The best Bike Repair books: Reddit reviews

From 3.5 billion Reddit comments

i think zinn is the standard. but these days you're probably better looking for a video on youtube.

edit: zinn - https://www.amazon.com/Zinn-Art-Road-Bike-Maintenance/dp/193771537X/ref=dp_ob_title_bk

>My goal now is to raise my average speed

TL;DR: Get a power meter - don't use speed to train or gauge success - learn about training with power and then go into structured training

Based on this comment, I'm assuming you're pretty new to structured training. First off, I would either get 1) a power meter (crank, pedals, etc.) or 2) a smart trainer/trainer with a power meter and a training peaks subscription. Using power to train is without a doubt the most advantageous step a cyclist can make to improving. It is miles better than using speed to train.

When I first started really training, I got a power meter and looked at my data every ride for an entire season before even starting structured training. This gives you a sense of what numbers look like, allows you to learn about all the different acronyms and metrics, allows you to compile data, and gives you a base to build off. When you're first starting off too, gains come much easier so even just going out more regularly you will see gains and now you have watt figured that you can aim for even if its just "higher avg watts for my regular route" training. It also helps with pacing which is a HUGE part of being a great cyclist.

Now - for your question, I personally favor TrainerRoad for structured training. I think its a great tool, provides very easy programs to choose from with great descriptions to guide you on what program to chose, etc. I use TrainingPeaks for evaluation of my outdoor rides and TrainerRoad for structured training.

Edit: also - read the bible - its a bit dated but a great place to start

Youtube videos. Park Tools is the channel to start with. But GMBN and many others have good maintenance videos as well. Buy this book and spend some evenings reading up on various parts of your bike:

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https://www.amazon.com/Zinn-Art-Mountain-Bike-Maintenance/dp/1937715477/

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If you are really interested in learning, buy an old cheap "project" bike off somewhere like Craigslist and work to tear it down and build it back up again.

I bought a copy of Zinn & the Art of Road Bike Maintenance specifically because it includes a sensible list of regular maintenance tasks. It has several lists, like “before every ride,” “after every ride (or three),” “every 1000 miles,” “every 20,000 miles,” and helpful hints about how to know specifically when you need to do certain things, regardless of how many rides or miles you do.

Unpopular opinion (courtesy of Grant Peterson): for most cyclists, even those who ride a lot, lycra, step-in-pedals, carbon fiber, disc brakes, are all of negligible importance. After ~~years~~ decades of all of the above (well, except for carbon fiber), I now ride wider tires, using platform pedals, wearing loose nylon shorts with wool undershorts and lace-up Vans, on a comfortable saddle, with my handlebars at the same level as my saddle, and I enjoy it all much more.

I would recommend snagging a copy of "Zinn and the Art of MTB Maintenance," it's a fantastic guide that will walk you through everything you need to know!

https://www.amazon.com/Zinn-Art-Mountain-Bike-Maintenance/dp/1937715477/

I would also suggest checking with your local bike shop or cycling club if you have one, they often (pre-pandemic at least) offer "bike maintenance 101" classes where they'll teach you how to fix a flat, tweak your shifters, and get everything ready for a ride.

Changing tubes and tires is definitely do-able for a beginner! I think everybody should know how to replace a tube in case you get a flat while out riding. Swapping out brake pads is also a pretty easy fix.

For bike parts, you'll probably want to avoid the no-name-made-in-China parts that you might order off Amazon, but if you order from your local bike shop or an online bike retailer, pretty much anything you get should be decent quality!

Buy this book - Zinn & the Art of Road Bike Maintenance. it's under $20 on Amazon. Couple of points:

1. Amazingly comprehensive. Includes old stuff and new stuff.

2. A book is great for having when actually wrenching. Way better than trying to scroll on your phone with greasy hands.

3. All tasks are broken into three levels of difficulty. The first level is for people like you, and you'll be pleasantly surprised how much that covers. Has tool recommendations for each level.

4. Most tools don't need to be bike specific. A set of Allen keys, needlenose pliers, and an adjustable wrench will get you further than you think.

Good luck!

I got this book (Bicycling guide to complete etc etc) when I started riding seriously a couple of years ago. Between it, youtube, and an antique bike that needed a lot of TLC, I've learned how to do all of the regular maintenance myself.

You bought a medium to high end bike as a beginner, but whatever. If you can afford it, no problem!

I would buy this book and read it cover to cover so you know the basics of how things work and, if needed, how to maintain them. Your bike will eventually need maintenance, and learning the fundamentals of that make it less scary when something goes wrong.

Get basic safety gear (glasses, helmet, gloves), some appropriate riding clothes and shoes (you'll figure this out), and have fun.

Do your best to avoid upgrade-itis -- only replace things as they wear or demonstrate a real need to replace.

Don't go too big too fast (you don't need to start jumping big stuff, or absolutely flying through the woods on the edge of control) else you're way more at risk of getting hurt.

