Classic & Vintage - Berto's "Complete Guide to Upgrading Your Bike" - a must read for the vintage folk

I checked this book out of the library recently, and, as with most all of Berto's books, it is most certainly a book any vintage drivetrain/brakeset user, or enthuthiast, must have on hand - and when they sell at Amazon.com, lightly used, for $5-15, you cannot afford NOT to have this book on hand.

It is, unquestionably, the best reference guide I've ever found regarding mid '70s-late 1980's componentry. Freewheels and early Shimano UG cassettes are discussed in considerable depth, both friction and indexed derailer systems are addressed, the minute details of the chains available during the era, shifting patterns, various cranksets, et cetera - complete with the most extensively detailed charts you'd ever want.

One cannot begin to explain everything that is in this book - suffice it to say that he couldn't have written a book any better for what was to become the future vintage lightweight enthuthiasts of today.

Amazon.com has a few copies of it available, new ($79 :eek:) and used ($6-20). If you don't already have it, get it - and if you don't, well, you're missing out:

http://www.amazon.com/Bicycling-Magazines-Complete-Guide-Upgrading/dp/0878577513

Take care,

-Kurt

Ordered.

Thanks for the recommendation. I've been prowling the used book stores in my area for older repair guides and such for help in working on my bikes but nothing I've found so far gets into the specific components. I knew something had to be out there!

That certainly sounds like a subject worthy of Frank Berto!

Ordered.

Thanks for the recommendation. I've been prowling the used book stores in my area for older repair guides and such for help in working on my bikes but nothing I've found so far gets into the specific components. I knew something had to be out there!

It'll satisfy you and then some.

You'll find yourself spending the evening glued to this book, that I'll guarentee you.

Of course, the wife may not be too happy about that, but that's another story. ;)

-Kurt

And my favorite search engine for used books is http://used.addall.com. It led me to the Berto book at half.com for $6.24 shipped.

Neal

Got one!

Thanks for the recommendation! :D

And my favorite search engine for used books is http://used.addall.com. It led me to the Berto book at half.com for $6.24 shipped.

Neal

Dang. I could only find it for $8.85. :( :p

My favorite is www.abebooks.com. It searches used book stores all over the world.

Dang. I could only find it for $8.85. :( :p

That's because I bought the one for $6.24! Sorry, John.

Neal

You'll find that the book is easily worth 4 times the price tags you fellows are bickering about. Anything under $15 is a giveaway - you'll find out when you get it.

-Kurt

Thanks for the reference, Kurt. Anything to agitate the wife!

I find that almost all of Frank Berto's writings to be technofreak nonsense. His findings generally have absolutely no place in actual day to day riding.

I find that almost all of Frank Berto's writings to be technofreak nonsense. His findings generally have absolutely no place in actual day to day riding.

Well, I think you'll find that public opinion - once they recieve their copies - will see things differently. Us vintage folks like to mull over and dissect our parts until we're blue in the face - or for the Suntour fans, "Blue Lined in the Derailer."

-Kurt

I'll check out the local used places first, too bad I forgot about biking books while my tower was closing.

That's because I bought the one for $6.24! Sorry, John.

Neal

No worries. I was teasing. Quite surprised to find it so inexpensively.

I'll check out the local used places first, too bad I forgot about biking books while my tower was closing.

Good idea, but you'd still probably be better off with one of the $5, used copies from Amazon - you'll probably spend more in gas and effort then to simply order one of those.

-Kurt

I like his reviews at the end of each chapter. He was definitely a fan of the Dura Ace 7400 stuff. :)

Enjoy the read!

Texbike

I like his reviews at the end of each chapter. He was definitely a fan of the Dura Ace 7400 stuff. :)

Enjoy the read!

Texbike

And he could also appriciate Campagnolo Victory for what it is - not the snob appeal of it. In fact, he rates the Victory RD superior to C-Record as well. It's curious that the very point he made of the Victory being superior - the highly adjustable pivot stop positions - was also to be found out later to be the C-Record's weak point, a sprung pivot stop that had a tendency to crack.

-Kurt

Gots one. Thanks for the recommendation.

Good idea, but you'd still probably be better off with one of the $5, used copies from Amazon - you'll probably spend more in gas and effort then to simply order one of those.

-Kurt
Not if I bike!

OK $5.60 copy from Amazon on the way.

Another good old cycling book I found for the collection: 2 Wheel Travel; Bicycle Camping And Touring, by Peter W. Toby. The title is self expanitory, good reading , being outdated adds to the charm.

To think there were 22 copies of this available when I originally posted this thread...

-Kurt

I ordered mine also. Watch, it'll turn into a NY Times bestseller! No one will know why. Suddenly publishing houses will race to turn out mind-boggling coffee table tomes with bike p0rn photos, like 55/Rad's bike photos. Oh, and the ones that tenordl just showed us of the Hercules. Actually, there's so much fine photography here in C & V I should just leave it at that.

East Hill

I ordered mine also.

