Of all the bicycle books I own, this book 'One Gear', would have to be my favourite!
I'm not a "Hipster", adolescent, bike messenger or track racer. I just completely enjoy the simplicity of a bike that lacks multiple gearing, carbon fibre frames, and evolving complexity of function over form. Most days, I ride my fixed gear bicycle to get me where I'm going, I don't want or miss all those added gears to my pedalling experience.

This book 'One Gear' offers a a brief but colourful snapshot into the mechanics, maintenance and the building of a vintage frame into either a single speed, freewheeling bicycle or the re-making a new/old fixed gear bike. The book is lavishly illustrated and the photography invites a more singular and intimate look into the culture of these simple yet endearing modes of personal transport and, expression.

If you are keen enough, you might want to build up your personalised bicycle instead of buying a bike 'off the shelf' ... there are detailed instructions, accompanied with the exact tool, you'll need to do that very project. While basic, the instructions are clear, concise and right to the point. Inside you'll find information on flip-flop hubs, coaster brakes and wheel building. The classic frame builders Cinelli and De Rosa are also featured here.

There are photographs of various bicycles, each as individual and distinctive as the imagination of the builder allows. The single most important feature with any fixed gear bike, is the design allows customisation, what ever you want your bike to look like and perform like, you'll find inspiration within these pages. I love this book. Buy it; it's a worthy addition to your bookshelves!

A solid, simple, and yet serious entry level book on fixed gear bikes, culture, and mechanics... this was money well spent!

Great book, however this seems to cover only the conversion of road bikes.

genial

great book for affordable price