Did you enjoy this type of video? Would you like to see more real time bike builds? What type of bike project would you like to see next? Let us know in the comments below 👇
That little bit of "extra material" on the headset washer that fits into the slot on the streerer is actually there to prevent it from spinning when you are tightening the locking nut (that means there's no need to use two wrenches)
Except with every old Raleigh I've encountered with one of those washers (only ones without lamp brackets) that washer tab has been so worn that it doesn't prevent anything
Exactly! Same reason these "keyed washers" are also found on older hub axles; they prevent the tightening of the lock nut from changing the bearing adjustment.
Loving the long format. Shows all the time and experience going into the build with lots of helpful tips and tricks as well. More of this please! One more vote for the gravel/cross build from me.
i wish i had a dad like you ( or me , now ) when i was growing up. even at 57, my inner child appreciates watching someone teach because they love to share !
I'm 74 years old and have been working on bikes since I was ... er ... 12 or so. So, my take on this is: EXCELLENT, WELL DONE! The small steps really count, and your complete assembly shown in detail was a really excellent idea. If a person has not done stuff for awhile - even if you have built lots of bikes before like I have - a look at all the steps is a good refresher. And besides, it reminds one of all the sorts of other stuff that may have been forgotten. Good on ya! I'd love to see more of this sort of thing on your channel - perhaps a resto of a vintage road racer. I like the way you work - thanks! Finally, I appreciate the excellent video and sound production.
Headset 1:06 Bottom Bracket 8:35 Chainset 10:18 Sprocket installation 13:09 Wheel installation 16:08 Pedals 18:02 Chain and tensioning 19:25 Stem and handlebars 26:19 Brake levers and grips 29:45 Break calipers and cables 32:54 Seatpost and saddle 44:09 Here’s the list so you guys could check it with a click btw more power to the channel ☺️
Today I've learned that building a bike takes less time than choosing the parts -- or even just deciding on a wheelset! Maybe Jon could do a show on how to decide when you're overthinking your choice of pedals, or how to know when you should give up on finding the right part and should use an aluminium can instead. 😜
Really enjoyed the video Jon. I've been wrenching since 1975, and it's always a pleasure to watch another mechanic, and see the little differences or alternative approaches that they've worked out.
Peugeot seat posts are like lost treasure! It’s often worth buying old bikes just to salvage the seat posts, particularly if they are nice alloy ones. Great video of the build.
10:35 MTB rider here. I happened to do exactly that and in 2 days of hard riding on my hardtail the left crank was feeling a bit loose. Checked it out... It was rounded out. I'm waiting for the replacement crankset. Don't grease square taper splines, guys.
This was such a pleasure to watch! Thanks Jon and GCN! Funny that I found it to be kinda therapeutic to watch, just as much as riding bikes can be too!
More videos like these! I am starting to give some TLC to an old Motobécane at the moment and I might go this route. The French frame and parts is making it already daunting. Cool video!
That was great, loved the extra detail and insight a longer film gives. In depth on wheel truing would be useful, especially since I have one to sort out 😀
I've used the drinks can seat post shim. Different drink manufacturers often use different wall thickness on their cans so you can experiment with different beers and soft drinks until you find the right fit. Roll the top over to stop it sliding inside the frame.
Love this series. Im converting and old Schwinn frame that we had lying around. Very little experience working on bikes so I appreciate the detail you put into these videos!
Great in depth video! I have done a video on turning a Peugeot Premier into a Fixie, Single Speed myself! Deep section No Logo Rims look the business. Thanks for yet another great production Jon. All the best Andy
The hairspray hack is as old as the pyramids, I remember my dad using it back in the late 60s, I too have used it many times, oldies but goodies but nice to see it still being passed on. Excellent vid Jon.👍🚴♂️
I really enjoyed this. I want to do this type of project sometime in the future if I can find a good bike to use for the frame. Thanks for making these 3 videos!
Absolutely loved watching you put that bike together. I've used the aluminum can trick before. I added some thin, strong double sided tape to the FIRST and LAST couple centimeters of the aluminum can material so it stays in place on the seat post and doesn't unravel when inserting it in the seat tube.
More of these would be appreciated. Thanks. Working on readily available bikes is a great idea for those of us on smaller budgets. Also, taking time to show or use alternative, less expensive tools would be nice. Great vid!
recently startred to work in a bike shop and love it. so watching these videos is awesome i really liked the whole video this time . i am currently going to take my bianchi virata and convert to a fixed gear so this was great. always love these videos you do John great stuff. and i had already seen the video this was ridden in keep it up love it man.
