I finally got round to buying Bicycle, a sort of real cyclist's introduction to cycling by Guardian journo Helen Pidd. It tackles questions such as whether you can get arrested for being drunk on a bike, how to mend a puncture, or the slightly Shakespearian-sounding 'must I don a luminous tabard'? And it's resolutely Real Cycling: Helen's in favour of normal clothes, sensible bikes and everyday enjoyment.
It's also written with women cyclists in mind, so expect lines such as this, explaining that frame sizes differ between manufacturers: 'a size 10 in Marks and Spencer's is different to a size 10 in Topshop'. I found this alienating; I'm size 18.
Friendly and approachable in style, it's nicely written and full of good sense - Helen's experiences of everyday biking in London clearly inform the book. It's ideal for anyone you know who's tempted to join in the London boom we keep hearing about.
size 18: just as well you prefer ordinary clothes then, given cycling gear rarely comes that big ;)
ReplyDeleteI don't find such comments alienating so much as downright patronising. Even women can understand a simple concept such as different manufacturers producing different sized bikes without reference to clothes shopping. Gggrrr
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