Tales from the Toolbox [Paperback]

Rupert Guinness (Author), Scott Parr (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1997

Now readers have the rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at European road racing. Former Motorola Cycling Team mechanic Scott Parr spins tales from his years of turning wrenches for America's top pro cycling team. Parr's unique perspective and his state-of-the-art insight into the technowizardry of modern professional cycling provide a real treat for the reader of cycling literature.
-- Delivers the insider's story on such great racers as Lance Armstrong, Phil Anderson, Sean Yates, Frankie Andreau, and Axel Merckx

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Velo Press (October 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1884737390
• ISBN-13: 978-1884737398
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,424,251 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting insight to the pro peloton, June 12, 2000

By 

Abel Gregory Soster (Galena, OH USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Tales from the Toolbox (Paperback)

The book is a very quick read. I liked the behind the scenes life of a pro-bike mechanic. What I did not see was the real grit behind the public image. I think the author tried to convey what comprised his work while withholding what we all really want to hear about. "Who's jerk and why, who's a great guy and why?" If you want a more raw look at pro cycling consider Paul Kimmage's - Rough Ride.

3.0 out of 5 stars Tails from the toolbox, June 1, 2010

By 

Earl Hazekamp (Silverton, OR) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Tales from the Toolbox (Paperback)

The book has a wonderful premiss. To hear about the behind the scenes of a professional cycling team mechanic. But unfortunately the book is a bit sporadic in the telling of the tales. There just doesn't seem to be much flow through out the book. That being said, I thought that several of the stories were wonderfully viseral. They really convey the more day to day trials and tribulations that a pro mechanic has to deal with. And even though they were sort of stuck into the end of the book I must say I thought his chapters on bike washing and tool selection were the best part. The book is definately intriguing enough to recommend to anyone who wants to know what its really like to be a pro mechanic.