General Cycling Discussion - Best Bike Mechanic Book or DVD?

I'm looking to fix everything on my bike myself and not have to rely on a LBS everytime I have a problem. I like doing it myself as I do on my computers.
Anyone know of a really good Book (lots of pix) and/or DVD out there I should get to learn from?
Ty for your time!:)

I have used Barnett's Manual for years. It isn't cheap, but it is pretty damned thorough. Other people I know have used Sutherlands with no complaints, but I can't personally vouch for it.
Barnetts has procedural checkoff sheets and detailed instructions for everything except wiping your rear. I love it. Check here:

http://www.bbinstitute.com/manual.htm

At $115.00 it isn't cheap, but it is the last manual you will need for the next few years - until the next edition comes out.

PERFECT!
Thanks a ton once again!:beer:

You can also try Zinn's books for both road and mountain bikes, I've used the road one, and it's easy to follow. Then there's the Bicyclying maintenance book which I've heard is very good, but haven't used myself.

Yeah, I have a Zinn book buried somewhere that I used a long time ago I believe. It wasn't bad, I'm sure if its the same one I'm thinking of it has probably gone through several edition changes since I bought it.:D

Cool guys, ty much!
Have a wonderful night!:beer:

Coffee,
Martin is right about the Barnett manuals. I have the set, and they have been valuable. HOWEVER, to me Barnett's is a bit overkill. Don't get me wrong, it is probably the best there is, designed for the Barnett Bicycle Institute formal courses for bike mechanics. And on a couple of occasions when I have been stumped they have come to the rescue. Other books may be better for most of the things an aspiring mechanic needs to do. Then you can decide if you want to spend the money for Barnett's. I have several books, but the one I always grab is Bicycling Magazine's Complete Guide to Bicycle Maintenance and Repair. I think it cost about US$35. It has good step by step instuctions and pictures. I picked it this way. I wanted to know how to service a plain old threaded headset. I went to Barnes and Noble and read descriptions of how to do it in about 3 manuals. The Bicycling book seemed most understandable to me so that's the one I got. Not very scientific, but I have been quite happy with it.
FWIW,
Raymond

I use the Zinn road bike book. It's quite good and weel-illustrated. I keep thinking about investing in the Barnett set, but, to be honest, that sure seems like a heck of a lifelong commitment. :)

Yeah, I think I'm going to go this morning and look at some of the books you all sugested at barnes and noble. I woke up early this morning hoping to get my ride on and looked outside and noticed it was raining :(
TY all, have a wonderful (no rainy) day!:)

Here is a link for bike tools and books...

http://www.biketoolsetc.com

Originally posted by martin
Here is a link for bike tools and books...

http://www.biketoolsetc.com
Thanks a ton, I'm going to order the book now for $99.00. :beer:

If you like Barnett's manual you can download a chapter a month off the Specialized web site. Of course there are about 50 chapters so it will take a few years.

I had suggested the same thing last year. Unfortunately, they cycle through the same six (I think) chapters over and over. Oh well.

Cheers...Gary

Thnx all, but I just ordered it the other day along with the book zin or something like that. :)

Originally posted by Coffee
Anyone know of a really good Book (lots of pix) and/or DVD out there I should get to learn from?
Don't discount the web. A good book with pictures and basic procedures is great. But, if a subject is covered by Sheldon Brown's Harris Cyclery (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/) site, you'll be hard pressed to find better info anywhere.

Originally posted by roadbuzz

Don't discount the web. A good book with pictures and basic procedures is great. But, if a subject is covered by Sheldon Brown's Harris Cyclery (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/) site, you'll be hard pressed to find better info anywhere.
Niice!
Ty!:beer: