Bicycle maintenance book for teenager?

[Yo Spiff]

I have 15 year old twin nephews that live a few hours away, so it is not possible for me to maintain their bikes. If there is a problem, they must wait until their mom feels that she can afford to take the bike to a shop for repairs. The problem of the moment is a simple broken derailleur cable. A $5 part and a few minutes to install and adjust, but the bike has been out of commission for weeks.

One of the boys has fairly decent mechanical skills and could probably figure it out with a little aid. It's really hard to tell someone what to do over the phone, however. Can anyone recommend a good maintenance book for a beginner? I'm talking basic stuff like fixing flats, adjusting brakes, replacing cables.

[oldskoolwrench]

I'd suggest Anybody's Bike Book by Tom Cuthbertson. A classic bike repair manual, it has drawings reminiscent of the old VW "bible"
and is very easy to follow. It's been updated to cover V and disc brakes.

[Dan The Man]

the internet, most teenagers will know what it is

[CACycling]

the internet, most teenagers will know what it is

Park Tools site or search YouTube for an appropriate video.

[Leebo]

Zinn has some books I'd recommend.

[WickedThump]

Awhile back I got Bicycle Maintenance and Repair for Road and Mountain Bikes by Todd Downs.
http://www.amazon.com/Bicycling-Comp...8409361&sr=8-1

I like it a lot. I have prior experience with bike mechanics, but needed updating on the newer hardware. I got a used 2005 hardcover edition on Amazon for $5 shipped.
As others have mentioned, there is lot of info on the web. Park's website is really great.

[Yo Spiff]

Thanks. I know there is always the web, but I want to give him a reference that he can have at hand on the garage floor. I don't want him to have to sort out and locate the advice he needs, just have it there in his hand. Maybe he will continue to wait on his mom to take it to the shop. Lead a horse to water and see if it drinks. I'll have a look at those books.

[WickedThump]

Thanks. I know there is always the web, but I want to give him a reference that he can have at hand on the garage floor.

I like to have an actual book handy for just that reason. It's also the reason I got one that was very inexpensive.

[bikeman715]

parktools does have a book which is easy to follow .http://www.parktool.com/product/big-...-edition-bbb-2 .

[Phil_gretz]

Yo, Yo
Why not use his laptop and Skype to yours? You two can work on it together, he'll just be the "hands". That way, you get to interact as well. You can offer encouragement and ask him questions...

The book is a good idea, too. As are the various web links (youTube, Park Tool, etc.)

Regards,
Phil

[Yo Spiff]

Yo, Yo
Why not use his laptop and Skype to yours? You two can work on it together, he'll just be the "hands". That way, you get to interact as well. You can offer encouragement and ask him questions..

That might work out. They have a computer in the garage for playing video games.