I used to do it with duct tape! Nowadays I just get new cables I've had enough practice where it's almost fun put some nice triflo'd cables and guides in.
Exactly and sometimes I ask myself why am I spending so much time and extra money on fixing up some Walmart bike when I could be fixing up a real bike like I used to nowadays I have the transportation to pick up a Craigslist or marketplace find this winter all work on getting all these ones fixed up two or for somebody else and I've got a bunch of Walmart bikes is my everyday back and forth daily runners I'd like to be working on real bikes like I used to work on nothing less than a giant or a Trek trek Raleigh I just took on the wrong projects because of availability I see my mistakes I end up giving these away to two people or kids in the apartment
My first "real" mountain bike was a 2011 trek 4500 I bought in nov of 2010. That bike really ignited a deep love of riding bikes that still persists to this day. I still have the frame and a bunch of old 26 inch stuff laying around maybe I should put it back together for old times sake.
In 2004 or 2005, I purchased a Trek 4300 with disc brakes. I eventually gifted it to one of my grand nephews. Today, I have a highly modified/upgraded Schwinn Axum DP and a Lightly modified Schwinn Aluminum Comp. Both are great bikes, but I have taken the Axum DP down black diamond trails and it has held up well (even without a clutch derailleur). Interestingly, I remember riding black diamond trails in the late 90's and early 2000's with bikes like this one and they were perfectly capable.
You really earned my sub. I just received this bike as a sentimental gift from my aunt and I’m absolutely new to mountain biking. I’ve been trying my best to figure out how to get this thing running right so I can start a new hobby. Again thanks for your video 😊
Not sure why these videos are satisfying to watch but they are. Good job and thanks for not letting the bike end up in a landfill. Hope it gets a good new home
I have a ‘01 4500 and have kept it well maintained and it still serves me well. $400 for 22 years of reliable service is money well spent. I beat it up a bit in my younger days doing mountain biking in Missouri but now it is primarily a limestone/ asphalt trail bike. I have swapped out the tires a couple of times since knobbies are no longer needed. Most recently to some Schwalbe tires. I hated spending the money but the ride feel improved considerably over the cheaper previous tires and now I don’t regret spending the money. I tried an upgrade with disc brakes and other updated features but returned it because it it could not compare with my Trek 4500. Thanks for the tips you shared!
Same here. I bought a 4500 Alpha in 2001 for about the same amount and I still have it - it's served me well. Just a few of sets of tires, several tune-ups and a new chain in the time I've owned it. I don't plan on selling it.
Love it man you have a solid operation there saving and repurposing perfectly good bikes. Great Job and love what you are doing 👏 I worked as a mechanic on the O'le Norba Circuit back in the day and you get caught up in all the hype of the latest and greatest its nice to get back to the basics. Great work love your channel 👏
I have the same bike (2002 Trek 4500) but in the alternate colorway for that year - black and Spanish gold with red accents. I bought it when I was in high school. I just rebuilt much of it - new wheels, disc brake conversion, Surly ECR rigid fork, Surly Sunrise handlebars, and a few others. I love the bike! It's my winter commuter now.
I just bought a new Schwinn hybrid on sale at my local mom n pop bike shop. We have to support small businesses. I love your channel, it's relaxing to watch and interesting. I'm 68 year old l female. I had a cheap Eaton store 10 speed in the 80s that I loved and rode all over Montreal. Cheers to the memories.
HOLY COW!!! Many years ago I bought one of those new from the bike shop! I rode it forever - eventually converted it to a road bike (yeah, I know, not perfect for that). Mine was never that dirty though! (ha)
Love this bike! I still have my 2001 6700 Trek. Made a few small changes to it over the years, added a stem with more rise and some medium rise bars. I'm about to put on a new chain and less aggressive tires.
I just put an identical bike back in service with parts from a fatigued out giant anthem. Now 32mm cross tires on 29in Wheels. But nice to see the original build. Btw the Bontrag crank set will creak at 100miles
Loved the video! I have a 2000 Trek 4500 as well. Still going strong. Just replaced the bottom bracket and chain this Spring (first time), but had the same housing issue you found and replaced that shift cable last year. Keep the videos coming!
Happy I found this, I have a 3500, that i am still riding that I got when I was like 14 (im 25 now) I am looking to revive it more, hopefully I can learn something here
This bike reminds me of my 2001 K2 Mountain bike. Man did I LOVE that bike. I have a soft spot for 90's to early 2000 bikes, especially MTB's and Hybrids. Just purchased a 1996 Raleigh C-30 Comfort Sport. I owned a Raleigh M30 MTB and parents own 2 Raleigh C-30 of the same vintage. Working on tuning it up with parts I have laying around. Seat and some wider carbon bars.
