Since taking up cycling just less than a year ago I have decided that I love it and I want to learn more about this wonderful past time. I would like to learn how to strip my bike down and/or build a bike from scratch. What the pros and cons are between different sized gears etc. And all the more in depth technical aspects of cycling in between. Could anybody recommend any books/manuals that might be of help? Is there a good place to start? Thanks in advance.
Technical help.
- Thread starter number3
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Shut Up Legs
Down Under Member
Try the following 
:
:- General maintenance instructions: http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help
- More maintenance instructions, plus heaps more, from the (now sadly-departed) master, Sheldon Brown: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/
- These fora, in the "Know How" sub-forum.
slowmotion
Quite dreadful
- Location
- lost somewhere
YouTube is the place to go. There are loads and loads of good clips, and you can pause them while you take on board their advice. They are really good.
simon.r
Person
- Location
- Nottingham
I have an old Haynes manual which is very well thumbed and still gets referred to from time to time. Recommended.
Another way to learn is to buy a cheap second-hand bike which has been well used, then strip it down and rebuild it - you may even be able to sell it on at a profit
Another way to learn is to buy a cheap second-hand bike which has been well used, then strip it down and rebuild it - you may even be able to sell it on at a profit
Biker Joe
Über Member
- Location
- Nr Harlow, Essex.
There's loads of information on cycle maintenance on the internet as already mentioned by 'victor' and 'slowmotion'.
Just one bit of advice. There is so much info that it is very easy to get sidetracked or overwhelmed with the information available.
I would suggest you pick a topic first and try to stay with that until you have the knowledge you require. You will still get sidetracked but use a bit of self-discipline
Being able to do your own bike maintenance will save you loads of cash and is very rewarding.
I wish you every success
.
Just one bit of advice. There is so much info that it is very easy to get sidetracked or overwhelmed with the information available.
I would suggest you pick a topic first and try to stay with that until you have the knowledge you require. You will still get sidetracked but use a bit of self-discipline
Being able to do your own bike maintenance will save you loads of cash and is very rewarding.
I wish you every success
.Thanks guys, my Dad had loads of those Haynes manuals for when he's fixing up his classic cars/landrovers etc and he says they are really good. I had a look and picked the Haynes bike maintenance book up for £10.98 seemed pretty reasonable and also a good place to start. I hope it turns out to be money well spent, I'm sure it will. Thanks again for your advice.
Biker Joe
Über Member
- Location
- Nr Harlow, Essex.
Yes indeed.I'm also thinking about replacing my current bike which was bought second hand (just dipping my toe in) and I suppose I could use this to practice my new skills on.
Strip it and rebuild it. You might be able to replace a few bits, upgrade and sell it for a decent price or just keep it as a spare and something to practice on.
Lots of possibilities.
Have fun.
fossyant
Ride It Like You Stole It!
- Location
- South Manchester
If stuck, just ask here ! 
Thanks I will do.If stuck, just ask here !
Sillyoldman
Guru
If stuck, just ask here !
Absolutely. There are some unbelievably knowledgable folks on here (sadly I am not one of them) and being a relatively new boy, I have learned tons of stuff. But what is really nice is that no matter how simple (or daft) a question maybe, I have never seen anyone made to feel silly. Which is Not true for other forums out there where people with big egos seem to prowl.
Nigeyy
Legendary Member
- Location
- Massachusetts, USA
As others have posted..... Another approach is to buy tools when you need them and learn to do the fixes as and when you need to.
For some starters: replacing brake and derailleur cables doesn't take any special tools (usually just Allen keys, cable cutters, screwdriver and your own supply of cable ends and nipples) but does mean you have to learn to get proficient at adjusting brakes and gears -which can be very useful to know. Replacing a cassette (course got to have a cassette removal tool and a chain whip is handy though not essential if you have an old chain you can use) is incredibly easy and can be done in minutes.
One thing I have found that is incredibly handy to have is a work stand, though I am fortunate in that I have the space in the cellar to use it. Once you have one, it is hard to go back! You might not think itis essential, but it really makes so many things easier.
For some starters: replacing brake and derailleur cables doesn't take any special tools (usually just Allen keys, cable cutters, screwdriver and your own supply of cable ends and nipples) but does mean you have to learn to get proficient at adjusting brakes and gears -which can be very useful to know. Replacing a cassette (course got to have a cassette removal tool and a chain whip is handy though not essential if you have an old chain you can use) is incredibly easy and can be done in minutes.
One thing I have found that is incredibly handy to have is a work stand, though I am fortunate in that I have the space in the cellar to use it. Once you have one, it is hard to go back! You might not think itis essential, but it really makes so many things easier.
