msheron

Anyone have experience with this book and especially the 2nd edition published in Dec. 2005?

Was wondering if it is a great resource.

Little Darwin

A nice book based on the browsing I have done since I bought it. Like the competing books I have seen it is light on material about vintage components, but what you need can be derived for the most part by looking at modern equipment.

No book has a whole lot more than you can find online, especially at a few key sites like Park Tools' site and Sheldon Brown's site. However, I do like having a book because of personal preference. I can drag the book over to the bike easier than my computer, and I don't worry so much about it getting dirty.

comradehoser

True, but I like to have references collected in an easily accessible source.

Park Tools' Big Blue Book is pretty mediocre.

Bicycling MAgazine's repair book is much better laid out, easier to understand, more comprehensive, and much cheaper.

msheron

Well I bought Zinn's book which is the 2nd edition. I browsed several others at the book store and found Zinn's to be more readable and better illustrated for me. There were a few others that had different illustrations that I like such as actual photos which I may pick up as well.

Thanks for your feedback on this book.

hairyleg

I have only seen the first edition, and it was great, so the 2nd probably is pretty good also.

(optional) The best way to learn though is to try and figure it out a little by yourself, then check the book, see if you're right, then proceed with the repair. Then you'll understand it really well, instead of just copying it.

Retro Grouch 

Depends on where you're coming from. It's very basic so if you're looking for a primer on brake and derailleur adjustment, it's great. If you are looking for a definitive source on parts compatability, you're out of luck.

When I started messing with bikes I bought a book called "Anybody's Bike Book". It was also very basic but it taught me a lot and I loved it. I think that Zinn's books are the modern day equivlents. I'd recommend them for a beginner but don't expect them to solve every problem for you.

derath

So this would be a good book for someone who has their first bike? I have a friend getting into road biking with me. I wanted to get him a book to help with regular maintenance etc. I have an old book that I started with, Sloanes Bicycle maintenance, or something like that. It doesn't seem to be around anymore so I was looking for a more modern day equivalent.

-D

msheron

Definitely the book you want. I will supplement more in depth books in the future. But I would buy it again.

DieselDan

I've used that book and two others, Bicycling Complete Guide to Bicycle Repair and Chilton'd Bicycle repair Manuel, and the Zinn was beyond better then both those combined. The instructions are more down to earth, Zinn doesn't assume you are a mechanic.

Now, for the bastard that stole mine from the shop....