The Bicycling Guide to Complete Bicycle Maintenance and Repair: For Road and Mountain Bikes(Expanded and Revised 5th Edition) (Paperback)

by Todd Downs (Author) "Whether you ride a bicycle for fun, fitness, transportation, or an adrenalin fix-or maybe all of these-you need this book..." (more)
Key Phrases: power connector, stirrup cable, smallest cassette cog, White Lightning Clean Streak, Campagnolo Ergopower, Liquid Wrench (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
This revised, updated, expanded fifth edition is indispensable-with all the latest models, parts, and repair techniques, and terrific money-saving tips to keep any ride in tip-top shape Since its first publication, Bicycling Magazine's Complete Guide to Bicycle Maintenance and Repair has sold over 400,000 copies. The fifth edition is guaranteed to remain the category killer. This long-overdue update is a must-have for weekend riders and serious cyclists alike.

Whether they own the latest model or a classic with thousands of miles on it, beginners and experienced cyclists alike can depend on this book to get their bikes out of the shop faster and keep them on the road longer. They'll discover information on: o Building a dream bike workshop o Disc brakes, both cable-actuated and hydraulic o Dialing in front and rear suspension shocks for comfortable rides o The latest crankset and bottom bracket designs o Overhauling freewheels and cassettes for peak performance o Specs on all the latest handlebar and headset sizes o Servicing clipless pedals for maximum safety

With troubleshooting sections to quickly identify and correct common problems, 450 photographs and 40 drawings to clarify all the step-by-step directions so even the complete neophyte can get repairs right the first time, and Web sites and phone numbers of bicycle and parts manufacturers, this is truly the ultimate bicycle repair and maintenance manual-now better than ever in its fifth edition!

About the Author
TODD DOWNS is a self-taught, full-time wrench since 1989. He's built wheels that were raced in the 2003 UCI Cyclocross World Championships and prepared a bike for an Olympic hopeful's trip to the 2004 Summer Olympic Trials. Downs has been published in DirtRag magazine and serves as an editor of MTBJournal.com. He currently resides in the Boston area.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Rodale Books; 5 Rev Exp edition (February 24, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1579548830
• ISBN-13: 978-1579548834
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (73 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #932 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #1 in	Books > Nonfiction > Automotive > Motorcycles > Repair & Performance
  #1 in	Books > Nonfiction > Automotive > Repair
  #2 in	Books > Outdoors & Nature > Outdoor Recreation > Cycling > Bike Repair

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

90 of 94 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent repair book and inexpensive, October 1, 2005

By	Ari "Ari" (ny, usa) - See all my reviews

I ordered this aswell as the big blue book of bicycle repair from park and this book won hands down in every area. The price is half, the information is better and more detailed and it covers areas the park book doesn't. If you want to learn how to overhaul your bike as I did, this is the book to get.

90 of 96 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Even WalMart and Target bikes!, August 20, 2005

By	Karen Delaney (Ingleside, Texas United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I used this baby to take apart that Target bike I had hanging in the garage for 5 years. It was so great, it had everything, even the cheap cruddy gear on my bike was covered, and I managed to put the bike back together again too! I discovered there was more to chain lube than that old can that you pushed on the bottom and dripped oil on the chain with. Plus I found out that I had the wrong size bike, completely, that my shifting system was the one they put on 3 speeds back in the 60's, and that it never pays to pry off stuff with the sharp part of the tool pointed at yourself. HOWEVER, the point is, this book ROCKS! I, a complete neophyte (mechanically speaking) took this bike to pieces and it went back together with not one screw left over. I actually did the Hans and Franz PUMP YOU UP pose after finishing.

40 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Can't be beat for price and quality, September 16, 2005

By	Mr. T - See all my reviews

After looking at several other bicycle repair manuals, it was a joy to come across this book that is just right on the money.

Todd Downs's book about bicycling repair is something that belongs on the bookshelf (or in the garage) of every bicyclist out there. The book easily pays for itself many times over by giving the novice bicycle mechanic the guidance and instruction in doing his own repairs.

The book is also interesting to read. Downs explains the pros and cons of the various types of components out there, and gives the reader advice for how to best use and care for his bicycle.

The photgraphs are clear and plentiful, never leaving you wondering what you're supposed to do, and give you the confidence to tackle just about any job.

Where other books seem to err by giving the reader too little information - or overwhelming the reader with too much - this book strikes a great balance. Every part of the bicycle is covered in its entirety, and this book should work for just about every cyclist out there, whether you're a road warrior, hard-core mountain biker, or just enjoy a casual ride to the coffee shop on Sunday mornings.

In addition to just straight repair and maintenance, the book is filled with good advice. I particularly liked when Downs would tell the reader if a troublesome part was better off being repaired or replaced entirely.

If you ride a bike, you really should own a repair manual, and this is the best one I've seen so far.