The bicycle is almost unique among human-powered machines in that it uses humanmuscles in a near-optimum way. This new edition of the bible of bicycle builders and bicyclistsprovides just about everything you could want to know about the history of bicycles, how humanbeings propel them, what makes them go faster, and what keeps them from going even faster. Thescientific and engineering information is of interest not only to designers and builders of bicyclesand other human-powered vehicles but also to competitive cyclists, bicycle commuters, andrecreational cyclists.The third edition begins with a brief history of bicycles and bicycling thatdemolishes many widespread myths. This edition includes information on recent experiments andachievements in human-powered transportation, including the "ultimate human- powered vehicle," inwhich a supine rider in a streamlined enclosure steers by looking at a television screen connectedto a small camera in the nose, reaching speeds of around 80 miles per hour. It contains completelynew 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 onrolling drag, transmission of power from rider to wheels, braking, heat management, steering andstability, power and speed, and materials. It contains many new illustrations.
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