When I first started watching Bikefarmer, I thought that the furniture polish was kind of strange, but I bought some to give it a try, and sure enough, it's kind of perfect for a bike! Thanks for the tips, Bikefarmer! 😃
Hi bike farmer. Lower leg service on those forks is a very simple operation. Just two bolts at the end of the fork wipp off the legs, clean, grease and put back together. Your so charismatic and make great content. I've run a small shop similar to yours in the UK for many years. Good luck and thanks for the great videos.
It's really cool of you to try to be as efficient as possible with your bike tune-ups for customers. I can imagine some mechanics would leap for the complicated stuff to run up the labor costs, and it feels like you really are looking out for the customer first!
My first job "wrenching" was at Jiffy Lube waaayyyyyy back in 19 and 91 (George Bush Sr. was president!!) and similar to your quick tune-ups, efficiency was always a major goal. I learned several great tool tips and general techniques, for example: save your knuckles and tap/beat on a wrench instead of pushing REAL hard until it breaks loose or you round the bolt out, Adjust the vise grips as tight as you can to get them to clamp THEN use another set of pliers to turn the tightening knob some more to realllllly grip that fastener, but the one your video made me think of is the simple skill of using your hand or your hand with a tool, blind. I am extra good at getting nuts and bolts started in a spot I can't see or in a weird position. I always said, I will win against the inanimate object!!
Im a Ford dealer tech in norway, and i love listening to your videos while i work. I dont always get to watch, but i can follow along with what youre doing while i do my thing on cars. Thanks for the steady supply of relaxing videos
My wife has that same brand and style of grips on her handlebars. She really likes them. They are expensive, and you do have to adjust them by trial and error for the correct angle. The adjustment is easily done because instead of glueing them on, they are held in place with a screw operated clamp. With the right size Allen key, it’s only 5-10 seconds to loosen, adjust and retighten.
Even better, IMO, are the Ergon grips with bar ends. I bought a bike that had GP2 grips and they have a small bar end. Enough for two fingers or so, but it gives you an alternate hand position, and offers you more leverage over the bars. The larger the number of the grips, the longer the bar end is, from my understanding.
Mr. Q., as a fan I am nothing short of totally impressed with how you have made this channel an excellent source of info for the bike consumer in need of answers. Keep going and keep being you and doing you. Your pure passion for one of the greatest simple machines designed by humans will never cease to inspire. 60 y. o. Madisonian bike rider, having a lifetime of bike riding experience here, in France, Santa Monica Mountains, and over 10 years in Japan on a wide variety of bikes, currently owning 3 lifetime bikes, killer panniers and all the best stuff (Planet Bike), and I digress. My thinking on tune up is, we'll, I want to change this or uninstall this and replace it with this or this or that ain't working...I will just bring it in for the work I want/need and while ur at it, tune up please. 😅
When I used to build bikes for a local bike shop, to make sure v-brake pads were right, I'd undo the springs from the brake arms, hold the brake lever firmly with one hand, then adjust and initially tighten with the other hand with my 5mm allen. If the pads are good after initial tighten, hold pad with one hand and final tighten with the other hand. Redo the spring arms to the brake arms, then you're good to go. Also - I always removed that dumb spring from the front brake noodle. Hate those things.
Great to see a pro dropping brake pad washers! That's proof that I am pro level myself. I will copy the way you use the springs to make brake pad alignments for sure!
That's why I am a part replacer , and you are a mechanic. I do know my limits . It's winter it a good time to talk to a mechanic about work . Take in your lawn equipment and boat ( if you own one ) .
Was so ready for this video... Not a pro, but I do work on a friend's bike,easy stuff... I'm always asked, do I need a tune up... I don't know, sure why not is my answer...
Andy Every bike I've ever owned , with cable brakes, has the front brake lever on the right side or drive side , this video shows you with a Trek ,yes I'm an Aussie and have a Trek in my stable, with the rear brake on the drive side . What's going on there Cheers mate love your work .
What about newer bikes with hydraulic disk brakes? I know you’re dedicated to older style bikes and some things apply to newer bikes, would just like to see a video like this on a newer mountain bike.
4:45 I'm curious what people's experiences are regarding replacing chains when they start to show signs of wear (say 0.5% stretch) vs. letting the whole drive train wear until the chain starts to slip (and then replacing the chain, cassette and chain rings). I've been doing the latter, replacing everything about every 8000 miles with the chains at about 2% stretch, but I'm wondering if I could save money by replacing the chains more frequently.
