Originally Posted by hypersnazz
Bicycle maintenance is one of those things that makes most people go, "How hard could it be?" and then they get upset and frustrated when the bike starts falling apart "for no reason". There's a reason good bikes cost a lot of money and there's a reason good bike shops with the proper tools and skilled mechanics stay in business.
He's on an old Nishiki, I would think that would be the perfect bike to learn on. I have no doubt that it takes experience and skill to maintain a bike but I'm sure he could learn. Lunch-a-lot, I wouldn't give up doing your own maintenance but picking up a bike maintenance book might be a good idea.
If your pedals are coming unscrewed and falling off you might want to try wrapping the threads in lucite or silicon. You should be able to get some at any hardware store. I had this problem with the pedals on my Felt, and they seem to be holding up well. Just check them before you head out to make sure they are on tight.