Something from the “classic” age if possible. I want wool jumper, la bomba, fights, steel frames,all that kind of thing,any suggestions?

Taming the Badger

Merckx: Half Man, Half Bike is pretty good, so is Sex lies and handlebar Tape

The Great Bike Race is good if you can get hold of a copy

My wife is reading the David Milar autob and loving it.

Roule Britannia, British riders in the Tours covers a decent period so many stories, Blazing Saddles if you have not read much about the Tour in mags and books, I had by the time I read it and there was very little new so I was disappointed* but I amagine if you are new it covers a lot.

*The reviews on Amazon reflect my view.

More modern but Ned Boulting’s book is a delight.

‘A Race For Madmen’ Chris Sidwells.
Does the full business from the start to modern day.
Fantastic for the period you’ve asked for.

As above, for good roundup off more recent racing.

Agree with the above, Slaying The Badger is the best cycling book I’ve read in a long while, and I found Boulting’s book hilarious.

I’ve got Graeme Fife’s book too, I don’t like it.

‘A Race For Madmen’ Chris Sidwells.
Does the full business from the start to modern day.
Fantastic for the period you’ve asked for.

I happened across this in a charity shop the other week. It’ll win no awards for the writing, but I thoroughly enjoyed the whole thing.

The Tour is won on the Alpe

Agree Slaying the Badger is good.

I seem to be alone in finding Boulting’s book mildly amusing at best.

Started Millar’s book with no great expectations and not liking him but ended up with alot of admiration for the guy.

Fiction but good for colour is “the Yellow Jersey” by Ralph Hurne – can be difficult to find.

The Race also.

The Rider by Tim Krabbe is great.
We Were Young (and Carefree) by Laurent Fignon – I really liked. The twilight years of the golden age.

Bad Blood by Jeremy Whittle is a good one about the recent history

Sex lies and handlebar Tape is definitely worth a read.

French Revolutions by Tim Moore as a lighthearted cycle tourists approach to the TdF

Cheers guys it’s a holiday read,Slaying the Badger is is.But a wish list also made from suggestions here. I think I am turning into a roadie as a mid life crisis. Still cheaper than a divorce and a fireblade…(prices up assos kit and tubs)…just

David Millar’s book is outstanding – one to read about the tour’s recent past and give food for thought about it’s future