Customer Reviews:
 a bit over my head.... July 25, 2008
My mom got this book for me for my birthday, long before I was able to start using it. In my volunteer bike building/repair workshop, it has been an invaluable reference for us - the pages got many grease marks on them. The particular advantage of this book is that it might be the ONLY manual out there that still covers mechanisms particular to bikes of the 60's-70's vintage, namely the coaster brakes and multi-speed hubs of the old cruisers. We would study the diagrams in great detail.
However, I had a lot of trouble actually understanding the language of this book. it just comes across as esoteric, technical, and just VERY difficult to comprehend. I just looked at this book for the pictures. But maybe that's the tradeoff of having an extremely detailed book.
 still the BIBLE of bike maintenance and repair October 5, 2007
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
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.
GLENN'S BIKE MANUAL FOR DECENT MECHANICS May 7, 2005
5 out of 6 found this review helpful
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.
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