Don't store your bike outside (they aren't meant to take long-term exposure to the elements) and do basic cleaning stuff to keep it nice and it'll last.

And most importantly, have fun.

Everyone (for their best protection) have to know the basics:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1937715477/

First thing I bought when I got my e-MTB.

YouTube videos are great. I find I do better with a book though and use YouTube as a backup once I've given something a go but can tell there is something I'm missing. Just depends on how you take in information best.

Edit to add the book I use. There are lots of them on Amazon with good reviews.

The Bicycling Guide to Complete Bicycle Maintenance & Repair: For Road & Mountain Bikes https://www.amazon.com/dp/160529487X

I just got one of these to keep in my garage. https://www.amazon.com/Zinn-Art-Mountain-Bike-Maintenance/dp/1937715477/ref=asc_df_1937715477/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312029833857&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12305825286903171385&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hv...

Sheldon Brown is like bike maintenance jesus. The website is dated but the info is not. https://www.sheldonbrown.com/beginners.html

I recommend the park tool videos already linked. Calvin Jones also wrote the big blue book of bicycle maintenance. I bought that when i was first starting out.

The book above may be just a touch advanced unless you're really interested in nerding out. i found this book to be pretty helpful for basic stuff (but be warned, occasionally it will say to take your bike to a shop...which is good advice but not always what you want to hear) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/160529487X/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You can also post in r/ bikewrench but the mods there are pretty quick to ban anyone that tries to have a good time while learning. The people in /r/bicewrench are cooler and if you ask for actual help you'll get it (probably from me), along with some gentle ribbing.

other good youtubers include RJ the bike guy and sometimes the dudes at GMBN Tech put on a good episode.

If you value your life in any way at all, you should never think of any space past your own driveway when on a bicycle in any way shape or form, a "protected" area. This perception is a very dangerous one and far removed from reality.

There may be better books out there, but if you can, try to get your hands on a book titled, 'Effective Cycling,' by John Forester. It's been a while since I read it, but I learned a lot reading that book. I may change some of your perceptions about riding bicycles on the road with other vehicles. You might be able to find it at a library or used book store or eBay. It would behoove you to read this or any similarly regarded book on cycling.

In John Forester's book Effective Cycling, he has some great photos of urban cores (New York City, I believe) just on the cusp of the motor vehicle. People and are walking freely across streets. The same angles are shown 20 years later, and all the pedestrians have been forced to sidewalks.

Aside from the cycling aspect, It's a great read on the history of automobiles and urban planning.

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Interesting sidebar; John Rockefeller and Standard Oil convinced early auto manufacturers to use gasoline instead alcohol as a fuel source. This was backed by the Temperance Movement, who viewed all alcohol as evil.

Aside from YouTube, this is a great book to have in your garage Zinn & the Art of Mountain Bike Maintenance: The World's Best-Selling Guide to Mountain Bike Repair https://www.amazon.com/dp/1937715477/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_3H0D28N5ETX7GTADABVQ

I'm amazed and disappointed at the same time. No mentions of the definitive book set... Zinn: Zinn & the Art of Road Bike Maintenance: The World's Best-Selling Bicycle Repair and Maintenance Guide https://www.amazon.com/dp/193771537X and Zinn & the Art of Mountain Bike Maintenance: The World's Best-Selling Guide to Mountain Bike Repair https://www.amazon.com/dp/1937715477

Every home mech sounds have at least one of these two. Yes there is also a lot of repeated information obviously, bit they are fantastic references. Supplement these with the park tool yt vids, you can do basically anything

To add to what others have said, suppose you like physical reading material?

Zinn’s Art of Road Bike Maintenance is the bike repair bible.

If you are looking for a little inspiration, grab a copy of “Just Ride.” I’m not saying that you should take every piece of advice the author gives, but as a philosophy of riding and finding joy on the bike, the book really changed the way I approached biking and commuting.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0761155589

> Didn’t think it was that big of a deal due to him only doing it when he had too.

We cannot tell what happened before or after the video. The video is your representation of the event. If you want to show us your brother riding correctly and following the law, and modeling good behavior, that's what you need to show. Not something else. It's your responsibility to show the ride in a positive light, and you failed at that.

I think the reason people are giving you a hard time is because you're doubling down and being defensive, and not acknowledging that your brother exercised poor judgement, and you exercised worse judgement by posting it. You represented your brother and his cause in a bad light. You seem more concerned about reddit's actions than your own.

> Just toxic and petty.

Road safety is important. Representing cycling in a positive way is important. It's not petty to call someone out for bad behavior.

I fear for your brother's safety if he rides against traffic at all. It's not safe. I suggest he read John Forester's "Effective Cycling" or similar, to learn better cycling technique.

https://www.amazon.com/Effective-Cycling-Press-John-Forester/dp/0262516942

Zinn & the Art of Road Bike Maintenance: The World's Best-Selling Bicycle Repair and Maintenance Guide: Lennard Zinn: 9781937715373: Amazon.com: Books

I'm a new cyclist, and this is on my wishlist :) Highly recommended from the folks here and on r/bicycling

If he likes working on his own bike this could be a cool gift, they also have a MTB version, but it’s fun to know everything about how something works even if he doesn’t actually do any work. I will say it’s hard to receive gifts geared toward cycling, most of the time the person has everything they want, especially things that are only a few bucks.

