Bike Repair and Maintenance For Dummies

by Dennis Bailey, Keith Gates

Overview

The nuts and bolts of bike repair for bicycle commuters, serious cyclists, and casual riders

Bike Repair & Maintenance For Dummies provides expert guidance and tips for bicyclists who are hitting the bike trail or just spinning around the neighborhood. If you have a little or a lot of experience in using tools on your bike, this book can show you how to keep your bike in top working order, from tires to handlebars, without all the technical jargon.

If biking is already a part of your life — or you'd like it to be mdash; this book can help you tackle your own bike maintenance and repair, so you don't have to take it to the shop for routine tune-ups or call for help if you break down in the middle of nowhere. Of course, sometimes you'll need to seek expert help, so the book covers when to attack a problem yourself and when to call in the pros for backup.

And although this book is written in easy-to-understand language without a lot of biking jargon, Bike Repair & Maintenance For Dummies is still a comprehensive guide. Seasoned bike riders looking for additional tips and tricks to keep their bikes in top condition won't be disappointed.

This book will help you repair — and, if necessary, replace — the parts on your bicycle. You'll discover how to make basic bike repairs, such as:

• Removing a wheel, tire, or tube
• Patching a tube or fixing a tire
• Working on hubs and spokes
• Installing new brakes and pads or addressing other brake issues
• Adjusting your saddle
• Using suspension seat posts
• Dealing with common chain problems
• Inspecting, cleaning, and lubricating cassettes and freewheels

After you nail the basics, you can dive into advanced repairs and maintenance, including:

• Knowing how a frame is built and inspecting one for problems
• Adjusting and maintaining a bike's suspension
• Removing, installing, and adjusting the rear and front derailleurs
• Removing and installing shifters
• Taping your handlebars
• Adjusting and overhauling your headset

Get your copy of Bike Repair & Maintenance For Dummies to learn all of that, plus tips on staying safe, ensuring your bike is always a good fit for you, and improving your bike's performance.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780470415801
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	02/09/2009
Series:	For Dummies Books
Pages:	368
Sales rank:	504,007
Product dimensions:	7.20(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Dennis Bailey has been actively involved in bike repair and maintenance for almost two decades. He has worked on bikes on bike tours in the United States, Europe, and Latin America. Keith Gates has been repairing bikes for more than 30 years and provides personalized service as the owner of A-1 Cycling, with locations in Manassas and Herndon, Virginia.

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Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Part I: Getting Started 7

Chapter 1: Channeling Your Inner Grease Monkey 9

Chapter 2: Bike Physiology: Understanding How Your Bike Works 19

Chapter 3: Setting Up Shop: Repairing Your Bike at Home 35

Chapter 4: Making like MacGyver: Handling Repairs on the Road 53

Chapter 5: Help! When You Need Professional Assistance 69

Part II: Basic Bike Repairs 81

Chapter 6: Burning Rubber: Tires and Tubes 83

Chapter 7: Hugging the Curb: The Wheels 99

Chapter 8: Stopping Short: The Brakes 119

Chapter 9: Taking Your Seat: Saddles and Seat Posts 143

Chapter 10: Hitting the Links: The Chain 155

Chapter 11: Gearing Up: Freewheels and Cassettes 173

Part III: Shifting into a Higher Gear: Advanced Bike Repairs 189

Chapter 12: Holding It All Together: The Frame and Suspension 191

Chapter 13: Putting the Pedal to the Metal: The Drivetrain 207

Chapter 14: Dropping It into Gear: The Shifting System 231

Chapter 15: Turning on a Dime: The Steering System 251

Part IV: Keeping Your Bike on the Road 271

Chapter 16: An Ounce of Preventive Maintenance 273

Chapter 17: Regular Bike Maintenance 289

Part V: The Part of Tens 299

Chapter 18: Ten (Or So) Steps to Take before You Ride 301

Chapter 19: Ten Considerations in Fitting Your Bike 309

Chapter 20: Ten Ways to Improve the Performance and Comfort of Your Bike 319

Index 325