Through a historical analysis of the bicycle industry, this book explores how the bicycle was developed, manufactured and marketed, from its origins in the late nineteenth century to the present day. The author highlights the contributions made by the bicycle industry to marketing as it is understood today, tracing key innovations in product development and marketing. Addressing a gap in the literature, this book provides an insightful history of marketing practice for one of the most important products of the twentieth century.
"Carlo Mari's attempt to break new ground in bicycle historiography is welcome. ... Addressing the limitations of statistical data is a strength of the book. ... introducing a marketing perspective to the historiography of the bicycle is certainly a valuable contribution." (Bernhard Wieser, Technology and Culture, Vol. 62 (3), July, 2021)