Mechanically, bikes are a little quirky until you get to know them pretty well. If you're going to be doing your own wrenching, invest in a generic book. I have both of Zinn's books (Zinn and the Art of Road Bike Maintenance, Zinn and the Art of Mountain Bike Maintenance) and refer to them fairly often, especially if I am taking on a new-to-me task.

Or, if you have ready internet access where you are wrenching, you could refer to Sheldon Brown's site too. I like having the books handy.