Awesome service you are providing. I really like the van setup. As an electrician for over 30 years service calls can be challenging at times. Customer is on a budget but you don't want their house to burn down. Will you be doing more of these types of service van videos? Thanks for putting these videos out.
Awesome concept a mobile pro bicycle mechanic. We had a guy here in the Paisley/Glasgow area here in the West of Scotland who tuned up a Dawes Ultra Galaxy for me, this was just before the pandemic. He was a cool dude, don’t know what became of him I’ll need to try and find out.
I need to find a mobile mechanic in my area. I have a step through trike and no way to transport it. I recently needed service on the Sturmey-Archer hub so I had to remove it from the bike in order to take it to the shop. Luckily I was able to put the bike together.
I have my Huffy Aerowind. Think '81 maybe through '83. Replaced cheap derailleurs, handlebars (with sweep and stem with bit of rise IIRC), twist shifters, saddle/seat. I did the work as hobby/learn. Needs new tires and chain but still solid. Wrecked many times in the day which required good shop mechanics to straighten the 27 inch wheels - still original. Center pull brakes but not anything close to like those you found here.
Funny you should say that. After this video, I bought 2 pro bleed tool kits and fluid for the van. I would agree with your statement if you're only dealing with one brake system from one era. Or, if you come from a shop environment where brake bleeds are an everyday thing. Come to think of it, I fundamentally disagree that anything with bicycle mechanics is quick, easy and straightforward.
I do high end mountain bikes, I'm looking at a 2020 Santa Cruz. Does the guy your talking too want to take it on, it needs all new bearings, BB bracket bearings, M Pulse hub bearing, front and back shell bearings, let's just bleed the brakes too.
Brake bleeding is yet another reason I’ve gone to mechanical discs from hydraulic on my commuter. The hydraulic pistons and seals just don’t hold up to water, snow, ice, sand, salt, etc…
I live on the coast in Oregon and been using hydraulic for the last 6 years with zero problems. Shimano 420’s and now I’m using the Shimano 8120’s. They’ve been great, and I only ride a bicycle, I have no license. So this bike is ridden in every condition this coast has to offer.
@@PRH123 there was ice this year, but no snow. It’s mostly city miles on the commute, then I do a 40 mile country ride every weekend. The salt is in the rain is strong around here. Any bike store outside will rust fast. I keep mine indoor. But long rain rides definitely get salt all over my bike.
I also swapped my hydraulics for mechanicals on all of my bikes, except for my mountain bike. The power output of the hydraulic brake is still superior to most mechanicals, but the convenience of dealing with cables is better if you don’t need that extra power imo. That said, modern hydraulic disc brakes are damned robust and impervious to the elements. I prefer Shimano, because they’re just easier to set up, bleed, and maintain in general. They really seem to hold up great in almost all conditions. The only downside to the mineral oil brakes is that the fluid stiffens up in super cold weather, where the DOT fluid brakes continue working down to a lower temperature. I also prefer the mineral oil brakes for the fact that getting a little mineral oil on your surface finishes is no big deal, but DOT fluid on those surfaces can damage them. I could make a strong case that getting saltwater and grit in your cable housings causes more issues than saltwater and grit getting on your hydraulic brakes. In the end, it’s probably just personal preference. In a mobile shop like this, I personally would offer bleeds on Shimano brakes only. But that’s just me.
@@zenofthemoment Depends on the conditions one rides in, commuting year round in a northern city with temps down to -20 c. is a real test for a bike. The salt and road filth breaks down the seals on the pistons of hydraulic brakes and scores them, then the fluid starts weeping through, and as they’re not repairable, they become a throwaway item. Never had any issues with anything getting in my cable housings, shifting or brake, the non compressible Teflon lines ones hold up well. All depends on what climate and conditions you ride in.
are there still many bikes with v-brakes in the us? in our store only kid bikes from 12"-26" still having v-brakes. every other bike and e-bike nowadays has a discbrake. at least in our store in germany. mainly shimano, tektro and magura brakes (urgh). bleeding tektro and shimano is easy, but magura brakes (hydraulic rim brakes and disc brakes) are always a pain in the ass :D
For me most DOT fluid systems are harder to bleed, and very finicky. Magura for me was pretty easy, the hydraulic rim brakes are a bit weird, but the normal hydraulic’s are as easy as shimano to bleed.
