More and more people are taking to two wheels, whether for their commutes, for competition or simply for enjoyment. But there is far more to the world of bicycles and bicycle snobs than meets the eye. Which type of bike, for instance would one ride in the velodrome? Which will marry vintage charm with modern performance? And which will carry you across a country comfortably?

Obsessions: Bicycles provides an authoritative directory of the different styles of bicycle, the components that make them work, and the world of accessories and clothing that will adorn you. A chapter on riding geometry is included so that you may fit your bike to your body and not the other way round, and a generous list of some of the mainstays in modern bicycle manufacturing will point you in the right direction for a new machine.

David Perry joined his first cycling team at the age of 4, and has been competing and collecting bikes ever since, going on to work for Transportation Alternatives, a non-profit organisation promoting eco-friendly travel in New York. He is the author of Bike Cult: The Ultimate Guide to Human Powered Vehicles and owner of Bike Works NYC, a bike shop and community cycling hub in Manhattan.

John MacLeary is the cycling correspondenct for The Telegraph, and has owned a road bike ever since he can remember. John has competed in some of the world's top cycling events, including twice tackling the legendary Etape du Tour, which allows amateur riders the chance to cycle the route of the Tour de France. John is also a guest blogger for Evans Cycles bike shop. Follow John on Twitter for all the latest cycling news: @JohnMacLeary