Your tip on Dawn Powerwash has changed my life for the better! I ride mountain bikes, and used to go a year between washes because of the effort involved. Now, I get home, spray the bike with Dawn Powerwash, put away my stuff, hose off the bike WITHOUT SCRUBBING, and it is perfectly clean. Zero effort. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!
I just discovered your channel a couple months ago when I’ve been trying to turn my life around and picking back up mountain biking and biking in general that I used to enjoy. The last 6 years I have been horrible to myself and those closest to me (Alcohol/eating issues) As I started getting back into exercising and enjoying my newly rediscovered hobby I found your channel that is helping me stay entertained without alcohol as well as learning as we go. Your content is entertaining and relaxing and your humor is needed in the space. Please don’t stop ever stop making videos! -Daulton /sappy
A whole lane of bicycles that I was sleeping on until discovering your channel. I turned an old full suspension MTB into an upright position sidewalk eater- super comfy and slow!
The semi-slick (or full-on slick) tires are such a leap in efficiency. Removing the 30-yr old Kenda knobbies and replacing them with a set of City Slickers or something available nowadays is a huge improvement. Of course the original grips and 'resin' (plastic is a dirty marketing word!) pedals should go too. The world is full of old 26" wheel MTN bikes, let's put 'em to use!
@@EdwardChen0 I run Continental Contact Plus City tires on my ATBs. I wanted the old Town & Country that bike cops loved, but they're no longer made. My LBS recommended the Contact Plus City tires, saying that they were the modern replacement for the old T&Cs. I ride mostly roads, city streets, and bike paths, so they work fine.
I love my slow bike! If you ask me, the best slow bike is a slow bike with a well running drivetrain and low resistance tires so you can ride at regular speed real easy.
I bought my trek 7100 brand new 21 years ago. Its first and only tune up was done two years ago. The mechanic actually looked kind of excited to find out he would be its first. It has always lived in the garage and still has everything original, even the tires and brake pads are original. Its gotta be the best bike there ever was.
@@aricbergren6532 My Meta's brakes and gears are Suntour a Japanese company I dont know anything about them but after all these years never had any problem. Everything becoming cheaper and less sound last year I bought an ebike it came with zero manuel and apperantly its party are not as good as 35 years old Bianchi. edit btw today's Bianchi isnt as good as 80s, 90s models.
This one actually turned out pretty sweet, looking good and very practical. I would add a front rack with a basket and you have the perfect grocery shopper
Greets from central MN, My dad gave me his "cruiser" when it was time for him to stop riding. It had those wide-ish sorta straight bars. I've been riding motorcycles all my adult life and almost all of them had grips where you ride with your hands positioned in the thumbs up, pinkies down form. Velo Orange had just the bars I was looking for. Totally transformed the ride for me. My inspiration to change the bars came from watching you. Harv
I rescue and rebuild or modify 1990s bikes. One of my favorite rebuilds I have done is a 1997 Univega alpina 5.0. I added a rack and fenders, bmx pedals , kickstand, head , tail light, and a hitch for a trailer. This bike rides smooth. I call it my Townie bike 😊 I enjoy your channel. I too have a bike shop like yours and own 11 personal bikes. Self taught. Im a 62 year old Autistic woman. So hello from the PNW and high five for Us bike geeks who keep the average Joe and Betty's on the road.
Just this morning, I took my "slow bike" (a similar late 80s MTB conversion) out for a ride and thought to myself "everyone should have one of these!" Then I come home, open YT and the Bike Farmer is saying the same thing. I put one of those sprung City Connect saddles on my bike after seeing them here and it's phenomenal! I wouldn't want to cross a continent on one, but today's ride was everything from easy single track to jeep roads to gravel and pavement, and it all just disappeared beneath me.
Just finished building a custom commuter with a 3x drivetrain, and I've found the best way (for me!) to get the gears just right with no rubbing, is to use a friction-shifter for the front chainring. Infinite adjustment on-the-fly,, with well-adjusted index-shifting for the rear. Feels like a win-win...
I wish someone would make a nice sturdy aluminium dork disc that'll last. The main reason I take off dork discs is because they turn yellow and gross and start crumbling when they get old.
One thing I've learned in removing and installing grips is the use of isopropyl alcohol (or rubbing alcohol). Your removing grips with air pressure is super great though. I like the alcohol for installation because I can avoid buying a spray can, which is always good. Just soak the inside of the grips with the alcohol, it acts as a lubricant and evaporates when the grip is installed. Also with a bottle of alcohol you don't have to pay for the spray can so less waste, less expense.
Mid 80's Schwinn Sierra slow bike with smooth drive train - great slow bike. Yep - upright handle bar with a comfy seat and milk crate on the back. One of my favorite to ride. Sits next to my litespeed in the garage. It's all good.
I just done a similar project except I swapped the stem and handlebars for a BMX style ones. I had to increase outer and inner cables but they needed replaced anyway. Mudguards were added as well as I live in wet and windy Scotland.
I am with you on the satisfaction that comes from nailing cantilever setup. Every set is a new challenge though. I have a Hard Rock frame and fork I bought on Marketplace I wanted for the wheel set last year. It will probably take another life as a county road rider with a CUES 9 speed I picked up from Ritcheys garage sale this summer.
Just converted a 95 GT Talera into a slow bike. Part swapped from my 1998 Trek Y22, wheels and all. Think full 90’s XTR components is a bit much for a slow bike.. Buuut it’s smooth as silk, and I love it. Great video.
Haha! My daughter is begging me to fly out your way again to visit her friend that moved away a few years ago. I’d love to connect for a collab video/ride/SLC hang!
Thanks for the great relaxing content! My humble request would be that please don't skip parts with editing. I for one especially like the long videos with a relaxed pace without much editing. Anyway keep up the good work!
I ride a 5 speed interval hub. The brakes were out of adjustment, so I stopped by the local bicycle coop to work on them. The person at the Coop said instead of changing the cable, just pull it tighter. That fixed them and cost me nothing. It is a very slow bike, but it fits me well and I love the IGH (can shift at a stop).
I love the channel Sir. Well done. I am doing basically the same thing out of my home and I have learned a few cool tricks over the years. On cantilever brakes there is a straddle cable that goes between the brake calipers, and to hook onto the straddle cable there is a saddle cable hook. If you invert the bolt and cable location the assembly is way cleaner and is easier to adjust. If you see how the main cable interacts with the straddle cable saddle you will see how they are occupying the same space. The solution I just shared with you gets rid of this crappy interface. I know it is just a tiny detail but it really makes a difference. Cheers - M
100% agree with everything you said about old MTB bikes as ATBs!! I have one - it's a 92 Trek Singletrack. 2 upgrades were the most bang for the buck: (1) faster rolling ~2.0" city tires, and (2) some handlebars with sufficient rise to be level with the seat and also with back sweep to ease the stress on my wrists. At 30 psi, the tires (along with the new bars) make the bike irresistibly comfortable for slower, enjoy the day rides.
Great idea. Ive been volunteering at my local bike library for a while and felt that a minimal spend in upgrades can transform the older bikes into a modern riding experience.
Another great video! I've been tinkering with bikes for 50yrs and have learned some new tricks from you, so thank you! I've been toying with converting my 2001 Gary Fisher Paragon over to a slow bike so this was super helpful.
Everyone needs an old specialized ! Love my bike craftsman.. ordered me up some of them japanese screw drivers.. how's my English Andrew? Winter rider with a heated vest .
Another outstanding video! It's so mesmerizing to watch you work on these bikes. You have inspired me to start working on bikes again. It's a little scary, though: the other day I dropped a tool and said "OPE!" out loud in the garage... maybe I need to lay off the videos for a while! 😄
Another great video, thanks! .... if you're listening to the background music without watching, you might think that this is an old 70s softporn video 🤣
all my bikes are slow bikes.. or maybe it's just me ;) I like that you work with the bikes with a rigid suspension and some fatter tires. that's what I like. I was never a fan of suspension for get around bikes.. the walmart bikes all have those big ole heavy suspensions. you know it would be cool if you did a video on the add on components.. every bike needs a place to carry your lock, or your water bottle and for me.. my phone ( I like quad locks) just stuff. I like a nice bell too. Lights, maybe especially this time of year when the sun goes down early.
Such a pleasure to watch a master mechanic at work. Taught me a lot, too! Personally, I'd swap out the kick stand for one mounted farther back on the frame. Makes it easier to backpedal with the stand down.
Great job. I've always loved cantilevers more than any other brake and inasmuch I have become a cantilever master. And all you usually gotta do is make a perfect house. If you know, you know.
Your content is spot on , we still get the Andy Q effect , with a sprinkle of real world bike farming , thank you for letting us into your shop . Best of luck going forward .
This is how it all starts! I went from being an alcoholic to being a slow-bike-aholic! Went from one bike to 7 in less than 2 years. I'm even dating a girl who is originally from Lake Mills! 😂😂😂 Thanks, Andy!
I love these builds that you are doing here. With the OE hi-rise stem, I think the better option would have been a low rise bar with more sweep and MSW has them in silver. Somebody is going to get a great old school cruiser and have you to thank for it.
Greenfield kickstands are great - I used a few myself. I add the rubber ends - and they even may be made by Greenfield - which saves the floor for indoor storage, or from scraping the garage floor.
I have a couple of bikes in my garage that I could do this to. Maybe once the weather gets warmer this spring. It's snowing as I type this. We're supposed to get up to 10" here in Central Wisconsin. A video suggestion: You've mentioned various brands of tires, groupsets, etc. Maybe a video where you go over some of the best bang for the buck brands you like to use.
Oh, and ALL of my bikes have spoke protectors! As you pointed out, you can hit bumps that unload the derailleur, allowing the chain to jump off the cogs. Or, if you have downtube shifters, as I do on my road bikes, you can still overshoot if you're a bit too aggressive dropping into low gear as you approach a steep hill; limit screws or not, the chain can jump before it settles onto the low cog, or it can miss the cog altogether. I had that happen to me, and the chain got in between the cog and the spokes. Thankfully, the damage was only cosmetic; though scratched, the spokes were fine. Right after that, I had my LBS install a spoke protector, which covered up the scratched spokes. Now, all five of my bikes have them. They are NECESSARY!
I converted a Fat Chance, 26'er into a commuter bike decades ago and in my old age (70+) it is my go to, though slower, bike. All my old road bikes from the 70's-90's are made to fit 25c tires which are just to skinny for rough roads or longer rides. Lightweight larger tires have come a long way in the last 30 years.
My new favorite slow bike is I got an ebike that has a small battery and motor. This way I can drop out the whole battery and motor and put the insert in and now I have a full analog bike. It's great for nice slow bike rides and easy to get up steeper hills. 10/10 would recommend something like that. A good commuter bike that has modern equipment but doesn't require a ton of maintenance.
I've done some of the same changes to my old Gary Fischer Paragon. A pair of Schwalbe Big Apple 50c tires made a big difference. I think all I need to keep are the swept back alt bars like you installed. It's easier to visualize a change by seeing it done.
I like what you did. I did the same with the Microshift twist shifters. I thought they were a good deal until I found i couldn't shift with my big Winter gloves.
I mostly agree with the "slow bike" concept, but mine went the other way. It began life as a Specialized Sirrus Comp (a 2001 I think), a hybrid with V-brakes, a 3x7 Deore LX drive train, and 23mm tires. Now it has drops with bar-end shifters, which required all new cables and housings. Along the way it got its wheel, BB, and headset bearings rebuilt. Carbon fiber seat post, Look delta pedals, dork disk delete, and a front mech swap (Sora) to accommodate 30mm tires. Still has V-brakes. It's not slow, but it is a bit of a tank. If I were going to use it as a slow bike, I'd swap on some flat pedals.
as a total beginner i took a 2ft piece of rope and drained it in cleaner, then pulled it through the gaps of my filthy cassette. was a quicker job than expected and it caught even grass leftovers from the botton of the gaps or harder oil+dirt buildups. never seen anyone do this though it worked so damn well. i wonder why, or if i did wrong.
Lol! You nailed it friend! My winter bike is a 93 Klein Race with a surly orgre fork, kinetics high rise stem with Jones bars. Due to shitty weather in northern Michigan I just added some studded tires👍🏿
My friends James said that when the apocalypse comes, there will be two things left, mutant cockroaches and 1990s vintage mountain bikes. My friend Jeff who has rehabbed thousands of bikes for charity near and far loves to say #mutantcockroachapproved about these.
Luckily, I don't have any bikes with canti brakes. I have one with mechanical discs (new Marin hybrid), two with side pull caliper brakes (two vintage road bikes), and two with linear pull/V-brakes (my two ATBs).
I have a mid 80’s mountain bike, a 90’s touring bike and my wife and I both have 90’s Marin hybrids. All with canti’s. You would have thought I would have cracked it by now🤣
@@Frank-bb9lu you've had ample opportunity to practice. I have a book on basic bike maintenance, and even reading the section on adjusting cantis fills me with dread! I think to myself, "I'm glad none of my bikes have 'em."
Andy I’ve only been a subscriber for a couple months but for what it’s worth the “truthing stand” Is what I look forward to. Fellow midwesterner that ends sentences with prepositions 😂 anyway good stuff as always.
Thanks doing a Specialized Hard Rock! I just bought a 1990 model off Facebook Marketplace with the cranberry pink and lavender purple colorway! I want to do that handlebar mod that you did now...hah. I did change out the cantilever brakes for V-Brakes though! More money being spent on an old "slow dad bike"...Ope! Yikes!!! 😅
Tacos "Campechanos" $14.25 Steak and chorizo (Mexican Sausage) tacos topped with cilantro, onion, and green onion, served with beans, pico de gallo and tomatillo sauce.
🙂 i have the TREK version of that bike, thanks for the tip on what handlebar to order, i will wishlist it today, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 🎅☃🚲
I also think that “slow bikes,” of which I have a couple, should be 1x. There is no point in having a front derailleur that most entry-level riders don’t need or know how to use. Maintenance is also WAY easier. Keep it simple. EDIT: You mentioned the same thing. I agree that 1x9 or 1x10 is perfect in that application. I recently bought a couple of Shimano Acera T3000 RDs for $21 each. Yeah; I know they have been discontinued, but for that price? Yes, please. I don’t need them for anything now. But eventually I will.
I'm doing this with a Timberlin City Slicker. My Commuter/Grocery Getter! I'd rather build a RockHopper, HardRock, or like a Trek 930 or something, but I can't find one small enough.
I'm a " roadie " and have bought and sold a bunch of high end bikes but I refuse to sell my 95 Trek 950 singletrack with full STX-RC....it runs like a swiss watch 👍✌
A bike without 2 baskets, mudguards and mirrors isn't a bike in my book. Last day's windy weather taught me a good lesson which is kick stands we use in the west sucks when you carry 30-35 kg extra weight. Kick stands Japans use is a must have, the one which lift back wheel.
🙂 yes, i like using my Rear Tour Rack and a saddle bag on my slow bike to go grocery shopping, its necessitee, makes it alot easier to bring a bunch of stuff back, you be surprised how much you can fit 😊
@@aihsanasl I use a motorcycle kickstand pad....a piece of thick plastic about 3 or 4 inches in diameter that sits under the tip of the kickstand...kickstand will never sink in the mud or sand.
@garyfleischman7555 it was on solid asphalt but front basket had a lot stuff and it was windy I didn't wear my glove since I was planning to visit another near market glove flew from the basket I always lean the bike to a wall or use it's pedal but this time left for only 5-10 seconds and it was enough for the bike to fell. Sadly the bottom of the basket and and connections broke I fix everything and also changed kick stand with another one which is longer but still having that Japanese type is in my mind which lift the back tire.
My front XT M750 or M760 front derailer ($65.00🍁) in the time I've owned it (2009) hasn't always shifted the best. But I do recommend the 2008 M770 XT HollowTek 2 (💰375- 💰400.00🍁) cranks🤘🤘
Now the stem is to low. For a "slow bike" I'd want a more upright seated position. A shorter 70 mm 45 degree rise with those bars would shorten the reach and be better on my back less hunched over.
Well I tell you one thing you wouldn't want to spray that pledge on a bicycle that's got disc brakes especially hydraulic disc brakes but I know you take the wheels off your bike so yeah that would make a lot more sense but still you wouldn't want to get it in the calipers for hydraulic disc brakes that's all I run this hydraulic disc brakes cuz I'm a big mountain biker more than anything but great videos man
I remember you saying this isn’t a how-to channel, but it would sure be nice if you did go into a bit more detail. I have a Trek I’d like to revamp and can use all the help I can get.
Like the idea but i never understood always choosing barely 1-3 inches riser bars? Its almost nothing, to be comfy you need 75-90 degrees arm to torso ratio and when you need to pedal standing you wont feel like you tip over!
24:50 where's the "extra pretentious" tool 😆? 25:20 sometimes sprays won't work like a really freehub maintenance (awful work, I know, but needed in this case). I love slow bikes, they're everything town commuting needs. I'd like to build one, but I think I'll mount a fixed, cause where I live (🇧🇷) everything worth stealing, even the parts (shift, brake, etc).
old 26ers are the best utility bikes, I really like the Hard Rocks, I have a 2000 and my girlfriend has a 1996. I recently had an emerald green 1998 Hard Rock "Sport FS" but I decided to let it go
Your tip on Dawn Powerwash has changed my life for the better! I ride mountain bikes, and used to go a year between washes because of the effort involved. Now, I get home, spray the bike with Dawn Powerwash, put away my stuff, hose off the bike WITHOUT SCRUBBING, and it is perfectly clean. Zero effort. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!
The Pledge thing. Can you picture that working on an old beater car with a crusty paint job?
I just discovered your channel a couple months ago when I’ve been trying to turn my life around and picking back up mountain biking and biking in general that I used to enjoy. The last 6 years I have been horrible to myself and those closest to me (Alcohol/eating issues) As I started getting back into exercising and enjoying my newly rediscovered hobby I found your channel that is helping me stay entertained without alcohol as well as learning as we go. Your content is entertaining and relaxing and your humor is needed in the space. Please don’t stop ever stop making videos!
-Daulton
/sappy
I’m 13+ years sober. Having something else to do is a HUGE part of living sober. Sometimes I think bikes saved my life!
A whole lane of bicycles that I was sleeping on until discovering your channel. I turned an old full suspension MTB into an upright position sidewalk eater- super comfy and slow!
The semi-slick (or full-on slick) tires are such a leap in efficiency. Removing the 30-yr old Kenda knobbies and replacing them with a set of City Slickers or something available nowadays is a huge improvement. Of course the original grips and 'resin' (plastic is a dirty marketing word!) pedals should go too. The world is full of old 26" wheel MTN bikes, let's put 'em to use!
AMEN! I have two 26ers set up as ATBs, and I love 'em.
Yeah! I have 26" Panaracer Ribmos and Continental Contact Urbans on my computer 90s mountain bike!
@@EdwardChen0 I run Continental Contact Plus City tires on my ATBs. I wanted the old Town & Country that bike cops loved, but they're no longer made. My LBS recommended the Contact Plus City tires, saying that they were the modern replacement for the old T&Cs. I ride mostly roads, city streets, and bike paths, so they work fine.
I love my slow bike! If you ask me, the best slow bike is a slow bike with a well running drivetrain and low resistance tires so you can ride at regular speed real easy.
Regular speed!
@@bkefrmr or as Path Less Pedaled puts it, PARTY PACE!
all my bikes are slow, because i ride them that way :)
@@markymarknj Yeaaa party pace indeed!
My bike would cry if he would see that video, I ride it for the last 35 years with zero "0" maintenance.
