I sometimes get asked if I’ve been watching any particular series/show on whatever subscription streaming service. Popular shows. But my answer is always “I only watch channels like Bike Farmer on UA-cam.”
I do believe that going from 7-speed to 8-speed is an upgrade. If you are also increasing the gear range. I've noticed that at least in the free wheel realm, that the 7-speed free Wheels that have the 32 or 34 climbing gears are not evenly set apart, whereas if you are doing an 8-speed, then you get that nice even spacing so you're not going from just regular City gears. Gears oh my God a steep hill ! Cuz there's a lot of hills that are in between City and oh my God this is steep . Keep making awesome videos. Thanks!
Not sure how many times you may have heard this but I’m going to say it anyway. As a kid in the 70s I lived on a bike. And from the time I got my first 10 speed and got a flat. Then had a derail. I learned to fix that stuff myself and from then on all I wanted to be was an “asshole” bike mechanic. I learned to drive when I was 17 the joined the Army at 18. All that stuff went by the wayside. Except that it’s always been in my mind and heart. Now that i have grandsons that are riding they and you have renewed my love for working on bikes. The grandson are amazed at how much I know. I’m amazed at how much I don’t anymore. So thanks and thanks for sharing your story.
I like bikes. I like to ride bikes, I like to tinker with my bikes. Fun to see other people who just like bikes without all the shilling parts and tech.
When I’m not tinkering with my retro-bikes and the family bikes, I really enjoy watching you tinker with bikes. Not pushing the latest high-end stuff is refreshing content; matching to bike to the user….brilliant!
I never quit drinking but I scaled back significantly for health reasons and now I have a beer every three months and usually won’t finish it. As I a side effect I never have to wonder what obnoxious shit I said the night before because I can more easily recall it now.
One tip for the very beginner mechanics here, which can help when dealing with removing rusty fasteners (or parts) is, if you get any movement at all when loosening a fastener, but the part get tight from the rust, stop, then tighten the part, loosen, tighten, loosen, tighten, etc. It can help grind the rust into a finer powder that is inhibiting removal. Combined with any penetrating oil you use, often allows you to get the parts apart without damaging threads. Great video Andy. Especially the details like the spacers and conical washers on some brake pads. But most importantly, sharing your life story with such candor, quite the testament to the practice of self-compassion. Begin Again.
After many, many years of road biking, I have been off the bike for over 10 years and have since gotten rid of almost all of my bike stuff. You are a true breath of fresh air in the cycling world with your unpretentious style and no BS philosophy. I have recently decided to get back on the bike and am currently getting a 2012 Giant TCX2 ready to roll - you have been a big inspiration for me to get excited about riding again and I want you to know how much I appreciate you! (BTW, I'm 7+ years sober myself, so just another reason I really connect with you!)
sometimes, "timing is everything". Glenn is the luckiest bike buyer in the USA this week. excellent combo of bike mechanicing & worldly philosophizing on your part - sharing one's truth w/o preaching (much less, selling) is rare these days.
Thanks Bike Farmer, another great video. You rang a loud bell with me when you spoke about your relationship with the booze.I've been dry about the same length of time and my bikes have been a great help in this. Keep it up all of it and very best wishes to you Philip
Regarding V brakes, I was taught that the wide spacer should preferably be against the V brake arm for optimal braking/pressure as they don’t work as well closer to the wheel, designed to look like a V when looking from the front or rear of the bike. I try to remember that when setting up bikes.
Thanks for another great video, i get the sobriety remark, Live and die in L.A. and started working on bikes to deal with my depression and sobriety, now i have 6 bikes and 2 projects in progress, gonna need a bigger place soon, almost bought an S-works frame just to hang on my living room wall for decor. Sober and solid as a rock...
Wow you literally described my existence, I was drinking alot and have been sober 8 months bar 1 day. I found walking then realised I can cover more ground cycling, now I want to fix bikes and have been obsessed about learning to do it. I've already bought my son, daughter and diabetic partner a bike and cleaning them and getting knowledge from watching you do your thing. I am so grateful man. If I were in the US I'd come visit. Thank you for sharing we all appreciate you for your efforts. And this was not a Trek bike lol ❤
My favorite change to this bike was going to be the handlebars with sweep. Because it is substantially more comfortable. And then the drill out to Schrader valve happened. First time I ever drilled out a rim was stressful. I wondered if I was compromising the strength of the rim and creating a safety hazard. I watched the sparse amount of videos on UA-cam and finally went for it. Glad I did. Fiddling with Presta valves is irritating. Thank you BikeFarmer for addressing this procedure. Provides some validation of a mod that increased my bike satisfaction.
Me too! I also have one of the Raleigh M50 I'd like to convert...but the swept back handle bars I used on my last conversion were like albatross wings, a bit much 😅
27:42 Veteran with PTSD and TBI, my recumbent trike saved my life, literally. Now I want to start a Recumbent / Trike / Adaptive Equipment - Repair business like yours, and produce similar videos to enable others to take control of their own equipment maintenance, etc.
4 years sober, 🎉 congrats. The more I watch your videos the more I learn and the more inspirational you become! Someday this guy wants to drive from WV to WI just to visit your shop.
Regarding V brakes, I was taught that the wide spacer should preferably be against the V brake arm for optimal braking/pressure as they don’t work as well closer to the wheel, designed to look like a V when looking from the front or rear of the bike. I try to remember that when setting up bikes. Really enjoy the channel.
