100,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock πŸ‡³πŸ‡Ώ

Auckland Bookstore open Sunday until 5pm! πŸŽ‰

The Bicycle

A Miscellany on Two Wheels
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Bicycle by Peter Ashley is an insightful exploration into the world of cycling. The book delves into the sport's rich history, key personalities, and significant events that have shaped its evolution. With a blend of personal anecdotes and detailed information, it offers readers a comprehensive look at how bicycles have influenced culture and sports over the years.
Read More
Format: Hardback
$3499
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 1 week

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you have a passion for cycling and a fascination with the intersection of design and function in bicycles. Peter Ashley explores the history, craftsmanship, and cultural impact of bicycles, making it a treat for enthusiasts who appreciate both the art and science of cycling.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Crossing the country from Cumbria to Cambridge, this quaint, pocket-sized manual is a compendium of all things two-wheeled.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

As the world speeds up, as technology takes over, it is worth remembering how we used to live. This three-book series is a nostalgic hymn to an era when life was slower: a meandering ramble through the British countryside by bicycle, automobile, and train. Squeeze the brakes, sit back, and coast downhill with this irreverent collection of cycling memorabilia.

The Bicycle is packed with pictures, fun facts, and light-hearted commentary, gathering photographs of vintage bikes, John Bull puncture repair kits, and misspelled signs rejecting the rights of 'Bycicles' to be locked to railings. Crossing the country from Cumbria to Cambridge, this quaint, pocket-sized manual is a compendium of all things two-wheeled.

Author: Peter Ashley is an aficionado of British culture, responsible for the Unmitigated England trilogy, Preposterous Erections (his book on folly towers) and London Peculiars (one of the first books in ACC Art Books bestselling London series). Peter is renowned for his passion for the oddities that make this country unique, as Jonathan Meades has said, "He is the gatekeeper to several generations' memories."

Selling Points:

  • A nostalgic three-book series celebrating a slower, old-fashioned way of life
  • Vintage cycling memorabilia from across Britain
  • Commemorates the bicycle's place in history
  • The perfect gift for anyone who loves cycling and bike culture

Series: Travel Miscellany

View all
  • Clearance
    The Bicycle
    As the world speeds up, as technology takes over, it is worth remembering how we used to live. This three-book series is a nostalgic hymn to an era when life was slower: a meandering ramble through the British countryside by bicycle, automobile, and train. Squeeze the brakes, sit back, and coast downhill with this irreverent collection of cycling memorabilia. The...
    Hardback
    $3499
    Available
    Ships in 1 week
  • Forgotten Motoring
    As the world speeds up, as technology takes over, it is worth remembering how we used to live. This three-book series is a nostalgic hymn to an era when life was slower: a meandering ramble through the British countryside by bicycle, automobile and train. This evocative volume gathers British motoring memorabilia, transporting us back to a time when roads were...
    Hardback
    Sold Out

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Bicycle: A Miscellany on Two Wheels by Peter Ashley is praised as a fascinating exploration of cycling's cultural impact over two centuries. The book delves into how bicycles have been used for pleasure, work, warfare, and setting speed records, highlighting its diverse roles throughout history.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781788840941

Publisher: ACC Art Books

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 19 October 2020

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: ACC Art Books

Illustration: 15 Illustrations, black and white; 102 Illustrations, color

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 125.0mm

Height: 190.0mm

Weight: 294g

Pages: 96

About the Author

Peter Ashley is an aficionado of British culture, responsible for the Unmitigated England trilogy, Preposterous Erections (his book on folly towers) and London Peculiars (one of the first books in ACC Art Books' bestselling London series). Peter is renowned for his passion for the oddities that make this country unique, as Jonathan Meades has said, "He is the gatekeeper to several generations' memories."

Also by Peter Ashley

View all
  • Forgotten Motoring
    As the world speeds up, as technology takes over, it is worth remembering how we used to live. This three-book series is a nostalgic hymn to an era when life was slower: a meandering ramble through the British countryside by bicycle, automobile and train. This evocative volume gathers British motoring memorabilia, transporting us back to a time when roads were...
    Hardback
    Sold Out