I hope you do some basic maintenance on your bike it sounds like your bicycle is falling apart Wheels need to be trued and other basics
@ThePoetcharles 1989 model Bianchi Meta I just changed the saddle, added racks, mudguards and baskets but everything else is original.
I bought my trek 7100 brand new 21 years ago. Its first and only tune up was done two years ago. The mechanic actually looked kind of excited to find out he would be its first. It has always lived in the garage and still has everything original, even the tires and brake pads are original. Its gotta be the best bike there ever was.
@@aricbergren6532 My Meta's brakes and gears are Suntour a Japanese company I dont know anything about them but after all these years never had any problem. Everything becoming cheaper and less sound last year I bought an ebike it came with zero manuel and apperantly its party are not as good as 35 years old Bianchi. edit btw today's Bianchi isnt as good as 80s, 90s models.
This one actually turned out pretty sweet, looking good and very practical. I would add a front rack with a basket and you have the perfect grocery shopper
Greets from central MN,
My dad gave me his "cruiser" when it was time for him to stop riding. It had those wide-ish sorta straight bars. I've been riding motorcycles all my adult life and almost all of them had grips where you ride with your hands positioned in the thumbs up, pinkies down form. Velo Orange had just the bars I was looking for. Totally transformed the ride for me. My inspiration to change the bars came from watching you.
Harv
I rescue and rebuild or modify 1990s bikes. One of my favorite rebuilds I have done is a 1997 Univega alpina 5.0. I added a rack and fenders, bmx pedals , kickstand, head , tail light, and a hitch for a trailer. This bike rides smooth. I call it my Townie bike 😊
I enjoy your channel. I too have a bike shop like yours and own 11 personal bikes. Self taught. Im a 62 year old Autistic woman. So hello from the PNW and high five for Us bike geeks who keep the average Joe and Betty's on the road.
Good for you, sounds like you found a bike and it wasss 4 u 😉
Just this morning, I took my "slow bike" (a similar late 80s MTB conversion) out for a ride and thought to myself "everyone should have one of these!" Then I come home, open YT and the Bike Farmer is saying the same thing. I put one of those sprung City Connect saddles on my bike after seeing them here and it's phenomenal! I wouldn't want to cross a continent on one, but today's ride was everything from easy single track to jeep roads to gravel and pavement, and it all just disappeared beneath me.
Just finished building a custom commuter with a 3x drivetrain, and I've found the best way (for me!) to get the gears just right with no rubbing, is to use a friction-shifter for the front chainring. Infinite adjustment on-the-fly,, with well-adjusted index-shifting for the rear. Feels like a win-win...
Yes, smooth on the left, clicky friction on the right.
I did the same and went with a friction shifter. Just didn't have the patience, or skill, to properly fine tune that front derailleur.
I’ve a similar bike that I’ve done 30+ countries on 3 continents on, fantastic touring bike
I wish someone would make a nice sturdy aluminium dork disc that'll last. The main reason I take off dork discs is because they turn yellow and gross and start crumbling when they get old.
They have them
One thing I've learned in removing and installing grips is the use of isopropyl alcohol (or rubbing alcohol). Your removing grips with air pressure is super great though. I like the alcohol for installation because I can avoid buying a spray can, which is always good. Just soak the inside of the grips with the alcohol, it acts as a lubricant and evaporates when the grip is installed. Also with a bottle of alcohol you don't have to pay for the spray can so less waste, less expense.
Mid 80's Schwinn Sierra slow bike with smooth drive train - great slow bike. Yep - upright handle bar with a comfy seat and milk crate on the back. One of my favorite to ride. Sits next to my litespeed in the garage. It's all good.
I just done a similar project except I swapped the stem and handlebars for a BMX style ones. I had to increase outer and inner cables but they needed replaced anyway. Mudguards were added as well as I live in wet and windy Scotland.
Yes!! I have Hardrock in my garage I've wanted to do this to. Thank you Andy!
I am with you on the satisfaction that comes from nailing cantilever setup. Every set is a new challenge though. I have a Hard Rock frame and fork I bought on Marketplace I wanted for the wheel set last year. It will probably take another life as a county road rider with a CUES 9 speed I picked up from Ritcheys garage sale this summer.
Just converted a 95 GT Talera into a slow bike. Part swapped from my 1998 Trek Y22, wheels and all. Think full 90’s XTR components is a bit much for a slow bike.. Buuut it’s smooth as silk, and I love it. Great video.
I always save the rear brake cable that gets cut, because I will reuse it as a front one another time.
Nice build my friend. I’ll be sure not to show my wife that sweet brake adjustment.
Haha! My daughter is begging me to fly out your way again to visit her friend that moved away a few years ago. I’d love to connect for a collab video/ride/SLC hang!
Thanks for the great relaxing content! My humble request would be that please don't skip parts with editing. I for one especially like the long videos with a relaxed pace without much editing. Anyway keep up the good work!
I ride a 5 speed interval hub. The brakes were out of adjustment, so I stopped by the local bicycle coop to work on them. The person at the Coop said instead of changing the cable, just pull it tighter. That fixed them and cost me nothing. It is a very slow bike, but it fits me well and I love the IGH (can shift at a stop).
