Kissing the Trail: Greater Seattle Mountain Bike Adventures
by John Zilly
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 April, 1997)
list price: $14.95
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Reviews (4)

Great book for Seattle Area Mt Biking.
Good driving directions, good riding directions, good guide to what is actually at the trail. All around a great addition for anyone just getting going in Mt. Biking.

Even in the dark, this book got me out of the woods!
As a visitor to Seattle, I used this book to find some good local mtn.bike trails.The author of the book has detailed every aspect of thesetrails to the mile.If you use the information and follow your bikecomputer, you will find your way around some awesome trails.I wouldsuggest photocopying the pages and carrying them with you as the book istoo bulky unless you have a big backpack.Luckily, when we rode theMiddlefork trail at Snoqualmie we were smart enough to tear the pages outof the book.We misjudged our timing especially due to some of theobstacles we faced on the trail i.e. water crossings, fallen trees, etc. With one light (one burned out in 2 hours) and three people, we followedthe book to the "t" and hiked approx. 6 miles of this trail inthe dark.Without those torn out pages, we'd have spent the night inSnoqualmie!Great book.Buy it if you want to ride the trails in Seattle!

Excellent Seattle Area Mountain Bike Trail Resource
If you're new to mountain biking or new to the area this book is a "must have."The book is filled with rides within 90 minutes drive of Seattle.Directions to trailheads are excellent, routes provide agood overview of each area, and route maps provide adequate diection.Thisis THE guide for Seattle-area mountain biking. ... Read more

Isbn: 1881583066
Sales Rank: 532003
Subjects:  1. Cycling - General    2. Sports    3. Sports & Recreation    4. United States - Pacific - Washington   

Bicycling Magazine's Complete Guide to Bicycle Maintenance and Repair for Road and Mountain Bikes
by Jim Langley
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (19 June, 1999)
list price: $19.95
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Editorial Review

Your local bike mechanic might have you thinking that "wrenching" is right up there with rocket science. But the truth is, anyone can master the ins and outs of bicycle maintenance under the guidance of a good teacher. In lieu of a professor, the editors of Bicycling and Mountain Bike magazines have created a shop companion, which they refer to as "another tool for working on your bike." They guide you from the basics of your pre-ride checklist to tuning your derailleurs and overhauling your hubs. And they offer updated information on maintaining front shocks and even a handful of rear suspensions. What's more, they can walk you through the arduous task of rebuilding ancient parts that some shop mechanics haven't even heard of. If you've ever tried to work on your own car, you've undoubtedly developed a healthy fear of automobile shop manuals. But unlike the cryptic list of part numbers and equations you'll find at Pep Boys, this guide is written by people who want you to see just how rewarding bike maintenance can be. --Ben Tiffany ... Read more

Reviews (20)

I just wanted to adjust my brakes
This book is poorly organized.The photos are not labeled.There is an exploded view of sidepull brakes but no photo or diagram of the actual brakes and what they look like put together.
There is a photo of different bikes but the labels are all black so sometimes it's hard to identify what the pointer is actually pointing to.I'm very disappointed because I just wanted to adjust sidepull and cantilever brakes and I can't figure it out from this book.I really can't tell much from the photos.
I am very disappointed.I thought the revised edition would be better.

Great book but there are better ones out there !!
It's a goog book for any "Joe Smoh" looking for his first book on "How to fix and do maintenance on bikes".After seeing and buying "The Haynes Bicycle Book", it makes you wanna throw away the "Bicycling Magazine's Complete Guide..." in the trashcan.

There is a BIG lack of pictures of up-to-date bicycles parts.You know, the parts sold by bike shops and not at a garage sale.Nothing really details on how to bleed a set of hydraulic disc brake system or even how to tune one.Or even the famous V-brake system.

As for suspension tube-up... you might as well save your coins and take your bike to your local bike instead of buying this book.

But if you're looking for the real "bible" on how to repair bikes, here's the best book set:Barnett's Manuals(4 Volumes Set) by John Barnett.

I bought the whole thing and made me realized how much money I've waisted on other bike repair books.Those manuals are by far the best ones released yet (and updated every year or so).They're like the shop manual of any car or truck.Loaded with pictures, graphics, torque charts, "where to" and "not to" grease a bike pictures, the step-by-step procedures of overhauling forks, rear shocks, hydraulic brake systems and so much more.At over 1000 pages, the manual simply got too large to handle!The fifth edition (just released) is separated into four separate volumes for easier handling.The standard soft-back book binding is convertible to loose-leaf format, if preferred, by virtue of perforated pages and 3-hole drilling.And all pages are grease-resistant (gloss).

In other words, get the Barnett's manuals.That will be your best investment for your knowledge.

An Excellent Manual for Most Repairs
This is an excellent manual for most repairs that the average cyclist would need to make.It has guided me through several repairs on my mountain bike and on other bikes, as well.

It explains everything simply and step by step, so it is actually difficult to get confused while using it, even when adjusting derailleurs, which has always been rather difficult for me.

