Originally posted by ParamountScapin
Major Turner (if memory serves me), a Black American, was the best of the best for many years. There seemed to be less of a racial barrier in bicycle racing during this time (although he did have some problems)..
Major TAYLOR. He was a world champion and racism was a considerable factor in his career. There are several biographies of the man available, including his autobiography.
A Social History of the Bicycle, by Robert A. Smith is a good history of the bicycle craze of the 1890s.
The American Bicycle by Pridmore and Hurd is a coffee table book with lots of photos and good text.
I've got several links to bicycle museums (and their bookstores) on
this page.