I love the channel Sir. Well done. I am doing basically the same thing out of my home and I have learned a few cool tricks over the years. On cantilever brakes there is a straddle cable that goes between the brake calipers, and to hook onto the straddle cable there is a saddle cable hook. If you invert the bolt and cable location the assembly is way cleaner and is easier to adjust. If you see how the main cable interacts with the straddle cable saddle you will see how they are occupying the same space. The solution I just shared with you gets rid of this crappy interface. I know it is just a tiny detail but it really makes a difference. Cheers - M
100% agree with everything you said about old MTB bikes as ATBs!! I have one - it's a 92 Trek Singletrack. 2 upgrades were the most bang for the buck: (1) faster rolling ~2.0" city tires, and (2) some handlebars with sufficient rise to be level with the seat and also with back sweep to ease the stress on my wrists. At 30 psi, the tires (along with the new bars) make the bike irresistibly comfortable for slower, enjoy the day rides.
Gütenteit ...mmh... i neewer heart this woart
😂
Regards from Berlin Germany
Great idea. Ive been volunteering at my local bike library for a while and felt that a minimal spend in upgrades can transform the older bikes into a modern riding experience.
Another great video! I've been tinkering with bikes for 50yrs and have learned some new tricks from you, so thank you! I've been toying with converting my 2001 Gary Fisher Paragon over to a slow bike so this was super helpful.
That Paragon would make a fantastic slow bike!
That's a goooooooood looking bike for the money. Looks smart and comfy.
Everyone needs an old specialized ! Love my bike craftsman.. ordered me up some of them japanese screw drivers.. how's my English Andrew? Winter rider with a heated vest .
Slow riding is all the riding I do now and I love it.
Just finished building one of these today for more robust bike touring bike! ❤
A meaningful no nonsense built!❤
Another outstanding video! It's so mesmerizing to watch you work on these bikes. You have inspired me to start working on bikes again. It's a little scary, though: the other day I dropped a tool and said "OPE!" out loud in the garage... maybe I need to lay off the videos for a while! 😄
Just finished comfortizing the exact same bike! Same color and everything.
Another great video, thanks! .... if you're listening to the background music without watching, you might think that this is an old 70s softporn video 🤣
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
all my bikes are slow bikes.. or maybe it's just me ;) I like that you work with the bikes with a rigid suspension and some fatter tires. that's what I like. I was never a fan of suspension for get around bikes.. the walmart bikes all have those big ole heavy suspensions. you know it would be cool if you did a video on the add on components.. every bike needs a place to carry your lock, or your water bottle and for me.. my phone ( I like quad locks) just stuff. I like a nice bell too. Lights, maybe especially this time of year when the sun goes down early.
We need to start a slow bike community... My nephew says I need a faster bike, I agree with, knowing it's me that is slow...
Such a pleasure to watch a master mechanic at work. Taught me a lot, too! Personally, I'd swap out the kick stand for one mounted farther back on the frame. Makes it easier to backpedal with the stand down.
Great job. I've always loved cantilevers more than any other brake and inasmuch I have become a cantilever master. And all you usually gotta do is make a perfect house. If you know, you know.
Your content is spot on , we still get the Andy Q effect , with a sprinkle of real world bike farming , thank you for letting us into your shop . Best of luck going forward .
Absolutely
I share all these values of slow bike, upright bars, semi slick tires, ergo grips，its a great time
I've got a few of these projects for winter.
This is how it all starts! I went from being an alcoholic to being a slow-bike-aholic! Went from one bike to 7 in less than 2 years. I'm even dating a girl who is originally from Lake Mills! 😂😂😂 Thanks, Andy!
$50-100 bike (+ chain + grips + tires + some service) = good bike
I love these builds that you are doing here. With the OE hi-rise stem, I think the better option would have been a low rise bar with more sweep and MSW has them in silver. Somebody is going to get a great old school cruiser and have you to thank for it.
Greenfield kickstands are great - I used a few myself. I add the rubber ends - and they even may be made by Greenfield - which saves the floor for indoor storage, or from scraping the garage floor.
😊 Thanks, i didnt know you can buy the rubber booties
I have a couple of bikes in my garage that I could do this to. Maybe once the weather gets warmer this spring. It's snowing as I type this. We're supposed to get up to 10" here in Central Wisconsin. A video suggestion: You've mentioned various brands of tires, groupsets, etc. Maybe a video where you go over some of the best bang for the buck brands you like to use.
Oh, and ALL of my bikes have spoke protectors! As you pointed out, you can hit bumps that unload the derailleur, allowing the chain to jump off the cogs. Or, if you have downtube shifters, as I do on my road bikes, you can still overshoot if you're a bit too aggressive dropping into low gear as you approach a steep hill; limit screws or not, the chain can jump before it settles onto the low cog, or it can miss the cog altogether. I had that happen to me, and the chain got in between the cog and the spokes. Thankfully, the damage was only cosmetic; though scratched, the spokes were fine. Right after that, I had my LBS install a spoke protector, which covered up the scratched spokes. Now, all five of my bikes have them. They are NECESSARY!
