Customer Reviews

How To Rock and Roll : A City Rider's Repair Manual

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have thoroughly enjoyed this book, incredibly entertaining as far as repair manuals go. The descriptive, opinionated writing style had me reading about repairs I had no need to do currently.
High entertainment value-needs more pictures (maybe with an updated version?)

I would find it hard as to what style this book is in; I see a "punk" listmania come up when I try to find this book but though I be of humble knowledge, it seems it could also come close to "grunge" or even Robert Crumb "hippie" type of writing. It's unique style really places it one star of where it would be, if it were just a straightforward bicycle repair manual. Yet at a low cost and geared towards commuters, it is probably worth the price. Photos of bike repair with a beer or smoke are included. Also, some colorful language is to be found within its pages. The book is not comprehensive, that is its major setback. There are areas though, in which the author does demonstrate his knowledge and that is very helpful. I might not have been able to fix a bottom bracket with as much ease as I did in one case and he does convey his knowledge with the proverbial "laymen's terms." The writing style has some entertainment value and what's more, could probably be polished up for even a better book.

I am a bike messenger and I wish I'd had this book when I started the job. From fixing a flat to the most difficult repairs this book has it all.

Sam Tracy is a unique and refreshing voice in the repair-manual industry. This book is well-written and technically correct, but most importantly it is an excellent read. I think it is out of print, but Tracy should have a new book coming out in the summer. I would recommend it to anyone.