Barnett's Manual: Introduction, Frames, Forks, and Bearings (Paperback)

~ John Barnett (Author) "The purpose of this book is simple..." (more)
Key Phrases: fork column, dropout thickness, axle protrusion, Bicycle Research, Chris King, United Bicycle Tool (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

An updated version of the most acclaimed bike repair guide, Barnett's Manual takes the mystery out of every procedure, emphasizing detail, logic, and measurement to make repairs with speed and efficiency and eliminate guesswork. Arranged according to the way mechanics actually need information, the manual functions as both a stand-alone resource and an important training tool for professionals and amateurs. This new edition includes extensive reference information, more than 1,000 illustrations, and worksheets. Each volume features grease-resistant perforated pages that can snap easily into a three-ring binder.

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: VeloPress; 4 edition (September 30, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1884737862
• ISBN-13: 978-1884737862
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,649,160 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

78 of 79 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive with many details, yet perhaps a little dated, August 27, 2001

By	J. Grattan "book reviewer" (Lawrenceville, GA USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)    (VINE VOICE)

This review is from: Barnett's Manual: Analysis and Procedures for Bicycle Mechanics (Paperback)

I haven't seen any bicycle maintenance books that come close to providing the kind of detail that Barnett's Manual does - detail in such areas as exact measurement and classification of parts and threads, tool part numbers for many manufacturers, and elaborate torque specifications. The Manual actually consists of four volumes with vol 4 consisting of material extracted from the previous three for easy access. The repairs and adjustments are conducted via written step-by-step procedures. Many of the adjustments utilize self-adhesive markings that are put on the bike for the purpose of exactly increasing or decreasing the tightness of bearing adjustments. Proper torquing is always specified. The Manual attempts to be comprehensive covering both road and mountain bikes and all sorts of groupos. Some of these are covered better than others. The manuals also deal with frame preparation using facing and threading tools. In some ways the manuals are a little dated. For example the wheel building and truing sections use traditioanl rims and spokes, not to mention traditional hubs. But modern wheels are using vastly reduced spoke counts, exotic spoke materials and shapes, and cartridge type hubs. The translation from the old to the new is hardly discussed, if at all. Cartridge hubs in particular are given insufficient weight. On the other hand the adjustment of newer STI derailleur systems is superb, not to mention threadless headsets, V-brakes, etc. The author probably would contend that his manuals facilitate learning the principles of bicycle repair and maintenance and that dealing with new technologies would follow the same guide lines. And there is of course some truth in that. However, a purchaser of these manuals could be disappointed if he or she expects every bicycle part to be covered in detail, becasue they are not.

43 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unbelievably detailed and user friendly!, March 19, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Barnett's Manual: Analysis and Procedures for Bicycle Mechanics (Hardcover)

The most detailed book on bicycle repair I have ever seen. Even though it is written for professionals, the detailed step-by-stem procedures leave nothing to assumption. All procedures are covered by detailed worksheets which you are encouraged to photocopy and use as a guide through the repair. The illustrations are great. Details, worksheets, and illustrations make this book very user friendly, even though it's target audience appears to be professionals.

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Tecnical Manual, August 17, 2000

By	James Allen (Chicago, Illinois, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Barnett's Manual: Analysis and Procedures for Bicycle Mechanics (Paperback)

If you have ever needed to change a part on your bike, upgrade to something better, change out your drivetrain, tune your derailleur's, or even true a wheel... this is the book for you! With awesome in depth pictures, and step by step technical procedures for doing just about anything to the bike that you so dearly love. John Barnett's experience with bike repairs far surpasses that of the guy that you normally bring it into for those expensive repairs, so spend the money for the book, and save money in the future while at the same time learning from one of the top professionals in his business! Do it, it's an awesome book!