Two Wheels Good: The History and Mystery of the Bicycle (Shortlisted for the Sunday Times Sports Book Awards 2023)

Love this book, very well researched and covers all aspects related to the history, evolution and usage of bicycles all over the world. Highly recommended.

Much more than just “history of the bicycle”, this book looks at cycle culture the world over which is frequently illustrated through the experience of individuals giving it a compelling immediacy. I struggled to put it down and I feel a bit bereft now that I have finished it. I expect I will read it again someday just to enjoy the ride. Thank you Jody Rosen

Thoroughly enjoying this history of two wheels, taking in the development of cycling in various and sometimes unexpected, places. I can identify with the passion for this mode of transport as at the age of 79, I still get a thrill from cycling.

The interesting parts of this book are lost among a self-serving paean to the author’s limited experience. His lack of any real knowledge is shrouded in flowery, meandering prose to hide that fact. It is somehow pretentious, orientalist, and boring, which I suppose is a feat of sorts.

Everything you could want to know about the bicycle's history and impact. Well researched by an authentic bike lover.

Writer Jody Rosen gives readers a fascinating journey into the history of the bicycle, as well as stories about the importance of (and controversies involving) cycling in a variety of countries. As a lifelong cyclist, and someone who has read numerous books about this subject, I can say with confidence that "Two Wheels Good" offers original perspectives, with quite a bit of information new to me. The author travels far and wide to investigate cycling stories, including a trip to Bhutan, home to perhaps the world's most challenging one day bike race. Rosen also visits Bangladesh, the UK, and describes his cycling experiences in NYC. If this sounds like a confusing hodgepodge, I did find it distracting that Rosen often jumps from one topic to another, as if each chapter is a separate article or essay. However, I found the unifying themes of this book to be:1) The disruptive role bikes and cyclists have often played in various cultures over time;2) The fierce determination of cyclists since the invention of the bicycle to pursue their passion, dreams, and sometimes simply the utilitarian desire to get from one place to another as efficiently as possible;3) The impact of cyclists on urban design and the experience of urban living.Overall, I enjoyed this book, and recommend it to anyone interested in cycling.

The author goes beyond the implications of the title. At times you'll wonder "when do we get back to cycles?" Nonetheless it's a good romp thru history and current events with variable connections to cycling. A fun read.

The book was a gift. The recipient liked it very much.

Informative and funny! Interesting perspectives for those keen cyclists out there…..wonderful gift for cycling enthusiasts