Haynes Road Cycling Manual

The Haynes Road Cycling Manual brings together a huge amount of information into a digestible and easy-to-follow format. It covers practically everything you could need in a step-by-step way, although tubeless and tubular tyres don't get a mention, and it misses some little tips within one or two of the instructions.

When I was younger I remember the first thing my dad would buy with a new car was the accompanying Haynes manual. It's not something you need to get with every new bike – one book covers most – and as a practical resource for accomplishing various tasks without having to resort to your local bike shop, it's very useful (and doesn't rely on your internet connection for YouTube videos out in the shed...).

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The book has eight main sections that broadly revolve around buying a bike, clothes, bike repair and training/events. Sections are different lengths depending on their complexity, but they fill 203 pages. Everything is in colour and the font size is big enough to make it relatively easy to read even if you don't have 20/20 vision. The pictures are really varied too, not just showing base level stuff or high level kit but a variety of levels, which means it's approachable whether you are a veteran who's spent thousands or a newbie just getting their first bike.

Each section details important elements for riding. For instance, the 'buying a new bike' section discusses the different types you can get, bike fit, and the reasons why you may choose one particular type over another. There are also useful hints and tips such as some brief training programmes, guides to sportives, and even optimum pedalling technique.

However, the most important aspect of any Haynes guide is the repairs/maintenance section. This book covers almost everything you can think of that you wouldn't bother going to your local bike shop about. Replacing brake pads, for example. It starts with removal of the wheel, before discussing unscrewing the grub screw, sliding out the old pad, sliding in the new one (making reference to L and R markings on the pads) then tightening the grub screw again. It's all well illustrated, too, making the instructions easy to follow.

My only real criticism is that there are some little elements newbies will miss out on. Simple things that make the job easier are sometimes glossed over – for instance, when splitting a chain, don't let the pin run all the way through, or putting it back in becomes a cuss-laden nightmare. And while there is mention of tubeless and tubular tyres, the maintenance section only discusses replacement of inner tubes.

As a general guide, though, it is really useful and does include relatively modern elements such as hydraulic disc brakes, which you're likely to find on many bikes.

You could also argue that the more complex the issue, the less likely you are to turn to the book for help. There are very few people in 2017 who would buy their first bike with tubular tyres, for example. However, I can't help but think that Haynes might have missed a trick by not including them in the maintenance section and making the book more useful for a wider variety of riders.

> Rather watch a maintenance video?

Overall, I was impressed by the manual. It includes a number of useful elements, not only in terms of repairs but also just looking at training, buying a bike, and even their history to some extent. It could be argued that a little more 'expert' advice would be nice, but to be honest it's a useful thing to have on your shelf whether you've been riding for a week or a decade.

Verdict

A relatively thorough, easy-to-use and informative guide to everything road cycling