7 Secret Bike Mechanic Tips to Fix Anything (Even Yourself)
Вставка
- Опубліковано 2 жов 2024
- The bike I ride, channel sponsor, pretty cool people:
wabicycles.com/
Mildly ironic Reasonably Dangerous cycling shirts:
www.zachgallar...
Get a shoutout at the end of each video by supporting the channel on Patreon: / zachgallardo
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: amzn.to/3lJCh5x (commission)
I had a difficult time learning bike mechanics because most of the tutorials and guides only talk about the science of bike mechanics when there's an art to it that's just as important. Here are 7 secret bike mechanic tips to help you fix anything (even yourself). Rather than show you how to do one bike job, this overarching guide to bike maintenance, you'll be equipped with the basic skills to become a better bike mechanic (and better person).Learning bike mechanics can suck - 0:00Sponsor: Wabi Cycles - 1:07Good enough for me is better than perfect - 1:177. Respect the bike, respect yourself - 2:116. Bike mechanics ALWAYS take longer than you think - 4:55Is this the most infuriating bike part? - 7:355. Everything has a purpose - 8:584. Good lighting and angles are KEY - 12:103. Buy the best tools you can afford - 12:332. Know exactly what goes exactly where - 15:041. An oz. of prevention is worth a lb. of cure - 16:24Treat yourself. You deserve it - 17:59Sponsor: Wabi Cycles 18:15Patreon Fixie Famous Shoutouts - 19:17
Fixie Famous Shoutout:
StanStrong108
Ryan Witt
Julian Corona
Eric Avalo
Gio Dezera
kruucks
Singlespeed Shoutout:
nicodache
Gregory Tomlinson
Scott Palangi
Todd Brannan
epilektric
Chris
Connect with me:
/ zachygallardo
*DISCLAIMER: This description contains some affiliate links. I'll get a small commission from anything you buy from those links to help run the channel at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!
**Availability through the eBay links will vary by date and location. If it's not on the link, you can find it with a quick Google search
#fixedgear #cycling
You were riding around with a dead cockroach on your bottom bracket the whole time? Now that's a bruh moment...
That's extra grams
Getting that book
Here are three tips for becoming a diy bike mechanic:
1. Remember to always ignore manufacturer torque specs
2. Never use grease
3. Excessive use of force solves all mechanical problems
Always worked for me.
This is a deeply philosophical episode. Never looked this way at mechanics.
its kinda phony to be honest, its really not that complicated especially if you're riding a fixed gear bike. the only time it should be this complicated is if its wheel building, suspension service or doing a full custom carbon TT bike
Never thougth that a video on replacing a bottom bracket could be so profound and motivating in life..this is top notch quality man thank you very much !
Can't say how many times I have gotten pissy while working on something, put it aside for a bit, then went back and fixed it with an idea that I would never have come up with while I was being a cry-ass. Great content as always.
zach is the only channel i know about fixed bike that still alive till this day, thank you very much zach
I also have a Wabi that is truly enjoyable. You were describing the creaking bottom bracket noise on the non drive side whether seated or not and not consistently making the noise. Like you, I am pretty aware of things that make that creak. Like you, after checking everything I replaced the bottom bracket and did a thorough job of cleaning, lubing and carefully installing it. After testing out my new BB there was that same #@%! creak. Deep in my gut something told me remove the seat post ( even though I knew that was a waster of time). Like you, I replaced my seat post with a nice quality post, mine is a Thompson. Like you, I cut it down a bit. What I found was the tube had rusted slightly from riding in the rain, etc. Once I cleaned off the inside of the downtube and the seat post: NO MORE CREEK! What a good day. I know you're very knowledgeable about these bikes but just had to share, maybe it will help. Good Luck, thanks for the videos. Jeff
Makes sense because the frame flexes under the torque of pedalling. And again it tends to sound like the bottom bracket or even the stem etc
Wow, Zach, this is definitely my favorite video yet! This personal improvement mixed with bikes stuff is totally your wheelhouse.
Bottom bracket needing adjustment is always where my mind goes when I hear a knock or a tick or a squeak or something during a pedal stroke. So many times I have been wrong when it's turned out to be my clipless shoe just rubbing weird, loose pedal, or (on a geared bike) the front shifter cable hitting the crank, or part of my toe strap clipping the crank. There have been times though, when it really has been the bottom bracket. At least with fixed gears, the list of potential problems is narrowed, and you'll never have to worry about messing with press-fit bottom brackets either.
