A good point. For example, CR terms like "KOF" will only be defined on the CR site, and I'm not sure any book will clarify whether SR rear derailleurs can better handle a 28 tooth than a NR. My assumption is that Kendra is relatively new as an independent cyclist as well as a keeper and feeder of a fine classic racing bike. I found I needed help in both areas. Proper tuning of the brakes and derailleurs is one key to reliable bike use, and that is not always in the older books. Plus, while Zinn does not specialize in the classic "on-topic" (another CR website term) hardware, he does not ignore it in the Road Bike book.
Another good vintage wrenching book is "Anybody's Bike Book" by Tom Cuthbertson. It's truly written for newbies, assisting you with the transition from everyday terms to proper technical terms. I like the oldest edition best, mine is copyright 1971. As Zinn, he covers the upper quality levels of his day, as well as what most people rode.
I also like The Complete Book of Bicycling by Eugene Sloan. Reminds me of what I used to know as a haunter of upper-level bike shops, back in the late '60s and early '70s.
Ken Freeman Ann Arbor, MI
-----Original Message----- From: classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org [mailto:classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org] On Behalf Of Brandon Ives Sent: Saturday, August 13, 2005 1:42 PM To: Classic Rendezvous Subject: [CR]Books for Newbies
Kendra, Folks have been recommending the Zinn books--which are good books-- but are maybe a bit too contemporary for this forum. If you're looking for info that would be most useful in this forum look no further than your public library. Most public libraries bought most of their cycling books during the 70s bike boom. Books by Eugene Sloane and Richard Ballentine will get you inside what was happening during the time that the CR list is most concerned with.
Most seasoned cyclists will poo-poo these "classic" books, but it's been a long time since we were newbies. Personally I'd look for "The Custom Bicycle" by Kolin and de la Rosa, "The High-Tech Bicycle" by Stevenson, and "The Bicycling Book" by Krausz for starters. Also if you search the archives some book thread or other comes up every 6 months or so and these can add extensively to your summer reading list. best, Brandon"monkeyman"Ives Coeur d'Alene, Idaho