i taught myself how to do everything except bleed brakes and lace wheels
Lacing wheels is an art. Relatively simple procedure behind it, but very difficult to master. Anybody can lace a rim, but will it hold up well? that's the crazy hard part. I can't do it...
Bleeding brakes is actually pretty easy, pick up a bleed kit for your particular brake, and they usually come with instructions. if not, the brake manufacturers usually provide a good guide to bleeding, I know that Sram does for sure, as I've used it, but I imagine the rest do as well.
i taught myself how to do everything except bleed brakes and lace wheels
Lacing wheels is an art. Relatively simple procedure behind it, but very difficult to master. Anybody can lace a rim, but will it hold up well? that's the crazy hard part. I can't do it...
Bleeding brakes is actually pretty easy, pick up a bleed kit for your particular brake, and they usually come with instructions. if not, the brake manufacturers usually provide a good guide to bleeding, I know that Sram does for sure, as I've used it, but I imagine the rest do as well.
ya i can lace a wheel now just i bring it to my lbs to true it.. i had a friend walk me through bleeding brakes and it was easier than i thought..but i think it's one of the only things i follow the instructions for
I prefer Mountain Bike Maintenance: The Illustrated Manual.
You can find it at Amazon and you can even look inside the book and see actual pages. I like it because it is pretty thorough, and all of the pictures and photographs of actual parts, not illustrations (though they are used when needed.)
the big blue park tool book or the haynes cycle maintainance book . or enrol on a course cytec are the best and cycle shops recognise there standard so if you wish to work in the industry it will be easier with this .