More from Sports

View all
  • Formula One 2026
    The world's bestselling Grand Prix handbook is back for the new season. This is the definitive guide to Formula One 2026 β€” a complete examination of all the teams, drivers, and tracks featured in the packed Grand Prix calendar. Also including a full review of the 2025 season and a breakdown of the new rules and regulations for 2026, this...
    Paperback
    $3800
    Elsewhere:
    $4499
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Legends and Soles
    The brilliant autobiography from the β€˜saviour of Nike’ If you’re a sneaker head, you know him as the saviour of Nike. If you’ve watched Air, you saw Matt Damon’s portrayal of the man who discovered Michael Jordan and how he revolutionised the payment structure of endorsements for athletes. Legends and Soles tells Sonny’s story – his blind-sided firing by Nike...
    Paperback
    $3200
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Surviving to Drive
    A hugely entertaining access-all-areas account of a year inside Formula 1, from Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner, star of Drive to Survive, one of the most successful Netflix series of all time. THE INSTANT NUMBER ONE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER 'Gripping to read. Funny, real, exciting. It's a brilliant book.' - Chris Evans 'Fearless and candid... A gleeful guide to...
    Paperback
    $2400
    Elsewhere:
    $3000
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • The Good, the Bad & the Rugby – Unleashed
    The long-awaited book from rugby stars Alex Payne, James Haskell and Mike Tindall. Rugby megastars James Haskell, Mike Tindall, and Alex Payne get together to discuss the highs and lows of their podcast, friendship, and rugby. Among the key questions answered: What happened when Mike took their shambles of a podcast inside the walls of Windsor Castle to meet the...
    Hardback
    $5500
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Gloves Off
    The unflinching autobiography from the two-time world heavyweight champion and British People's Champion, Tyson Fury, now out in paperback, Gloves Off is an enthralling journey into the life of one of boxing's most charismatic and controversial figures. From his humble beginnings to his meteoric rise and dramatic falls, Fury’s story is a testament to the indomitable human spirit. In this...
    Paperback
    $2800
    Elsewhere:
    $3000
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • The Salt Path
    The Salt Path is a deeply moving and profoundly inspiring true story that captures the essence of human resilience and the profound impact of nature on our well-being. This compelling narrative, a Sunday Times bestseller and shortlisted for the prestigious Wainwright Prize, recounts the life-changing journey of Raynor and Moth Winnβ€”a couple who, facing monumental life challenges, find solace and...
    Paperback
    $2300
    Elsewhere:
    $2600
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • The Salt Path
    The bestselling true story of the couple who lost everything and embarked on a journey not of escape but salvation, soon to be a major motion picture starring Golden Globe winning Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs. Just days after Raynor learns that Moth, her husband of 32 years, is terminally ill, the couple lose their home and their livelihood. With...
    Paperback
    $2700
    Elsewhere:
    $3000
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • States of Play
    The International Bestseller & Winner of the Football Book of the Year Award A Times Sports Book of the Year A Telegraph Book of the Year An Irish Times Book of the Year An Irish Independent Book of the Year 'Important, perfectly timed and hugely necessary.' The Guardian 'A monumental piece of investigative journalism.' Irish Times 'A must-read on how...
    Paperback
    $2999
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • The Swimmer of Auschwitz
    Pre-order
    The Swimmer of Auschwitz
    'Propulsive... Readers will be hooked' - Publishers Weekly Based on the extraordinary true story of Alfred Nakache, subject of the Oscar-nominated short film Papillon. Alfred Nakache, a Jewish child from Constantine, never imagined that he would one day swim for France at the Olympic Games in Berlin in 1936, nor that he would achieve a world record, as he did...
    Paperback
    $2799
    Pre-order
    Out 11 Aug 2026
  • The Formula
    A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER 'HANDS DOWN THE GREATEST BOOK EVER WRITTEN ABOUT F1.' - Sam Walker, author of The Captain Class 'MODERN F1 IS THE SPORTS STORY OF THIS ERA AND NO ONE COULD TELL IT BETTER' - Kevin Clark, ESPN 'THE FASTEST READ YOU WILL EVER PICK UP' - A.J. Baime, author of Go Like Hell F1 is...
    Paperback
    $2600
    Elsewhere:
    $2999
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Breath
    Discover the transformative power of breathing in Breath by esteemed journalist James Nestor. This revolutionary book delves into the science and history of one of the most fundamental human activities - breathing. From the bustling streets of SΓ£o Paulo to the serene temples of India, Nestor embarks on a global journey to uncover the secrets of ancient breathing techniques such...
    Paperback
    $2100
    Elsewhere:
    $2600
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Forever Forward
    With a foreword by McLaren CEO Zak Brown and written with inside access, this is the real-time, unfolding story of one of F1's greatest ever teams, as they rise back up from oblivion. Few names in motorsports carry the same authority as McLaren, and with their remarkable victory in the 2024 constructors championship, they are now returning to form in...
    Hardback
    $4000
    Elsewhere:
    $6000
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 80,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.