Zach from the sound you’re describing, make sure that the fixed cup is really tight. You want to make sure it’s more than hand tight. Usually I give the tool on the cup a couple hits with a rubber mallet to get it just a little tighter. That might solve your issue. (Coming from a bike mechanic)
Have you thought about the crank arm installation on the bb spindle? You might want to read this article on the Sheldon Brown site. www.sheldonbrown.com/brandt/installing-cranks.html
I still don't know why you lube the outside of the chain. You should be lubing the inside since that is the surface that contacts the gears.
Probably your best video yet, love the message, clearly you thought this one out through very well. Great work! I love this style of content. Mixing self development & cycling.
Zen and Art of Motorcycle Maintenance might be one of my favorite books, but... WARNING, it can be a hard book to get through, took me almost 2 years of on and off reading to finish. It’s also about physiological issues, and philosophy, which can be a turn off for a lot of readers.
Yes! Setting up loose ball bearings is an Art... a temporarily perfect, Art🤬
Also, if you wanna ride soon and it ain’t broke, Do Not fix it!
Good to know that I'm not alone in this sugino bb issue.
That's why I got a philwood bb instead
My favorite bottom bracket is a cheap (plastic left cup) Tange jis square taper. Why? because they are always buttery smooth, the threads are smooth, the plastic cup reduces friction heat and (when covid hasn't shut down everything) they are always available on ebay and amazon. They are inexpensive so give one a try and be amazed. (limited supply right now due to covid)
Hey Zach! Great video!
Would you consider making a "What's in my Toolbox" video? It would also be awesome if you could show briefly how they are used and what other tools you plan to purchase to complete your tool set. I'm a longtime fixed gear rider but have never worked on anything except my saddle and handlebars.
Incredible work Zack☝🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
At 7:11 SRAM front derailleur is too high ....NJS is very good stuff, if you are a professional Keirin racer in Japan....or, if you are independently wealthy
Just an advice. NEVER GET INTO COMPLEX mechanic issue while getting high. You won't find your own hands.
Nice video bro
I have one question
I bought a bike rockrider 520 but I wanted to to Change it from 3x8 to 1x8 without changing the crankset is it possible to do it
And Can you give me some advices how to chose the right single Geer speed
Tip number 8. Dont cut your seat post to short and crack your frame.
Extremely good content. More like this would be great (as long as you keep it real without replacing the brooks with your skull! Too many fallen youtubers...)
bottom bracket issue: replace the retainer ring with free steel balls. Problem solved.
I actually recently started learning how to do maintenance on my fixie and I gotta say if I had seen this video before, it would've save me a lot of time and frustration. I assumed everything would only take 30-60 mins and I was wrong Everytime and I didn't want to rely on bike shops so I just bought cheap tools and ended up almost messing up important components
still blows my mind that you only have one bike. i totally caught that n+1 bug when shopping the local used market for my first real build. 10 years later, i'm outta storage space :-(
Apparently the secret is to spend an unreasonable amount on every single part, then you won't be able to afford more bikes. $200 bucks for an alloy seatpost to fit an equally overpriced seat that can't be used in the rain... $130 for a BB that consistently fails...
"This is an opportunity for me to work on myself, and approach the problem with curiousity instead of frustration."
Not shown: Zach punching a bag with "Curiousity" printed on it
have you ever tried teflon tape on the bottom bracket its ghetto but works
Bike Mechanic is easy , the book I learned from early on is "Zinn & the Art of Mountain Bike Maintenance"
Send that BB to Hambini so he can roast it
Loose as a wizard's cuff! Get a Phil square taper bb. Check the usual suspects like chainring bolts and spokes first. A little grease or WD might do it. Headset on occasion.
When, how, can I get a wabi? Sending emails no response. Need assistance
Wabi wants to sell you a bike but they are typical bicycle guys that have no real notion of friendly service. Don't expect a lot of concern from them
keep in mind that we are in the middle of a big bike shortage since due to corona all the factories had to cut production, but also due to corona people have been getting into biking more
We need answers
@RollinRat good for you👍 I teach young people how to work on their own bikes so they can be more self-reliant and I do it with a smile. Nice to know there are other people out there in kind
@RollinRat always rolling with a bag of tools👍
IM HERE! Am I late?
Yes. The whole production has moved to Thunder Bay while you were getting here. It was a bitch riding there on fixies, it was snowing.
@@hhhorb As someone living in Thunder Bay this is the last comment I'd ever expect to see here.
Tirty tree tousand treez in Toonder Bay, eh?
@@canadianpatriot14 , I have to say, I enjoyed my four months there. Late nineties, one of the coldest winters on record, they were digging holes in Lake Superior to dump the excess snow.