Let me know what you think of it. As you mentioned to me that you're not 100% familiar with BB/headset work, or similar, I'd also recommend the Haynes Bicycle Book, Second Edition. I don't agree with some of the advice in the book, but on the whole, it is an excellent pictorial tuturial on doing these slightly more complex jobs.


Suddenly publishing houses will race to turn out mind-boggling coffee table tomes with bike p0rn photos, like 55/Rad's bike photos.

East Hill

Yes...and those same books will end up in the Barnes & Noble's transportation-themed Clearance section in about a month, just like all the other automotive, railroad, and motorcycle photo books. Of course, just like their counterparts, said book must be chock full of nice (but not breathtaking) photos and improper/incorrect descriptions. :p

-Kurt

I received my copy yesterday. It definitely lived up to my expectations.

Thanks for the good advice, Kurt!

To think there were 22 copies of this available when I originally posted this thread...

-Kurt


Only two left now

Make that one...:)

You bums!

___________________________________________________________________

We just found out that the item listed below is unavailable, so
we have canceled the order. We have issued a refund for this order.
If this item is part of a multi-item order, the rest of your
items are still on order.

Order #:
Order Date: Dec 30 2006
Media Type: book
Title: Bicycling Magazine's Complete Guide to Upgrading
Your Bike
Author: Frank Berto
Alibris I.D.:

Item charge: 5.86
Shipping: 3.49
Tax: 0.00
------------------------
Total: USD 9.35

When you place a book, music or movie order with us, we either
retrieve it from our worldwide network of independent sellers or
from our own shelves.
But from time to time, a particular item becomes unavailable
before we reach it.

:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

Time to find one on eBay. I told you this was going to make the NY Times Bestseller list!

East Hill

http://used.addall.com/SuperRare/submitRare.cgi?author=Frank+Berto&title=Complete+Guide+to+Upgrading&keyword=&isbn=&order=TITLE&ordering=ASC&dispCurr=USD&binding=Any+Binding&min=&max=&timeout=20&match=Y&store=Abebooks&store=AbebooksDE&store=AbebooksFR&store=AbebooksUK&store=Alibris&store=Amazon&store=AmazonCA&store=AmazonUK&store=AmazonDE&store=AmazonFR&store=Antiqbook&store=Biblio&store=Bibliophile&store=Bibliopoly&store=Booksandcollectibles&store=Half&store=ILAB&store=LivreRareBook&store=Maremagnum&store=Powells&store=Strandbooks&store=ZVAB

East Hill; Albris has it for $9.95, it seems.

I think that the NOS Bicycle Shop on eBay has one for $19.95 as well.

-Kurt

Thanks Kurt.

Odd that Alibris cancelled my less expensive order even if it is only a few bucks!

I'll try the link.

East Hill

You bums!

After all we've done for you......... :D

Hey - just to show there's no hard feelings, I found a copy for you HERE (http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=651425591&searchurl=sts%3Dt%26y%3D12%26tn%3DComplete%2BGuide%2Bto%2BUpgrading%2BYour%2BBike%26x%3D60).







For $52.51 :lol: :roflmao: :lol:

After all we've done for you......... :D

Errrr...I was referring to those other bums! The ones who ordered all the copies making Berto's book a national best seller, depriving me of the enjoyment of dipping through my very own copy.

I'm going to go ride the new Peugeot mixte, then I will try ordering it again. I think everyone's got a copy except me by now!

East Hill

Thanks Kurt,
While in waiting for the book,does it show how to make a Alvit RD function properly????????

Thanks Kurt,
While in waiting for the book,does it show how to make a Alvit RD function properly????????

Can you squeeze orange juice from squash? :lol:

In other words, no. It is not possible - whether by humankind or by divine intervention ;) - to make an Alvit RD function properly.

-Kurt

thanks,
I thought soooooooo....

now i want a copy

Oh, incedentally, through my recent library findings, I wish NOT to recommend the following (with all due respect to the authors):

The Bicycle Builder's Bible, Jack Wiley; Tab Books, April 1980.
A book written for adjustable-wrench mechanics apt to weld bikes into choppers (and even then, does a bad job of it). The basics, only, and a bad job of it as well. The type of book this is is quite evident by just glancing at the bikes detailed - bottom-of-the-line Ross or Schwinns, and the only high-end machines that are mentioned are the Schwinn Paramounts (probably as they were in the same catalogue as the Collegates, Varsitys and Breezes also pictured). He does bother to show the stainless Bridgestone Kabuki Submariner, just to say that it makes sense for boaters. He seems not to realize that the other galivinized or cheaply chromed components will soon go the way of a standard steel frame just as well. Have I given you a sufficent idea of the uselessness of this backyard mechanic's book?

