Review
Reviewer s Choice: Rob van der Plas is a San Francisco based mechanical engineer with a lifelong passion for the bicycle. This passion is reflected in this writing of several books about bicycle, as well as articles about bicycles for various trade and consumer cycling periodicals. His technical expertise is such that he has been an expert witness in patent disputes and other legal cases regarding bicycle technology. Profusely illustrated throughout with color photography, "Bicycle Repair: Maintenance & Repair of the Modem Bicycle" is his newest work and is specifically designed to enable the non-specialist general reader to acquire the ability to maintain and repair all types of bicycles. Fully up-to-date and covering all the latest equipment and accessories (as well as older models of bicycles), "Bicycle Repair" covers some workshop procedures and roadside repairs, as well as preventive maintenance and adjustments of gears, brakes, and suspension. Simply stated, if you own a bicycle of any make or model, then you need your own personal copy of this book. James A. Cox The Midwest Book Review --Frank Berto Reviews, August 2007
The Best of the Lot Bicycle repair is a popular subject. I have more than 50 repair books in my library. Rob Van der Plas's "Bicycle Repair" is the best of the lot. This 8-1/2 x 11 inch softcover has 176 pages with about three color pictures per page. The pictures walk you through the procedures that are clearly and systematically described in the text. You will take this book into your workplace and get grease on it. It s not a beginner s book. It s for someone who can use hand tools but needs instruction on the special bicycle tools and the bicycle quirks, like left-hand threads. The first five chapters cover basic procedures, preventive maintenance, wheel removal, and tire repair. The last twenty chapters cover the less frequent jobs. In addition to the standard stuff, it covers the latest ironmongery, with instructions for adjusting and maintaining front and rear suspensions, disc brakes, and threadless headsets. The chapter on adjusting front and rear derailleurs will keep your indexed shifting working correctly. You will also know when you need a new chain and what kind to buy. If you avoid one trip to the bike shop (and you will for sure), that will more than cover the $22.95 cost of the book. Frank Berto, PE Former Engineering Editor of Bicycling Magazine --Midwest Review of Books, August 2007
The Best of the Lot Bicycle repair is a popular subject. I have more than 50 repair books in my library. Rob Van der Plas's "Bicycle Repair" is the best of the lot. This 8-1/2 x 11 inch softcover has 176 pages with about three color pictures per page. The pictures walk you through the procedures that are clearly and systematically described in the text. You will take this book into your workplace and get grease on it. It s not a beginner s book. It s for someone who can use hand tools but needs instruction on the special bicycle tools and the bicycle quirks, like left-hand threads. The first five chapters cover basic procedures, preventive maintenance, wheel removal, and tire repair. The last twenty chapters cover the less frequent jobs. In addition to the standard stuff, it covers the latest ironmongery, with instructions for adjusting and maintaining front and rear suspensions, disc brakes, and threadless headsets. The chapter on adjusting front and rear derailleurs will keep your indexed shifting working correctly. You will also know when you need a new chain and what kind to buy. If you avoid one trip to the bike shop (and you will for sure), that will more than cover the $22.95 cost of the book. Frank Berto, PE Former Engineering Editor of Bicycling Magazine --Midwest Review of Books, August 2007
About the Author
Rob van der Plas is the author of numerous books about the bicycle and its maintenance. His earlier books include The Penguin Bicycle Handbook, The Mountain Bike Book, Simple Bicycle Repair, and Mountain Bike Maintenance. Trained as an engineer and experienced as a technical writer, he manages to explain relatively complicated procedures in easy-to-follow descriptions.