Just stumbled across this channel and it brought a smile to my face. I spent some time as a bicycle mechanic 20 years ago in Delafield and did it for a bit in a La Crosse a couple years later. It was probably my most enjoyable job with the absolute worst pay. Taking a bike in rough shape and making it run like new was almost meditative for me. Keep up the good work!!!
i think this is one of your best, because you made it a much better bike and we got to see the satisfied customer. I have watched it twice because of the good vibes that ooze from this video.
You would think after being a Bike mechanic myself for 29 years (in the UK and Australia) , I would have had enough of this kind of thing, but you bring a new creative angle to all of it.
I thought we were livin' in luxury back in '79 when Suntour came out with the Ultra-7 (Winner) cluster so 8-speed? yah! Appreciate your candor and story. I think there are many of us out here who feel that the bike fixes everything -- rock on!
Most practical bike mechanic on YT. My wife said you are the Bob Ross of bikes and she’s maybe watched 2 min of this video lol keep going my man. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Respect to you for opening up about the past. Talking about it helps people in more ways than you can imagine. So happy to hear you made it to the other side. 12 years is a long time! Appreciate it, brother!
I watch your tubes for the ethos. I enjoy the Midwest ethic. I absolutely adore the the repair old bikes thing! I love the practical mechanic/ fit your lifestyle thing. I don't necessarily learn many new tricks as I do get reinforced in seeing someone else do it the same way....including dropping the wrenches.
Liked seeing the guy take home his new bike. I’m trying to piecemeal a really nice first mtb together, getting like a part a week or every few weeks. Getting some parts on marketplace and some new from my lbs. He’s a really good dude. Reminds me of you a bit. Looking to help people out while still making a living. I enjoy hanging out at his shop though and seeing people bring in their rides. Idk maybe I’m weird but something I like about seeing people excited to get their new/repaired bikes home to go pedaling.
You make a 50 min video feel like a 15 min video and I was never even interested in wrenching on bikes. I don't even own a bike but now I wana buy one used and see if I can tune it up myself. Amazing
I had a project to fix up and old steel MTB into a city rider that was standing around for yours. Thanks to your channel I finally fully fixed it up nicely, and I love it so much. Everyday I find myself finding excuses to go ride an errand. :)
I don't want to make the same comment as someone else, but you are amazing to watch. I love bike stuff, and you make it relaxing. The Bob Ross of the bicycle world. I will be a long time watcher
Really nice work, Andy! Great result! I’d really recommend popping off those v-brake calipers from their pivots when you have the bike broken down to the frame. That’s the best time to burnish the pivots and grease them instead of using tri-flow. It gives much longer lasting and smoother articulation! While watching this video, I’ve decided to do the same in my shop, reclaiming older bikes like that Raleigh and giving them a second life.
I know you've said a few of my comments were edgy, but I appreciate all the info you share in these videos. 100% agree with your philosophy on making biking an everyday casual thing for the masses.
Another satisfied customer, that's awesome! I also like to go the extra mile on the build-up: it may seem like you're losing your butt on this one or that one, but the customer gets a bike they can ride and enjoy, and a dealer and service techs they can trust. Those satisfied customers will recommend you to all their friends who see them riding and smiling on a bike you went the extra mile to build years of extra service into. I'll spare you the "I'd ha'done it different" comments, save for this tip: at about 22:30, there's an opportunity to set the limit screws on the rear derailleur, when there's no chain or cable in the way. With Woody Chairellson at the rear of the driveline, you can swing the derailleur with one hand, turn screws with the other, while eyeballing how the guide pulleys line up with the cassette's high and low gears. I find it simplifies the rest of the set up, your mileage may vary. As always, you're awesome! Keep doing what you do, the benefits from tinkerers like you and I. Happy Trails! 😁
Have a taco on me! I tried the BikeFarmer tune up method on two bikes and put them up for sale yesterday. I like your way more better (than mine) hey!😊
Just had my Raleigh red bike stolen, funny thing is , right next to it were unlocked nasty looking bikes. I just put on better white wall tires, had used white nail polish to cover rust, so cool what yea did, thanks again for vid. I like how you talk through stuff; explaining things.
I agree with you about going from 7s to 8 or more speed is necessarily an upgrade. The chains+cassettes are cheaper, the derailleurs are cheaper, and they are less likely to go out of whack on shifting. This is important when you consider that it's an "everyday-guy rider," not a competition bike. People may not ride it as often, might let dust get on the cables, might bang it around in storage, might let it lay on the grass on the derailleur-side, lots of things. All of which affects shifting. Unless you replace your gear cables and housing and hanger every 6 months and your shifter every year, then you will start seeing the shifting degrade on a 12-speed. A 7-8 speed will shift reliably far longer with far more neglect, and is easier to keep in-tune, and cheaper to get parts for when the time comes. All in all, that is more convenient for the customer. Customer convenience makes for happier customers. Happier customers are more likely to see bikes as something more than just a money-pit with no utility. They're less afraid to ride it. 6-8 speed is the sweet spot for practicality, I find. The chains still can come with bushings and be fairly lightweight, with z-link available and ramp-ups on the cogs. Even old 5-speed cogs can go from 13-32t, which is plenty of range for even a 1x in most settings. (Seriously, try it sometime!) If you adjust your expectations for reliability and service windows to be "longer", then you can get more casual riders enthusiastic about their bikes and riding. I can't begin to tell you the # of times customers came through the door SAD that their bike they'd only ridden a handful of times wasn't shifting anymore, and they'd have to drop almost $150 to get it shifting and riding right again (new cables, new derailleur hanger, new chain, plus shop time). They'd just give up and think: "Anyone who rides a bike is an Elitist Snob." Anyone who says that to you and is aggressive to riders is probably someone who had this experience with a Trek Shop or something.
