Bestselling author and journalist Rob Penn has ridden a bike most days of his adult life: in his late twenties he cycled 40,000 km around the globe. Yet, like cyclists everywhere, the utilitarian bikes he currently owns don't even hint at his devotion for cycling. In 2010 Rob decided he needed a new bike, a bespoke machine that reflected how he feels when he's riding it. This is the story of a worldwide journey to design and build his dream bike: a tale of perfect components - parts that set the standard in reliability, craftsmanship and beauty, and en route it explores the cultural, scientific and historical relevance of this enduring machine.

Rob Penn is the author of the bestselling book It's All About The Bike. He wrote and presented 'Ride of My Life: The Story of the Bicycle' for BBC4/2.

Fee: £4.60 full / £3.60 concessions.

Special offer: get the Friday Combo ticket and see this talk and the Life Cycles mountain bike film (Fri 19 Aug, 20:00) for the reduced price of £10 full / £8 concessions. To purchase the Combo ticket please call Box Office on 0117 927 5100 - this deal cannot be bought online.