I recently was bumming around the bookstore and looked at "Zinn and
the Art of Road Bike Maintenance". I was impressed with this book.
In just a few moments, i found some useful techniques to use in the
replacement of some cartridge bearings - a repair I hadn't attempted
before.
I especially appreciated his focus on toolsets - beginning, medium,
and advanced. Importantly, one of the most critical things in the
advanced toolset was "patience" (represented by an icon of Budda).
Patience and a willingness to put something down until you think of a
better way (or ask on rec.bicycles.tech) is the most important skill
for complex bicycle repairs.
After looking through the rest of the book, I'd highly recommend that
book to beginning mechanics.
- Don Gillies
San Diego, CA