I bought a piano bench on fb for $20. It's been the sweet addition to my bike work station. I keep a floor pump, tire sealant and various and sundry in it. It's fairly compact and super handy.
recently found your channel, I have gotten back into riding since the late 80s, purchased a used Trek 4500. Your videos have helped me tune it... I still need to get some more work done on it.. but wanted to comment on the drinking.. congrats to you and your family.. I am sober 17 years... Lost many family members to drugs and alcohol...
The 7s cassette that came on my bike had a 14 tooth high gear, which was fine at the time, but I got to a point in my riding that I came to appreciate having a higher high gear. I now run a 9s 11-34t cassette and I couldn't be happier. In short, I upgraded my bike because my bike upgraded me.
I have a Raleigh M50 from the early 90's (1993'ish) with no suspension fork and converted it to an x-bike with drop bars and an older 3x8 SORA brifter set. Damn fun bike to ride on just 26" wheels and floats over ruts & potholes in the city or on the trail. Simple, convenient and rock solid. Had to replace the freehub from the older 3x7 size to newer 8, 9, 10. One of my fav rides.
Hey buddy I’m an alcoholic few weeks into recovery bought my first adult mountain bike two weeks ago and already know it will save me from destroying my life been loving going out on it getting my fitness and health into better shape bit more each day. 2 stone to lose so long journey ahead. That personal comment of yours really resonated with me. Love your videos they relax me after a long day, even know the wife laughs at me 😅 keep em coming Tom 🇬🇧
I have only recently properly delved into your videos and I think you've got something really special going on. You have combined all the necessary ingredients to make really excellent relatable content. You are the Jurgen Klopp of fixing bikes! If anyone is unfamiliar with the name, he is the hugely likeable really cool guy who was the manager of Liverpool FC until very recently. He's always smiling and has a great sense of humour with an amazing way of relating to people. Not only do you look a bit like him but you share similar characteristics, you could be a long lost relative!
I agree that someone has to want to learn to be taught! I’m a retired Physics teacher. The trick of teaching science is to ignite curiosity, I tried to do it for 30 years. 😂 I enjoy your channel, thanks.
Once upon a time I thought 2 X 5 was all anybody ever needed but over the years (decades) I've changed my mind. More gear choices with the ratios closer together is really nice to have when you get older if you ride in hilly terrain.
Pulled my 20+ year old mtb out of the garage with the intention of bringing it back to life, cobwebs cleaned away, flat tires and gummy cables made me come to terms with my skills and tools, it’s in the local bike shop now, hopefully they watch your videos. Great stuff, thanks for the inspiration to save what I have vs buying again, at least for now.
4 of us work in a bike ministry and do what you do. We are not pros but like bikes and learning about them. Your videos have helped us become better and we like your style!!
You have created a Monster! I have a "comfort bike" from the era you like. I've got new tires and a seat you used on the way and realized my brakes dont "snap back". I have lots of "tuning" to do. Glad I found your channel, with the information, insights and rants!
Great seeing the bike head off with its new owner! I love the swept back bars too-wish I’d known that was an option back when I had my first nicer hybrid bike!
1:45 I put Maxxis DTH tires on my 2002 Trek 4500 that is now my pub bike. They're great! I also swapped out the heavy suspension forks for rigid Surly forks and added a 24 pack rack to it. 6:00 I don't understand how people can be baffled by presta valves. It's not rocket science. And adapters are cheap! I just keep one in all our bike bags. I could see drilling it out so both rims have the same type of valves though.
Cool! I have a trashy old 2002 M50 been waiting to do something with, rusty wheels, crappy old shifters etc. Got a 700C commuter ebike with a toasted motor - not worth repairing - stripped the parts. Already confirmed 700c should fit in here with cyclocross tires - so wheels: check. - shimano hydraulic disc brakes & mounts on frame: check - front 80mm suntour suspension: check. Should turn out to be a fast rolling hybrid bike and a superb upgrade to turn this old MTB into a great commuter/hybrid/gravel bike
Dawn Power Wash came in super handy yesterday. Got home from a ride to find that my tire had thrown some turd up onto the underside of my saddle. Wiped it off, then went over the traumatized area a few times with a generous dose of the DPW & 90% rubbing alcohol. Think I’ll give it one more wash + furniture polish before I ride next! Thanks again for the tip on this combo!!!
this channel shows me that it's actually possible to end up with rideable bikes. I recently acquired 3 more bikes and they were all picked up as project bikes. I had a vision for them when i saw them, I even have most of the major parts but things came to a stop for no reason. for example, I found an old german made chromoly road bike. I got as far as the teardown, gave away the wheels, seatpost, brakes, shifter/derailleurs and other parts to a local community bike place. ..and now that frame sits with track wheels in the dropouts to hold it upright on the floor.
I loose all track of time when working on a bike, in my garage with the door up. But if I use Lemon pledge for the frame waxing, sure enough a bee or three will come in the garage looking for a flowering tree. I throughly enjoy your videos !
Well done Andy, here in Australia most bike shops just try to sell you something new and say get rid of the old one, even though it could only be a few years old.
i’ve put a lot of my free time into biking and working on bikes, so i can totally see how it would be very satisfying to do what you do. it’s satisfying for me to watch! especially enjoyed seeing the bike go home at the end!
