You are taught everything from changing a set of brake blocks and tuning gears all the way up to wheel building and changing headsets. Everything is explained in thorough detail with reference to real tools and lubes and comes with step-by-step, full-colour photographs. I'm no bike nut (just a commuter) but have managed to replace a rear cassette, new chains and tune gears regularly - with this book they are all pretty easy (it even rates how tough the job is).

Do not buy any other bike maintenance book because this one rocks.


Helped me a lot   January 25, 2006
 17 out of 17 found this review helpful

I got this book for Christmas and I've used it a lot, not only has it helped me carry out some basic bits of maintenance of my bike, but it has also explained loads about the components of a bike and how they work.

As you would expect, it explains each of the main 'bits' of a bike and what kind of problems you are likely to encounter, and explains why and how to clean your bike (I used to just leave it caked in mud - and wonder why the gears stopped working)

It also gives you a kind of idiots guide to the types of tools you need to arm yourself with - both at home and what you need to carry around with you for emergency.

It's written in a down-to-earth fashion by someone who comes across as genuinely being interested in bikes - not too technical and totally honest when it comes to things you can try yourself and things you should probably ask for help on!

I feel so much more confident now about going into a bike shop and asking questions that don't make me look totally clueless. If I ever meet Mel, the author, in a pub I'd love to buy them a pint just to say thanks :-)


Excellent Book   August 14, 2005
 10 out of 11 found this review helpful

I'd recently brought a new mountain bike and wanted to try at the least the basic maintenance myself. I found this book and read the reviews and decided to give it a try.
I have to agree with all the other positive reviews. Every aspect of bike maintenance is explained at a level a novice can understand without being patronising. The photographs are excellent. Also the information on "how stuff works" really helps the understanding when it comes to the detail of performing a task.


BRILLIANT!!   June 15, 2005
 8 out of 9 found this review helpful

I just recently spent 600 on a bike for fitness (and fun) reasons. I didn't realise quite how technical they are when I bought it. When I saw this book, I thought it was worth a go. I was right. It has clear diagrams and instruction on how to do any sort of job no matter what sort of mountain bike you have (i.e, hardtail, full suss, single speed, downhill etc). If you are a beginner then this book will help you loads! If you are more experienced I think this will still help you, if there are a couple of jobs your not sure on.

Great buy, if you are enthusiastic about mountain biking!