i am looking at getting a work stand and tools.

what tools do i need to get started off with?

also, any good book(s) that i should get to help me walk through the process of any fixes. I am a racer and know how to tweak many things...but at the end of the day i think all racers should know how to take apart and put back together their own bike. thanks!

-gordo

Why don't you get a $20 Zinn mainetnance book and figure out what tools you need for your bike and the stuff that is on it.www.parktool.com is another good place to start.

I'm a believer in buying tools as you find a need for them. That way you aren't paying for a lot of tools that you don't use and don'e need and, since you're only buying a few at a time, you feel like you can afford to get better quality ones.

For starters you'll be surprised at how far a set of metric allen wrenches and a couple of screw drivers will take you.

...and #3 on every bike geeks list is...www.sheldonbrown.com/tork-grip