40:11 "Feels really, really good to get it off my chest, and off the chests of my inferiors." - C.M. Burns, no but seriously, I enjoy your rants AND the technical explanations.
I agree with your 'setup a bike school' statement. That way those who want more can sign up. I size up my customers based on the questions they ask, but like you, I don't work for free; so I point to our bike classes. Some sign up and some don't, but both return as future customers, since we didn't push them away and just sold them the bike they chose. Bikes did save my life from Bi-polar depression without having to constantly be on medication.
Nice work on quittin the Piss. Best thing I ever did was quit alcohol. For my health,family,finances and freedom. Now in the arvo after work ,Im either on my bike or at the golf course. (or playin ham radio if the weather sux)There is a lot more to life than where the next drink is comin from.
I'm glad that you finally found yourself in a good place, surrounded by the things you love most: bikes! Besides the problems that always come, the peace is gonna be there, no matter what. It's a fantastic feeling. Very nice bike, by the way, haha
I'd add a caveat to your upgrade rant. I absolutely agree that the difference between 3x8 and 3x10 is nothing for most people. However, going from 8 speed to 10 speed makes 1x drivetrains viable, and for >90% of people who ride bikes, 1x is the way to go. I'm also upgrading my bike from 3x8 to 2x11 cause I'm tired of managing a triple crankset/derailleur. But I also bike 70mi a week and ride centuries every now and then (doing my first 200k in a couple weeks). Needless to say, I'm far from average
I am a biker that is only slightly above your target market. I have two bikes - a 1987 Schwinn Voyager and an early 90's Trek mountain bike that I have converted to a comfort, ride to work bike. I differ slightly on your 7/9 speed "upgrade" comments. Last year I "upgraded" the rear cluster from a 6 speed to a 7 speed cluster. The small cog went from 14t to 13t, extending the range by about half a gear. That made all of the difference in the world when riding with friends - I went from spinning above my normal cadence to a comfortable ride. Perhaps 8-9 is marketing but 6-7 was definitely worth it.
I like your yapping especially the personal stuff you talked about in this episode. I relate to that. I feel that it's quite meditative to work on them. When I'm not at work I spend a day a week at a charity bike shop then work on my own bikes. The busier I am the less time do other bad stuff. I love these tyres. I've recently put a pair of tan walled versions on an old GT though I swapped the suspension fork to a solid one
I recently got a 1997 Raleigh M40 for $50 on marketplace. Been adding comfort and commuter bits & riding the hell out of it. These are nice/underrated bikes.
Great video. I watched your Trek 7000 video as well. Your videos gave me the confidence to build my own Trek 7000 bike for riding around my neighborhood. It works great and it's easy to maintain. Thanks for all the hard work that you put into your channel.
What a fabulous outcome 👍🏼. Another great video plus a satisfied customer who will doubtless return with future business not to mention the ‘word of mouth’ recommendations and referrals. Way to Go Bike Farmer!
Very enjoyable video, from start to finish. Thanks for sharing your personal stories too. I think you hit a resonant chord when you spoke about how important bicycles have been in your life. I feel the same way, as do a lot of others.
I love your looks of utter exhaustion and despair during the nightmarish portions of this tune-up -ha, I feel your pain. I hate what comes out of my mouth at times when I work on stuff. It ALMOST would make it worth paying someone else to do it.
Sometimes you make it look like you’ve been doing this awhile. I can’t believe I just sit here and watch the whole video. It’s strangely great.
The ability to spontaneously launch a dissertation and running dialogue is rare. Complete sentences, too!
I sometimes get asked if I’ve been watching any particular series/show on whatever subscription streaming service. Popular shows. But my answer is always “I only watch channels like Bike Farmer on UA-cam.”
This is my favorite video
I do believe that going from 7-speed to 8-speed is an upgrade. If you are also increasing the gear range. I've noticed that at least in the free wheel realm, that the 7-speed free Wheels that have the 32 or 34 climbing gears are not evenly set apart, whereas if you are doing an 8-speed, then you get that nice even spacing so you're not going from just regular City gears. Gears oh my God a steep hill ! Cuz there's a lot of hills that are in between City and oh my God this is steep . Keep making awesome videos. Thanks!
Not sure how many times you may have heard this but I’m going to say it anyway. As a kid in the 70s I lived on a bike. And from the time I got my first 10 speed and got a flat. Then had a derail. I learned to fix that stuff myself and from then on all I wanted to be was an “asshole” bike mechanic. I learned to drive when I was 17 the joined the Army at 18. All that stuff went by the wayside. Except that it’s always been in my mind and heart. Now that i have grandsons that are riding they and you have renewed my love for working on bikes. The grandson are amazed at how much I know. I’m amazed at how much I don’t anymore. So thanks and thanks for sharing your story.
I like bikes. I like to ride bikes, I like to tinker with my bikes. Fun to see other people who just like bikes without all the shilling parts and tech.
at the 24:20 mark, yes, yes and yes. One of the best things about being human is the ability to ride a bike. Spot on!
When I’m not tinkering with my retro-bikes and the family bikes, I really enjoy watching you tinker with bikes. Not pushing the latest high-end stuff is refreshing content; matching to bike to the user….brilliant!
I never quit drinking but I scaled back significantly for health reasons and now I have a beer every three months and usually won’t finish it. As I a side effect I never have to wonder what obnoxious shit I said the night before because I can more easily recall it now.
