Originally Posted by
Dyskolos
I will depart a bit and recommend that your first purchase, after a spare tube and CO2 inflator/pump, be a copy of tech data such as the Park BBB or Zinn's book. I prefer the BBB as it seems to me to be a bit more relevant and clear. While having the right tool for the job is important, having the right knowledge is more so.
I second this recommendation. Besides the Park Tool Big Blue Book, I also like Bicycling Magazine's Bicycle Maintenance & Repair book.