Sharpened spoke or one of those cable cutters with the built in cable ferrule holder; any time you cut incompressible cable housing, make sure the Teflon tube inner ends are opened up., that's how you stop cable unravelling.
I've upgraded mine Trek 3500 with double wall rims, better hubs, 3x9 Deore shifter and derailleur, cassette 11-36, black drivetrain 22-32-42, it has git NCX suspension seatpost and Selleroyal silicone comfy seat. It used to have Magic Mary on the front wheel. That thing is indestructable. It has got mudgards. Stem, handlebar and grips are from Giant Anthem. I ran it for some time with a dropper seatpost. I would never sell it. It has Schwalbe Landcruiser 1.9 on the rear and 2.0 Conti Mountainking.
As he may realize, like making one song is to a musician that can be replayed by fans, old and new fans, over and over many years. Old videos can attract new viewers, new "likes" and new subscriptions. So, yeah, making a channel is more work in the beginning, but for good channel authors, like him, it will eventually pay off. - I never fully realized, until I began watching his videos, that cleaning, lubing and adjusting or diagnosing bad parts (surely the harder of the 4 for newbies) is what my bikes need!
I have a 2004 Trek 4300...a couple of years ago I threw on a $700 Bafang BBS02 750 Watt center drive motor and battery combo and she's got a whole new life.
I took a load of trash to the landfill. Propped up next to scrap metal to be crushed was a 90’s Raleigh. Had tons of dirt but the tires were unused. Brought it home even though the signs everywhere said “No Scavenging”. Cleaned and oiled it. Works great. Couldn’t see letting it get crushed in such good condition. Not an expensive bike new but perfect for my wife’s occasional rides.
I picked up a Raleigh in nice condition thrown in the scrap metal pile at the landfill. They have signs everywhere stating NO Trespassing for the purpose of scavenging. I figured the worst they would do was tell me to put it back. My kid loves it. Just needed a wash and lube. Tires looked new.
I'm doing that shit since 1992. First bike Trek Antelope 820. 800 Deutsch Mark. But my bikes today are a bit more expensive. 1x DH Bike, 1x Ebike every day bit€&, 1 x All mountain fully ( no time at all to use). Your opinion reflects the absolute ending, of love for the latest bike tech! And that's the result of working in the biking branch, too long, with too much uncool customers! Trust me, I know what I'm talking! And I am no hippster, for sure. But, if I do used bikes in my work shop, I take of the end caps of the cable housing, and cut them new, straight and even. And then i put in some oil.
@@bkefrmr sorry I’m English. Proper means complete. I’m not having a go it’s just that thing has been sat for a decade so surely the fork would need a service too would it not? Also I had no idea that proper was only an English word and you yanks don’t use it.
Nice find! If you ever happen across a Schwinn World Sport 7 speed , or any other old steel road bike, I'd love to see a video on it. Recently realized that my stem friction shifters are a bit of an oddity these days.
Like the videos too bad we have so many states between us. I have a Trek 600 series carbon frame rim brake Ultegra Di2 bike you may be interested in. Never dropped it paint is perfect. I upgraded to a newer SL7 for added frame stiffness. It just collects dust now. Have 2 wheel sets for it too both aluminum one set with bladed spoke both sets are true. The drive system has been cleaned and converted to hot wax so can be waxed or oiled easily.
OP working on the rear derailleur while the rear wheel is spinning made me super nervous. A few years back I was adjusting the disc brakes on my mtb and I was spinning the wheel to see if there was any rub. I accidentally got too close and had my index finger go into the spokes as it was spinning. Let's just say that it wasn't pretty.
At first glance, that Trek 4500 looks like it's been ridden 5 or 6 times , and not big distances at all. All the knobs on the tyres still have channels on them. None are worn down . All of the reflectors are still on the bike. That's a great sign. TBH I'm envious of the scene in the US in the regions. There's a rich pool of high quality, US built bikes sitting in every second garage or shed, just waiting to be tuned up and ridden by people who would prefer to ride a cleaned up old US bike than a poorly constructed piece of rubbish built by a machine for $1.24 and sold by Costco or Walmart for $299.
Watched the whole video. The bike looks great. But the lack of a quick road/parking lot check ride made me wishing for some type of celebratory conclusion!