The man that bought the bike is fortunate to have you. You really gave him a new ride, that is well worth the money. Thanks for all you do!!
Any UA-camr that loses audio and keeps going and installs an 8 speed. Bro you are #1. Thank you for giving me a glimpse of another part of earth.
Thank you!!
Just throwing this out there
….
As a 50+ life long commuter you get it. I wish you were my local shop.
High five buddy🇨🇦
One tip for the very beginner mechanics here, which can help when dealing with removing rusty fasteners (or parts) is, if you get any movement at all when loosening a fastener, but the part get tight from the rust, stop, then tighten the part, loosen, tighten, loosen, tighten, etc. It can help grind the rust into a finer powder that is inhibiting removal. Combined with any penetrating oil you use, often allows you to get the parts apart without damaging threads.
Great video Andy. Especially the details like the spacers and conical washers on some brake pads. But most importantly, sharing your life story with such candor, quite the testament to the practice of self-compassion. Begin Again.
awesome advice. Cheers !
After many, many years of road biking, I have been off the bike for over 10 years and have since gotten rid of almost all of my bike stuff. You are a true breath of fresh air in the cycling world with your unpretentious style and no BS philosophy. I have recently decided to get back on the bike and am currently getting a 2012 Giant TCX2 ready to roll - you have been a big inspiration for me to get excited about riding again and I want you to know how much I appreciate you! (BTW, I'm 7+ years sober myself, so just another reason I really connect with you!)
Congratulations on your sobriety ❤❤❤
@@chrissy24-7 Thank you so much! 🙂
sometimes, "timing is everything". Glenn is the luckiest bike buyer in the USA this week. excellent combo of bike mechanicing & worldly philosophizing on your part - sharing one's truth w/o preaching (much less, selling) is rare these days.
Thanks Bike Farmer, another great video. You rang a loud bell with me when you spoke about your relationship with the booze.I've been dry about the same length of time and my bikes have been a great help in this. Keep it up all of it and very best wishes to you Philip
Regarding V brakes, I was taught that the wide spacer should preferably be against the V brake arm for optimal braking/pressure as they don’t work as well closer to the wheel, designed to look like a V when looking from the front or rear of the bike. I try to remember that when setting up bikes.
Have really enjoyed watching the videos and the candor! Congrats on 12 years of sobriety.
Thanks for another great video, i get the sobriety remark, Live and die in L.A. and started working on bikes to deal with my depression and sobriety, now i have 6 bikes and 2 projects in progress, gonna need a bigger place soon, almost bought an S-works frame just to hang on my living room wall for decor. Sober and solid as a rock...
Wow you literally described my existence, I was drinking alot and have been sober 8 months bar 1 day.
I found walking then realised I can cover more ground cycling, now I want to fix bikes and have been obsessed about learning to do it. I've already bought my son, daughter and diabetic partner a bike and cleaning them and getting knowledge from watching you do your thing.
I am so grateful man.
If I were in the US I'd come visit.
Thank you for sharing we all appreciate you for your efforts.
And this was not a Trek bike lol ❤
That bike came out NICE! I like how the red and black blended together and set each other off. Now, I want a bike like that... :)
My favorite change to this bike was going to be the handlebars with sweep. Because it is substantially more comfortable. And then the drill out to Schrader valve happened. First time I ever drilled out a rim was stressful. I wondered if I was compromising the strength of the rim and creating a safety hazard. I watched the sparse amount of videos on UA-cam and finally went for it. Glad I did. Fiddling with Presta valves is irritating. Thank you BikeFarmer for addressing this procedure. Provides some validation of a mod that increased my bike satisfaction.
Is like to know which $20 bars were used? Afiliate link…
Me too! I also have one of the Raleigh M50 I'd like to convert...but the swept back handle bars I used on my last conversion were like albatross wings, a bit much 😅
27:42
Veteran with PTSD and TBI, my recumbent trike saved my life, literally.
Now I want to start a Recumbent / Trike / Adaptive Equipment - Repair business like yours, and produce similar videos to enable others to take control of their own equipment maintenance, etc.
4 years sober, 🎉 congrats. The more I watch your videos the more I learn and the more inspirational you become! Someday this guy wants to drive from WV to WI just to visit your shop.
One of your best videos so far, in my opinion😊
Starting to get the hang of this thing!
It’s a fantastic video, there’s a lot to like and the ending pure gold ❤
Regarding V brakes, I was taught that the wide spacer should preferably be against the V brake arm for optimal braking/pressure as they don’t work as well closer to the wheel, designed to look like a V when looking from the front or rear of the bike. I try to remember that when setting up bikes.
Really enjoy the channel.
Just stumbled across this channel and it brought a smile to my face. I spent some time as a bicycle mechanic 20 years ago in Delafield and did it for a bit in a La Crosse a couple years later. It was probably my most enjoyable job with the absolute worst pay. Taking a bike in rough shape and making it run like new was almost meditative for me. Keep up the good work!!!
i think this is one of your best, because you made it a much better bike and we got to see the satisfied customer. I have watched it twice because of the good vibes that ooze from this video.
You would think after being a Bike mechanic myself for 29 years (in the UK and Australia) , I would have had enough of this kind of thing, but you bring a new creative angle to all of it.
I thought we were livin' in luxury back in '79 when Suntour came out with the Ultra-7 (Winner) cluster so 8-speed? yah! Appreciate your candor and story. I think there are many of us out here who feel that the bike fixes everything -- rock on!