@@johndef5075 He has explained repeatedly (and correctly) that the brakes don't feel as firm when the pads are toed. They squish as they flex to make full contact.
I’m conflicted with your tire decision. Swapping front to back doesn’t improve the tires. Yes it stretches the life, I get that. Maybe every year starting when the bike is new the tires should be rotated that would really stretch out the life. But for the work of taking the tires off the rim I’d just put new tires back on. Or just ride it until the back is a real problem the replace. Of course that may lead to a tire failure while riding. Regarding tuneups, it’s worth noting that regular tuneups might have eliminated the shifter cable replacement you had to do. This is a good tuneup.
I put em flat too, and if they squeak they squeak. I men, if you were bolted to a brake lever and pressed on a fast rotating metal surface to slow it down, you'd squeak too. Give, erhm, give em a brake! Lol.
So, I bought my first bottle of tri flo and I'm pretty disappointed! How could you not have mentioned how GOOD it smells! Seriously big selling point. Lol
Yet another stellar Andy Q video. Thanks to you, I now know that I need to replace my chain and maybe the gear cluster. What about my chainrings? How do I know when they're in need of replacement?
Bike Farmer, which do you prefer, really 😖LD school bottom pull front derailers or somewhat old school top pull front derailers? Thankfully, my Trek 4300s are top pull😁🤙🤙
I've used WD on grips for decades, but never tried hair spray. Shout out to Boise Bicycle Project and their yearly Holiday Kids Bicycle Giveaway on Saturday, 12/14!!
Had two guys come in for a tune up yesterday and first guy wanted to fix for his girlfriend needed a new shifter sold and installed a use one for 5 buck and bought a kryptonite lock , other guy said he got it for free and was selling it for 75 just needing a tube and wheels trued 15 bucks to get both back on the road again just knowing someone is going places on something i fixed.
I swear I've heard thst you should rotate bicycle tires. And that is was from somewhere reputable (like Sheldon Brown). Maybe it was referring to F/R specific tires. Nevertheless, I am a frugal person and will be doing this in the future.
I've done that when the rear started to develop a bit of a flat spot across the profile. Some people poo-poo it because you are putting a tire with more wear on the front, which might be more prone to a flat and compromising control. Personal choice, personal risk.
@@ericsande5345 Yup....personal choice, but I would rather have a flat on the rear tire than on the front when I'm going downhill at 35mph! So for me, I'll always have the best tire on the front. .Flats on the front make the bike very hard to control.
@@garyfleischman7555 When I've done the swap, at least the condition of the front tire is in your face all the time so it's not hard to assess when replacement is needed. When I was young & broke (as opposed to old and broke) I'd ride tires until the cords started showing!
@@ericsande5345 The way I look at it, a new set of tires is WAY cheaper than an emergency room visit or being stuck out in the middle of nowhere and pushing your bike home. I never scrimp on tires or brakes! If there is a question about the amount of life left in the tire...just change it. Sleep well at night ( SWAN) knowing your tires are not going to let you down. I know a new tire can get flats, but my chances of getting a flat are less than with a half worn tire. As a bike professional, I've seen many customers tires that are in such poor condition that I wouldn't ride their bike across the parking lot and yet they decline new tires because they think they can get another 50 miles out of the tire. Go figure! I guess they are good enough for who they're for. 😂 Nice chatting with you and ride safe!
In my experience, it's less hassle to just jam something into the valve. Another reason why presta is the superior design. I'll fight anyone who says otherwise.
At around the 10:20 mark, that non-drive crank arm has been worn to a high polish shine! Think it's original or a replacement? The drive side looks fine, so either the person who had this bike has a goofy left foot pedal stroke, or parts have been replaced!
My bike area now has furniture polish, and it works! my bikes look so good and my son said the garage smells better :)
I built a new shed just to have a dedicated bike shop for the furniture polish
$2.00 generic furniture polish ! A good tip .🤓
Ditto! Except my living room smells great! My bikes live in the living room.
When I first started watching Bikefarmer, I thought that the furniture polish was kind of strange, but I bought some to give it a try, and sure enough, it's kind of perfect for a bike! Thanks for the tips, Bikefarmer! 😃
Hi bike farmer. Lower leg service on those forks is a very simple operation.
Just two bolts at the end of the fork wipp off the legs, clean, grease and put back together.
Your so charismatic and make great content.
I've run a small shop similar to yours in the UK for many years.
Good luck and thanks for the great videos.
