Best Intro. to Cycling Book

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I wondered if there was a good book out there that would cover all the basics of riding, equipment, vocabulary, etiquette, etc. I don't have a lot of friends who ride so I'd like to learn the basics before I start wandering into bike shops looking to spend some money.

Any suggestions? Thanks.

My suggestion is to try to find a bike shop that gives real life bike riding safety courses. Just make a few calls- it can't hurt to find out. Taking such a course or workshop would be invaluable to a new road rider. Safety is more important than etiquette any day!
Also- There are quite a few good websites devoted to beginner cyclist tips- do some searches and you'll find lots of good info without even having to buy a book. Here's just one good one:
http://www.kenkifer.com/bikepages/index.htm

[Zen]

I'm currently taking a basic cycling class given by the local bike club.
I mainly just want to learn how to change a tire but the first session covered basic safety, clothing, signalling, and I don't know what else (I have a short attention span)
If they don't cover that I'm sure they'd be glad to answer any questions a participant has.
Where are you?

[indigoiis]

Yesterday I did a free workshop on changing a flat, bicycle fit, and basic maintenance at the lbs sponsered by Trek Fit for Women tour. Yeah, it was sponsered and yeah, there were pretty much Trek bikes for trying out, but it was a good event and I finally learned what I had hoped to. Plus there was food, and they gave away free stuff (a little book with pictures on all the how-to we learned, a water bottle, and a mini-tool.)

You might want to check to see if they will be in your area:

http://www.fitforwomentour.com/

[sundial]

I read The Woman's Guide to Cycling by Susan Weaver. It covers just about everything related to cycling. You might check Amazon.com for a used copy.