I was playing with the symphony (I'm American). The papermill. The Vietnamese mafia. The wilderness. Crown Royal, ice fishing, snowmobiles and one strip club. What a place!
@@hhhorb no no no.... That's Newfoundland man.
I love your philosophy, thanks Zach!
I ride single speed and decided to try out fixed. Rode it for a few days, got straps, learn how to skid and was learning to track stand when i decided it wasn’t worth it. I just didn’t like riding fixed, i have to ride much safer and while that’s supposed to be a positive, I love single speed because i feel safer while riding dangerously.
R u even try fixed gear with brakes? It more fun tho, imho
@@adityajonathanmamahit2889 i kept my front brake on all the time, even when i learned to skid, i kept it on just in case. Eventually i forgot it was there but a still didn’t enjoy it riding fixed
Could you please review the Unknown Singularity complete? I have been wanting to see this bike reviewed on UA-cam but I can’t find any real reviews. I am starting away from buying the Framset and other things separately because it is my first fixed gear bike. If you please could review it and help others like me decide whether this is a good first fixie I would greatest appreciate it.
Love that Nitto stem! and yes, that is a classic book!
Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance has little to do with a motorcycle, but the movement through life. A donkey would have been just as good a vehicle. A threaded interface can allow some movement of two parts and clicks and creaks. A change in temperature can affect the movement and noise. Engineers have described this situation. Has the bb shell ever been faced? I've had better luck with cartridge bbs You're right about stopping when frustrated.
+1 on facing, looks like there's still paint on the sides of the shell (15:13) its especially important for 3 part bbs
or else the lockring can be tight but only touch a small portion of the tube and move under torque.
What's the difference between a fixie famous shoutout and a single speed shoutout?
100 fixie points
+1 for the state of mind. I was cleaning my drivetrain after I had a beer this weekend and the cleaning cloth got caught and pulled my hand in. Cut and broke my fingers, bad enough to go to the ER.
Yea I got my finger bit doing that too, and I was buzzed too. Never drink and work on your bike, learned that.
My fingers hurt just from reading this. I often picture this kind of thing happening, but ouch...
@@BanacaNation Yeah, I got used to working on it with a freewheel, because I was letting someone else borrow it. I forgot the drivetrain does not stop as fast without a freewheel. Not the type of lesson I wanted to learn that day 😅
@@ghosthogday I'm not going into the gorey details, but yeah, much ouch.
@BeboSaab than stay away from disk brakes too, they can do some damage too. I'll still ride fixed, just be more careful cleaning it.
So now you're ready for Pirsig. I can feel you're growing ... And becoming great, or just a man, that is... Great. When coming through a depresion, greatness is to be expected a lot of times. Remember this day if harder times come back. Cheers
Great video all facts all true. This is why I own multiple bikes so if one breaks down or still under construction due to the unexpected I can use other bike in my stable .
The problem I have with that is then I have to fix several bikes when they add up
@@yardsalecycles True it can get even stressful. Twice I had all of my bikes except one in good working order.
@@MisterSal9895 last time I had to fix 5 flats and that was just a start
@@yardsalecycles So did you end up down sizing your fleet? I just end up putting "puncture resistant" tires on all my bikes and it definitely reduced the chances of getting flats. I'm pretty sure I'm losing 1-2 MPH of my top speeds because puncture resistant tires have slightly higher rolling resistant but that's the trade-off.
@@MisterSal9895 lol no I ended up buy a few more since then (2 weeks ago) I'm up to 30 ish bikes 10 or so are ready to ride the rest are projects I'll get to eventually 😅
100% agree with all the tips from 'Zen & The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance' you expressed in your video Zach. I've been building my bikes (road, fixed gear, vintage, bmx, etc) including lacing hubs/wheels for a few years and it's definitely much more than just throwing random parts together & going for a ride. I've also owned and ridden motorcycles as well. There is a philosophical element to the process of bike, motorcycle maintenance if you have the correct mindset.
This seat post is an example of what is going wrong with bicycles in this day. TWO HUNDRED dollars for what is essentially a piece of pipe with a fitting? How is that even half-decent? I know, quality, bla bla... but it's just a pipe! I work in industrial electronics where we sell devices which have thousands of part, all under scrutiny and health hazard inspections... AND we don't sell them that expensive.
I love quality,don't get me wrong, but that is absolutely insane... (and I am saying this as somebody who can easily afford that post)
Ha, did you just say everything comes down to precision? Seriously, have you ever ridden a steel framed fixie? HAHAHAHA! Subscribed, if I can find the subscribe button. UA-cam, WTF? Oh. The big grey button. That shit should be orange, like your bike.