Any suggestions of what to bring in a chase/rescue SUV for boy scout bike training groups? The current group mainly rides around a 10 mile lake and they're working up to doing 50 miles for their cycling badges. Mix of mountain, road, and hybrid bikes sprinkled through the group.
That Fuji 9spd was their top of line hybrid...amazing some people do ride their bikes...that one was ridden into the coffin. Needs new wheel...axle not worth rebuild...cones are most likely pitted. Needs chain, cassette, wheel, front tire, tune up...I'd say...if I was still in business, oh: $350.00. But it was , "do the minimum"...so$$$??????
Do you have insurance? Say you fix a bike, and then something breaks on the bike and the rider got hurt. Let's say the thing that broke was not even related to your tuneup, but they still might sue you.
I’d be shocked that a mobile technician can’t bleed brakes and honestly that would be a company I wouldn’t call again. Park sells a kit to bleed all brakes from Shimano to Sram, get some mineral and DOT fluid and go. Most shops charge $60-75 per brake so to pass on $120 plus per bike is kinda dumb…
I have the kits in the van. But this comment just further incentivize me to avoid cyclists as much as possible. I’d be happy that you became one of my competitor’s customers. 😉
Watched and got the impression you don’t really like working on bikes that need more than a basic service, I be annoyed if you came to my house to service my bike and then said “ I don’t do that, it’s too much hassle” like with the brake bleeds.
This is great thanks. Reality of solving problems, making decisions, dealing with customers, rationing your time and attention
Nice setup.
I love these ride along videos! Do more!
Awesome service you are providing. I really like the van setup. As an electrician for over 30 years service calls can be challenging at times. Customer is on a budget but you don't want their house to burn down. Will you be doing more of these types of service van videos?
Thanks for putting these videos out.
Pretty solid way of dealing with repairs. I experienced the same thing working in an automotive shop. The life of a mechanic.
Loved the video. Please do more of these
Awesome concept a mobile pro bicycle mechanic. We had a guy here in the Paisley/Glasgow area here in the West of Scotland who tuned up a Dawes Ultra Galaxy for me, this was just before the pandemic. He was a cool dude, don’t know what became of him I’ll need to try and find out.
Yea cable locks are a good second lock. They’ll never be my main lock.
I need to find a mobile mechanic in my area. I have a step through trike and no way to transport it. I recently needed service on the Sturmey-Archer hub so I had to remove it from the bike in order to take it to the shop. Luckily I was able to put the bike together.
I drove that dang ol' BikeMobile 1000 miles and took a 3 hour nap in the back! Nice van!
I have my Huffy Aerowind. Think '81 maybe through '83. Replaced cheap derailleurs, handlebars (with sweep and stem with bit of rise IIRC), twist shifters, saddle/seat. I did the work as hobby/learn. Needs new tires and chain but still solid. Wrecked many times in the day which required good shop mechanics to straighten the 27 inch wheels - still original. Center pull brakes but not anything close to like those you found here.
I'm surprised you don't do brake bleeds, also surprised you think they're so involved. They're quick, easy, and straightforward.
Funny you should say that. After this video, I bought 2 pro bleed tool kits and fluid for the van. I would agree with your statement if you're only dealing with one brake system from one era. Or, if you come from a shop environment where brake bleeds are an everyday thing. Come to think of it, I fundamentally disagree that anything with bicycle mechanics is quick, easy and straightforward.
I do high end mountain bikes, I'm looking at a 2020 Santa Cruz. Does the guy your talking too want to take it on, it needs all new bearings, BB bracket bearings, M Pulse hub bearing, front and back shell bearings, let's just bleed the brakes too.
@@bkefrmrYep, thinking the same. Don’t do brakes, I’m afraid I would not be calling you again. Basic requirement
@@bikepackingadventure7913 Thank you! I hate phone calls anyway. The BikeMobile is definitely not your thing for sure. ✌️❤️🚲🔧
@@bkefrmr😂😂😂 the most perfect response
I had a Huffy "Thunder Road" as a kid, so it was funny to see Dimension Thunder Road tires put on this Huffy
These are awesome man I love these vids
THX FOR SHARING!
... Always Great Info 😊
Brake bleeding is yet another reason I’ve gone to mechanical discs from hydraulic on my commuter. The hydraulic pistons and seals just don’t hold up to water, snow, ice, sand, salt, etc…
I live on the coast in Oregon and been using hydraulic for the last 6 years with zero problems. Shimano 420’s and now I’m using the Shimano 8120’s. They’ve been great, and I only ride a bicycle, I have no license. So this bike is ridden in every condition this coast has to offer.
