
Its clear you have the buzz for road bike although no patience with the maintinance .Your book will help you, try reading on one repair at a time and concentrate on that job. Old bike's alway's need new cable's [read your manual ]. Dont give in one job at a time.get new cable's but don't try to cut them with plier's, get hold of cable cutter cheap set [pound shop].then reset position of brake pads you can do it read that book regarding cable replacement and side pull brake's you can do it you have it in you .