I discovered a barn find last week.. late 80s Masi Gran Corso. Bright red. Hardly any rust or damage. Full 105 6 speed groupset. Missing Rear wheel and freehub. Searching for that now. Looks like a new bike with a few miles.
For me ideally i would detach everything from the frame and clean the individual parts. Afterwards, rebuilding it would be more exciting like new since that “barn find” is still fresh like old new stock that just sat around back in time.
Cool video. I so bad need a stand for straightening rims up, its so annoying to fix up a cheap bike and then have to go pay 40 euros at the bike shop to get the wheels nice and straight! And the 40 euro, thats per wheel...
I bought a Trek 4500 in this color scheme 8 years ago for less than fifty dollars. Great purchase. Have you done a shop tour video showing what parts, tires, shop Supplies you keep on hand?
I think many people don't know how to ride a bike properly, like ergonomics and cadence/gearing-wise. At least here in Germany, 90% pedal in too hard gears and low cadence. They feel exhausted after like 10 pedal strokes, then keeping it rolling in the flat for another 50 meters just to start again. Only sportive riders and regular commuters know better. With the e-bike/pedelec boom, most people don't bother or understand, that riding a mechanical bike can be easy (albeit not fast on climbs). Some local bike shops started a club ride program to their customers to tell, show an exercise together by just casually riding on one evening/afternoon per week. Attendants spread the word of joy and another round of bikes gets sold ;) Despite that approach I suggest you start adding pedelecs for economic reasons given the market trajectory. Focus on one quality drive train system (Bosch, Shimanao, whatever). 50%+ of all bikes sold in Germany are already pedelecs. Same will be in the forseable future in UK and even the Dutch people seem to get lazy. I hate pedelecs and most riders due to ther aggressive riding and lack of skills - however if I had to earn a living in the market, there are only very small niches left (road bikes, vintage/collector bikes, cargo bikes) and one big market (pedelecs). Pedelecs are like an infectious disease, if one person got bitten by the virus and rushes with 25km/h (or 20mph in the US) and tells their experiences to their peer group, almost all want a pedelec, too.
@@taxi9554 Dane County median income is ~65000$ and one of the 6 wealthiest counties of Wisconsin. In Germany we see discounter/entry level ebikes, usually horrible quality. However people tend to even use those E-Bikes more and hence the service intervals are shorter and requirements are higher. So this can be a lucrative market. But a couple of vendors dominate the drivetrain segment and it's all proprietary. You need special tools and software (firmware/diagnostic) to offer service. It sucks and I hate it, but traditional bikes are becoming somewhat obsolete.
I love my 1.5 yr old e-bike. I ride it everyday. Work, grocery, barber, church, errands. About 80 miles a week year round in Arizona. I’m 69 yrs old and feel 40 again thanks to it. It provides me more fun than any bike I’ve ever owned. But watching these videos make me want a bike like Andy works on too.
Do you take it for a ride and throw some torque down then adjust the derailleurs? Also, i have a 2022 Specialized Chisel frame that i want to swap a few components from my 2015 hardrock. Do you think i can use the 27" wheels on the chisel? Thanks!
How cool. I find your channel and here you are working on a Trek 4500. I just purchased one of these off FB marketplace for probably too much money. It's a 2001 and the color is ball burnished which I give a good clean nowhere near as good as the bike you have. I think it's even more low end than yours with the Rockshox Jett fork and the Altus crankset that's riveted so it can't be taken apart for a good clean. I remember when I first gave it a test drive, I had to peel my hands off the grip because they had turned to goo. Just curious if you have a ultrasonic cleaner to get the deep down dirt out?
I see little value in restoring bike like this. Refurbishing to a functional level is far more economically practical. Some vintage bikes have enough collector value to justify NOS parts, but I’m not into that game at all
I never wear a helmet and I have been biking for 30 +years especially when trail rides.. have a low branch or vine snag it the and wip your head around or break your neck and the off balance feeling it gives .. besides it's not the head injury that messes you up it the neck and spine pus id need a actual motor cycle helmet to protect against what kinda impact im delivering any thing above the 15 -20mph rating of the bicycle helmet . Blow outs and brake failure and traffic.. i avoided my last close one hit the brakes so hard front and back in a emergency stop position sitting on my back flat rack and came to a sideways sliding hault parrell to the suv that stopped in the crosswalk. Any closer. My handle bars would have hit and I would have body checked the door in like i was playing hocky and when I released my brakes from the stop the brake pads were ripped off the post holding mounts and the front brakes no longer could get enough pressure to stop any more.. just a rubbing squeak on the right side.. that particular stretch its a 35 mph speed limit and its a lengthy down hill of which I take advantage of and im going faster than traffic unless there speeding . Around 50mph . So ya helmet is not really a factor unless i wanna replace my armadillo hat. 😅
Those weren't bad bikes at all. That's what we got the wife shortly after we got married 20 plus years ago. We still have that bike. It's o e that sits around and gets rode by the family. Still worth holding on too and much better quality to this day than any department store bike.