That's the handlebar i need. 40 deg sweep and i'll figure out my rise now. Thank Bike Farmer.
I, for one, thoroughly enjoy watching you sit and talk to the camera 🚲❤
Most practical bike mechanic on YT. My wife said you are the Bob Ross of bikes and she’s maybe watched 2 min of this video lol keep going my man. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Respect to you for opening up about the past. Talking about it helps people in more ways than you can imagine. So happy to hear you made it to the other side. 12 years is a long time! Appreciate it, brother!
Inspired me to finally go and fix a couple of minor issues on my commuter that have been annoying me for months. Thanks!
I watch your tubes for the ethos. I enjoy the Midwest ethic. I absolutely adore the the repair old bikes thing! I love the practical mechanic/ fit your lifestyle thing. I don't necessarily learn many new tricks as I do get reinforced in seeing someone else do it the same way....including dropping the wrenches.
Liked seeing the guy take home his new bike. I’m trying to piecemeal a really nice first mtb together, getting like a part a week or every few weeks. Getting some parts on marketplace and some new from my lbs. He’s a really good dude. Reminds me of you a bit. Looking to help people out while still making a living. I enjoy hanging out at his shop though and seeing people bring in their rides. Idk maybe I’m weird but something I like about seeing people excited to get their new/repaired bikes home to go pedaling.
You make a 50 min video feel like a 15 min video and I was never even interested in wrenching on bikes. I don't even own a bike but now I wana buy one used and see if I can tune it up myself. Amazing
I had a project to fix up and old steel MTB into a city rider that was standing around for yours. Thanks to your channel I finally fully fixed it up nicely, and I love it so much. Everyday I find myself finding excuses to go ride an errand. :)
I don't want to make the same comment as someone else, but you are amazing to watch. I love bike stuff, and you make it relaxing. The Bob Ross of the bicycle world. I will be a long time watcher
Really nice work, Andy! Great result! I’d really recommend popping off those v-brake calipers from their pivots when you have the bike broken down to the frame. That’s the best time to burnish the pivots and grease them instead of using tri-flow. It gives much longer lasting and smoother articulation!
While watching this video, I’ve decided to do the same in my shop, reclaiming older bikes like that Raleigh and giving them a second life.
Honestly one of your best videos you are such a true person thank you for that. We need more like you in the industry!!
I know you've said a few of my comments were edgy, but I appreciate all the info you share in these videos. 100% agree with your philosophy on making biking an everyday casual thing for the masses.
Another satisfied customer, that's awesome!
I also like to go the extra mile on the build-up: it may seem like you're losing your butt on this one or that one, but the customer gets a bike they can ride and enjoy, and a dealer and service techs they can trust.
Those satisfied customers will recommend you to all their friends who see them riding and smiling on a bike you went the extra mile to build years of extra service into.
I'll spare you the "I'd ha'done it different" comments, save for this tip: at about 22:30, there's an opportunity to set the limit screws on the rear derailleur, when there's no chain or cable in the way. With Woody Chairellson at the rear of the driveline, you can swing the derailleur with one hand, turn screws with the other, while eyeballing how the guide pulleys line up with the cassette's high and low gears. I find it simplifies the rest of the set up, your mileage may vary.
As always, you're awesome! Keep doing what you do, the benefits from tinkerers like you and I. Happy Trails! 😁
Have a taco on me! I tried the BikeFarmer tune up method on two bikes and put them up for sale yesterday. I like your way more better (than mine) hey!😊
Just had my Raleigh red bike stolen, funny thing is , right next to it were unlocked nasty looking bikes. I just put on better white wall tires, had used white nail polish to cover rust, so cool what yea did, thanks again for vid. I like how you talk through stuff; explaining things.
Great video. You inspired this old man to fix my hydraulic rear brake and to start riding again
I'm still using an stx rear derailleur on my 96 Rockhopper and works great!
I loved this video very much. Your voice, the music and your work just hit the spot.
I agree with you about going from 7s to 8 or more speed is necessarily an upgrade.
The chains+cassettes are cheaper, the derailleurs are cheaper, and they are less likely to go out of whack on shifting. This is important when you consider that it's an "everyday-guy rider," not a competition bike.
People may not ride it as often, might let dust get on the cables, might bang it around in storage, might let it lay on the grass on the derailleur-side, lots of things. All of which affects shifting. Unless you replace your gear cables and housing and hanger every 6 months and your shifter every year, then you will start seeing the shifting degrade on a 12-speed.
A 7-8 speed will shift reliably far longer with far more neglect, and is easier to keep in-tune, and cheaper to get parts for when the time comes.
All in all, that is more convenient for the customer. Customer convenience makes for happier customers. Happier customers are more likely to see bikes as something more than just a money-pit with no utility. They're less afraid to ride it.
6-8 speed is the sweet spot for practicality, I find. The chains still can come with bushings and be fairly lightweight, with z-link available and ramp-ups on the cogs. Even old 5-speed cogs can go from 13-32t, which is plenty of range for even a 1x in most settings. (Seriously, try it sometime!)
If you adjust your expectations for reliability and service windows to be "longer", then you can get more casual riders enthusiastic about their bikes and riding.
I can't begin to tell you the # of times customers came through the door SAD that their bike they'd only ridden a handful of times wasn't shifting anymore, and they'd have to drop almost $150 to get it shifting and riding right again (new cables, new derailleur hanger, new chain, plus shop time). They'd just give up and think: "Anyone who rides a bike is an Elitist Snob."
