Cycle Publishing/
Van der Plas Publications

 

1282 7th Avenue
San Francisco
CA 94122, USA


Tel.: (415) 665-8214

 

 

Buying a Bike

How to Get the Best Bike for Your Money
by Rob van der Plas

Quantity:

Format: 5½ x 8½ inch trade paperback
Description: 96 pages with 50 black & white photographs and other illustrations
ISBN: 1-892495-17-1
Price: US$9.95
 
  • Choose the right bike for your riding style

  • Select the size that fits just perfectly

  • Decide between brands and models

  • Compare different components

  • Useful accessories

  • Become proficient with your gearing

  • Keep your bike in perfect trim

The book that gets you up to speed on the latest in bikes before you hit the bike shop


About the book

Get a bike. Today, there are more bikes to choose from than ever before, and the choice is yours. With the help of this book, you'll make easy work of it.

Clearly illustrated and concisely written, Buying a Bike explains the differences to watch out for and how to make sure you get the bike that best suits your needs. Separate chapters on selecting the right bike and other equipment, determining the correct size, getting comfortable on the bike, buying second-hand bikes, using the gears, safe cycling techniques, routine maintenance, and basic repairs
 


About the author

Rob van der Plas is a professional engineer and a lifelong cyclist and writer on the subject. His books and articles about technical aspects of cycling have appeared on both sides o f the Atlantic. His earlier books include. The Penguin Bicycle Handbook, The Mountain Bike Book, The Bicycle Repair Book, The Bicycle Touring Manual, Bicycle Technology, Mountain Bike Maintenance, and Road Bike Maintenance. Until 1996 he was editor and publisher of Bicycle Books, Inc. He lives in San Francisco.
 


Critical reviews of the author’s earlier books

“…a wealth of well-organised and clearly illustrated descriptions…” — Bicycle Rider Magazine (England) about his Bicycle Repair Book

“Van der Plas’ explanations are accurate and clear and a pleasure to read.” — Bicycle USA about his The Mountain Bike Book
 


Table of Contents
 
1. Introduction
Where to Buy
Types of Bikes
Bicycle Brand Names
Other Criteria

2. Choosing a Bike Type
Mountain Bikes
Road Bikes
Hybrids
Other Bikes

3. Understanding the Bicycle
The Parts of the Bike
Know Your Gruppos

4. Sizing Your Bike
Frame Size
What’s Your Frame Size?
Saddle Height
Handlebar Height
Front Length
Other Dimensions

5. Other Equipment for You and Your Bike
Gear for the Rider
Gear for the Bike
Attachment and Removal of Accessories
Tools and Spares

6. Buying a Used Bike
Where to Buy a Used Bike
Bike Theft and the Second-Hand Bike
Checking It Out
7. Setting Up Your Bike
Adjusting the Saddle
Handlebar Adjustment
Brake and Gear Lever Adjustments
Remove and Install Wheel
Remove and Install Pedals

8. Using the Gears
The Parts of the Derailleur System
Gearing Theory
Gearing Practice

9. Getting Familiar with Your Bike
Check It Out
Riding Practice
Braking Practice
Steering Practice
Different Terrain

10. Safe Cycling
Single Participant Accidents
Multiple Participant Accidents

11. Routine Maintenance
Cleaning the Bike
Pre-Ride Inspection
Monthly Inspection
Seasonal Inspection

12. Basic Repairs
Fixing a Flat
Patching a Tube
Fix Gear ShiftProblems
Tighten Loose Crank
Adjust Brake

Bibliography
Index

 
From the contents

Simple way of checking a bike for size.


 


Two bikes of the same type but in different sizes.