Bike Repair and Maintenance for Dummies - (For Dummies) by Dennis Bailey & Keith Gates (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

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.

From the Back Cover

Make your own repairs and maintain your bike like a pro

Want to be your own grease monkey? This plain-English guide gives you expert tips for keeping your bicycle in great condition and handling most repairs by yourself. You'll also see how to extend the life of your bike, increase your riding comfort, and improve safety through routine maintenance. No matter the make or size of bicycle, this hands-on resource has all the tips you need!

• Get to know your bike - understand its parts and how they work together

• Set up your repair area - assess your space and stock up on the tools of the trade

• Handle common bike repairs - from tires to wheels, from brakes to the chain, get your hands dirty with routine repair procedures

• Go beyond the basics - tackle advanced repairs involving the frame and suspension, pedals, and shifting and steering systems

• Keep your bike wheeling along - perform preventive maintenance and annual tune-ups to keep your bike in good working order

• Guarantee a great ride - from adjusting the handlebars to checking tire pressure, know the steps to take before you ride

Open the book and find:

• What you can fix - and what you can't

• How to handle breakdowns on the road

• Ways to tune your bike for performance

• Monthly and annual maintenance for your bike

• Steps to take to ensure safety and comfort

• Detailed photos and illustrations to guide you

• How to store your bike long-term

Review Quotes

"...this hands-on resource guide has all the tips you need.... Bike Repair & Maintenance For Dummies is an excellent guide." (Caravan Club Magazine, April 2009)

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.