I loved the video. Wrestling with that 2-bolt saddle clamp almost needs its own video. I image the biggest challenge was keeping the drive side in the shot- essentially working on the whole project from the non-drive side. Thanks Jon!
These videos have inspired me I picked up an old Raleigh nitro for £40 and have started to clean it up and replace old parts it's a fun project and is helping me learn while we are still in lockdown
Jon, this is gold dust for Frankenbike beginners like me. The bike building equivalent of a cookalong! A bike-along! Would you mind listing the tools you needed for each bit so I know what I need to do this? And what would be different for one with gears vs. a fixie?
Thank you for this series! Im building my own and was curious on how the fixie system worked! I like the flip flop hub, the fact youz can go from free to fixed is amazing.
Loved the three part series. I have done 4 separate single speed conversions thus far and I reckon there is always something new to learn with each project or at least new stitch-ups with every build.
I have this same frame, can't believe the seat post shim is so simple! Never thought of that. I know the exact decathlon seat post you've used as I've been contemplating buying it and figuring out how to make it work! I think I'll give it a go now!
I felt the same. Seems like they should be level horizontal, then swept back towards the rider. I know they were called riser bars in the video, so maybe there's something we don't know about that bar in particular.
"I've given them a right old ear-bashing..." I can only imagine an ear-bashing from Jon Cannings to be something like: "Oh you're a naughty boy aren't you. Get your grubby little hands away from that!"
Hi Jon. I have the exact same frame. Size 58. I converted it to a straight bar too with Shimano 600 groupset and XTR shifter. Also having problem with the seat post. Currently using Decathlon 23.4mm alloy seat post with a 0.8mm shim. The seat clamp manage to hold it in place but it still feels flexible like a cantilever.
Very much enjoyed watching the whole process of you building the bike from start to finish. Would you be willing to do this again in a future build, but in the style of Gee Milner's Dream Builds? Those are great to watch.
Cool video, but I've got a couple nitpicks. Spinning the wheel with the chain pin sticking out? I've seen that do some damage to the frame when someone's given it a bit too much swing, and the wheel's inertia dragged it into the frame. Also, probably worth mentioning the dangers of working on fixed gear regarding fingers touching the chain with the wheel spinning. Little snag and you lose a finger.
I’ve just built a single speed, and I’m really surprised wit how how good they are to ride, and how quiet! I’ve used 52/19 gearing which seems perfect around Milton Keynes. Definitely glad I went freewheel as a Dixie would significantly limit speed on downhills.
First, let's see how this baby rolls. Later it would be great to see something about the fine details of the fixed gear. Bamboo frames are also trendy...
I've hardly ridden any bicycles over the past 5 years... yet here I am having the time of my life watching a 50 minute video on building a fixed gear bike. Love it.
That you for this series! Your timing is perfect. I have been wanting a fixie, and thought it might be fun to build one, not to mention more economical in case I hate fixie life. By the way, how much did your build end up weighing? All the best!
Did you enjoy this type of video? Would you like to see more real time bike builds? What type of bike project would you like to see next? Let us know in the comments below 👇
Yes
Also great for watch times and getting on the UA-cam algorithm's good side
GCN Tech super bike build
#grease
TT bike from road bike.
It would be nice to see you riding the bike and telling us how it feels, what worked, and what you would have done differently.
I wish that as well! I know the comment is 3 years old by now but they do have a video featuring that bike (ua-cam.com/video/424Xbzuuv0E/v-deo.html).
Retro/modern gravel build! Old school rigid 3x MTB frame updated with 1x drive train, dropbars, etc
OOoft! 😍
@@gcntech 2nd that but please without 1x, since 1x is a meme
@@oreocarlton3343 1x is the future
And then an entry in the Dirty Kanza, just to make sure everything is tight and right.
@@robbchastain3036 And open that can of worms again by fitting aerobars to it ;-)
Jon, this is like watching "The Joy of Painting, with Bob Ross". I sure loved this episode!
Watching Jon build bikes is distressing and therapeutic - We should have a weekly "Jon Builds" video to see new tech and retro bikes built
THIS!
Make it happen
I second that!
This is the exact kind of content I look for after a stressfull week. Purely therapeuthic.