I converted a Fat Chance, 26'er into a commuter bike decades ago and in my old age (70+) it is my go to, though slower, bike. All my old road bikes from the 70's-90's are made to fit 25c tires which are just to skinny for rough roads or longer rides. Lightweight larger tires have come a long way in the last 30 years.
.....definitely worth the watch...yep.. I'm always learning 🤓🚲💨
Yep. That’s why I love my ‘05 Bianchi Volpe converted to upright bars. I do have a Brooks saddle, because reasons.
My new favorite slow bike is I got an ebike that has a small battery and motor. This way I can drop out the whole battery and motor and put the insert in and now I have a full analog bike. It's great for nice slow bike rides and easy to get up steeper hills. 10/10 would recommend something like that. A good commuter bike that has modern equipment but doesn't require a ton of maintenance.
I've done some of the same changes to my old Gary Fischer Paragon. A pair of Schwalbe Big Apple 50c tires made a big difference. I think all I need to keep are the swept back alt bars like you installed.
It's easier to visualize a change by seeing it done.
I like what you did. I did the same with the Microshift twist shifters. I thought they were a good deal until I found i couldn't shift with my big Winter gloves.
I mostly agree with the "slow bike" concept, but mine went the other way. It began life as a Specialized Sirrus Comp (a 2001 I think), a hybrid with V-brakes, a 3x7 Deore LX drive train, and 23mm tires. Now it has drops with bar-end shifters, which required all new cables and housings. Along the way it got its wheel, BB, and headset bearings rebuilt. Carbon fiber seat post, Look delta pedals, dork disk delete, and a front mech swap (Sora) to accommodate 30mm tires. Still has V-brakes. It's not slow, but it is a bit of a tank. If I were going to use it as a slow bike, I'd swap on some flat pedals.
as a total beginner i took a 2ft piece of rope and drained it in cleaner, then pulled it through the gaps of my filthy cassette. was a quicker job than expected and it caught even grass leftovers from the botton of the gaps or harder oil+dirt buildups. never seen anyone do this though it worked so damn well. i wonder why, or if i did wrong.
Lol! You nailed it friend! My winter bike is a 93 Klein Race with a surly orgre fork, kinetics high rise stem with Jones bars. Due to shitty weather in northern Michigan I just added some studded tires👍🏿
Sounds like you've got yourself a proper winter beater, man!
My brother in law has one of these lurking around in a shed. Might tell him to do this.
My friends James said that when the apocalypse comes, there will be two things left, mutant cockroaches and 1990s vintage mountain bikes. My friend Jeff who has rehabbed thousands of bikes for charity near and far loves to say #mutantcockroachapproved about these.
Nice practical bike. Thanks for the tips on canti set up, I find mine a nightmare to get right😬
Luckily, I don't have any bikes with canti brakes. I have one with mechanical discs (new Marin hybrid), two with side pull caliper brakes (two vintage road bikes), and two with linear pull/V-brakes (my two ATBs).
I have a mid 80’s mountain bike, a 90’s touring bike and my wife and I both have 90’s Marin hybrids. All with canti’s. You would have thought I would have cracked it by now🤣
@@Frank-bb9lu you've had ample opportunity to practice. I have a book on basic bike maintenance, and even reading the section on adjusting cantis fills me with dread! I think to myself, "I'm glad none of my bikes have 'em."
I’m doing this to a ‘95 Trek 930 right now-one of the matte green/purple fades that I got on marketplace for $20.
Everyone needs Bisan Roadstar Classic
That’s the one! 😂🤣
gonna install a dork disc, both sides, front AND rear!
Thanks!
Thanks hey!
Andy I’ve only been a subscriber for a couple months but for what it’s worth the “truthing stand” Is what I look forward to. Fellow midwesterner that ends sentences with prepositions 😂 anyway good stuff as always.
Much appreciated at!
Tacos for the family. Thanks!
Thanks hey! Tacos are great!
good ol hard rock ❤
My slow bike is soooo fast. I love it.
The black handlebars match the headset, so you're good to go on the matching.
Shimano M739 XT V-brake levers
(💰150.00🍁 and M760 XT V-brakes
💰160.00🍁) would look Great on this bike😁🤘🤘
Season Greetings! Let's taco about it!
Oh! Wow! Thank you! Merry Christmas! 🎄 🌮
Definitely need some carrying capacity for small grocery items. can you show us some options for these bikes?
I'm making it a custom to add a rack the back to carry things
Thanks doing a Specialized Hard Rock! I just bought a 1990 model off Facebook Marketplace with the cranberry pink and lavender purple colorway! I want to do that handlebar mod that you did now...hah. I did change out the cantilever brakes for V-Brakes though! More money being spent on an old "slow dad bike"...Ope! Yikes!!! 😅
Hi, hope no one you know was caught up in what happened in Madison the other day. Have a great Christmas regardless.
