From simple, routine maintenance to more complicated tasks, Zinn remains "convinced that anyone with an opposable thumb can perform any repair on a bike." He begins with "Basic Stuff" such as pre-ride inspections and cleaning the drive train, and continues on through the super-advanced task of wheel building--arguing that "the construction of a good set of bicycle wheels is actually a straightforward task." Zinn guides readers step by step through every possible repair on every possible part, handlebar grips to Maric Mektronic electronic shifting, with plain-speaking text and helpful illustrations. There's even a section on emergency repairs, including unexpected advice such as straightening a bent rim by hitting it against the ground: "You may be surprised how straight you can get a wheel this way."

This comprehensive manual is essential reading for those who love their bike. "All you have to do is follow the instructions and trust yourself." Indeed. --M. Stein

This manual helps you identify the problem, lets you know which tools you will need, and takes you through each repair with simple steps. Whether you are building up a bike from scratch, fine-tuning your derailleur adjustment, or simply fixing a flat tire, you'll find that the book has easy-to-follow instructions for your task. Todd's accompanying illustrations are works of art in their precision, and further clarify the text instructions.

There are so many benefits to repairing and maintaining your own bike, not the least of which is saving money. Invest in 'Zinn and the Art of Road Bike Maintenance' and you'll find that this task can also be quite enjoyable!


Outstanding Reference   August 24, 2004
Dr. Rob (Hershey, PA)
16 out of 17 found this review helpful

I bought this book as a newbie cyclist. It is without a doubt the best I have found. Lennard's simple diagrams are cleverly deceptive. They are not so fancy that they detract from the text (which is the meat of the topic), yet are VERY well labeled and documented. I fixed chain dump for the first time (something nobody had ever been able to do for me). Photos of bikes always are, in my opinion, TOO specific to the bike photographed, and do not easily extrapolate to the one I own.

I photocopied the emergency repair section and shrunk it down to carry in my saddle bag at all times. This has come in handy on more than one occasion. My book has more yellow highlighting in it than Pam Anderson's hair!

If you need a second book on bike repair, then I recommend you buy an ADDITIONAL copy.

The appendices about gearing, bike fitting and torque settings are invaluable. Too much torque and you've got a stripped bolt; too little and you've got stripped skin (from crashing when the bolt falls out on a downhill). While "feel" works for many mechanics, I need numbers, and Lennard supplies them.

I also changed my rear cog cassette based on his gearing chart to better fit my riding needs.

Lennard has taken what is basically a VERY simple, efficient, and delightful machine and applied the very same principles to this authoritative repair manual. I cannot recommend it enough.