When I started cycling again last year (after 15 years of not cycling), I fixed up my old bike with the intention of buying something new if I kept cycling. Now I know that I don't need it. My bike can last a long time with the right care.
"The crown jewel of the bike industry" - at first I thought that's ironic - secondly I realized you meant it seriously - thirdly I realized my snobbiness. I get you there, for most people these hybrid bikes are more than good enough and this specimen hasn't seen many miles and is worth refurbishing, and getting ready for another twenty years.
Great video! So I have a Giant Cypress LX hybrid bike from about 2000, I believe. I need to replace the shifters on the handlebars because the rubber exterior is kind of melted and gooey. It leaves black, sticky residue on me. Any idea what part numbers that I need and where I could get them?
I like your channel because of the half a dozen or so of your videos I've watched, I haven't seen one overpriced carbon bike with $3,000 wheels and you don't talk about how if you upgrade to carbon bottles cages, you'll save .00003 watts which will make you .000000000001 seconds faster up a 8 mile climb. I mean, we all like going fast on our bikes, but the elitist cyclists out there just make me want to punch someone. Whatever happened to just having fun riding a bike? Slow, fast, gravel, road, trail, whatever. It's supposed to be a healthy way to have some fun, amiright? That's why I like watching you fix up or talk about these bikes that aren't cheap pieces of crap, but they're not wallet busters either. Hell there's no reason you can't find a really nice used bike in the $400-$500 range that maybe cost someone $1,000-$1,200 four or five years ago and have something that will last you for years to come.
Trek has a new program where they are asking owners to bring their old trek bikes that aren't being used to be refurbished and sold to keep them out of the landfills. Trek is thinking most of these bikes will only need tune ups.
@@bkefrmrThey're selling them online. I read a news article about the program. The dealer is supposed to give someone turning a bike in for reconditioning a discount on a new trek bike.
Interesting video. If I lived closer to your shop, I'd be tempted to call and see if you still had it. I'm tall enough to appreciate an XL AND I'm old enough to appreciate a step thru. I did have one question regarding the Cypress, how well do they handle heavier riders? I flatten the scales at a bit over 270 pounds (not hard for a tall guy) and my Trek Verve XL has suffered a few failures as a result. The suspension seat post bent, the seat later broke off and I have been dealing with spoke failures on the rear wheel. The bike currently uses what my old bike shop calls "a loaded touring wheel" and I still bring the bike in for tune ups every 400 miles or so. Would I be dealing with similar issues with a new Cypress? What would you recommend to keep a Cypress rolling along with minimal trouble?
I was literally just thinking "man I really like BkeFrmr's new scripted videos, but I really hope he puts out another bike build video soon". And you did not disappoint!
I have a somewhat earlier version of this. Mine is burgundy/silver. Like most of my bikes it was set out curbside on trash night. I call these the US version of a Dutch bike. Rack, panniers and a big old Wald basket there's nowhere you can't go and not much you can't do. "Look at the old dude onna bike!"
Nice to see you lubing up cables instead of chopping them out like most restorers do. Getting the most life out of stuff. What is the lube you use? I use LPS 1 .
Hi, i know of you from your semi-frequent posts and interjections from the Mobile Mechanic page. I really love the You Tube channel. I do mobile myself and have been in the Biz for a very long time (not as long as you but 25 yrs) and i'm am quite surprised at how closely my methods mirror yours. I guess if you do enough bikes, its obvious to Tri Flow nips and how to truly identify when a chain is OK to re-use. I feel the same as far as bikes being amazing simply because they can easily be re-furbished and give joy to the next rider. I hope to get the YT side going soon and you have inspired me a lot so thanks! Keep up the great work, just being yourself is clearly the way to go. Cheers..
Really digging the bob-ross vibes going on, almost fell asleep. That's a good thing though! Thanks for the relaxing vids, they've been helpful as well. Thanks.
Your videos have taught me a lot in the way of bike maintenance, thank you. I dumpster rescued a (medium size) Giant OCR 3. After the initial clean-up it seems to only need tires, tubes, & shifter cables at this point. I'm just getting back into riding & tinkering, road bikes are new to me... How can I identify the year of this ride?
Found your channel from a mention in BikeForums, pleased that you are within driving distance from me (Milwaukee). I've had a bunch of old bikes & am able to refurb them myself, but have had difficulty finding one that fits me perfectly. The one I've settled on is a Giant-built Schwinn Cruiser Supreme, after modifying the handlebars & finding better brakes & replacing the cheap rear wheel which gave out. But it's rusty & I'm not sure it's safe. Can afford a new bike but don't want to pay again for something I find I don't like. Leery of going to bike shops because of bad experiences in the past ('this one fits you, take it or leave it, we won't order an x size for you to try'). Actually developed the fix-it-myself hobby after that same shop (big local chain) charged me a lot of money for an overhaul & I learned they actually didn't do much of what I paid them for.