New Bike Day > Christmas!
So happy you decided to open it!
Thanks hey!
It's really cool of you to try to be as efficient as possible with your bike tune-ups for customers. I can imagine some mechanics would leap for the complicated stuff to run up the labor costs, and it feels like you really are looking out for the customer first!
Thanks! Merry Christmas
You have inspired me to work on bikes again. Garage sales here I come….
Awesome!!
My first job "wrenching" was at Jiffy Lube waaayyyyyy back in 19 and 91 (George Bush Sr. was president!!) and similar to your quick tune-ups, efficiency was always a major goal. I learned several great tool tips and general techniques, for example: save your knuckles and tap/beat on a wrench instead of pushing REAL hard until it breaks loose or you round the bolt out, Adjust the vise grips as tight as you can to get them to clamp THEN use another set of pliers to turn the tightening knob some more to realllllly grip that fastener, but the one your video made me think of is the simple skill of using your hand or your hand with a tool, blind. I am extra good at getting nuts and bolts started in a spot I can't see or in a weird position. I always said, I will win against the inanimate object!!
Im a Ford dealer tech in norway, and i love listening to your videos while i work. I dont always get to watch, but i can follow along with what youre doing while i do my thing on cars. Thanks for the steady supply of relaxing videos
My wife has that same brand and style of grips on her handlebars. She really likes them. They are expensive, and you do have to adjust them by trial and error for the correct angle. The adjustment is easily done because instead of glueing them on, they are held in place with a screw operated clamp. With the right size Allen key, it’s only 5-10 seconds to loosen, adjust and retighten.
Even better, IMO, are the Ergon grips with bar ends. I bought a bike that had GP2 grips and they have a small bar end. Enough for two fingers or so, but it gives you an alternate hand position, and offers you more leverage over the bars. The larger the number of the grips, the longer the bar end is, from my understanding.
I also love how they lock onto the bars with the clamp. I just wish they had another lock on the inside of the grips.
Mr. Q., as a fan I am nothing short of totally impressed with how you have made this channel an excellent source of info for the bike consumer in need of answers. Keep going and keep being you and doing you. Your pure passion for one of the greatest simple machines designed by humans will never cease to inspire. 60 y. o. Madisonian bike rider, having a lifetime of bike riding experience here, in France, Santa Monica Mountains, and over 10 years in Japan on a wide variety of bikes, currently owning 3 lifetime bikes, killer panniers and all the best stuff (Planet Bike), and I digress. My thinking on tune up is, we'll, I want to change this or uninstall this and replace it with this or this or that ain't working...I will just bring it in for the work I want/need and while ur at it, tune up please. 😅
When I used to build bikes for a local bike shop, to make sure v-brake pads were right, I'd undo the springs from the brake arms, hold the brake lever firmly with one hand, then adjust and initially tighten with the other hand with my 5mm allen. If the pads are good after initial tighten, hold pad with one hand and final tighten with the other hand. Redo the spring arms to the brake arms, then you're good to go. Also - I always removed that dumb spring from the front brake noodle. Hate those things.
Great to see a pro dropping brake pad washers! That's proof that I am pro level myself. I will copy the way you use the springs to make brake pad alignments for sure!
you've inspired me to dig out my dad's old bike and start using it. Thanks!
43:36, I use a 99% Isopropyl alchohol spray, works like a charm, needs very little for the grips to just slide on and it evaporates quikly.
Thanks! Nice watching again!❤
I'm watching each of these videos if for anything but to see the last of the hairspray.
That's why I am a part replacer , and you are a mechanic. I do know my limits . It's winter it a good time to talk to a mechanic about work . Take in your lawn equipment and boat ( if you own one ) .
That was so cruel, Andy. The suspense at the end is killing me--new bike day! I hope your follow up video on that project is coming out forthwith.
In edit
Was so ready for this video... Not a pro, but I do work on a friend's bike,easy stuff... I'm always asked, do I need a tune up... I don't know, sure why not is my answer...
Thanks!
Thanks hey!!
I'm so glad you got merch! I snagged a mug :)
Saw that. Good job!
Just picked up a nice orange tee, Way more better, hey! Will ride with it in pride this coming summer ❤ 💙
thanks hey!
that is a really nice bike ! looks sturdy and reliable! I would be smiling with each peddling !
That bottomless can of aquanet you bought back in the 70’s is amazing. Is it almost gone, or will humans be gone first? We may never know.
$3.19 at CVS for a NEW can.
