I don’t know if Quebec author and engineer Amy Pinchuk’s latest contribution to the Popular Mechanics for Kids series is the best book of bikes, but it’s certainly one of the most comprehensive.

The six chapters in this large, colourful book cover the history of bicycles, their parts and how they work, BMX racing, and maintenance and clothing. Each chapter begins with an introductory paragraph and contains double-page spreads on topics ranging from biking around the world to why bikes don’t fall over when they’re being ridden. There is even a page on the most famous bicycle makers, Orville and Wilbur Wright.

The text is kept to a minimum and the page spreads are enlivened with sidebars on a range of related topics such as BMX terminology and how helmets work. Activity pages tell the reader how to chart their gear ratios and replace chains. There is a useful index and glossary at the back, and short fast facts are scattered throughout. Some of the jargon is a little forced – too many things are “radical” or “lean and mean”, which will soon make the text seem dated – but mostly the writing is clear and comprehensive.

The illustrations include photographs and cartoons by Tina Holdcroft and Allan Moon. The historical photos have been particularly well chosen, but all the illustrations are bold and carefully integrated into the text. The drawings in the maintenance chapter are most helpful.

The cartoon illustrations and large format might appear too young for kids at the older end of the target age group but, overall, this book will appeal to the many bike-crazy kids who want to know a bit more about their sport.