We got my wife (then girlfriend) a 2000 Giant Cypress new. Same paint scheme as the one in your video, but the top tube on hers left enough room to just squeeze in a short water bottle attached to the seat tube so it could carry two bottles. Also, it has a rigid front fork. She used it with the original 700x40c tires, but probably after 20 years had only put 500 miles on it. 1 year ago we got her an e-bike (Trek FX+) and I converted the Giant into my second bike for serious gravel riding. (My main bike is a 2022-2023 Trek FX2 with a few upgrades.) For the Giant over last winter I changed the old 40mm tires to Bontrager 29"x2" Connection Trail tires. Had to remove the center kickstand for clearance, but they fit! I dropped the stem to the lowest forward position and switched the (annoying) suspension seat post for a fixed one with the original Trek saddle from her FX+ (the same saddle as on my FX 2 - we got her a new big springy saddle). I left her old Giant saddle and spring seat post together in case she ever wants to ride the bike again. The grip shifters were very stiff and difficult over last winter and since both our new bikes had Altus shifters, I asked our local bike shop to replace the twist grip shifters with indexed Altus shifters. A new brake caliper and cable for the front as the original was worn and a new chain after I added 1,500 more miles and it runs like a charm! With 2 inch wide tires!!! I'm most impressed that a comfort hybrid from 2000 can fit 2 inch mt bike tires.
I liked this shorter form factor video. I'd be interested in learning about more of the types of bikes that you'd keep an eye out for to refurbish/rehab/rebuild.
Your assessments of the bike industry marketing vs. practical well made bikes is spot on. I've been refurbishing bikes for a while, and you are living my dream by rebuilding 'practical and well made' bikes.
I’ve learned so much in the past week or so since I found your video. I can’t wait to tune up my 7 speed freewheel hybrid from Bikes Direct that I bought during the pandemic when no one had reasonably priced bikes in stock. It wasn’t my first choice (I really wanted a Priority L Train with the Gates carbon drive), but got me back in the saddle again. I’m now considering upgrading because I know better the type of riding I want to do (something with drops, better components and better gear range for bikepacking and longer rides in general). I’d love to see some videos where you go through reasonably priced bikes for sale online (maybe from $300-$900?) and go through the good, bad and ugly on the specs. There’s so much junk in the market in the price range I gave, but I’m sure there are also some needles in the haystack.
I’m hearing that a lot. I’ll try to spend a bit more time in the beginning to provide more details with what I’m thinking with the triage. It’s hard for me because my brain just does it automatically. It’s an exercise in mindfulness!
After renting a Giant cypress DX at a resort, I wanted to purchase one so much. My wife and I already had a mountain bikesand I thought these would be all around bikes. However, the area we live in is not good for biking and we really didn’t have any room in the garage for two more bikes. That same bike is now almost $300 more than it was 10 years ago.
Again, another great and informative show. However, I am sure you dislike the howevers, please wear nitrile gloves. The chemicals you are working with are nasty and oh so slowly stay in your body to do their harm. We want you around for a long time! Ride and wrench on!
I think it's a little weird that you care so much. I'd like to see the proof that "the chemicals I'm working with....stay in my body to do their harm." I know many people believe that, but I just don't think it's that big of a risk.
My dad worked in electric sub-station maintenance for decades. Lots of nasty chemicals too. He died of (probably pancreatic) cancer at 55. Sure he drank and smoked too (though his liver and lungs were fine), so I'm not discounting his work environment as a contributing factor. Be well.
My friends at Portland Design Works sent it to me. I've reached out about doing another production run as a collab. Hoping to sell them out of an ecommerce site once I get my shit together ;-)
Man I need to find the UK version of Dawn power Wash! I think Dawn is Fairy in the UK, but not seen a spray version. Do you have other brands in the US that do the same thing?
Hey BikeFarmer, really enjoy your content! You have taught me so much already, and I have a humble request. As a greenhorn about two wheelers, and a hop on n go kinda guy. I'd love during your "triage" of the cycle to give a little more detail to why you enjoy that make/model so much. I just recently got bit, and am finding your insight, and wisdom beneficial to bird-dog a smashing deal to refirb for family. Something to entice them to be bitten, and be proud of when I get to ride with them. Kinda of a double dip in feel good. Keep up the good works, your videos get better with every one posted!
