‘Anatomy of Cycling’ Art Revives Retro Bike Culture

Want a peek into cycling’s past? Coming off the press this month, a project by a London-based illustrator brings some two-wheel history back to life.

David Sparshott is a cycling enthusiast and artist. On March 26, his book, “Anatomy of Cycling,” comes to market from Laurence King Publishing.

Granted, “book” may be an overkill term here; the publication includes just 22 pages, each one a tear-out postcard with Sparshott retro bike art. Even one of the most impractical support vehicles ever concocted, the 1984 Buick Electra Station Wagon, above, owns a slice of cycling history in this book.

‘Anatomy of Cycling’ Retro Bicycle Illustrations

Sparshott’s drawings include a host of retro cycling gear, from iconic racing bicycles and Campagnolo crank arms to leather cycling gloves and bike-hauling jalopies.

According to Sparshott, the Lotus Type 108, below, was made famous by British cyclist Chris Boardman. In 1992, he rode it to a gold medal in the 4,000-meter pursuit at the Barcelona Olympics.

“This was a fun bike to draw and a nice departure from classically framed racing bikes,” Sparshott noted.

Designer Mike Burrows conceived that bike after a UCI rule change in 1990. Following the change, monocoque frames became race-ready machines thanks to Lotus Engineering.

And, Sparshott noted, the Brooklyn and La Vie Claire jerseys above came from two very famous bike racing teams.

“I am a huge fan of the designs and graphic styles of retro cycling jerseys, and these are two that have become iconic among cycling enthusiasts,” he said.

Check out below to see some of the other retro artwork from Sparshott’s book. Cycling enthusiasts are sure to love the classic velo stylings!

–”Anatomy of Cycling” comes out March 26 on LaurenceKing.com.