Good Mechanics Book
 

Hello!

After the kind replies I received on my derailer problems, and after taking it to a bike shop only to realize it was the fact that I (using friction gears) was leaving it in between gears, which was making it pop off the chain when I back up :o, I realize that I need a good reference guide.

Since I'm now commuting and using my bike on daily basis, I really feel like I need a quality non-internet maintenance book. Any recommendations would be much appreciated!

QUALITY...Only one book comes to mind, it's spendy though.
Be prepaired to do a lot of reading in the book before you make any adjustment.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/193...lance&n=283155

Also if you read the reviews on amazon you will notice that someone made the remark that they are selling the 5th edition, not the 6th.
I don't know if there really is a 6th edition yet.

This is from Velopress, the publishers
http://www.velopress.com/maintenance.php

Also, you didn't mention what you're riding.
While the Barnetts manual has all types in it some other books are roadbike specific.
Heres a couple more that are cheaper but not as good.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/193...lance&n=283155

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/157...lance&n=283155

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/097...lance&n=283155

good books
 

The Bicycling Guide to Complete Bicycle Maintenance and Repair: For Road and Mountain Bikes(Expanded and Revised 5th Edition) (Paperback) I agree this is a great starting point.

Check out your local libary also they probably have a couple good books to give you a start.

Zinn's
Parks
Sheldon
Bike Forums

I've got the Park Tool book. It seems they had an expert bicycle mechanic write it. Which is the problem. A good how-to book should be written by a neophyte who is being taught by an expert. Makes a world of difference.

CastIron: exactly.

I ride an old steel road bike and all the newfangled technobabble ain't gonna help or make any sense anyhow.

I think the library is a great place to start - thx mrhedges!

I have Todd Downs book. He does a good job explaining repairs and how parts are assembled. But occaisionally, he sends you to a 'qualified mechanic' instead of explaining the repair. Otherwise, the book is OK.