Holy Spokes!

January 1, 2013
Grades 6-9 A journalist and biking enthusiast offers a practical guide to cycling and bike racing. One useful chapter analyzes types of bikes used for racing, transportation, and recreation, while another considers ways of purchasing bicycles, fitting them to the rider, and maintaining them. The brief chapter on cycling history praises Lance Armstrong's achievements and contributions. It notes the formal doping charges filed against him in June, 2012, but not the subsequent results, which presumably happened after the book went to press. Coppolillo discusses environmental and safety aspects of riding bicycles, as well as the experiences of racing and adventure cycling. Appearing at intervals, articles by a bike maker, a seller, a rider, and a racer add other informed, experienced voices to the presentation. Line drawings illustrate the text as needed, especially in the chapter on types of bikes. Clearly written and packed with useful information, this handbook will be helpful to novices and more experienced riders alike.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)