It is also a fairly comprehensive book, in a layout that is very efficient.You don't have to spend a lot of time trying to find what you're looking for.

The only drawback I can think of is the fact that it simply needs to be updated, since cycling technology has changed quite a bit since its last revision in 1996.However, this could be said of any technical manual.In order to get a more comprehensive bike repair manual, you'd have to get the Sutherland's Handbook for Bicycle Mechanics, which has been referred to as "the bible of bicycle mechanics."
...but that's only if you want ot drop a couple or so hundred bucks on a bike repair manual. ... Read more

Isbn: 1579540090
Subjects:  1. Bicycles    2. Cycling - General    3. Maintenance and repair    4. Reference    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Sports & Recreation / Cycling   

Mountain Bike America: Washington: An Atlas of Washington's Greatest Off-Road Bicycle Rides
by Amy Poffenbarger Mark Poffenbarger Scott Adams
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (15 May, 1998)
list price: $15.95
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Reviews (8)

Great Guide--Only One Flaw!
Very detailed comments on each ride.The authors have included relevant information on surrounding communities (ie laundry facilities, camping, dining, etc).Great maps!
The only thing wrong with this book is a somewhat confused idea of what is East or West of the Cascades.I looked under the "East" section and was astonished at how few rides there were.It took me a while to realize that most of the good "East" rides are actually in the "West" sections.Somewhat distracting.

Highly recommended!

Good alternative to Zilly
Ignore the CD - if you want it you can buy it anywhere (e.g. REI), or buy proper paper maps!

However the rides are described really well - the profile matches the simple route maps really well and demonstrates just howmany NW rides are HILLY.

The step descriptions on the routes are good,and the distances accurate (so far!).

Things to watch out for: 1) Tigeris the closest ride to Seattle in the book, a couple of more 'afterworkers' would be good. 2) The directions to some of the rides are not toogood, although this is mostly due to lack of road numbering etc in Forestryand out of the way areas.

The best guide on the market
This book is loaded with GPS topo maps, meticulously made maps of each trail, trail profiles, great descriptions, detailed directions, and great graphics. Not to mention all the other information it's packed with, such as other stuff to do in the area where each ride is located. If you canonly buy one guide, I think this one is perfect. The CD at the back is anadded bonus, which adds no cost to the book, but it's maps aren't necessaryb/c there's so many high quality maps packed into the pages of the book. ... Read more

Isbn: 1882997093
Sales Rank: 1217770
Subjects:  1. Cycling - Mountain Biking    2. Travel    3. Travel - United States    4. United States - Pacific - Washington    5. United States - West - Pacific (General)    6. All terrain cycling    7. Bicycles and bicycling    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Outdoor life    10. Guidebooks    11. Washington (State)    12. Northwest, Pacific    13. Adventure   

Mountain Bike! Northwest Washington: A Guide to Trails & Adventure
by John Zilly
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 May, 1998)
list price: $15.95
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Editorial Review

For an exceptional fat-tire roundup of the Evergreen State, follow the highly informative tread of John Zilly. The author of Kissing the Trail: Greater Seattle Mountain Bike Adventures widens his scope with two volumes detailing some of the best trails in Western Washington. Mountain Bike! Northwest Washington, and its companion, Mountain Bike! Southwest Washington are the definitions of good guidebooks: they boast serious research, sensible organization, and a battery of useful trail maps and directions. What's more, Zilly possesses a flair for the written word not often found in such practical guides; he steers the hungry cyclist through a variety of trail conditions and skill levels in style, highlighting particularly gnarly terrain and displaying an infectious enthusiasm for the thrill of a widowmaker descent. Serious knobby-heads will also thank the author (and, later on the trail, curse him) for the inclusion of 30-mile "epics," all-day single-track journeys that combine awesome views, technical riding, and all-out endurance tests. Every mountain-biking hotspot should be so lucky to have a Zilly as tour guide. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great NW Washington State Guide Book
I wish all guide books were as well researched as this one. Each hand drawn map has GPS waypoints on it plus all the major features and a reference to the USGS/Green Trails Map. Locations of nearby campgrounds and supplies. Plus a very nice rating system so you don't get in over your head. There are 2 maybe 3 overlapping trails with the "Kissing the Trail" book but that's ok. Wish I had thought of having a career of riding my bike and writing a book about it. Way to go John.

