Part 1: Bike Basics

Pedal Power

The parts and components that make up a bike and why your bike moves in the first place

Two-Wheeled History

How and where bicycles evolved

from wooden contraptions to the sleek, full-suspension mountain bikes so popular today

Bike Details

No matter what your biking style, there's a bike made to suit you and the terrain or road you want to ride on

Tools and Parts

Repairs and maintenance start with tools and new parts

bicycles require some of both

Part 2: Repairs Lite

You Need Some Stinkin' Rules

Some guidelines to get you started and keep your bearings straight, your chain from slipping, and your cables taut

Gimme a Brake!

Riding fast is great fun, but you have to be able to stop---this chapter shows you how

When Tires Retire

Everyone gets a flat tire sometime

with a simple repair kit and tire pump, you'll be able to finish your ride

Wheel Therapy

Learn how to keep the busiest components on your bike moving right along

The Power Train

A look at your gears, pedals, and chain---the links between your muscle and the road

Clean-Up Time

A few simple tips for keeping your bike looking like new

Part 3: Bigger Repairs

Your Bike's Steering System

Understanding the front end of your bike, those components that are so easily ignored

Bottoming Out

Pedal easier when you tend to your bottom bracket and crankset

Chain Gang: Pedals and Chains

How to take care of the dirtiest part of your bike (because without it, you're not going anywhere)

Derailleur Systems, Part 1

Some basics on these intriguing components

Derailleur Systems, Part 2

Learn how to adjust and choose the right derailleur for your bike

Cassettes and Freewheels

Care and feeding of your ``rear gears.''

Part 4: Specialty Areas

Saddle and Seatpost

Figuring out how to sit on your bike and what to sit on

Frame Affairs

You might not do them at home, but it helps to know if your bent up frame can be repaired and whether or not it's worth doing

Mountain Bike Specifics

A once over on mountain bikes, where they come from, and modern suspension systems

On-the-Road Emergencies

What to do when you're really stuck and running low on spare parts and tools

Appendixes

A Glossary

B Buying a Bike

C Riding Your Bike

D Resources

Index