@@xmateinc but no snow and ice though right…? city miles or country miles….?
@@PRH123 there was ice this year, but no snow. It’s mostly city miles on the commute, then I do a 40 mile country ride every weekend. The salt is in the rain is strong around here. Any bike store outside will rust fast. I keep mine indoor. But long rain rides definitely get salt all over my bike.
I also swapped my hydraulics for mechanicals on all of my bikes, except for my mountain bike. The power output of the hydraulic brake is still superior to most mechanicals, but the convenience of dealing with cables is better if you don’t need that extra power imo.
That said, modern hydraulic disc brakes are damned robust and impervious to the elements. I prefer Shimano, because they’re just easier to set up, bleed, and maintain in general. They really seem to hold up great in almost all conditions.
The only downside to the mineral oil brakes is that the fluid stiffens up in super cold weather, where the DOT fluid brakes continue working down to a lower temperature.
I also prefer the mineral oil brakes for the fact that getting a little mineral oil on your surface finishes is no big deal, but DOT fluid on those surfaces can damage them.
I could make a strong case that getting saltwater and grit in your cable housings causes more issues than saltwater and grit getting on your hydraulic brakes. In the end, it’s probably just personal preference. In a mobile shop like this, I personally would offer bleeds on Shimano brakes only. But that’s just me.
@@zenofthemoment Depends on the conditions one rides in, commuting year round in a northern city with temps down to -20 c. is a real test for a bike. The salt and road filth breaks down the seals on the pistons of hydraulic brakes and scores them, then the fluid starts weeping through, and as they’re not repairable, they become a throwaway item. Never had any issues with anything getting in my cable housings, shifting or brake, the non compressible Teflon lines ones hold up well. All depends on what climate and conditions you ride in.
are there still many bikes with v-brakes in the us? in our store only kid bikes from 12"-26" still having v-brakes. every other bike and e-bike nowadays has a discbrake. at least in our store in germany. mainly shimano, tektro and magura brakes (urgh). bleeding tektro and shimano is easy, but magura brakes (hydraulic rim brakes and disc brakes) are always a pain in the ass :D
For me most DOT fluid systems are harder to bleed, and very finicky. Magura for me was pretty easy, the hydraulic rim brakes are a bit weird, but the normal hydraulic’s are as easy as shimano to bleed.
Don’t call customer until you make a full evaluation yo yo
Any suggestions of what to bring in a chase/rescue SUV for boy scout bike training groups? The current group mainly rides around a 10 mile lake and they're working up to doing 50 miles for their cycling badges. Mix of mountain, road, and hybrid bikes sprinkled through the group.
the huffy looked so much like a schwinn world tour.
The brakes feel great if you pump them a couple of time 🤦♂️
That Fuji 9spd was their top of line hybrid...amazing some people do ride their bikes...that one was ridden into the coffin. Needs new wheel...axle not worth rebuild...cones are most likely pitted. Needs chain, cassette, wheel, front tire, tune up...I'd say...if I was still in business, oh: $350.00. But it was , "do the minimum"...so$$$??????
Best bike lock came off way too easy. I thought you would need bolt cutters.
I am going to set up mobile bicycle repair service here in Ireland have you any advice on someone starting in up
Keep it simple.
Yea bronze silver gold menu service parts exta
Do you have insurance? Say you fix a bike, and then something breaks on the bike and the rider got hurt. Let's say the thing that broke was not even related to your tuneup, but they still might sue you.
Let’s not say that…
I have had to pay an "EXCESS" on my insurance policy once when this occurred .
What is a hybrid bike? You mean E-bike?
Man those are so messed up roads lol........
I’d be shocked that a mobile technician can’t bleed brakes and honestly that would be a company I wouldn’t call again. Park sells a kit to bleed all brakes from Shimano to Sram, get some mineral and DOT fluid and go. Most shops charge $60-75 per brake so to pass on $120 plus per bike is kinda dumb…
I have the kits in the van. But this comment just further incentivize me to avoid cyclists as much as possible. I’d be happy that you became one of my competitor’s customers. 😉
Watched and got the impression you don’t really like working on bikes that need more than a basic service, I be annoyed if you came to my house to service my bike and then said “ I don’t do that, it’s too much hassle” like with the brake bleeds.