The Bible
These two books are the bomb(S).The directions and the descriptions of the rides are spot on and most importantly the selection of the rides (if you like truly remote, tough, and stunningly beautiful adventures)is tremendous.My copies of these books are dog eared with love and mud.Trust me you cannot go wrong with these books - and I've biked all over the country - or biking in the Pacific Northwest July - Sept - Amazing! Too good!Be prepared for some long drives from Seattle (2hrs each way) but the memories will last much longer. Enjoy! I hope Zilly goes on to write books for the rest of the country... ... Read more

Isbn: 1570611386
Subjects:  1. All terrain cycling    2. Bicycle trails    3. Cycling - Mountain Biking    4. Guidebooks    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Travel    7. United States - Pacific - Washington    8. United States - West - Pacific (General)    9. Washington (State)   

Fein 9-55-13Turbo II Dust-Free Vacuum
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $325.00 -- our price: $299.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Looking right out of the Jetsons' household, Fein's Turbo II vacuum is one the most effective on the market. With features like automatic start and dust-sealed switches, it's specifically designed to work with shaping, routing, or sanding tools, which create a lot of dust. It's also as quiet as any shop vacuum we've heard, making it easier to use in close proximity to a project, or in an enclosed space, and its internal fabric boot helps keep dust to a minimum. The Turbo II has a 7.3-gallon solid capacity, a 6.8-gallon liquid capacity, and a 1,300-watt, 9-1/2 amp, two-stage motor. Its size and sturdy rollers make it very portable and easy to dump after being filled. Unlike some larger models, you'll still be able to lift and empty this vacuum by yourself. The body is solid plastic and will hold up well to wear. The shape of the vacuum makes it easy to move around a job site--there aren't any big handles or attachments sticking out (other then the hose) to get snagged when wheeling the vacuum around. Fein's Turbo II is--hands down--a very high-quality, very low-noise vacuum, well worth the investment for carpenters, woodworkers, and craftspeople. --Jonathon Tudor ... Read more

Features

• 16-foot long hose, and a fabric boot filter collects dust down to 5 microns
• Auto start for dust extraction when connected to your power tool
• 2-stage motor with bypass cooling for a longer life
• Quiet operation at only 57.8 db
• 7.3-gallons solid, 6.8-gallons fluid capacity

Reviews (55)

Good Vacuum, Bad Waranty
I'm writing this messege with the intent of alerting users to some issues I just experienced with the Fein Model 9-55-13 vacuum.I"m not recommending against buying one, but I do think they should revisit their service policy.

I had my unit for about a year and a half.During that time I was genrealy very pleased with the unit in many respects.It had fantastic dust collection, a resonable foot print, and of course made a lot less noise than anything else.

A few days back it broke.I called Fein and was told that I had to send it into either Pitsburg or Hartford.I told them I was a contractor and needed an immediate replacement.The rep asked me if I wanted to buy a new one!

I sent an email.Below is the response (note he got my name wrong):

Craig Morrison [cmorriso@feinus.com]
Hi Vince,

I am not really sure how to respond to thie compliant, or even if we should. While I think our repair centers probably shouldn't throw repair estimates at our customers, and wait till they actually see the tool, I also don't believe that Sears, or any other manufacture would consider a "no-charge" replacement on a power tool that has been used for a year and half.

Craig

Contast this with Shopvac - 5 year waranty (and a cheap unit!)
http://www.shopvac.com/web/products/detail.asp?ID=100&HdnSource=index&StoreID=
(Note: I had a shopvac that was a few years old and they simply sent me out a new engine when it broke OVERNIGHT!!!)

Festool - 3 year waranty (this is what I replaced my Fein with)
http://www.festoolusa.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=6&prodid=583360

Not Very Powerful and a Pain to Clean
I have had this vac for about three years now.I use it a lot when sanding and it does a nice job collecting dust so I don't have to wear a dust mask and I don't get covered with dust whensanding.My sanding discs last a lot longer when using the vac.
Cleaning the filter is a pain because I have to go outside with a nozzle and hose connected to my compressor.I blow the dust off the filter and it makes a huge cloud of dust outside and I have to hose down the residue on the ground.
The vacuum loses power as the filter becomes clogged.At first it was very quiet but after a while it became louder and louder and now is about as loud as any other shop vac.
The sucking power is not impressive.It has no more sucking power than my household vacuum. What is nice is that when you turn it on it doesn't blow a cloud of dust like other shop vacs.The small diameter hose clogs easy with small scraps.The acessories are extra and not cheap.

FEIN Turbo almost a great product
I bought it for it's relatively low noise level - which it delivers.

It's hard to believe that a premium priced product like this would have some glaring shortcomings such as:

ON-OFF switch is concealed from view and the symmetrical design of the top gives no clue where it is every time you look to turn it on or off. I made a bandaid fix by placing a piece of tape on the top above the switch location - (-at this price?)

The casters must be smallest of any on the market and they are not guarded. Any obstruction on the floor such as an air hose or extension cord will stop them.

There is no built in provision for storing the powercord.

There is completely inadequate provision for storage of the vacuum hose. If at least one or two more wire formed brackets were included it would help a lot.

There is NO provision at all for storing any nozzles or hose extension.

These shortcomings will annoy every time the product is used - NOT GOOD.

This is a case of function being sacrificed at the altar of Industrial Design, yet so unnecessary and so easily avoidable.

Hans Dutchman ... Read more

Asin: B0000223XD
Subjects:  1. Fein    2. (Fien)    3. Vacuums    4. Wet-Dry Vacuums    5. (Vacumes)    6. (Vaccuums)    7. (Vaccums)    8. (Vacums)