Bicycle - The History, David V. Herlihy; Yale University Press, 2004
A flowing, wordy, overdone account of the bicycle's history for the ultimate snobs on the subject. Reads like an overinformed newspaper journalist wrote it, both early and late history. Focuses more on society's view of the bicycle then the bicycle itself, which is not limited to the early period, but continues straight on to the present. Just under three quarters of the book is devoted to the highwheeler & pre highwheeler period. The rest is a semi scattered account of bicycles and bicycles in society through the twentieth century. The glossy photos have no rhyme or reason - and you can see many of them (or similar) online.

-Kurt

thanks,
I thought soooooooo....

Well, although I do not agree with some of the repair tips in it completely, I find that The Haynes Bicycle Book 2nd Edition is quite detailed on the subject of adjustments, repair, and the like. Very useful and detailed book with profuse photographs. I guarentee that any first-timer doing a bottom bracket, headset, or any other more involved job will find it quite easy with the aid of this book.

-Kurt

Well, although I do not agree with some of the repair tips in it completely, I find that The Haynes Bicycle Book 2nd Edition is quite detailed on the subject of adjustments, repair, and the like. Very useful and detailed book with profuse photographs. I guarentee that any first-timer doing a bottom bracket, headset, or any other more involved job will find it quite easy with the aid of this book.

-Kurt

I have a copy of Haynes and I agree. It has a lot of adjustment info for 80s and 90s tech that has since been made obsolete by newer stuff. One thing it lacks is any reference to internal hubs.

The Bicycle Builder's Bible, Jack Wiley; Tab Books, April 1980.
A book written for adjustable-wrench mechanics apt to weld bikes into choppers (and even then, does a bad job of it). The basics, only, and a bad job of it as well. The type of book this is is quite evident by just glancing at the bikes detailed - bottom-of-the-line Ross or Schwinns, and the only high-end machines that are mentioned are the Schwinn Paramounts (probably as they were in the same catalogue as the Collegates, Varsitys and Breezes also pictured). He does bother to show the stainless Bridgestone Kabuki Submariner, just to say that it makes sense for boaters. He seems not to realize that the other galivinized or cheaply chromed components will soon go the way of a standard steel frame just as well. Have I given you a sufficent idea of the uselessness of this backyard mechanic's book?

That entire paragraph is your opinion. You HAVE to make sure no one buys it because of how YOU felt
about it?:rolleyes: ,,,,BD

That entire paragraph is your opinion. You HAVE to make sure no one buys it because of how YOU felt about it?:rolleyes: ,,,,BD

It's just a personal opinion, one can ignore it or choose to follow that advice. Why don't you get it from your library sometime (or order a dirt cheap copy) and find out for yourself? I think you'll have the same to say about it once you see it.

P.S.: Only interesting section is where he shows how you can chop a frame up and weld homemade hinges to it to make it a folder. The rest is either extreme basics, or poor repair explinations.

-Kurt

Berto's book is a "time machine" back to an era when there were many choices of brake levers, brake calipers, freewheels, shifters. Today, 90% of road bikes come with Shimano drivetrains, brakes, and shifters, and so a buyer's choice is between Tiagra and 105, or between 105 and Ultegra.

Perhaps there is little in Berto's book that has any practical applications in 2007, but it is fun to look back and see what the world of road bikes was like twenty years ago.

...but it is fun to look back and see what the world of road bikes was like twenty years ago.

I believe that happens to be one of the main things that Classic & Vintage exists for ;)

-Kurt

All this talk made me want a copy. I found one for $5 on abebooks. :)

All this talk made me want a copy. I found one for $5 on abebooks. :)
i checked abebooks, didn't find one. went to the library downtown, and it was checked out/lost (someone here maybe?):D .

I received my copy yesterday. Think I paid around $6 at half.com. Even though I am a RANK newbied, I am enjoying the book. I have the Bicycling Magazine repair book and enjoy that very much also, although have nothing to compare it to. I enjoy reading about a hobby almost as much as the hobby itself. My next purchase will probably be the Zin book.

Today, 90% of road bikes come with Shimano drivetrains, brakes, and shifters, and so a buyer's choice is between Tiagra and 105, or between 105 and Ultegra.

This is why I love my classics!

Mine came yesterday also. Only read a few pages so far. I think the frame categorizations simplify things a little bit - to the point where a literal reading of his categorization would rate my '78 SuperCourse, and '86 Miyata 210 as having a better frames than my '73 Fuji "Finest" (which simply isn't the case), but I can't say that I could improve without tripling the size of the section - rendering it painful reading.

I'm looking forward to some of what he has to say about the specifics of upgrading drive train components. I want to settle on long-term componentry on a few of my bikes - so that I can spend less time futzing with them, and more time riding and doing other things.

Thanks for the recommendation Kurt.

Mine arrived today - apparently it was resident at the Jacksonville FL library before coming into my possession.

I haven't given it a good thumbing yet.... I'll save that for passing the time at work tomorrow.....:D

Sheesh. I think I was the first person to order one and mine only arrived yesterday! I sat right down and have already read half the book. Absolutely excellent and exactly the sort of material I've been looking for. Thanks for an excellent recommendation, Kurt. Too bad Frank doesn't get any residuals over this!