Always good to see the unending can of Suave Maxhold Hairspray 🤣
Thanks!
Andy
Every bike I've ever owned , with cable brakes, has the front brake lever on the right side or drive side , this video shows you with a Trek ,yes I'm an Aussie and have a Trek in my stable, with the rear brake on the drive side . What's going on there
Cheers mate love your work .
Everything is backwards down under
@ not everything . I had an American girlfriend . True though what’s with the brake setup
What about newer bikes with hydraulic disk brakes? I know you’re dedicated to older style bikes and some things apply to newer bikes, would just like to see a video like this on a newer mountain bike.
Thanks!
Thanks hey!!
25:55 Nice! Got the preload right on the first try!
Thanks for the axle swapping video prior to this, just picked up a 89/90ish Marin muirwoods with a bolt on rear wheel. Will be switching to QR soon👍
gotta get the frosted cranberry dawn powerwash! its seasonal and smells fantasitc!
NICE bike! The tires are good too; I run the same Contis on my ATBs (26x2.2).
I use gloves for the dirty parts and if I need extra grip but take them off when it's precision time
Thanks for your videos BikeFarmer
4:45 I'm curious what people's experiences are regarding replacing chains when they start to show signs of wear (say 0.5% stretch) vs. letting the whole drive train wear until the chain starts to slip (and then replacing the chain, cassette and chain rings). I've been doing the latter, replacing everything about every 8000 miles with the chains at about 2% stretch, but I'm wondering if I could save money by replacing the chains more frequently.
I’ve also been using furniture polish on my bikes !!!
This is why older style bikes are great to work on, you don't need that many tools and no internal routed cables.
In Arizona, you're gonna need that bottle cage. ;)
He remove it so he can sell a new one to the person who will buy that bike
@Marc-Andre_G sarcasm
Great video, really informative and very much appreciated.
I use matchbooks, business cards, and credit cards and have never had an issue with brake howling. 😅
Exactly. His anti toe-in stance is funny. It's so easy to do. Especially on v-brakes.
@@johndef5075 He has explained repeatedly (and correctly) that the brakes don't feel as firm when the pads are toed. They squish as they flex to make full contact.
Best things about bikes is the fact that most things that operate it are visible or easy to get to.
Until they started internal cable routing.
Awesome stuff Andy 👌🏻
Brilliant 🎉
I’m conflicted with your tire decision. Swapping front to back doesn’t improve the tires. Yes it stretches the life, I get that. Maybe every year starting when the bike is new the tires should be rotated that would really stretch out the life. But for the work of taking the tires off the rim I’d just put new tires back on. Or just ride it until the back is a real problem the replace. Of course that may lead to a tire failure while riding.
Regarding tuneups, it’s worth noting that regular tuneups might have eliminated the shifter cable replacement you had to do. This is a good tuneup.
I put em flat too, and if they squeak they squeak. I men, if you were bolted to a brake lever and pressed on a fast rotating metal surface to slow it down, you'd squeak too. Give, erhm, give em a brake! Lol.
It's so easy to toe them in. I think it's funny that he makes a big deal out of it.😅 But I still love these videos.
So, I bought my first bottle of tri flo and I'm pretty disappointed! How could you not have mentioned how GOOD it smells! Seriously big selling point. Lol
Yet another stellar Andy Q video. Thanks to you, I now know that I need to replace my chain and maybe the gear cluster. What about my chainrings? How do I know when they're in need of replacement?
Wear looks like shark fins, pointy, also any broken teeth. Look for this on a used bike (private seller or dumpster find).
had this happen to me. all i did was use electric tape and long new housing at the top and threaded it through the bottom of the frame.
I love bicycles
Astro Grip 6mil orange gloves are the shit
Bike Farmer, which do you prefer, really
😖LD school bottom pull
front derailers or somewhat old school top pull front derailers? Thankfully, my Trek 4300s are top pull😁🤙🤙
Kind of interested in the bike lol
I've used WD on grips for decades, but never tried hair spray.
Shout out to Boise Bicycle Project and their yearly Holiday Kids Bicycle Giveaway on Saturday, 12/14!!
Do you ever grease the cables or is Tri-Flow good enough?
Tri flow is better
Taco 🌮 Thanks
Thank you!!
Had two guys come in for a tune up yesterday and first guy wanted to fix for his girlfriend needed a new shifter sold and installed a use one for 5 buck and bought a kryptonite lock , other guy said he got it for free and was selling it for 75 just needing a tube and wheels trued 15 bucks to get both back on the road again just knowing someone is going places on something i fixed.
