The Complete Handbook of Bicycle Tubes

I run a small shop and I've been meaning to get a proper reference for my mechanics for a while. This is that book. The chapter on sizing standards alone saved me from a custom wheel build headache. My only gripe is that I wish the troubleshooting chapter had a bit more on high-pressure road applications, but it's a solid buy.

Finally, a book that treats bicycle tubes like the engineering component they are. The explanation of ETRTO sizing versus the old fractional/integer confusion is worth the price alone. I've already changed my shop's stock list based on the TPU vs. butyl comparison in chapter two. This is a five-star reference, hands down.

As a mechanic who deals with tourist rentals, I especially appreciated the chapter on installation. It's all the stuff you know but need to articulate to staff. The book is straightforward and doesn't waste time. It's become my go-to training manual for new hires.

It's a decent reference, but a bit dry. I was hoping for more of a direct comparison chart between all the major brands, which it doesn't really do. The technical info about compounds and pressure is great, but the brand recommendations are thin. It's a handbook, not a definitive buyer's guide, so keep your expectations in check.

I'm a roadie who does my own maintenance. The chapter on choosing the right tube for different weather conditions was very helpful. The explanation of how temperature affects pressure was something I'd never considered. I gave it four stars because I wanted more on tubular tires, but the clincher info is top-notch.

There's a lot of good, solid information here, but it sometimes feels like it was written for a shop owner rather than a serious amateur. The sections on business opportunities were not what I bought the book for. The troubleshooting section is good, though, and I've used the valve assembly diagram to fix a friend's weird Schrader issue.

I work in a co-op and this has been a huge help in standardizing how we talk about tube sizes and compatibility. We photocopied the guide on removing a snapped valve core and it's now taped to our workbench. It loses a star because the book seems to assume you're selling tubes, so there's a bit of tedious sourcing info for me.

Does a great job of explaining why my tires feel so different when I swap from latex to butyl. The chapter on rolling resistance was more nuanced than the usual internet banter. I just wish the photos were in color, as some of the diagrams in the patch repair section are a little hard to read.