I just picked up a barely used paperback copy of "Richard's Bicycle Book" by Richard Ballantine at a used book store tonight.
It has a really great illustrations (particularly of Weinmann centerpulls, and Huret and Campagnolo rear derailleurs) by someone named John Batchelor.
There is also a really great tirade by the author in the back of the book about the upcoming bicycle revolution. My copy was published in 1974.
Anyway, I am really enjoying flipping through this book. If anyone out there stumbles upon a copy I would definitely pick it up.
-Kirke Campbell
Houston, Tx USA