Tacos "Campechanos"
$14.25
Steak and chorizo (Mexican Sausage) tacos topped with cilantro, onion, and green onion, served with beans, pico de gallo and tomatillo sauce.
🙂 i have the TREK version of that bike, thanks for the tip on what handlebar to order, i will wishlist it today, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 🎅☃🚲
I haven't used a kickstand since 2001🤘🤘
26:45 No, it isn't. It's not a German word.
Greetings from Germany.
Slow Bike is the best bike! The new owner will love this with a basket and a bell and a new helmet. Where do you source those nice replacement pedals?
I also think that “slow bikes,” of which I have a couple, should be 1x. There is no point in having a front derailleur that most entry-level riders don’t need or know how to use. Maintenance is also WAY easier.
Keep it simple.
EDIT: You mentioned the same thing. I agree that 1x9 or 1x10 is perfect in that application. I recently bought a couple of Shimano Acera T3000 RDs for $21 each. Yeah; I know they have been discontinued, but for that price? Yes, please. I don’t need them for anything now. But eventually I will.
6:18 Nice Madonna song reference 😂
I'm doing this with a Timberlin City Slicker. My Commuter/Grocery Getter! I'd rather build a RockHopper, HardRock, or like a Trek 930 or something, but I can't find one small enough.
I'm a " roadie " and have bought and sold a bunch of high end bikes but I refuse to sell my 95 Trek 950 singletrack with full STX-RC....it runs like a swiss watch 👍✌
There's nothing really to go wrong. Simple and durable.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Thanks Clint!
TOWN BIKE! :)
...needs a too big basket too...
A bike without 2 baskets, mudguards and mirrors isn't a bike in my book. Last day's windy weather taught me a good lesson which is kick stands we use in the west sucks when you carry 30-35 kg extra weight. Kick stands Japans use is a must have, the one which lift back wheel.
🙂 yes, i like using my Rear Tour Rack and a saddle bag on my slow bike to go grocery shopping, its necessitee, makes it alot easier to bring a bunch of stuff back, you be surprised how much you can fit 😊
@@aihsanasl I use a motorcycle kickstand pad....a piece of thick plastic about 3 or 4 inches in diameter that sits under the tip of the kickstand...kickstand will never sink in the mud or sand.
@garyfleischman7555 it was on solid asphalt but front basket had a lot stuff and it was windy I didn't wear my glove since I was planning to visit another near market glove flew from the basket I always lean the bike to a wall or use it's pedal but this time left for only 5-10 seconds and it was enough for the bike to fell. Sadly the bottom of the basket and and connections broke I fix everything and also changed kick stand with another one which is longer but still having that Japanese type is in my mind which lift the back tire.
My front XT M750 or M760 front derailer ($65.00🍁)
in the time I've owned it (2009) hasn't always shifted the best. But I do recommend the 2008 M770 XT HollowTek 2 (💰375-
💰400.00🍁) cranks🤘🤘
Thank u I love your channel
Even knowing that's not a 7000 series aluminum Thomson stem😁, it definitely looks cooler👍👍
Thanks!
I've never used one of those seatposts like in this video. Could you do a little chat about that style?
Thanks hey!
Now the stem is to low. For a "slow bike" I'd want a more upright seated position. A shorter 70 mm 45 degree rise with those bars would shorten the reach and be better on my back less hunched over.
Well I tell you one thing you wouldn't want to spray that pledge on a bicycle that's got disc brakes especially hydraulic disc brakes but I know you take the wheels off your bike so yeah that would make a lot more sense but still you wouldn't want to get it in the calipers for hydraulic disc brakes that's all I run this hydraulic disc brakes cuz I'm a big mountain biker more than anything but great videos man
I'm so into slow bikes that my new Giant Cypress is the fastest bike I own. I actually call it Hermes.
I put my 410mm Thomaon Elite post on the newer Trek with my better-looking WTB KONA seat. It looks so much better "YEAH❗️"🤘🤘
This bike looked like nothing much but now it got character.
I remember you saying this isn’t a how-to channel, but it would sure be nice if you did go into a bit more detail. I have a Trek I’d like to revamp and can use all the help I can get.
I do go into more detail in my other videos
You sure do drop a lot of stuff!😂
I’m powerless over the presence of mass creating a distortion in spacetime
Like the idea but i never understood always choosing barely 1-3 inches riser bars? Its almost nothing, to be comfy you need 75-90 degrees arm to torso ratio and when you need to pedal standing you wont feel like you tip over!
24:50 where's the "extra pretentious" tool 😆? 25:20 sometimes sprays won't work like a really freehub maintenance (awful work, I know, but needed in this case).
I love slow bikes, they're everything town commuting needs. I'd like to build one, but I think I'll mount a fixed, cause where I live (🇧🇷) everything worth stealing, even the parts (shift, brake, etc).
old 26ers are the best utility bikes, I really like the Hard Rocks, I have a 2000 and my girlfriend has a 1996. I recently had an emerald green 1998 Hard Rock "Sport FS" but I decided to let it go