My very favourite book, read it at least 30 times. And I'm a bike nut, learned maintenance the hard way, mainly from UA-cam, by necessity because pro bike mechanics are too often lazy idiots (exactly as the book says). I always thought this book was perfectly applicable to bikes, good to know others noticed that too. Thanks for the video. Lube the top surface of your chain along on part closest to the ground.
Or just don't give a shit about all the noises and enjoy your ride.
90% times mechanical things make noise (creak, click, etc) its not a real issue, at least if you do not exceed the component life time.
Just service (or replace) every XXX miles and everything should be fine.
(and using torque wrenches properly solves most noises... undertorque cause creak&click, overtorque cause squeak)
I’m so glad I watched this video it was very helpful thank you 🙏 Zack
only because you brought it up, I didn't sub because your channel is concentrated around your one speed bike
I purchased a new Aventon Level E Bike in Mar 2022, it has the cheap
zoom fork, after about 2 weeks the front fork makes a clunk sound when
going over some bumps and it's
pissing me off, it does not do this when it's locked out though, does
anyone know what the issue is? Or even an upgrade fork the would fit
this bike? Thanks John
You're supposed to hold down the non drive side preload to stop it from moving then tightening down the lock ring
Zach what do you think about aventon fixed gear bikes?
They're great on paper, but I'd avoid them due to some questionable practices: ua-cam.com/video/oGmcZPTgw1g/v-deo.html
@@ZachGallardo I was thinking about buying one today
I'm Asian and this vid gave me PTSD of my parents .
one of the best and most helpful video on your channel. 💕
Considering that I just ruined my backbreak by rushing a bleed... I feel offended :D.
I striped a thread on my brand new Thomson stem an hour ago. I regret using a fk*ng cheap Chinese torque wrench from aliexpress
I love the intelligence I feel at peace watching your videos man, God bless you x1,000
$130 for a failed bottom bracket install? Dude, get a better LBS or stop making videos. Oh, wait, maintenance is half science and half art. They are screwing you on the "art" surcharge.
I think he means the Sugino 75 bottom bracket is $130 itself. Those things aren't cheap.
holy crap!
ua-cam.com/video/6ZX0IMJgd_g/v-deo.html
I had these headphones 15 years ago. What's the name of it???
I love tinkering on my bike but you are right,be patient and take it to a pro when you are out your depth.Why did you cut the seatpost anyway?
super dope video definitely top 3. been subscribed for years too btw. hit that button yall! ✌🏿
My bottom bracket is so temperamental too! How often should a person have it serviced?
@RollinRat that's really useful info, thank you. I do ride my bike often (it's a fixed gear with an omnium crankset) but I noticed that it makes a creaking sound when I push hard. It feels like it might be the bottom bracket but I'm not sure. Will take it to a bike shop for a service soon 👍
@RollinRat haha well as least people hear you riding! Thanks for all this. I'll have to get a bottom bracket tool and try myself before heading to a store then. Always wanted to do what you suggested but with your advice I feel more confident. Thanks again!
You're the Matt D'Avella of bikes. Liked and subbed
Fuck loose ball bearings mate, save those for when you have your own mechanic at a velodrome
What's your take on belt drivetrain?
Belt isn't NJS compliants so don't expect Zach approves it.
My other bike has it and it's damn cool not to deal with cleaning and lubing it after wet ride. But as frame has to be really stiff for use with belt seems alu frame is mandatory. I've seen steel frames with custom installed seatstay splitters but never have got long term reviews if and how many adjustment issues has created. Steel frames also can be more light and flexy vs really beefy which could be OK.
You know you are supposed to lube the chain on the inside, not the outside *facepalm*
Ehhhh…you’ve no brakes? Anyone who rides without brakes has a death wish
Ah money. When you have you throw it away when you don’t you dig it back out.
This is ur best video. congrats.
If you put the grease inside the frame you want have to wipe it off afterwards. ;)
You are back from the Far East,,,,welcome back....
Word.
“There’s two ways to do things: ‘right’, and ‘again’. Woot woot 👍
If you do find that your creeking bottom bracket comes back, I had a similar issue and my LBS chased the frame threads on the bottom bracket and the problem was fixed.
@BeboSaab it didn't cost me anything and the lbs mechanic was able to complete it while I was standing there. In and out.
Keep brake on your bike.. if chain fails brake will save u.
As a professional bike mechanic, a bottom bracket knock in a particular position is almost never the bottom bracket. Check your chainring bolts are tight first. If it keeps going use a vernier caliper or micrometer to check the chainring bolt holes. One of them might be oversize.
After that check your axle tension on the rear wheel. It sounds totally absurd but it's amazing how often this causes a noise under load that is directly linked to crank position.
