Introduction 7
Getting to know your bike 8
The basic bike 10
Anatomy of the bike 12
Bikes for general use 14
Specialty bikes 16
Setting up an adult’s bike 18
Setting up a child’s bike 20
Caring for your bike 22
Tools 24
Workshop principles 26
Cleaning your bike 28
Lubricating your bike 30
Making routine safety checks 32
Maintenance 34
Troubleshooting 36
Spotting danger signs 38
Preparing for wet weather 40
Maintaining your drivetrain 42
Cables and shifters
How they work 44
Drop handlebar gear cables 46
Straight handlebar gear cables 48
Front and rear derailleurs
How they work 50
Front derailleur 52
Rear derailleur 54
Hub gears
How they work 56
Hub gear I 58
Hub gear II 60
Chain, cassette, and crankset
How they work 62
Chains 64
Cassette and freewheel 66
Cranksets 68
Bottom brackets
How they work 70
Cartridge bottom bracket 72
Hollow-axle bottom bracket 74
BMX bottom bracket 76
Pedals
How they work 78
Pedal axle 80
Clipless pedals 82
Pedal cleats 84
Steering and wheels 86
Headsets
How they work 88
Threadless headset 90
Threaded headset 92
Handlebars
Straight handlebar 94
Drop handlebar 96
Hubs
How they work 98
Open-bearing hub 100
Wheels
Quick-release wheels 102
Puncture repair 104
Spokes and rims 106
Adjusting your brakes 108
Rim brakes
How they work 110
Drop handlebar brake cable 112
Straight handlebar brake cable 114
Caliper brake 116
V-brake 118
Cantilever brake 120
Alternative brake designs 122
Hub-mounted brakes
How they work 124
Replacing disc brake pads 126
Disc brake care 128
Hydraulic disc brake I 130
Hydraulic disc brake II 132
Roller-brake cable 134
Tuning your suspension 136
Suspension forks
How they work 138
Front suspension 140
Coil/oil fork 142
Air/oil fork 144
Looking after suspension forks 146
Rear suspension
How it works 148
Rear suspension 150
Glossary 152
Index 154
Acknowledgments 160