Anyone who says that to you and is aggressive to riders is probably someone who had this experience with a Trek Shop or something.
I agree; both my ATBs are 3x7, and I wouldn't run anything else. 3x7 may not be cutting edge anymore, but it JUST WORKS!
I bought a piano bench on fb for $20.
It's been the sweet addition to my bike work station.
I keep a floor pump, tire sealant and various and sundry in it.
It's fairly compact and super handy.
recently found your channel, I have gotten back into riding since the late 80s, purchased a used Trek 4500. Your videos have helped me tune it... I still need to get some more work done on it.. but wanted to comment on the drinking.. congrats to you and your family.. I am sober 17 years... Lost many family members to drugs and alcohol...
Nice work on pre-stretching those new cables :) Never would have made it past RC check.
Didn't expect it at all but i think this was my favorite video yet. Couldn't stop watching! Fellow Wisconsinite here, Stevens Point.
u just gained a sub. thanks for the bedtime stories. cycling is great! and working on bikes is even greater!
The 7s cassette that came on my bike had a 14 tooth high gear, which was fine at the time, but I got to a point in my riding that I came to appreciate having a higher high gear. I now run a 9s 11-34t cassette and I couldn't be happier.
In short, I upgraded my bike because my bike upgraded me.
I have a Raleigh M50 from the early 90's (1993'ish) with no suspension fork and converted it to an x-bike with drop bars and an older 3x8 SORA brifter set. Damn fun bike to ride on just 26" wheels and floats over ruts & potholes in the city or on the trail. Simple, convenient and rock solid. Had to replace the freehub from the older 3x7 size to newer 8, 9, 10. One of my fav rides.
This one reminded me of my old red Fuji bike. Thank you for the great content!
Thanks hey!
Hey buddy
I’m an alcoholic few weeks into recovery bought my first adult mountain bike two weeks ago and already know it will save me from destroying my life been loving going out on it getting my fitness and health into better shape bit more each day. 2 stone to lose so long journey ahead.
That personal comment of yours really resonated with me. Love your videos they relax me after a long day, even know the wife laughs at me 😅 keep em coming
Tom 🇬🇧
Bike ride > meeting > good sleep > work REPEAT AS NECESSARY UNTIL FULLY HEALED
I have only recently properly delved into your videos and I think you've got something really special going on. You have combined all the necessary ingredients to make really excellent relatable content. You are the Jurgen Klopp of fixing bikes! If anyone is unfamiliar with the name, he is the hugely likeable really cool guy who was the manager of Liverpool FC until very recently.
He's always smiling and has a great sense of humour with an amazing way of relating to people. Not only do you look a bit like him but you share similar characteristics, you could be a long lost relative!
I agree that someone has to want to learn to be taught! I’m a retired Physics teacher. The trick of teaching science is to ignite curiosity, I tried to do it for 30 years. 😂 I enjoy your channel, thanks.
Once upon a time I thought 2 X 5 was all anybody ever needed but over the years (decades) I've changed my mind. More gear choices with the ratios closer together is really nice to have when you get older if you ride in hilly terrain.
Pulled my 20+ year old mtb out of the garage with the intention of bringing it back to life, cobwebs cleaned away, flat tires and gummy cables made me come to terms with my skills and tools, it’s in the local bike shop now, hopefully they watch your videos. Great stuff, thanks for the inspiration to save what I have vs buying again, at least for now.
I enjoy bike builds and to know that I am not alone in building vintage.
4 of us work in a bike ministry and do what you do. We are not pros but like bikes and learning about them. Your videos have helped us become better and we like your style!!
You have created a Monster! I have a "comfort bike" from the era you like. I've got new tires and a seat you used on the way and realized my brakes dont "snap back". I have lots of "tuning" to do. Glad I found your channel, with the information, insights and rants!
Really enjoyable to watch. I'm a 3x7-9 speed guy. So i'm with you.
3x7 FOREVER!
Great seeing the bike head off with its new owner! I love the swept back bars too-wish I’d known that was an option back when I had my first nicer hybrid bike!
1:45 I put Maxxis DTH tires on my 2002 Trek 4500 that is now my pub bike. They're great! I also swapped out the heavy suspension forks for rigid Surly forks and added a 24 pack rack to it. 6:00 I don't understand how people can be baffled by presta valves. It's not rocket science. And adapters are cheap! I just keep one in all our bike bags. I could see drilling it out so both rims have the same type of valves though.
Thanks for sharing. Bikes are awesome. They been there as best friend my whole life. The friend that always there for me. Great build also!
I worked briefly in the oldest bike shop on the Jersey Shore. It was great.
Cool! I have a trashy old 2002 M50 been waiting to do something with, rusty wheels, crappy old shifters etc. Got a 700C commuter ebike with a toasted motor - not worth repairing - stripped the parts. Already confirmed 700c should fit in here with cyclocross tires - so wheels: check.
- shimano hydraulic disc brakes & mounts on frame: check
- front 80mm suntour suspension: check.
Should turn out to be a fast rolling hybrid bike and a superb upgrade to turn this old MTB into a great commuter/hybrid/gravel bike
Awesomeness on stilts, you make the most engaging films that are always educational and humorismo. Big thumbs 👍🏾 from Maf in Portugal
From renovation through to happy customer - excellent!
