Description

Whether you’re an experienced rider or a novice, you’ll have more fun riding your bike if you can count on it not to break down — and can fix it if it does. That’s what this book will help you achieve. In very simple terms, with clear illustrations, it explains the most common maintenance and repair jobs for any kind of bike. The procedures are presented in a step-by-step format, and the illustrations cover every aspect of the work. The book’s handy format makes it as useful to take along as it is in the home workshop.

Rob van der Plas is a mechanical engineer with a lifelong passion for cycling. His writings have appeared in bicycling magazines as well as in book form on both sides of the Atlantic. A native of the Netherlands and long-time resident of the US, he lives in San Francisco, California.

“…a wealth of well-organised and clearly illustrated descriptions…” — Bicycle Rider Magazine (England) about his Bicycle Repair Book

“Van der Plas’ explanations are accurate and clear and a pleasure to read.” — Bicycle USA about his The Mountain Bike Book

Table of Contents

Introduction
About this Book
You and the Bike Shop

1. Know Your Bicycle
Parts of the Bicycle

2. The Tools to Use
Tools to Carry
Other Tools and Supplies
Working on the Bike

3. Basic Maintenance Procedures
Screw-Threaded Connections
Quick-Releases
Cable Controls
Ball Bearings

4. Preventive Maintenance
Pre-Ride Inspection
Monthly Inspection
Annual Inspection
Cleaning the Bike

5. Wheel Removal & Installation
Replace Front Wheel
Replace Rear Wheel

6. Tire & Tube Maintenance
Tire Inflation
Tube Replacement
Patching Tube
Replace or Repair Tire Cover

7. Wheel Maintenance
Wheel Truing
Emergency Buckled Wheel Repair
Replacing Spokes
The Hubs
Hub Bearing Adjustment
Hub Lubrication

8. Drivetrain Maintenance
The Crankset
Tighten Crank
Bottom Bracket Maintenance
Bottom Bracket Adjusting
Chainring Maintenance
Chain Maintenance
Pedal Maintenance
Replacing Pedals
Adjust Pedal Bearings
Freewheel and Cog Maintenance
Freewheel Removal
Replacing Cassette Cogs

9. Derailleur Gearing Maintenance
Over- and Undershift Adjustment
Adjust Front or Rear Derailleur
Replace Derailleur Cable

10. Hub Gearing Maintenance
Hub Gear Problems
Adjusting Hub Gear
Other Hub Gearing Maintenance

11. Rim Brake Maintenance
Common Rim Brake Features
Brake Adjustments
Adjust Brake Application
Adjusting Brake Pads
Brake Centering
Brake Squeal and Rumble
Replacing Brake Cable
Hydraulic Rim Brakes

12. Maintenance of Other Brakes
Brake Adjustment
Cable and Lever Maintenance
Attachment Problems
Disk Brake Maintenance
Disk problems
Caliper Maintenance
Hydraulic System Maintenance

13. Steering System Maintenance
The Handlebars
Adjust Handlebar Height
Adjust Handlebar Angle
Replace Handgrips
Handlebar Extensions
The Headset
Adjust Threaded Headset
Adjust Threadless Headset

14. Frame & Fork Maintenance
Frame Inspection
Fork Inspection
Paint Touch-Up

15. Seat & Seatpost Maintenance
Adjust Seat Height
Adjust Angle and Forward Position
Maintenance of Leather Seat

16. Suspension Maintenance
Suspension Stems
Suspension Seatposts
Suspension Fork Maintenance
Rear Suspension Maintenance
Shock Unit Maintenance

17. Accessory Maintenance
General Accessory Comments
Lights
Lights with Internal Batteries
Lights with Central Battery
Generator Lights
Systematic Troubleshooting
Reflectors
Lock
Pump

Appendix: Troubleshooting Guide
Index