Glenn's Complete Bicycle Manual: Selection, Maintenance, Repair

Just like another reviewer said the book is dated to those models covered and does not have today's technology. However, many bikes today are made the same way and this book is an invaluable reference. After checking out book after book in the local library and finding that most covered today's bikes and purchasing Park Tool's book since the library did not have this book in the catalogue, I began searching the internet and found several references to Glenn's. Comparing the Park Tools book with its wonderful color pictures, I found it a bit skimpy compared in the explanation area to Glenn's detail. Also the Park book did not cover topics related to the bikes of yesterday that have simple components and did not cover how to disassemble a coaster brake or the front hubs on old style Schwinn type cruisers or even ball bearing bottom bracket servicing, as it only covers the modern bikes. However, coaster brake and simple cruiser bikes have made a come back and most currently published books on the market do not cover servicing of simple coaster brakes or even a bearing bottom bracket as opposed to the modern cartridge bottom bracket. Glenn's is not only an excellent reference for yesterday's bikes that are still around waiting for some TLC, it applies to today's simple bikes as well. After paying the local shop $30 to overhaul my son's bendix brake and front hub on our recently acquired vintage Stingray, before I acquired a copy of Glenn's, I found out it was something so simple I could have done myself with reference to Glenn's. Now that I have a copy of Glenn's I will attempt the service myself on my 1995 Schwinn coaster brake cruiser. While there are multiple publication dates for Glenn's, I purchased a later 1986 edition and do not know if this edition differs from the 1970s editions.

Though dated relative to the specific models explained, the operational essentials of bicycle repair are still the same, and this book covers it all, and I mean ALL. EVERY DETAIL, no matter how obscure or hidden is covered and depicted. When I got my hardback copy back in 1973, I was so impressed that I took everything apart on my brand new Schwinn Super Sport just to see how the parts, pieces and fittings looked, worked, felt, and adjusted and, especially, the specific tools required (I purchased and still have many of the basic tools to use on my present bike, on which I commute full-time), confident in Glenn's instructions on putting it all back together. I was right! I adjusted and positioned the handlebars and seat heights properly to fit me for safe and comfortable riding. I dis- and re-assembled front and rear wheel hub and bearing assemblies (lock washers, cones, cups, bearings, grease packing, axles), brakes (cable-tensioning/adjustment, lubrication, handle positioning), bottom bracket, front and rear derailleurs, pedals, sprocket clusters - I even confidently took apart the entire freewheel, including internals like tension springs and pawls. About the only thing I didn't try were spoke adjustments and replacements, and I didn't puncture my tire to try the patch/repair procedures. Glenn explained and pictured everything! I have never seen it's equal. Other books may be necessary for the few new (not necessarily better) features now offered on bicycles, but none cover bicycle maintenance and repair as well as Glenn's. Buy it! You'll be pleased you did.

11 chapters and 60+ subchapters about how to take care of your bike, inspect parts for corrosion and wear, and more. The How and Why book of bicycles. Step-by-step instructions for complete disassembly, assembly, inspection, adjustment, and maintenance of American, European, and Japanese Built bicycles- hubs, stems, hanger sets, and all. Each Task is supported with keyed Photographs and/or Detailed Drawings clearly depicting what should be done and how. Tells you how to make an intelligent purchase, assemble, test, and adjust your new bicycle from Packing Crate to Comfortable Riding. Explains how to fit your machine to "you" and how to maintain it for Maximum Efficiency. Notes on Cross-country Touring in the US and abroad, and related regulations to educate you in advance. A rather complete guide.