Barnett's Manual

At over 1000 pages (grease-resistant), a binding format that separates this massive book into four easy-to-handle volumes (and allows you to transfer the pages to a ring-binder, if preferred), every little detail the novice needs, all the advanced information the experienced mechanic wants, quick-find chapter dividers, and comprehensive coverage of all parts of the bike and all technologies are just some of the features that make this manual the bicycle tool you can't do without. More than a thousand computer-generated illustrations with phenomenal detail and clarity are used. More than ever, words and pictures are used together to optimize and simplify understanding. There are recommendations and procedures for numerous new tools introduced since 2000. Almost 200 additional forks and shocks covered in their new release fifth edition (available on their website. Look for BBinstitute or Barnett Bicycle Institute using Google). Dozens of new disc brakes covered. Integrated headsets now covered. Expanded coverage of Campagnolo products. Procedures for servicing newer models of pedals and cartridge-bearing hubs added. Wheel-building procedures for low-spoke-count and paired-spoke wheels. Procedures in every chapter have been refined and expanded. Best there is out there for sure. Great investment. Not a waiste of money !

I haven't seen any bicycle maintenance books that come close to providing the kind of detail that Barnett's Manual does - detail in such areas as exact measurement and classification of parts and threads, tool part numbers for many manufacturers, and elaborate torque specifications. The Manual actually consists of four volumes with vol 4 consisting of material extracted from the previous three for easy access. The repairs and adjustments are conducted via written step-by-step procedures. Many of the adjustments utilize self-adhesive markings that are put on the bike for the purpose of exactly increasing or decreasing the tightness of bearing adjustments. Proper torquing is always specified. The Manual attempts to be comprehensive covering both road and mountain bikes and all sorts of groupos. Some of these are covered better than others. The manuals also deal with frame preparation using facing and threading tools. In some ways the manuals are a little dated. For example the wheel building and truing sections use traditioanl rims and spokes, not to mention traditional hubs. But modern wheels are using vastly reduced spoke counts, exotic spoke materials and shapes, and cartridge type hubs. The translation from the old to the new is hardly discussed, if at all. Cartridge hubs in particular are given insufficient weight. On the other hand the adjustment of newer STI derailleur systems is superb, not to mention threadless headsets, V-brakes, etc. The author probably would contend that his manuals facilitate learning the principles of bicycle repair and maintenance and that dealing with new technologies would follow the same guide lines. And there is of course some truth in that. However, a purchaser of these manuals could be disappointed if he or she expects every bicycle part to be covered in detail, becasue they are not.

If you have ever needed to change a part on your bike, upgrade to something better, change out your drivetrain, tune your derailleur's, or even true a wheel... this is the book for you! With awesome in depth pictures, and step by step technical procedures for doing just about anything to the bike that you so dearly love. John Barnett's experience with bike repairs far surpasses that of the guy that you normally bring it into for those expensive repairs, so spend the money for the book, and save money in the future while at the same time learning from one of the top professionals in his business! Do it, it's an awesome book!

The most detailed book on bicycle repair I have ever seen. Even though it is written for professionals, the detailed step-by-stem procedures leave nothing to assumption. All procedures are covered by detailed worksheets which you are encouraged to photocopy and use as a guide through the repair. The illustrations are great. Details, worksheets, and illustrations make this book very user friendly, even though it's target audience appears to be professionals.