Shifters and derailleurs don't look original. I've a 4400 (well maintained), and it came at the time with a Deore + Acera config. The 4500 was supposed to be the same but with Rock Shox instead of Suntour suspension I think. Sad, a full Deore would make a big difference.
Ok, so this is the 2nd or 3rd time now that I've watched you rehab a forked "mountain bike" where you didn't even CHECK the fork/shock as part of the preparation for sale. I'd feel a whole lot better if you'd show us that, so's we know you're checking them too! (A broken shock would be an absolute deal breaker for me, so I gotta figure you checked that in the barn?)
Never checked a fork beyond, does it go up and down. Never had a problem. Honestly, this comment is the first time anyone has called it a "deal breaker". To me, on this level of bicycle, all of the forks are nothing more than marketing gimmicks. I'd gladly replace all of the shock forks with a rigid ones if it's worth $150 for you to "feel a whole lot better" about this! I already know this answer won't satisfy you, so let's just agree to be loving friends despite our difference of opinions on cheapo bicycle suspension.
If only people knew how much more thought out a bike shop quality bike is. Spacings are universal, parts are much easier to find and fit, the frame stiffness is so much better, wheels are built so much better, everything just runs so much smoother and more efficiently. Not to mention the resell value compared to a department store bike.
FYI on the frayed cable issue. What I do is put Super Glue right above the fray, let it dry then cut the cable above the fray. Works great!
thx for the tip
I used to do it with duct tape! Nowadays I just get new cables I've had enough practice where it's almost fun put some nice triflo'd cables and guides in.
You dedication to bringing older bikes back to life is very inspiring.
As old as it is. Still better than any Walmart bike. My man.
Exactly and sometimes I ask myself why am I spending so much time and extra money on fixing up some Walmart bike when I could be fixing up a real bike like I used to nowadays I have the transportation to pick up a Craigslist or marketplace find this winter all work on getting all these ones fixed up two or for somebody else and I've got a bunch of Walmart bikes is my everyday back and forth daily runners I'd like to be working on real bikes like I used to work on nothing less than a giant or a Trek trek Raleigh I just took on the wrong projects because of availability I see my mistakes I end up giving these away to two people or kids in the apartment
My first "real" mountain bike was a 2011 trek 4500 I bought in nov of 2010. That bike really ignited a deep love of riding bikes that still persists to this day. I still have the frame and a bunch of old 26 inch stuff laying around maybe I should put it back together for old times sake.
working on and riding my bikes is my happy place, so is this channel
In 2004 or 2005, I purchased a Trek 4300 with disc brakes. I eventually gifted it to one of my grand nephews. Today, I have a highly modified/upgraded Schwinn Axum DP and a Lightly modified Schwinn Aluminum Comp. Both are great bikes, but I have taken the Axum DP down black diamond trails and it has held up well (even without a clutch derailleur). Interestingly, I remember riding black diamond trails in the late 90's and early 2000's with bikes like this one and they were perfectly capable.
You really earned my sub. I just received this bike as a sentimental gift from my aunt and I’m absolutely new to mountain biking. I’ve been trying my best to figure out how to get this thing running right so I can start a new hobby. Again thanks for your video 😊
If I lived near you ,I would invite you to a seminar I conduct fortnightly .
Beyond the bike itself I really like how you appreciate the bike you are working on for what it is.
Ride what you got and be happy.
Not sure why these videos are satisfying to watch but they are. Good job and thanks for not letting the bike end up in a landfill. Hope it gets a good new home
I am an old man that loves riding bikes and I love your honesty. Keep up the good work.
Very nice! I love these old paint schemes. I rode a 4900 like this with a silver and blue paint scheme for 15 years.
I used to have this bike when I was about 14. I loved it so much.
I have a ‘01 4500 and have kept it well maintained and it still serves me well. $400 for 22 years of reliable service is money well spent. I beat it up a bit in my younger days doing mountain biking in Missouri but now it is primarily a limestone/ asphalt trail bike. I have swapped out the tires a couple of times since knobbies are no longer needed. Most recently to some Schwalbe tires. I hated spending the money but the ride feel improved considerably over the cheaper previous tires and now I don’t regret spending the money. I tried an upgrade with disc brakes and other updated features but returned it because it it could not compare with my Trek 4500. Thanks for the tips you shared!
Awesome!
Same here. I bought a 4500 Alpha in 2001 for about the same amount and I still have it - it's served me well. Just a few of sets of tires, several tune-ups and a new chain in the time I've owned it. I don't plan on selling it.
Love it man you have a solid operation there saving and repurposing perfectly good bikes. Great Job and love what you are doing 👏
I worked as a mechanic on the O'le Norba Circuit back in the day and you get caught up in all the hype of the latest and greatest its nice to get back to the basics.
Great work love your channel 👏
I have the same bike (2002 Trek 4500) but in the alternate colorway for that year - black and Spanish gold with red accents. I bought it when I was in high school. I just rebuilt much of it - new wheels, disc brake conversion, Surly ECR rigid fork, Surly Sunrise handlebars, and a few others. I love the bike! It's my winter commuter now.
I just bought a new Schwinn hybrid on sale at my local mom n pop bike shop. We have to support small businesses. I love your channel, it's relaxing to watch and interesting. I'm 68 year old l female. I had a cheap Eaton store 10 speed in the 80s that I loved and rode all over Montreal. Cheers to the memories.
Big facts! “ how do you get anything done if your always cleaning?” ….yessir
HOLY COW!!! Many years ago I bought one of those new from the bike shop! I rode it forever - eventually converted it to a road bike (yeah, I know, not perfect for that). Mine was never that dirty though! (ha)
Love this bike! I still have my 2001 6700 Trek. Made a few small changes to it over the years, added a stem with more rise and some medium rise bars. I'm about to put on a new chain and less aggressive tires.
I just put an identical bike back in service with parts from a fatigued out giant anthem. Now 32mm cross tires on 29in Wheels. But nice to see the original build. Btw the Bontrag crank set will creak at 100miles
Your video was very informative and entertaining. I love doing the same thing with bikes! Keep up the good work!
Gotcha a nice quality CUB (Clean Used Bike) there! Thanks for the lessons!!
Loved the video! I have a 2000 Trek 4500 as well. Still going strong. Just replaced the bottom bracket and chain this Spring (first time), but had the same housing issue you found and replaced that shift cable last year. Keep the videos coming!
got that for my wife 2001-2. we still have it in the garage. The red/silver color is the reverse of my 2003 8500 which we also have.Nice bikes.
I recently did this with a $10 Gary Fisher at a pawn shop, have 3 other bikes but love this thing
Thanks for putting that gem back on the road.
Happy I found this, I have a 3500, that i am still riding that I got when I was like 14 (im 25 now) I am looking to revive it more, hopefully I can learn something here
Looks darn brand new
Excellent job mate 👍🏻
This bike reminds me of my 2001 K2 Mountain bike. Man did I LOVE that bike. I have a soft spot for 90's to early 2000 bikes, especially MTB's and Hybrids. Just purchased a 1996 Raleigh C-30 Comfort Sport. I owned a Raleigh M30 MTB and parents own 2 Raleigh C-30 of the same vintage. Working on tuning it up with parts I have laying around. Seat and some wider carbon bars.
Sharpened spoke or one of those cable cutters with the built in cable ferrule holder; any time you cut incompressible cable housing, make sure the Teflon tube inner ends are opened up., that's how you stop cable unravelling.
I've upgraded mine Trek 3500 with double wall rims, better hubs, 3x9 Deore shifter and derailleur, cassette 11-36, black drivetrain 22-32-42, it has git NCX suspension seatpost and Selleroyal silicone comfy seat. It used to have Magic Mary on the front wheel. That thing is indestructable. It has got mudgards. Stem, handlebar and grips are from Giant Anthem. I ran it for some time with a dropper seatpost. I would never sell it. It has Schwalbe Landcruiser 1.9 on the rear and 2.0 Conti Mountainking.
Wow! That bike really popped! Excellent 😊
As he may realize, like making one song is to a musician that can be replayed by fans, old and new fans, over and over many years. Old videos can attract new viewers, new "likes" and new subscriptions. So, yeah, making a channel is more work in the beginning, but for good channel authors, like him, it will eventually pay off. - I never fully realized, until I began watching his videos, that cleaning, lubing and adjusting or diagnosing bad parts (surely the harder of the 4 for newbies) is what my bikes need!
I have a 2004 Trek 4300...a couple of years ago I threw on a $700 Bafang BBS02 750 Watt center drive motor and battery combo and she's got a whole new life.
what's with the weld at the top of the down-tube? Jimmy's first day on the line I guess. woof.
Nice bike, I tend to pack all the bearings but for a quick flip nice bike for sure
I took a load of trash to the landfill. Propped up next to scrap metal to be crushed was a 90’s Raleigh. Had tons of dirt but the tires were unused. Brought it home even though the signs everywhere said “No Scavenging”. Cleaned and oiled it. Works great. Couldn’t see letting it get crushed in such good condition. Not an expensive bike new but perfect for my wife’s occasional rides.
Love the restoration. Just one question. The rubber boot on the fork. Did you get it pulled up? It was setting my OCD off.
Really bothering me as well. 😅 Curious if the fork even works? Those weren’t known for “smooth” action for any length of time.
The RH fork boot was driving me nuts, I hope you got that fixed before putting it up for sale.
Lovely video again, really kinda hooked on your channel. Thank you.
Absolutely fascinating to watch. I love this.
I picked up a Raleigh in nice condition thrown in the scrap metal pile at the landfill. They have signs everywhere stating NO Trespassing for the purpose of scavenging. I figured the worst they would do was tell me to put it back. My kid loves it. Just needed a wash and lube. Tires looked new.
Love your channel! Getting back into bike riding after bad heart attack😡 Bike for a better heart!
I'm doing that shit since 1992. First bike Trek Antelope 820. 800 Deutsch Mark. But my bikes today are a bit more expensive.
1x DH Bike, 1x Ebike every day bit€&, 1 x All mountain fully ( no time at all to use).
Your opinion reflects the absolute ending, of love for the latest bike tech! And that's the result of working in the biking branch, too long, with too much uncool customers! Trust me, I know what I'm talking! And I am no hippster, for sure.
But, if I do used bikes in my work shop, I take of the end caps of the cable housing, and cut them new, straight and even. And then i put in some oil.
That's a sweet TREK, you scored...
Thank you! Reminds me of Bob Ross of bikes!
I hear that Ted "polishing, polishing" 🙌
One thing you never mentioned is the fork. Does that thing even work? Wouldn’t a proper job involve a fork tear down and service too?
Proper?
@@bkefrmr sorry I’m English. Proper means complete. I’m not having a go it’s just that thing has been sat for a decade so surely the fork would need a service too would it not? Also I had no idea that proper was only an English word and you yanks don’t use it.
Nice find! If you ever happen across a Schwinn World Sport 7 speed , or any other old steel road bike, I'd love to see a video on it. Recently realized that my stem friction shifters are a bit of an oddity these days.
That's pretty much my 1st bike, bought and used 2007-2010. Same look, same components. Europe/Kellys.
Like the videos too bad we have so many states between us. I have a Trek 600 series carbon frame rim brake Ultegra Di2 bike you may be interested in. Never dropped it paint is perfect. I upgraded to a newer SL7 for added frame stiffness. It just collects dust now. Have 2 wheel sets for it too both aluminum one set with bladed spoke both sets are true. The drive system has been cleaned and converted to hot wax so can be waxed or oiled easily.
Nice work - keep it up Andy.
BikeFarmer I wear the same style Casio! perfect for office riding anything classic and doesn't get in the way
Holy crap that thing is so old that it still has original toe clips and rubber tubes around the fork suspension!
OP working on the rear derailleur while the rear wheel is spinning made me super nervous. A few years back I was adjusting the disc brakes on my mtb and I was spinning the wheel to see if there was any rub. I accidentally got too close and had my index finger go into the spokes as it was spinning. Let's just say that it wasn't pretty.
At first glance, that Trek 4500 looks like it's been ridden 5 or 6 times , and not big distances at all. All the knobs on the tyres still have channels on them. None are worn down . All of the reflectors are still on the bike. That's a great sign. TBH I'm envious of the scene in the US in the regions. There's a rich pool of high quality, US built bikes sitting in every second garage or shed, just waiting to be tuned up and ridden by people who would prefer to ride a cleaned up old US bike than a poorly constructed piece of rubbish built by a machine for $1.24 and sold by Costco or Walmart for $299.
Anyone who has ever fixed an old bike knows.. they’d be lucky to get them looking this clean.
That right fork boot is kicking my OCD in high gear LMAO.
Watched the whole video. The bike looks great. But the lack of a quick road/parking lot check ride made me wishing for some type of celebratory conclusion!
@32:45
Diet Rite.
What's your take on disc brakes ?
Are V-brakes better ?
Do V-Brakes work just as well ?
I discovered a barn find last week.. late 80s Masi Gran Corso. Bright red. Hardly any rust or damage. Full 105 6 speed groupset. Missing Rear wheel and freehub. Searching for that now. Looks like a new bike with a few miles.
For me ideally i would detach everything from the frame and clean the individual parts. Afterwards, rebuilding it would be more exciting like new since that “barn find” is still fresh like old new stock that just sat around back in time.
do you recommend Pressure Washer the bike or just do it with dawn like you do? Thank you sir .
With that smile you could replace Ray Szmanda, the Menard's guy! That alone could tide you over the winter months.
Cool video. I so bad need a stand for straightening rims up, its so annoying to fix up a cheap bike and then have to go pay 40 euros at the bike shop to get the wheels nice and straight! And the 40 euro, thats per wheel...
It makes it easier to do the job right. But you can just use brake pads to get things close enough!
@@bkefrmr Great tip, thanks man
I bought a Trek 4500 in this color scheme 8 years ago for less than fifty dollars. Great purchase. Have you done a shop tour video showing what parts, tires, shop Supplies you keep on hand?
I bought a Cannondale from eBay it has Claris drive train and it rides like my felt with Shimano 105
Great channel👍Just discovered your videos. You definitely know your stuff. I’m now a subscriber,thanks
I was just listening to the audio and I though you were talking about a bike from the 1850's.
I think many people don't know how to ride a bike properly, like ergonomics and cadence/gearing-wise. At least here in Germany, 90% pedal in too hard gears and low cadence. They feel exhausted after like 10 pedal strokes, then keeping it rolling in the flat for another 50 meters just to start again. Only sportive riders and regular commuters know better. With the e-bike/pedelec boom, most people don't bother or understand, that riding a mechanical bike can be easy (albeit not fast on climbs). Some local bike shops started a club ride program to their customers to tell, show an exercise together by just casually riding on one evening/afternoon per week. Attendants spread the word of joy and another round of bikes gets sold ;) Despite that approach I suggest you start adding pedelecs for economic reasons given the market trajectory. Focus on one quality drive train system (Bosch, Shimanao, whatever). 50%+ of all bikes sold in Germany are already pedelecs. Same will be in the forseable future in UK and even the Dutch people seem to get lazy. I hate pedelecs and most riders due to ther aggressive riding and lack of skills - however if I had to earn a living in the market, there are only very small niches left (road bikes, vintage/collector bikes, cargo bikes) and one big market (pedelecs). Pedelecs are like an infectious disease, if one person got bitten by the virus and rushes with 25km/h (or 20mph in the US) and tells their experiences to their peer group, almost all want a pedelec, too.
Yeap…same in Switzerland. Disc breaks and e-bikes. But not sure about your region and customer base (income) and cycling habits
@@taxi9554 Dane County median income is ~65000$ and one of the 6 wealthiest counties of Wisconsin. In Germany we see discounter/entry level ebikes, usually horrible quality. However people tend to even use those E-Bikes more and hence the service intervals are shorter and requirements are higher. So this can be a lucrative market. But a couple of vendors dominate the drivetrain segment and it's all proprietary. You need special tools and software (firmware/diagnostic) to offer service. It sucks and I hate it, but traditional bikes are becoming somewhat obsolete.
@@taxi9554est ce que tu répares des vélos en Suisse ?
I love my 1.5 yr old e-bike. I ride it everyday. Work, grocery, barber, church, errands. About 80 miles a week year round in Arizona. I’m 69 yrs old and feel 40 again thanks to it. It provides me more fun than any bike I’ve ever owned. But watching these videos make me want a bike like Andy works on too.
Do you take it for a ride and throw some torque down then adjust the derailleurs? Also, i have a 2022 Specialized Chisel frame that i want to swap a few components from my 2015 hardrock. Do you think i can use the 27" wheels on the chisel? Thanks!
Glad that this "baby" will have a good home .
nice job ! what is the spray you are using ?
How cool. I find your channel and here you are working on a Trek 4500. I just purchased one of these off FB marketplace for probably too much money. It's a 2001 and the color is ball burnished which I give a good clean nowhere near as good as the bike you have. I think it's even more low end than yours with the Rockshox Jett fork and the Altus crankset that's riveted so it can't be taken apart for a good clean. I remember when I first gave it a test drive, I had to peel my hands off the grip because they had turned to goo. Just curious if you have a ultrasonic cleaner to get the deep down dirt out?
New old stock components are starting to become hard to find. Even on line . The aftermath of COVID 19 . This is a challenge for restorers like us .