If your bottom bracket is making the noise, the fault should be clear when it is disassembled.
I had the same bottom bracket and mine did the same as his among other problems. It's a poor design. I worked on it and had 2 different shops work on it and it never went away. Replaced it with 2 different square tapered brackets since then and never had an issue.
3 questions: would i be disgraced forever by cheating and getting a coaster brake hub? And would it be a bad idea to drill holes in my frame for a bottle cage? And is 52x18 bad for commuting??
apparently coaster brake maintenance is hell, i dont have a bottle cage either i carry it in my bag but im tryna get a triathlon saddle mount cage
Riser bars are so wack ..................
What do you think about the Miche Pistard air crankset?
Now I need a PAUL for my Brooks Swift
This is why you need multiple bikes…
Zach you have your bearings on backwards my guy.
That was inspirational :)
Lol....2 ways to do it right. Right and again!
Love your content sir! Waiting patiently every week for it. I got a geared bike with internal gear hub which is heavy as hell but thinking about getting a fixed gear bike. Unfortunately here in Germany we don't have those good beginner bikes available. A good bike with 28mm tires and 32mm clearance starts at 800 Euro (8bar fhain).
Oh I can buy State Bike Black Label V2 here online for a reasonable price.
I mean you could also buy a cheap used bike and switch the wheels to fixed gear wheels
@@plainvanillamiscellaneous6884 Funny I actually did a conversion of some old beater, just for fun. Didn't pay attention and bought one with vertical dropouts. Today I managed to block the freewheel so it's now fixed, gonna try that out. Looking to buy a bike from State Bicycle, either 4130 Core or Black Label V2 - not sure yet. Black Label will be available in Q1 2021.
@@maxkrug2000 that's dope, I just picked up an old bike for 10 € too and I'm gonna try to convert it soon
Gracias por toda la información, se aprecia sr Gallardo
this video was weird flex but ok
Hey zack,,,,,,, are you back in the states..??.?.??.?.?.?,,,,,,what’s the gearing on the bike,,,,,(help)...building one with all the left over Dura ace parts....
Bike mechanic thoughts about your bottom bracket issue - It's a manufacturing problem. If the bike shop uninstalled and reinstalled it more than once and you still have the catch, it was machined improperly. It's a rare thing but it does happen. Get another one and I'm 99% positive it will work perfect. I have one in one of my daily riders and it's perfect.
hahahaaha to cut a paul seatpost, bold
Great video. Great tutorial on how to deal with strange sounds on your bike...or anything for that matter. And a truly beautiful book. I highly recommend the audio version read by Michael Kramer. I had a print copy of this book on my “to read” shelf for over 25 years. Then about twelve years ago, I picked up the beautiful deckle-edged 25th anniversary edition at the bookstore in Yosemite. That copy sat on my “to read shelf” for another few years before I found the audio version on Audible about 6 years ago. I listened to it while riding all over West Marin. Recently, I listened to it again while riding all over West Marin. I’ll probably do it again someday. You’ve captured much of what there is to learn in that book, even as you hardly scratched the surface. And that is the beautiful thing about great books. Thanks!
guessing SAC hasnt been kind to your BB. Slide to Oakland some time if you wanna get in your urban fix in. Maybe come out for the October Phixed King Expedition.!!
Hey, i have a doubt about
bottom brackets, why all the times in fixed gears they use square taperd ones and not the hollow one´s. I have understood that they have better performance over time. Sorry for my bad english i am from Argentina. Love your content!
I think that since your bike is fixed gear, more than likely there is a hole under your bottom bracket where the cable guides for a front and rear derailleur system would normally be screwed in. The roach could have crawled in there and fed on bearing grease until it was too fat to get out and then eventually died of thirst or whatever complications could have been caused by eating that grease.
Excellent. I'm going through that same thing and have been trying to find out from what heck happened. Talk about one of my bicycle and that 3 o'clock position and one in a while clicking but a lot of time. Now I know something about it. Thanks! One day soon, I want to rebuild this bicycle that I have mentioned over with all good and best equipments. You would freak out with this bicycle which I have found and picked it up and not too long ago.
he is a hipster and we are too
Los ruiditos son la muerte
So sorry for not subscribing earlier bro you made it easier purchasing my first fixies thank again bro. keep up the awesome vids!
Hey Zach, great video yet again! Are you planning on selling those sweet Reasonably Dangerous bike stickers? Would be dope :)
There may be too much slop between the bottom bracket cups and the the bottom bracket. Try wrapping the cups with teflon plumbers tape to get a snug fit.
Subscribed Zach!