Alan Anderson

I've always loved bikes, biking, and cycle culture.

That's despite growing up in London, back when bike lanes were scarce, the pollution was disgusting and everything on wheels got stolen, all the time. None of it mattered: I loved riding anyway, around the city every day, and touring around the UK and Europe when I could. Along the way, I taught myself how to build and maintain a bike.

My first book, Muck Sweat & Gears, was a collection of trivia about this world-changing invention, and the crazier people to have swung a leg over the crossbar.

Back on Your Bike, my second book, was prompted by 2020's cycling revolution. For anyone who's started riding regularly because of COVID, it has instructions for basic maintenance and repair, tips for riding confidently and safely, and information about the benefits of cycling for your mind, your body and our planet. It's illustrated by David Sparshott.

How to Build a Bike (in a Weekend) is a guide to making and maintaining your own bike, the one that you've always dreamed of and that you'll be happiest riding...

I live in the UK, ride whenever I can, and (COVID permitting) volunteer at a community bike workshop near my home.