words missed this special attention.
Cyclist BikeList has a wealth of information and not only is it the perfect reference guide for a child doing a project on ‘the bicycle,’ it could be an important factor in choosing the right bike for a new rider, or helpful to an experienced rider planning an extended cycling trip.
I would definitely recommend this book to others, and I’m excited to be able to add it to my collection.
Check out more of my reviews at www.booksnakereviews.blogspot.com
Although children don’t ride bikes in the numbers nor the frequency that they used to prior to this age of technology, Cyclist BikeList could be just the type of book to inspire young riders to get out there and explore what excitement and adventure a bicycle in the outdoors has to offer.
To show just how far we’ve come with the technology of the bicycle, this informative book begins with the course of its evolution. Playful illustrations show us the bikes humble beginnings as a pedal-less, wooden device back in 1817 to its safer and much improved current form almost two hundred years later.
For the technically inclined, there is a detailed diagram used to show the various parts that make up a modern bicycle, while the ins and outs of bicycle engineering are also outlined as it is explained how a bicycle works via the combination of its parts and their specific mechanics.
Riding tips are found in the text, or through an illustrated character’s conversation bubbles as asides throughout. There are elaborate instructions on how to change gears properly, as well as little things, like, that you should “always pedal with the ball of your foot for maximum efficiency.”
Parents will appreciate the advice on how to shop for a bike, how riders can stay safe while riding, and what the important legal requirements are regarding helmets, signaling and the obeying of traffic signs. Since this is a Canadian book, most of the information provided is surrounding Canadian laws, but is still useful to any cyclist looking to keep safe. One would be wise to check out their local laws regarding cycling regardless of where you live, as regulations can change and need to be stayed on top of.
As well as extensive checklists detailing the essentials needed, there are instructional sections on how to dress appropriately for safety, comfort and hygiene, and what accessories are required for different types and lengths of bike rides.
As well as an extensive chapter on how to maintain your bicycle, there is another on how to help the rider maintain their health, and what it takes to properly fuel the body. The author breaks down the importance of complex carbs, protein and other crucial vitamins and nutrients, as well as addressing a cyclist’s need to eat and stay well hydrated while riding, in order to keep energy levels up.
Cyclist BikeList is the perfect blend of history, mechanics, safety and inspiration. Although I have seen some websites recommend it for 7-9 year olds, I find it to be geared (no pun intended) more towards the 9-12 year old. That being said, this is a beautifully illustrated and colourful reference material that will keep any cycling-minded child, teen or adult reading right through to the last page.
One thing I think this book could have used was a glossary of terms at the back, as I am certain that most children don’t know the meaning of ‘pneumatic’ or ‘centrifugal.’ On the other had, this may encourage a child to take a moment to look the words up, which is always helpful to a growing vocabulary. Strangely, there were some instances where the definition of a tough word was provided in parenthesis after it was used, like in the case of ‘metallurgy,’ I’m just not sure how some words missed this special attention.
Cyclist BikeList has a wealth of information and not only is it the perfect reference guide for a child doing a project on ‘the bicycle,’ it could be an important factor in choosing the right bike for a new rider, or helpful to an experienced rider planning an extended cycling trip.
I would definitely recommend this book to others, and I’m excited to be able to add it to my collection.
Check out more of my reviews at www.booksnakereviews.blogspot.com
December 30, 2010
I got this book through Librarything's Early Reviewer program. I really wanted to read it because I have been cycling a lot in the last few years and thought this book might be helpful. Overall it is a good book with lots of good information. It is really targeting kids though, so adults might find the detail lacking some.
There is a lot of really good general information in this book. The beginning of the book focuses on the history of the bicycles, then it goes into different types of bikes, how to choose a bike, bike safety, bike gear, bike maintenance, and some info on professional biking.
As a frequent, but not avid biker (someone who does maybe 30-40 miles a week on my bike) I found that I knew most of this information already. In fact if you go to your local bike shop they should tell you about the different types of bikes, how to choose a bike, and how to maintenance your bike. There were a couple good things in here that I didn't know about for instance information on taking day trips and racing.
This book is definitely aimed at kids, specifically somewhat older kids. So if you have a 6 or older kid they might be interested in this book. If your kid really wants to learn more about biking this would be a wonderful book for them. There are some neat, fun facts in here and the pictures are well done (kind of cartoonish and bright).
I wouldn't recommend this book to someone already familiar with cycling. I was hoping it would go into more detail on maintenance and more technical details on the bikes. Basically this is just an overview of all of those things. As I said an excellent resource for kids. The only adults who would benefit from this book are those who know absolutely nothing about cycling. Also a lot of this information can be obtained at your local mom and pop bike shop, as long as you have one of those near you to go to.
Overall a great overview for kids.
There is a lot of really good general information in this book. The beginning of the book focuses on the history of the bicycles, then it goes into different types of bikes, how to choose a bike, bike safety, bike gear, bike maintenance, and some info on professional biking.
As a frequent, but not avid biker (someone who does maybe 30-40 miles a week on my bike) I found that I knew most of this information already. In fact if you go to your local bike shop they should tell you about the different types of bikes, how to choose a bike, and how to maintenance your bike. There were a couple good things in here that I didn't know about for instance information on taking day trips and racing.
This book is definitely aimed at kids, specifically somewhat older kids. So if you have a 6 or older kid they might be interested in this book. If your kid really wants to learn more about biking this would be a wonderful book for them. There are some neat, fun facts in here and the pictures are well done (kind of cartoonish and bright).
I wouldn't recommend this book to someone already familiar with cycling. I was hoping it would go into more detail on maintenance and more technical details on the bikes. Basically this is just an overview of all of those things. As I said an excellent resource for kids. The only adults who would benefit from this book are those who know absolutely nothing about cycling. Also a lot of this information can be obtained at your local mom and pop bike shop, as long as you have one of those near you to go to.
Overall a great overview for kids.
October 24, 2012
A great book for any youngster or young adult interested in bicycles and cycling. Written by free-lance journalist and former member of Canada's national cycling team, Laura Robinson, it provides a brief history of bicycles, identifies the parts and types of bicycles, and explains how they work. Other short, information-packed chapters cover riding safety, bike maintenance, and more. The book includes attractive, colorful illustrations, charts, and diagrams by Ramon Perez. Information is focused toward kids who are enthusiastic about cycling and want to learn more. I think they will enjoy reading Cyclist Bikelist and may keep it close-at-hand as a ready reference. (lj)
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews