My best money saving tip is to try and be content with what you have. Easier said than done. Entry level and mid range bikes are extremely capable these days. We all like nice things, but those shiny upgrades are probably not necessary for most riders. For example, a 12 speed Deore drivetrain with an XT shifter gives you literally all the performance of XTR for a small weight penalty. It's about the difference between the weight of a water bottle but you save over 1000 quid. Resist the bling and use the money for trips instead.
Keep your eye open for end of season sales. Many different recreational activities have been blowing out overstock the last few seasons due to the pandemic supply chain bull-whip effect. It also helps when Pearl Izumi misconfigures their e-commerce system so that it doubles up the discounts at checkout. $240 shoes for $40? Yes please!
A couple things to add, keep up on you're bearing play, wheels, headset, BB, because you can start ruining the hubs, crank spindle and or the frame in some situations. Also keep up on brake pads because if you let you're pads go you can ruin the rotors.
Love this type of video Neil....great content! Money saving tip from Canada: wait until the end of the season to pick up deals on more costly items you "want" but may not necessarily "need": helmets, goggles, cassettes, etc.
Yeah, been some great sales the last year or two. Pearl Izumi had one a couple months ago and one of their minions mis-configured their e-commerce platform, resulting in discounts more or less doubling up and silly things like $500 road shoes for $60. Took them over 24 hours to realize it, and to their credit they honored the orders.
Don't use a pressure washer or too much pressure from a hose. Low pressure is much better. Better have different brushes to reach everywhere and 1 rough for the tires
I think that what you get that way is cost in HUGE waves since once most your bikes are screwed you need to spend god knows how much to get them all running right again
I actually think this is good advice, especially if you have an electric full sus bike, get yourself a cheapish hardtail to ride on mucky days and it'll pay for itself.
Im sure Neil already knows but when using one of that style of chain checker you need to put pressure on the chain to squeeze it into the 2 close together posts on the tool... otherwise it will give an incorrect measurement when you put the measuring end in.
I use Uvex Safety glasses, I don't get them too muddy, but for oils I usually rinse them off, then spray some kitchen cleaner on them, wait around 20 seconds or so (too long a wait could damage coatings) and then rinse them of with luke warm water, I hardly ever need to use a cloth using this method. If some droplets dried and left marks a clean micro-fiber can easily buff it out without much effort.
Same I was spending tons on Uvex sportswear and Julbo glasses until I discovered Uxex safety and Bollé's ballistic eyewear, +/- 100$ for a pack of five to ten pairs 😂
@@LawrenceMacMacster They wrap around my face pretty well too, I wiped out the other day and it saved my brow from getting bust open. Will definitely be using them rather than "cycling" glasses in the future.
if you ride in summer your winter wheels e.g. a maxx grip you'll wear them away very fast and even find that the sidewalls are flimsier so just swap them for a different harder compound and extend there life so they can see another winter ride.
I use a hand pump garden sprayer (and a brush). The nozzle is adjustable so you can turn it from a single jet to a mist. I only use water. Rags for the drive chain.
To save time on washing your frame , use car wash and wax on it (frame only) then a decent spray off after a ride your frame is clean redo a few weeks later once the water stops beading when you spray it off. Its cheaper than muc off
I’d say don’t listen to any marketing wank. It’s just that….wank. You don’t need to constantly buy the latest and greatest just to get a marginal gain for riding your bicycle in the woods with your buddies. Ride what you have and take care of it.
2:30 he's using the chain checker wrong. The instructions are right on the decal--you're meant to squeeze the chain against the tool at the two rear prongs and THEN see if the front prong drops in.
@neilDonoghue Questions for you please: - What is the green solution brand you spray with please? - What brush is that you use please in the vid? Looks like a good one! - How often do you lube the chain & what do you use? Great vid! More maintenance tips please @GMBN 🚴
Over-washing your bike is way worse than under washing. Basic frame protection on a new bike is a must to keep your paint in good condition, getting a bike re painted is an expensive endeavour. Changing chains in time to get the most life out of cassettes is very good advice, keep your chain as free from dirt and minimally lubed as you can if you can't be bothered to de and regrease it all the time.
Buy chain from LBS. Ive tried to save money and got fake chains from Ebay and Aliexpress. Really stupid on my part. Trying to save a few bucks on a critical component on a very expensive bike.
I always thought the same about chains but according to testing from Zero Friction Cycling if you step up from a Sram GX chain to the more expensive X01 chain it lasts around 10 times longer due to the improved coating on it... thereby being a cheaper option in the long run.
How about buying more bike than you need? -not being realistic about the type of riding you're going to do -not being realistic about how often you will ride --and then buying a super expensive, high end full suspension bike that you'll only ride on a paved trail, maybe once or twice a month.
@gmbn - How does Neil find riding the Orbea rise with the RS software designed to give that real feel, compared to riding a normal Shimano EP8? Maybe one for @EMBN?
The video is about saving money. Obviously if you can afford it and you don't care about the environment you can run new race tyres every ride if you wish.
I don't ride on muddy trails. It's a good way to wreck someone's hard work. I have not cleaned a bike of mud in twenty years. I put it in the shower to let the snow from the roads melt.
So, you’re just a roadie.? 😂 Muddy trails are the best times to ride, especially if you’re really skilled with solo rides. Love doing 40+ miles during rainy days in California. Also, the wildlife and streams of water coming down do way more damage than anything. That’s, nature.
My Tips: - Dont buy carbon, you wont notice it. - Dont buy expensive brands, duh. If you REALLY have to, buy the frame and buy the parts yourself, its cheaper than their full package. - Dont buy the latest and greatest if your old stuff is still working. - Repair bikes yourself, tools are expensive but Mechanics are even more expensive. - Find a "do it all bike" Its cheaper to service one bike 2 times a year than servicing 2 individual bikes once a year. - Go coil instead of air and Mineral oil vs Dot5 for brakes. Lower maintenance intervals.
Definitely don’t over wash. I’d nip down the road to the jumps and get some dust on my bike and feel like I need to wash it. Soak the bike in bike wash, then I’d be confused why my BB was dry. Now, I don’t clean unless the bikes actually dirty. The brushes do a lot of the work, the cleaner is used sparingly.
I had new chains that were at 0.5 out of the box.. And also, if you scrub the eyeware with a very soft cloth that you keep it in a dirty place... waste of time.. use your jersey instead
What is your best money-saving tip? Please share it in the comments below! 👇
My best money saving tip is to try and be content with what you have. Easier said than done. Entry level and mid range bikes are extremely capable these days. We all like nice things, but those shiny upgrades are probably not necessary for most riders. For example, a 12 speed Deore drivetrain with an XT shifter gives you literally all the performance of XTR for a small weight penalty. It's about the difference between the weight of a water bottle but you save over 1000 quid. Resist the bling and use the money for trips instead.
Buy cheaper CLOTHES. I grew out of my fox mtb pants and bought outdoor pants. No difference for 15 dollars.
Keep your eye open for end of season sales. Many different recreational activities have been blowing out overstock the last few seasons due to the pandemic supply chain bull-whip effect. It also helps when Pearl Izumi misconfigures their e-commerce system so that it doubles up the discounts at checkout. $240 shoes for $40? Yes please!
stay at home and don't ride 😅
Don't buy an ebike.
A couple things to add, keep up on you're bearing play, wheels, headset, BB, because you can start ruining the hubs, crank spindle and or the frame in some situations.
Also keep up on brake pads because if you let you're pads go you can ruin the rotors.
Love this type of video Neil....great content! Money saving tip from Canada: wait until the end of the season to pick up deals on more costly items you "want" but may not necessarily "need": helmets, goggles, cassettes, etc.
Yeah, been some great sales the last year or two. Pearl Izumi had one a couple months ago and one of their minions mis-configured their e-commerce platform, resulting in discounts more or less doubling up and silly things like $500 road shoes for $60. Took them over 24 hours to realize it, and to their credit they honored the orders.
Don't use a pressure washer or too much pressure from a hose. Low pressure is much better. Better have different brushes to reach everywhere and 1 rough for the tires
Any specific brush set recs?
Don't often watch GMBN but i always turn into your segments always informative, nice work Neil Cheers mate🇦🇺
Get more bikes, then you spread the use across them and it works out cheaper. Thats what i tell myself anyway
I think that what you get that way is cost in HUGE waves since once most your bikes are screwed you need to spend god knows how much to get them all running right again
Yes, and if they look worn get another to spread the wear.
You must still live home with your parents
I actually think this is good advice, especially if you have an electric full sus bike, get yourself a cheapish hardtail to ride on mucky days and it'll pay for itself.
I have my 2k full sus and a second hand hardtail to use on the road so I'm not wearing my expensive tyres out 😂
Keep the stanchions of your fork immaculately clean!
Yes! One of the most important maintenance tasks. Ignore that and the oil and inners of the suspension Fork we'll have a short life
That's a nice one! Dropper post and shock too
Im sure Neil already knows but when using one of that style of chain checker you need to put pressure on the chain to squeeze it into the 2 close together posts on the tool... otherwise it will give an incorrect measurement when you put the measuring end in.
Yeah Neil, learn to use your tools correctly. ;-)
I did not know that! Thanks
@@neildonoghueMTB I think that tool confusing. It's also fiddly to use. I like their MT-10 much better. The best one is probably Shimano's CN42.
I use Uvex Safety glasses, I don't get them too muddy, but for oils I usually rinse them off, then spray some kitchen cleaner on them, wait around 20 seconds or so (too long a wait could damage coatings) and then rinse them of with luke warm water, I hardly ever need to use a cloth using this method. If some droplets dried and left marks a clean micro-fiber can easily buff it out without much effort.
Same I was spending tons on Uvex sportswear and Julbo glasses until I discovered Uxex safety and Bollé's ballistic eyewear, +/- 100$ for a pack of five to ten pairs 😂
@@LawrenceMacMacster They wrap around my face pretty well too, I wiped out the other day and it saved my brow from getting bust open. Will definitely be using them rather than "cycling" glasses in the future.
if you ride in summer your winter wheels e.g. a maxx grip you'll wear them away very fast and even find that the sidewalls are flimsier so just swap them for a different harder compound and extend there life so they can see another winter ride.
Chain tool is super useful, I was suspecting a bad chain but ended up being a loose cassette causing shifting issues, check yo cassettes people!
How did you check//tighten your cassette @z33tanner ?
I use a hand pump garden sprayer (and a brush). The nozzle is adjustable so you can turn it from a single jet to a mist. I only use water. Rags for the drive chain.
Let's see Neil on that moto trials hiding in the van!
Yeah, what is that? Brand and cc?
@@michaelhayward7572 Looks like Beta trials bike, probably a two stroke
To save time on washing your frame , use car wash and wax on it (frame only) then a decent spray off after a ride your frame is clean redo a few weeks later once the water stops beading when you spray it off. Its cheaper than muc off
I’d say don’t listen to any marketing wank. It’s just that….wank. You don’t need to constantly buy the latest and greatest just to get a marginal gain for riding your bicycle in the woods with your buddies. Ride what you have and take care of it.
2:30 he's using the chain checker wrong. The instructions are right on the decal--you're meant to squeeze the chain against the tool at the two rear prongs and THEN see if the front prong drops in.
@neilDonoghue Questions for you please:
- What is the green solution brand you spray with please?
- What brush is that you use please in the vid? Looks like a good one!
- How often do you lube the chain & what do you use?
Great vid! More maintenance tips please @GMBN 🚴
Last seasons mud was horrific for the drivetrain, my chain lasted 11 month
Loving the trials bike in the van. Lets see some skills
Wow! That is a lot of mud on the thumbnail pic!
Dont replace anything until it breaks. Ever.
This is the way
But I recommend replacing the chain then and now even if it hasnt snapped
I mean, i'd advice replacing the bearings before they nuke themselves...
Shock and fork upgrades are definitely worth it , as are wheels
I'm perfectly fine with that statement, on my giant trance x29 everything broke in the first rides so I won 😂 kinda
Over-washing your bike is way worse than under washing. Basic frame protection on a new bike is a must to keep your paint in good condition, getting a bike re painted is an expensive endeavour. Changing chains in time to get the most life out of cassettes is very good advice, keep your chain as free from dirt and minimally lubed as you can if you can't be bothered to de and regrease it all the time.
A trials bike is good for developing balance skills! Mr. Fancypants with the tires....Lolololol
Great video keep it up
0:57 Bog brush!
Buy chain from LBS. Ive tried to save money and got fake chains from Ebay and Aliexpress. Really stupid on my part. Trying to save a few bucks on a critical component on a very expensive bike.
What battery powered pressure washer do you run? Couldn't see it in video 👍👍
All parts wear out, especially when dirty. Proper cleaning and lubing is always a good thing after a Bloody Mud Ride. Just Ride...worry later😊
How often do you lube?
I oftern just wear my riding glasses in the shower afte a ride. Loads of water and a mild soap does wonders to clean them without scratching.
What portable pressure cleaner do you use?
Thanks Neil I see your motorbike has a rear mudguard but your mountain bike does not .I use one but my son goes nuts about it .
can you guys make a videk on how to properly secure your bike in public and how tk minimise the risk of theft please?
Take a look at this one: gmbn.tech/urbansecurity
Make up your minds, one video you said jet washing doesn’t wash out grease from bearings now it does.
Neil always sounds like he’s got a cold….😂
Don't buy expensive chainrings and chains.
I run Chinese rotors on my DH bike, since years now and I didn't die.
I always thought the same about chains but according to testing from Zero Friction Cycling if you step up from a Sram GX chain to the more expensive X01 chain it lasts around 10 times longer due to the improved coating on it... thereby being a cheaper option in the long run.
How about buying more bike than you need?
-not being realistic about the type of riding you're going to do
-not being realistic about how often you will ride
--and then buying a super expensive, high end full suspension bike that you'll only ride on a paved trail, maybe once or twice a month.
been there, done that, bought a nice hardtail and sold the rest!
Just get a pinion belt drive .
Every chip in my alloy frame's paint was earned... I save money by not buying frame protection. :)
(Also I don't ride nearly as hard as the presenters... you folks are nuts!)
I always clean my bike after a muddy ride. But if it's dusty I don't wash I wipe
@gmbn - How does Neil find riding the Orbea rise with the RS software designed to give that real feel, compared to riding a normal Shimano EP8? Maybe one for @EMBN?
Dunno about the tire compound. Do you want long lasting terrible grip? In the Pacific Northwest, I've learned not to skimp on tires.
The video is about saving money. Obviously if you can afford it and you don't care about the environment you can run new race tyres every ride if you wish.
@@dave_clarke no the presenter has to take into account every possible personal circumstance.
I don't ride on muddy trails. It's a good way to wreck someone's hard work. I have not cleaned a bike of mud in twenty years. I put it in the shower to let the snow from the roads melt.
so you are not from the UK or Germany then? It rains on 263 days per year where I am..
So, you’re just a roadie.? 😂 Muddy trails are the best times to ride, especially if you’re really skilled with solo rides. Love doing 40+ miles during rainy days in California. Also, the wildlife and streams of water coming down do way more damage than anything. That’s, nature.
My Tips:
- Dont buy carbon, you wont notice it.
- Dont buy expensive brands, duh. If you REALLY have to, buy the frame and buy the parts yourself, its cheaper than their full package.
- Dont buy the latest and greatest if your old stuff is still working.
- Repair bikes yourself, tools are expensive but Mechanics are even more expensive.
- Find a "do it all bike" Its cheaper to service one bike 2 times a year than servicing 2 individual bikes once a year.
- Go coil instead of air and Mineral oil vs Dot5 for brakes. Lower maintenance intervals.
Definitely don’t over wash. I’d nip down the road to the jumps and get some dust on my bike and feel like I need to wash it. Soak the bike in bike wash, then I’d be confused why my BB was dry. Now, I don’t clean unless the bikes actually dirty. The brushes do a lot of the work, the cleaner is used sparingly.
Neil... you are not an "average joe", my friend. We've all seen you ride.
What if the chain is .5% stretched and is slipping 😬
New cassette or chain ring time 😬
💪
I had new chains that were at 0.5 out of the box.. And also, if you scrub the eyeware with a very soft cloth that you keep it in a dirty place... waste of time.. use your jersey instead
Only thing you have to do to your bike is ride it
Don't crash 😅
Bike protection is a full on waste of money
buy bikes with excellent service and warranty. will save money if something goes wrong.
Ways to save money?...Do not use so called MOBILE BIKE mechanics'!!!!
Why, what have they done wrong?
Don’t ride in the rain 🌧️ 💦 Will wear everything out 10x faster.
Im first can i get a pin
No, you shall only recieve pointless hate
Go back to your video game Sonny
Why buy a chain checker if you don't even know how to use it. ESPECIALLY if you're trying to teach people and end up showing them wrong.
If you don’t ride your bike you won’t need to replace anything 😂
If you eat once a day you can save on toilet paper too 😂
not actually true
rubber especially wears over time