Dawn Power Wash came in super handy yesterday. Got home from a ride to find that my tire had thrown some turd up onto the underside of my saddle. Wiped it off, then went over the traumatized area a few times with a generous dose of the DPW & 90% rubbing alcohol.
Think I’ll give it one more wash + furniture polish before I ride next! Thanks again for the tip on this combo!!!
this channel shows me that it's actually possible to end up with rideable bikes. I recently acquired 3 more bikes and they were all picked up as project bikes. I had a vision for them when i saw them, I even have most of the major parts but things came to a stop for no reason. for example, I found an old german made chromoly road bike. I got as far as the teardown, gave away the wheels, seatpost, brakes, shifter/derailleurs and other parts to a local community bike place. ..and now that frame sits with track wheels in the dropouts to hold it upright on the floor.
I loose all track of time when working on a bike, in my garage with the door up. But if I use Lemon pledge for the frame waxing, sure enough a bee or three will come in the garage looking for a flowering tree. I throughly enjoy your videos !
Well done Andy, here in Australia most bike shops just try to sell you something new and say get rid of the old one, even though it could only be a few years old.
There's something SO satisfying about getting a 3x indexed all perfect and smooth 🤤
i’ve put a lot of my free time into biking and working on bikes, so i can totally see how it would be very satisfying to do what you do. it’s satisfying for me to watch! especially enjoyed seeing the bike go home at the end!
I'm sure you're right about "upgrade" gears except for those of us with a lower power to weight ratio, sometimes a lower set help. ❤
40:11 "Feels really, really good to get it off my chest, and off the chests of my inferiors." - C.M. Burns, no but seriously, I enjoy your rants AND the technical explanations.
You are right, it's nice content! CHill and relax installation, that's why we love bike.
I agree with your 'setup a bike school' statement. That way those who want more can sign up. I size up my customers based on the questions they ask, but like you, I don't work for free; so I point to our bike classes. Some sign up and some don't, but both return as future customers, since we didn't push them away and just sold them the bike they chose. Bikes did save my life from Bi-polar depression without having to constantly be on medication.
Nice work on quittin the Piss. Best thing I ever did was quit alcohol. For my health,family,finances and freedom. Now in the arvo after work ,Im either on my bike or at the golf course. (or playin ham radio if the weather sux)There is a lot more to life than where the next drink is comin from.
Great vids bro, totally going to convert my gt aggressor into an atv, great channel!
I'm glad that you finally found yourself in a good place, surrounded by the things you love most: bikes! Besides the problems that always come, the peace is gonna be there, no matter what. It's a fantastic feeling. Very nice bike, by the way, haha
I'd add a caveat to your upgrade rant. I absolutely agree that the difference between 3x8 and 3x10 is nothing for most people. However, going from 8 speed to 10 speed makes 1x drivetrains viable, and for >90% of people who ride bikes, 1x is the way to go. I'm also upgrading my bike from 3x8 to 2x11 cause I'm tired of managing a triple crankset/derailleur. But I also bike 70mi a week and ride centuries every now and then (doing my first 200k in a couple weeks). Needless to say, I'm far from average
Great video. Bike looks awesome!
I am a biker that is only slightly above your target market. I have two bikes - a 1987 Schwinn Voyager and an early 90's Trek mountain bike that I have converted to a comfort, ride to work bike. I differ slightly on your 7/9 speed "upgrade" comments. Last year I "upgraded" the rear cluster from a 6 speed to a 7 speed cluster. The small cog went from 14t to 13t, extending the range by about half a gear. That made all of the difference in the world when riding with friends - I went from spinning above my normal cadence to a comfortable ride. Perhaps 8-9 is marketing but 6-7 was definitely worth it.
I like your yapping especially the personal stuff you talked about in this episode. I relate to that. I feel that it's quite meditative to work on them. When I'm not at work I spend a day a week at a charity bike shop then work on my own bikes. The busier I am the less time do other bad stuff.
I love these tyres. I've recently put a pair of tan walled versions on an old GT though I swapped the suspension fork to a solid one
28:47 better not find out, probably. You are not the only life mechanic who found the right tool to do the job in a bike. Cheers.
Thanks for sharing your story brother it meant a lot! Bikes and riding have the same meaning in my life. Keep up the great videos.
My neighbor's bike says thanks. Cleaned, lubed, adjusted!
I recently got a 1997 Raleigh M40 for $50 on marketplace. Been adding comfort and commuter bits & riding the hell out of it. These are nice/underrated bikes.
I love your videos, even though I'm mostly into BMX your videos are relaxing, and I enjoy them while I do cardio. Keep up the fantastic work!
Great video. I watched your Trek 7000 video as well. Your videos gave me the confidence to build my own Trek 7000 bike for riding around my neighborhood. It works great and it's easy to maintain. Thanks for all the hard work that you put into your channel.
What a fabulous outcome 👍🏼. Another great video plus a satisfied customer who will doubtless return with future business not to mention the ‘word of mouth’ recommendations and referrals.
Way to Go Bike Farmer!
Idk how to explain it...., but the videos are therapeutic after a long day at work.
Very enjoyable video, from start to finish. Thanks for sharing your personal stories too. I think you hit a resonant chord when you spoke about how important bicycles have been in your life. I feel the same way, as do a lot of others.
Thanks!
Thanks hey!
I love your looks of utter exhaustion and despair during the nightmarish portions of this tune-up -ha, I feel your pain. I hate what comes out of my mouth at times when I work on stuff. It ALMOST would make it worth paying someone else to do it.