I swear I've heard thst you should rotate bicycle tires. And that is was from somewhere reputable (like Sheldon Brown).
Maybe it was referring to F/R specific tires.
Nevertheless, I am a frugal person and will be doing this in the future.
Switching front and back tyres is something that I was not aware of.
I've seen some specify front and back, even though things looks the same? Strange
I've done that when the rear started to develop a bit of a flat spot across the profile. Some people poo-poo it because you are putting a tire with more wear on the front, which might be more prone to a flat and compromising control. Personal choice, personal risk.
@@ericsande5345 Yup....personal choice, but I would rather have a flat on the rear tire than on the front when I'm going downhill at 35mph! So for me, I'll always have the best tire on the front. .Flats on the front make the bike very hard to control.
@@garyfleischman7555 When I've done the swap, at least the condition of the front tire is in your face all the time so it's not hard to assess when replacement is needed. When I was young & broke (as opposed to old and broke) I'd ride tires until the cords started showing!
@@ericsande5345 The way I look at it, a new set of tires is WAY cheaper than an emergency room visit or being stuck out in the middle of nowhere and pushing your bike home. I never scrimp on tires or brakes! If there is a question about the amount of life left in the tire...just change it. Sleep well at night ( SWAN) knowing your tires are not going to let you down. I know a new tire can get flats, but my chances of getting a flat are less than with a half worn tire. As a bike professional, I've seen many customers tires that are in such poor condition that I wouldn't ride their bike across the parking lot and yet they decline new tires because they think they can get another 50 miles out of the tire. Go figure! I guess they are good enough for who they're for. 😂 Nice chatting with you and ride safe!
My Verve 3 from 2018 came with comfort grips. Good bike. It now lives on my turbo trainer.
When you use the furniture polish to restore the shine of faded black parts, how long does it normally last?
I was hoping it's a Litespeed :D
I am curious. Why don't you use a valve stem remover to let air out of the tires?
In my experience, it's less hassle to just jam something into the valve. Another reason why presta is the superior design. I'll fight anyone who says otherwise.
@StebrasNotHorses too slow and yes, Presta is superior
Just try the new Schwalbe Click Valve, may be its a gamechanger, may be not. I will try it.
When you do your add grease method are you not worried about grease incompatibility?
"I don't even know what this is..." LOL
Looks like those cables take some awkward bends at the bottom bracket area cable stops.
At around the 10:20 mark, that non-drive crank arm has been worn to a high polish shine! Think it's original or a replacement? The drive side looks fine, so either the person who had this bike has a goofy left foot pedal stroke, or parts have been replaced!
think that is perfect bike seat, but from my view point those tires are balding and i would replace them for safetly reasons.
Do you lube the chains with onestep?
I used wd40 silicone formula and brought some brifters back to life.
Assuming you used a stainless steel cable for the FD cable replacement, yah?
More Suave Max Hold is on its way.
Oh! Thanks hey! Merry Christmas to me!
I did not expect it to be hanging from my mailbox! Are you local?
Haha. I’m not but Walmart is. I’m in Maine.
@@lanegillespie9430 Wild. Just hanging from a bag on the mailbox when the fancy author lady got home last night. Thanks!
@@bkefrmr Walmart has "deliver from store" as an option in your area. Like delivering a pizza. Order online and it shows up later same day.
Why have cable housing when the cable routs inside the frame?
New bike guess: Huffy AEROWIND
YOU WISH
Cliffhanger!
Looks like an old trek?
Duede, u didn't change the saddle 🎉
Well if u don't even know 🤔
It's a mystery ❤
Chains don’t stretch, they elongate
That is must be the very rare EXTRA small platypus frame from Rivendell?
Ok, that teaser at the end?? Sending random bikes to Bikefarmer??
Mmmmm gloves. Almost as good as donuts. And your hands will thank you. 🧤
Thanks! Taco time.
Thanks hey!! 🌮 🌮 🌮
That box was so small, I thought it had to be a folding bike. But no, just fork taken off and no wheels.
15:18 😬🫣
Show us the tacos
I don’t like red bikes. Unsubscribed! Lol
You need to learn to let go and resist attachment, and have lunch, Grasshopper.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Thanks hey!!
Thanks!
Thanks hey!!
Thanks!
Thanks hey!!
Thanks!
Thanks hey!!
Thanks!
Thanks hey!!