I was so hyped for this video, and it's 49 minutes! :D
Make a cuppa, settle in!
I was hyped until i saw the handlebars :)
@RollinRat BMX Bars on bikes where they don't belong are usually very fun, do you have pictures of this build online ?
That little bit of "extra material" on the headset washer that fits into the slot on the streerer is actually there to prevent it from spinning when you are tightening the locking nut (that means there's no need to use two wrenches)
correct.
I thought so too
Except with every old Raleigh I've encountered with one of those washers (only ones without lamp brackets) that washer tab has been so worn that it doesn't prevent anything
Exactly! Same reason these "keyed washers" are also found on older hub axles; they prevent the tightening of the lock nut from changing the bearing adjustment.
Correct. Older cars use the same trick for adjustable Wheelbearings
Loving the long format. Shows all the time and experience going into the build with lots of helpful tips and tricks as well.
More of this please! One more vote for the gravel/cross build from me.
Thanks Sebastian!
i wish i had a dad like you ( or me , now ) when i was growing up. even at 57, my inner child appreciates watching someone teach because they love to share !
My dad and I did a short-engine rebuild on my first car in 1975. Austin A35. Car cost 70 quid, the rebuild cost a bit more!
That was great.. bike builds with the main man Jon! GCN tech Jedi
Cheers H R !
I'm 74 years old and have been working on bikes since I was ... er ... 12 or so. So, my take on this is: EXCELLENT, WELL DONE! The small steps really count, and your complete assembly shown in detail was a really excellent idea. If a person has not done stuff for awhile - even if you have built lots of bikes before like I have - a look at all the steps is a good refresher. And besides, it reminds one of all the sorts of other stuff that may have been forgotten. Good on ya! I'd love to see more of this sort of thing on your channel - perhaps a resto of a vintage road racer. I like the way you work - thanks! Finally, I appreciate the excellent video and sound production.
Headset 1:06
Bottom Bracket 8:35
Chainset 10:18
Sprocket installation 13:09
Wheel installation 16:08
Pedals 18:02
Chain and tensioning 19:25
Stem and handlebars 26:19
Brake levers and grips 29:45
Break calipers and cables 32:54
Seatpost and saddle 44:09
Here’s the list so you guys could check it with a click btw more power to the channel ☺️
yep, its right there in the description
But un clickable
@@duanedaylebaliatan5209 they are clickable...
Also Un clickable
Unclickable from the app
Today I've learned that building a bike takes less time than choosing the parts -- or even just deciding on a wheelset!
Maybe Jon could do a show on how to decide when you're overthinking your choice of pedals, or how to know when you should give up on finding the right part and should use an aluminium can instead. 😜
Is there a part 4? I would like to see the finished bike and someone riding it.
I could watch Jon assembling bikes all day
Really enjoyed the video Jon. I've been wrenching since 1975, and it's always a pleasure to watch another mechanic, and see the little differences or alternative approaches that they've worked out.
Cheers mate
Bicycle and musical instrument repair are noble callings.
Peugeot seat posts are like lost treasure! It’s often worth buying old bikes just to salvage the seat posts, particularly if they are nice alloy ones. Great video of the build.
10:35 MTB rider here. I happened to do exactly that and in 2 days of hard riding on my hardtail the left crank was feeling a bit loose. Checked it out... It was rounded out. I'm waiting for the replacement crankset. Don't grease square taper splines, guys.
This was such a pleasure to watch! Thanks Jon and GCN! Funny that I found it to be kinda therapeutic to watch, just as much as riding bikes can be too!
It's videos like this that make the 21st century a great time to be a bike enthusiast. I love this kind of thing. Thanks.
The simplicity and ease of everything being external and screw fit. Great video Jon, thank you 👍
And there being 100500 different threads and diameters, right?)
Yes! A lengthier and more detailed video. Thanks Jon!
JC, the thinking mans bicycle mechanic, so relaxing using this video as my bedtime listen 😂🚴
definately learnt a lot from this video. More confident to tackle a task as such. Merci
More videos like these! I am starting to give some TLC to an old Motobécane at the moment and I might go this route. The French frame and parts is making it already daunting. Cool video!
That was great, loved the extra detail and insight a longer film gives. In depth on wheel truing would be useful, especially since I have one to sort out 😀
Take it a step furhter and make a full wheel building course!