Zinn & the Art of Road Bike Maintenance: The World's Best-Selling Bicycle Repair and Maintenance Guide https://www.amazon.com/dp/193771537X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_M.l2FbA5JHJAE

YouTube videos are only ok, I think. Often they leave out some steps that I needed explained in detail. If you can find it, watch videos made by parts companies, like Shimano, SRAM, etc. The book Zinn and the Art of Mountain Bike Maintenance and the Road version depending on what type of bike you get are invaluable. Also, a lot of trial and error. It’s good to have a LBS to help out when you’re in over your (my) head, like when I tried to adjust my derailleur.

Picking parts is the most fun! Building is almost anticlimatic for me although the appreciation and attachment I have to the bike radically increases to the point that I know have built all the bikes I own!

Ebay and craigslist are great for parts. Don't be afraid to experiment as you can generally sell what you don't like as easily as you bought it. I just swapped out cranks and ended up making $50 on the transaction! Since you mentioned a gravel bike, I cannot recommend using magura brakes enough- they are super easy to bleed and maintain. If you go cable discs, SRP hybrids are the way to go as they work with everything and avoid the major hassle of shimano to sram hydraulic systems.

road or mountain? For Road, I'd recommend Zen and the art of bike maintenance https://www.amazon.com/Zinn-Art-Road-Bike-Maintenance/dp/1934030988. It's not expensive and includes LOADS of details. Sheldon brown as recommended below is wonderful legacy from an amazing individual. Youtube is also great when you know what you're looking for and there are a few good whole bike builds. However, I would have the headset and bottom bracket installed at a shop- with modern frames it's easy for these to turn into a major issue and it's only $30 or so for a shop to do it- well worth it. I would look for a threaded BSA bottom bracket btw, so much more trouble free and easy to maintain.

As far as tools, a torque wrench and set of allen and torq sockets are a great investment. As is a chaintool, cassette socket and chain whip. Some basic lithium great as well. For most builds you shouldn't need much else.

I think you'll very much LOVE the experience. I'm glad to answer any DMs!

Keep up the good work. Think of all the money you saved doing the work yourself. Sheldon Brown helped me through so many repairs. I also picked up the book from Leonard Zinn

https://www.amazon.com/Zinn-Art-Mountain-Bike-Maintenance/dp/1937715477

Agree with getting and reading this book. Another good one to pick up is Coggan's & Allen's Training And Racing with A Power Meter.

> Zen and the art of road bike maintenance

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is the novel.

Zinn & the Art of Bicycle Maintenance is the "shop guide". Though I don't recommend it.

IMHO the Zinn book is in a really "anti-Goldilocks" place in that it covers many more components than the OP will need for this bike, yet it doesn't cover much of the vintage stuff in-depth enough to give them all the practical help they need. I believe they'll get more utility out of SheldonBrown.com and the Park Tool repair blog posts.

Get the book Just Ride from your library as it discusses the equipment needed for using a bike to commute. It also has a lot great information for someone new to commuting by bike. It will help keep your budget under control and keep you from getting a wanna be racer bike that wont last.

The skill I find most useful but non-intuitive is to be able to turn your head over your left shoulder and assess whether it is safe to merge left, for example to get around an obstacle or to prepare for a left turn. I would practice this a lot.

Many posters here mention taking the lane, and other maneuvers. This is part of a school of thought that is both discredited and very useful known as Vehicular Cycling. The bible of Vehicular Cycling is a book called Effective Cycling by John Forester.

Vehicular cycling more or less holds that since most bicycle crashes happen as a part of crossing or turning at intersections, bike lanes make cycling less safe because they introduce more places of potential conflict between bikes and other vehicles. Thus cycling is safest when bicycles act as any other vehicle, for example taking the lane and riding with other traffic.

It is discredited because we now know that cycling becomes safer the more cyclists there are, so that motorists become used to encountering cyclists. The best way to get more cyclists is to have cycling infrastructure like bike lanes. This outweighs the benefit of reducing the points of conflict. (It's also discredited because vehicular cycling presumes that the principles of traffic engineering are good to begin with, but they're profoundly not.)

But if you talk to most experienced urban cyclists, including those who strongly advocate for bike lanes, you'll find that on a personal level most follow the vehicular cycling model. So it's good to familiarize one's self with it.

I custom build my touring bike with this book. And of course Shelton Brown.

Zinn & the Art of Road Bike Maintenance: The World's Best-Selling Bicycle Repair and Maintenance Guide https://www.amazon.com/dp/193771537X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Tsl8AbQ1CPQ4M