I see little value in restoring bike like this. Refurbishing to a functional level is far more economically practical. Some vintage bikes have enough collector value to justify NOS parts, but I’m not into that game at all
Nice work! I just bought a Trek 4900. What type of grease would you recommend? Not brand but type of grease. Thanks for the content!
Grease? Marine grease works great. Lube? I like teflon lube, but I think it's probably illegal in Europe ;-)
Putting it in gear…..with or without the click….awesome…..I thought it was just me……thanks!
Very cool...love the channel love bikes and love the content
thanks hey!
I hope that front tire was flat. Sure had a big hop in it while you were cleaning and truing it. Love the channel. New subscriber 👍🏻
Where could I get the bearings for the goose neck? I have the trek aluminum alpha 4500
Watching this video on my flight back from LA to DC. Enjoy it, learn things and passes the time.
Easy to watch and glad u didn’t edit out things.
hey, d.c. rider D.C. STATEHOOD!!!
I never wear a helmet and I have been biking for 30 +years especially when trail rides.. have a low branch or vine snag it the and wip your head around or break your neck and the off balance feeling it gives .. besides it's not the head injury that messes you up it the neck and spine pus id need a actual motor cycle helmet to protect against what kinda impact im delivering any thing above the 15 -20mph rating of the bicycle helmet . Blow outs and brake failure and traffic.. i avoided my last close one hit the brakes so hard front and back in a emergency stop position sitting on my back flat rack and came to a sideways sliding hault parrell to the suv that stopped in the crosswalk. Any closer. My handle bars would have hit and I would have body checked the door in like i was playing hocky and when I released my brakes from the stop the brake pads were ripped off the post holding mounts and the front brakes no longer could get enough pressure to stop any more.. just a rubbing squeak on the right side.. that particular stretch its a 35 mph speed limit and its a lengthy down hill of which I take advantage of and im going faster than traffic unless there speeding . Around 50mph . So ya helmet is not really a factor unless i wanna replace my armadillo hat. 😅
That's a very nice looking bike.
cool shifters
Supersick bike. Thanks for taking off the toe clips…I woulda put a modern drive train on it. Wide bars. That bike is totally rideable…
I found an old 10 speed in a barn. Been there 20+ years. That was dirty.
"Polishing, polishing!" Just like Ted Woodford recrowning guitar frets...
Question on the furniture polish, do you not have to clean it off braking surfaces? I would think it makes the brakes slicker than snot
you do not. it does not.
32:45 diatribe is the correct word to use in that context..
Sweet find. Years of life left in that bike.
Do you actually toss spent cables in the garbage or do you recycle your scrap metal?
Get a great Bike Farmer logo,,I need a good apron for working on my bikes..I'll buy one..just an idea for some merchandise you can sell
The hardest would probably tu service the fork.
Those weren't bad bikes at all. That's what we got the wife shortly after we got married 20 plus years ago. We still have that bike. It's o e that sits around and gets rode by the family. Still worth holding on too and much better quality to this day than any department store bike.
Very aware but not my fight, will always look out for my best interest
Shifters and derailleurs don't look original. I've a 4400 (well maintained), and it came at the time with a Deore + Acera config. The 4500 was supposed to be the same but with Rock Shox instead of Suntour suspension I think. Sad, a full Deore would make a big difference.
Derailleurs are original
Twoodford?
Layers of filth sounds like a death metal band
Ok, so this is the 2nd or 3rd time now that I've watched you rehab a forked "mountain bike" where you didn't even CHECK the fork/shock as part of the preparation for sale. I'd feel a whole lot better if you'd show us that, so's we know you're checking them too! (A broken shock would be an absolute deal breaker for me, so I gotta figure you checked that in the barn?)
Never checked a fork beyond, does it go up and down. Never had a problem. Honestly, this comment is the first time anyone has called it a "deal breaker". To me, on this level of bicycle, all of the forks are nothing more than marketing gimmicks. I'd gladly replace all of the shock forks with a rigid ones if it's worth $150 for you to "feel a whole lot better" about this! I already know this answer won't satisfy you, so let's just agree to be loving friends despite our difference of opinions on cheapo bicycle suspension.
Not enaugh polish! more polishing! :} Dude, you are good mechanic!
Wow! Thank you!
If only people knew how much more thought out a bike shop quality bike is. Spacings are universal, parts are much easier to find and fit, the frame stiffness is so much better, wheels are built so much better, everything just runs so much smoother and more efficiently. Not to mention the resell value compared to a department store bike.
Such a great bike