Spalding's Official Bicycle Guide (1896)

An introductory essay arguing that cycling differs from other athletic sports because it has an economic and practical side, and praises the wheel's hygienic value as healthy exercise and its everyday convenience for saving time and money beyond mere racing competition.

Practical instruction for the beginner on learning to ride, recommending a low cushion-tired safety, the help of an instructor or cycling academy, and self-teaching aids such as a horizontal bar or rope, with the key steering rule to turn the wheel toward the side to which the machine is falling.

Describes touring as the pleasure pursued by the largest number of active cyclists, contrasting the severe preparation of the racing man with the open enjoyment of country rambles and short holiday tours that leave the rider invigorated.

Advises the would-be racing cyclist to first obtain competent medical opinion (ideally from a doctor familiar with athletics), discusses conditions such as hernia, varicose veins, and near-sight in relation to the sport, and recommends beginning with a roadster before purchasing and practicing on a racing machine.

A detailed treatise on training the racing cyclist, covering modern rational methods, mental versus physical conditioning, weighing the rider, track work and time trials, perspiration, rubbing and bathing routines, the danger of over-competition, and points of correct riding technique, with supplementary articles by riders on long-distance riding and related topics.

A compilation of best-on-record times as accepted by the Union Cycliste of France and other governing bodies, tabulated by miles and kilometres, by class and by paced, standing, and flying starts, together with six-day race records and a list of remarkable performances.