Bicycle Diaries (by David Byrne, $26, Viking, Sept. 2009): David Byrne is a man of many interests. Famous for his role in the band Talking Heads, he's also worked in a variety of other art mediums, including a recent foray into bike rack art. In Bicycle Diaries, Byrne describes cities such as London, Buenos Aires, Manila, and Sydney from a bike-level view. Readers can expect to experience a unique image of the world as seen through the eyes of an avid cyclist and accomplished artist.

Cruisers (by Jonny Fuego and Michael Ames, $22, Gibbs Smith, 2009): This visually charged ode to bike culture is filled with delicious eye candy for cruiser devotees. The book follows the cruiser movement from its historical roots to the work of the modern masters. The bicycle craftsmanship displayed in Cruisers is impressive, and while the book's tips for customizing your own ride may not turn you into a bike expert overnight, you'll enjoy the attempt.

Bike Touring: The Sierra Club Guide to Travel on Two Wheels (by Raymond Bridge, $19, Sierra Club Books, 2009): The invigorated second edition of a 1979 classic, Bike Touring offers practical advice for traveling on two wheels. With advice for experts as well as novices, this encompassing guide is a must-have reference.

The Cyclist's Manifesto (by Robert Hurst, $17, Falcon Guides, 2009): Bicycle activists, arm yourselves with this book. Author Robert Hurst delves into America's complicated relationship with pedal power, acknowledging the sources of anti-bike sentiment and the reasons we can't afford to ignore bicycles as an alternative to our environmentally destructive car culture.