Yotsko

Yeah, I know it may be corny, but I've got a project bike and need somewhere to start. I've been riding for 10 years and the extent of my home maintainance is changing tubes, chains, and maybe a brake pad or two.

I'm looking at the few on performance's website, anyone have any opinions on those or others? Thanks!

https://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_id=6200

Panthers007

A good, old standard is "Anybody's Bike Book" by Tom Cuthbertson. Tom, who passed away in 2005, is noted for his fun descriptions that get the ideas across with humor. Armed with this book, one would be well equipped to overhaul their bicycle.

Mondoman

A Zinn book (your choice depending on whether you've got a road or mountain bike) is the best first choice. A close second is Bicycling Magazine's book by Todd Downs (don't know anything about the other Bicycling Magazine books). All IMHO, of course!

UnsafeAlpine

I second the Zinn books. Great detail and actually fun to read, as well.

blamp28

I have used this one: https://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=6200

and in fact rarely open it anymore. If you lived close, I'd let you borrow it till you gained some experience. Check your local library too.

HillRider

+1 on both of these book recommendations.

IIRC, the Cuthbertson book is very elementary and probably very dated by now. It wouldn't hurt to read it but don't expect much.

Panthers007

Hill: It has been updated. It does cover the innovations that we see today compared to the first printings from yesteryear. It's got a few gaps, but what doesn't? And it's fun reading style captures one's attention and makes the subject matter clear at the same time.

It certainly isn't the last word, but I think it would cover the OP's premise of a simple how-to book. It's not intended to be an end-all course in bike-mechanics.

Happy Trails!

Sapling

Zinn is great. Also try this free downloadable:
https://www.4shared.com/file/84506507...nanceBook.html

bubbagrannygear

Don't know about others but I have the Zinn road bike book. Use it, like it, and would recommend it.

kknh3

Here's one that is very, very detailed. I happened across this website via a Google search. I wonder about copyright issues on this particular document. Anyone know where this might have originated?

Bike maintenance manual

ryker

I like the new edition of the Park Tool book (BBB-2). Sometimes photos are nicer than diagrams. Zinn's is good too.

Manufacturers' installation/service instructions are often great resources.

ryker

Barnett's???

bigvegan

+1 on Sheldon Brown.

Panthers007

There is a good freebie on the web:

https://www.howtofixbikes.ca/

The author is a member here who introduced this to us a little while back. It's free as an open publication.

Lawrence08648

My favorite is the Park Tools book.

operator

Gotta love it when people reinvent the wheel. A crappier wheel at that.

Panthers007

It's free.

HillRider

Yep, that's exactly what it is. It may be an older edition as Specialized had most chapters from the previous version posted on it's web site as a free download a few years ago.

Panthers007

I actually bought the .pdf of Barnett's Manual. Cost me around $150 I think. Think. It's a very large file - 209MB. That's almost 1/4 of the Encyclopedia Britannica - Aardvark - Zygote. It covers every nook & cranny of the bicycle. If you're a true devotee of the bicycle, then you might consider it. But if this is your first attempt to learn basic bicycle-mechanics, I wouldn't recommend it too highly. There's a lot of room in there to get lost in.

leweee 

Barnett's Manual

Panthers007

Goodie - I have the latest! Now I can sleep tonight <in a bag of nuts & bolts>!

redtires

Any of the Zinn books, but then again, I'm a bit biased.

barturtle

Find the nearest LBS running a Park Tool School...the absolute best, totally worth the price to get the hands on with the tools you might not have had access to and the the quality time with a very knowledgeable mechanic to ask questions.

xddorox

Gee thanks. For my first try, I think it's not that bad and over 6 000 downloads in the first 20 days must be saying something. I guess you can't please everyone and it's made for the true novice. I can understand why some more knowledgeable bikers might not find it good, but they are not the intended readers.

Peace

gerv 

Hey, what's wrong with it? I downloaded it twice. I also used your article on building a bike trailer to great advantage. It's not the lightest, but I'm guessing I'll be able to hand it down to my grandkids.