Brilliant series of videos. The clamping of the seatpost with the can was genius. More of this kind of content please 👍🏻
There's something soothing about watching Jon Cannings building a bike... I think it's relaxing! Loved it!
I've used the drinks can seat post shim. Different drink manufacturers often use different wall thickness on their cans so you can experiment with different beers and soft drinks until you find the right fit. Roll the top over to stop it sliding inside the frame.
we need more of these builds. Simple and entertaining
Love this series. Im converting and old Schwinn frame that we had lying around. Very little experience working on bikes so I appreciate the detail you put into these videos!
Great in depth video! I have done a video on turning a Peugeot Premier into a Fixie, Single Speed myself! Deep section No Logo Rims look the business. Thanks for yet another great production Jon. All the best Andy
BikeIt UK yea seen it ! Yours it’s a much better build and video! Crack on !
@Bikeit UK, you are the OG in the UK.... they should get you in as a star guest ;). At least you ride the bike at the end of the video hahahaha
Familia Castro thanks for the compliment 😉👍🚲
@@marcelocastrolapocha Id love to get on the show, maybe one day
@@pedromiranda5440 Crack On indeed thanks Pedro, all the best Andy
Great vid guys... Really enjoyed the long build....For the next one do an old 26 inch wheel mountain bike to a drop handle tourer/commuter.
I like the Bike build of an old Bike like this.
You did a great job 😉👍
Best Wishes from germany
The hairspray hack is as old as the pyramids, I remember my dad using it back in the late 60s, I too have used it many times, oldies but goodies but nice to see it still being passed on. Excellent vid Jon.👍🚴♂️
I really enjoyed this. I want to do this type of project sometime in the future if I can find a good bike to use for the frame. Thanks for making these 3 videos!
Definitely good to be able to see everything done without skipping. Thx.
Absolutely loved watching you put that bike together. I've used the aluminum can trick before. I added some thin, strong double sided tape to the FIRST and LAST couple centimeters of the aluminum can material so it stays in place on the seat post and doesn't unravel when inserting it in the seat tube.
Just one minute longer please to see you ride it around the car park... or even it posing against the Roman Baths. Great vid never the less.
That will get saved in my favourites for later reference use. Great video.
More of these would be appreciated. Thanks. Working on readily available bikes is a great idea for those of us on smaller budgets. Also, taking time to show or use alternative, less expensive tools would be nice. Great vid!
When are we going to see inside Jon's garage and bike collection? :-)
Loved the full-length build. Don’t need to do them every time, but definitely appreciated as a treat!
I liked this very much. Thank you. Now I want to build one for myself.
In the middle of a project and learned enough to have the confidence to finish it. Thanks.
Great job! Pleased you found the video useful.
Great video thanks. Brings back memories of the fixed set up I used in the early to mid 1960’s.
Super video Jon, some if us nerds love the detail that was able to come through with a longer video.
recently startred to work in a bike shop and love it. so watching these videos is awesome i really liked the whole video this time . i am currently going to take my bianchi virata and convert to a fixed gear so this was great. always love these videos you do John great stuff. and i had already seen the video this was ridden in
keep it up love it man.
Great video, loving that you use the correct tools for the job and tell us what the torque settings are.
Awesome! Absolutely love these bike build videos! Thank you Jon (hug)😀
I loved the video. Wrestling with that 2-bolt saddle clamp almost needs its own video. I image the biggest challenge was keeping the drive side in the shot- essentially working on the whole project from the non-drive side. Thanks Jon!
These videos have inspired me I picked up an old Raleigh nitro for £40 and have started to clean it up and replace old parts it's a fun project and is helping me learn while we are still in lockdown
That's a great lockdown project! Nice one!
I feel like this was a good redemption for the previous bike build series. Keep it up Jon!
Had this exact bike. Riding it around at 10 years old all over town.
i love all the little tales of woe from your youth
This is a great video. Very helpful to see how you tackle all the quirks you get from old and new parts
That chain is gorgeous
Good work man. I hope we get to see you ride it. I'd like to see that bike in action. Give it some glory.
Jon, this is gold dust for Frankenbike beginners like me. The bike building equivalent of a cookalong! A bike-along! Would you mind listing the tools you needed for each bit so I know what I need to do this? And what would be different for one with gears vs. a fixie?
I like Ollie very much but this guy here is a teacher!! Great content!
People should be aware of 36 and 45 degree bearings and different forks for the frame! Awesome video Jon!
I could watch these all day. More please!
