Book recommendations

[domeld]

Could anyone recommend a good book for learning about bicycle maintenance? There are several books on amazon with 4 or 5 star rating, some with only 1 review though.

It should suit a beginner but with enough detail covering a range of topics from basic maintenance to more advanced tasks. It should also have clear pictures or diagrams.

I suppose it is too much to ask that it covers electric bikes as well!

domeld

 

[stokepa31]

I got the haynes manual which is very good. nothing on electric but that side of things is well covered on here!

Paul

 

[fcurran]

I too use the Haynes book. Very comprehensive, simple step by step instructions including trouble shooting, advise on when things need doing, time it should take and tools required etc.

Enjoy!!

FrankC

 

[domeld]

Thanks Paul and Frank, that's 2 votes for the Haynes book then!

domeld

 

[Footie]

Not able to help with any books. However, over the last 12 months I've found a number of sites that may have some useful information.
Hope you find them useful - Oh, and they don't cost anything except surfing time

Sheldon Brown-Bicycle Technical Information
http://buggies.builtforfun.co.uk/index.php
MAKE: Blog: Bicycles Archives
the Practical Pedal - A Free Magazine About Bicycle Commuting
Free advice on how to fix your bicycle: SPRINGTIME BICYCLE CHECKLIST

members sites
grandads site: grandads - Grandad'sÂ* obj = new Object;obj.clockfile = "5009-blue.swf";obj.TimeZone = "GMT0100";obj.width
flecc site: index
.

 

[domeld]

Thanks for those links Footie

Usually I find it easier to use printed reading material (easier to read in bed or by the roadside!) but use the web for filling in any gaps or helping to understand specific points, so those websites will be very useful.,

domeld

 

[PaulC]

Hi,
I would recommend a book that may only be available secondhand. It is "The Bicycle Repair Book" 2nd Ed 1994, by Rob van der Plas.
He covers both derailleur and hub gears, and I have found it to cover all parts of bikes. There is nothing on electric bikes, but then I would recommend this forum for electric problems.
Paul

 

[davidw]

Books

My bible in an earlier cycling existence was 'Richards Bicycle Book'. It had everything about bikes plus detailed drawing for all maintenance and repairs. And they worked. Once coming too fast down a pyrennean mountain road I failed to see a huge pot hole in time - result: one very mis shapen front wheel. So I sat down by the roadside got out Richard and although I had never tackled anything like it before followed his 'how to build a wheel' instructions. It was like magic to watch as my wheel regained it's proper shape.
My edition is from 1980's and so out of date now but I see that he has one for the 21st century (on sale at Amazon) so if it is anywhere near as good I would recommend it. It will cover all kinds of bikes (ex elec I imagine) as well as maintenance in an idiosyncratic but highly readable and entertaining style

 

[domeld]

I would recommend a book that may only be available secondhand. It is "The Bicycle Repair Book" 2nd Ed 1994, by Rob van der Plas.

I did actually find that book on Amazon, though not in stock it is available second-hand from them for £1.44 (plus £2.75 p&p) so I may order that one. There are later books by the same author, in fact I've already ordered a small handbook by him called "Simple Bicycle Repair" (only cost a fiver) to supplement the main book order of "The Bike Book" from Haynes.

My bible in an earlier cycling existence was 'Richards Bicycle Book'. It had everything about bikes plus detailed drawing for all maintenance and repairs. And they worked.

That sounds great, I also found that on Amazon 2nd hand from £0.01 (plus postage)! However, there is also a later version called "Richard's 21st Century Bicycle Book". I'll see how I get on with the other books and will maybe get the older version too!

domeld