Review :: Heels on Wheels

I wasn't quite sure to expect when Hardie Grant got in touch and asked if I'd like to review Heels on Wheels. It sounded intriguing; a cycling book with pretty illustrations. You don't come across books like that every day! I used to be a keen cyclist and know that some of you are too. Cycling is fun and a great way to get from A to B, but it can seem a bit scary, right?

If you answered 'yes' then this is the book for you! Katie Dailey, a journalist and copywriter who is currently an Editor for Time Out, knows her cycling stuff and she's fulled this book with tips and tricks and all the little bits that you might want to know. She's even travelled to and from London Fashion Week on her bike, proving that cycling can be chic! Katie's tips and bicycling knowledge are accompanied by Clare Owen charming illustrations and together they're inspiring and will have you wanting to spring on to your saddle in no time at all.

There are lots of practical tips in the book, and the kind of thing that easily escape your mind, such as what to put in a puncture kit and the benefits of different types of rucksacks, which makes the book a good read for boys and girls. It also covers important points like how to choose the right bike for your needs and cycling on the road. I showed the book to my brother, who has ridden lots of different bikes over the years including a BMX, mountain bike, hybrid and custom bikes, and he was very impressed with it. But there are extra bits for girls as Katie covers girl cycling dilemmas in her witty, light-hearted style. Some of those tips I learnt the hard way, such as don't wear lipstick when cycling unless you want to end up with a splattering of bugs on your mouth. Wear gloves as your wrists get real cold. Whilst you can try your hardest to cycle in a pencil skirt but, ultimately, it's no good!

If you're looking to get in to cycling now spring is coming, whether you're a complete beginner or haven't ridden for a while, I'd recommend reading 'Heels on Wheels'. It's great to have a book that you can keep on your shelf for reference, and especially one as pretty as this. The RRP is £9.99 but you can currently buy the book from the Guardian bookshop for £7.99

Thanks for sending me a copy, Hardie Grant! I'll be giving away a copy of Pip Lincolne's new Crafty Journal this week so watch out for that!

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