49 minutes of solid gold coming up!!!!
🏆🔑🏆
Thank you for this series! Im building my own and was curious on how the fixie system worked! I like the flip flop hub, the fact youz can go from free to fixed is amazing.
Yeah, I had this up while I was working and loved the detailed version of putting it together. Im going to go make a fixie now. lol. Very good.
Great video,can we have a break down of the costs involved, and a decent road test please.
Love the full length detail of the build
Retro/modern adventure/bikepacking build!
Loved it JonnyTech, nice job.
Gethin D-J johnnyTech 😂 love that
Loved the three part series. I have done 4 separate single speed conversions thus far and I reckon there is always something new to learn with each project or at least new stitch-ups with every build.
I have this same frame, can't believe the seat post shim is so simple! Never thought of that.
I know the exact decathlon seat post you've used as I've been contemplating buying it and figuring out how to make it work! I think I'll give it a go now!
That first 50 secs of zooming in and out was killing my eyes lmao. Love this series man!
Perfect perfect perfect and easy to set up!👍🏾
How about a tour around that tool rack behind you explaining what all the tool do? great video.
Why are those swept-back handlebars pointing towards the sky?
But seriously, neat build.
Came here to comment for the same reason. Would make a very weird hand position.
I too am confused by the bars!?
I felt the same. Seems like they should be level horizontal, then swept back towards the rider. I know they were called riser bars in the video, so maybe there's something we don't know about that bar in particular.
A lot of beach cruisers have similar set up.
I much prefer the old fashioned "all rounder" bar - it sweeps back and down (like a motorbike bar) so the hands are in a nice relaxed position.
Would have wanted to see the frame painted, and the bike ridden. Maybe with both sides of the flip-flop. Great job!
you can see it ridden in the fixie vs superbike video
@@webbo73 thank you man
Great professional work 👍
"I've given them a right old ear-bashing..."
I can only imagine an ear-bashing from Jon Cannings to be something like:
"Oh you're a naughty boy aren't you. Get your grubby little hands away from that!"
Hi Jon. I have the exact same frame. Size 58. I converted it to a straight bar too with Shimano 600 groupset and XTR shifter. Also having problem with the seat post. Currently using Decathlon 23.4mm alloy seat post with a 0.8mm shim. The seat clamp manage to hold it in place but it still feels flexible like a cantilever.
I think you are on to something with this "extended cut" tech video. This is the kind of reality tv I enjoy!
Very much enjoyed watching the whole process of you building the bike from start to finish. Would you be willing to do this again in a future build, but in the style of Gee Milner's Dream Builds? Those are great to watch.
Cool video, but I've got a couple nitpicks.
Spinning the wheel with the chain pin sticking out? I've seen that do some damage to the frame when someone's given it a bit too much swing, and the wheel's inertia dragged it into the frame.
Also, probably worth mentioning the dangers of working on fixed gear regarding fingers touching the chain with the wheel spinning. Little snag and you lose a finger.
Instead of a half link chain, go for the KMC 710 SL , comes in gold and silver/ black to .
love it, i am building a vintage fixed gear bike at the moment!
He's my fav guy in the gcn.
I would probably never attempt this myself, but it sure is relaxing to watch...
Good work Jon. A few handy tips and tricks in there.
I’ve just built a single speed, and I’m really surprised wit how how good they are to ride, and how quiet! I’ve used 52/19 gearing which seems perfect around Milton Keynes. Definitely glad I went freewheel as a Dixie would significantly limit speed on downhills.
Can also use brake cleaner to put grips on as it Evaporates quicker then hair spray
A nice gravel bike would be amazing
thx for this extensive guide!
@gcntech believe it or not I have the exact same issue with my seatpost! Hahah what a hack! Superb.
First, let's see how this baby rolls. Later it would be great to see something about the fine details of the fixed gear. Bamboo frames are also trendy...
Right hand rear 😉 top man John
This is bike nerd heaven!
I was waiting for the "little bit of grease" to help put the grips on. That hack seemed a wiser idea! :-)
Inspiring finish JC!
I've hardly ridden any bicycles over the past 5 years... yet here I am having the time of my life watching a 50 minute video on building a fixed gear bike. Love it.
That you for this series! Your timing is perfect. I have been wanting a fixie, and thought it might be fun to build one, not to mention more economical in case I hate fixie life. By the way, how much did your build end up weighing? All the best!