I've thought about a "what to look for when bike hunting" type video. Or I guess I could do as you suggest, lol, because that makes a ton of sense too! Thanks for the feedback. I like it!
You're very much welcome! You caaaan do a single video on that topic for a catch all general knowledge. I'd watch, but appealing to your WIFM. Each refirb vid would be timeless niche info to that make /model. Built in SEO for you tied to the products you know, and love. To your continuing success, cheers! @@bkefrmr
Trek Shift 2 Comfort Bike: last a good long while when ridden on pavement. Off road the hub wore out and SRAMs began to shi(f)t unadjustably. Then seat post snapped at the shock absorber. It went to the recycler and I went to single speed klunkers because it makes me feel better about owning bicycles. You just made me feel even better about feeling better about that decision.
One question, why don't you use water and soap before you use the furniture polish? wouldn't that get rid of most of the dust and dirt? Thanks for the videos!
I've watched this video 3 or 4 times like the looks of this bike so well thought I'd do something special for Valentines Day so I went and bought me a new cypress 2 think I'll like it better than either one of my verbe 2s
Would like to know what you soak baring cages full of sand and old grease in. Also when setting wheel cones do you use the vice or is there a third hand under your apron? Tuned a Giant once and wanted to buy it. Your the only Farmer I know who doesn't "prey for rain"
I avoid anything with a suspension fork when looking for a simple reliable old bike - they can fail when they corrode. I look for bikes from the same era but no suspension
Great bike. I ride the width and breadth of my region on a hybrid bike, they are the best for riding around, seeing things, and having a general good time.
Just found this channel, I’m from Appleton! Im happy to find a nice Wisconsin page!! I just got an 05 giant Boulder on marketplace and it’s in amazing condition!
My wife had this same model in maroon. Bought new and she rode it like 10 times in 20 years (9 times me whining for her to pull it down and come with me!) Great bike for what it is, trouble free, lightweight and simple. Tuned up like you did and sold for more than we bought it new 😂
I picked up a trek comfort step through of the same era and nearly identical design and components for $20 to fix up for my mom. It really is a great bike to get people into biking. Good to hear giant still makes a modern take on them.
Furniture polish on the rim? Not advised. Also after working on hundreds of these models, the grey shift housing should be replaced on these giant earlier bikes. specifically, it will explode.
Awesome..love the channel..love the bikes..i have a giant cypress DX excellent hybrid bikes... keep on keepin on💯💯💯🎯🎯watching from queensland Australia
I wonder why things like bottle cage bolts and stem bolts are not stainless. It seems like a really cheap upgrade. I keep a big supply of 4 mm and 5 mm bolts and just replace. Is there any reason that I shouldn’t?
Do you prefer rim brakes or disc brakes? I've noticed that some cheap mechanical disc brakes don't have enough power to lock up the front wheel, which is good from a not-going-over-the-bars perspective, but I like the braking power and easy feel of rim brakes.
@@bkefrmr I thought I was crazy for liking rim brakes, glad I'm not alone! Your videos got me interested in comfort hybrids, so I looked online and noticed that all Trek Verve and Giant Cypress models have disc brakes now. Specialized Crossroads still has rim brakes on the cheapest model, but the more expensive models have disc brakes. It probably makes more sense to buy a used bike anyway, considering the price difference.
I bought a 2022 Trek FX2 disc in Sept 2022. Only it had been re-classified as a 2023 (so no end-of-year discount). It came with (non-spec) RUSH disc brakes. They were fine for about 1 month, but never stopped squealing after that and actually failed (very weak). My LBS got them replaced with (spec) ProMAX brakes from Trek under warranty. These were never really strong, but good enough I guess and they began to squeal after a few months too. I was very new to disc brakes, but I was careful not to contaminate them. After many pad changes and new rotors, my local Trek shop finally replaced them (under warranty, but after lots of expensive repair attempts) with Shimano disc brakes. So far these are working great with almost 2,000 miles (3 months) on them. My old Cypress has rim brakes that I can maintain. When disc brakes work right they are great, but rim brakes ... so much easier to maintain and more consistently reliable.
Rim brakes aren't as good in the rain and were the rims down especially in the rain. Not as good for daily commuting Even worse for Winter commuting . The ware thing isn't a trivial mater ...we keep a rim with a blown out bead to show costumers what will eventually happen when we see the braking surface is getting too thin. Disk brake wheels are generally stronger and lighter too because the rim design isn't compromised to provide a brake surface. The manufactures have got inexpensive hydraulic brakes to pretty reliable and are self adjusting. The bleeding process has been simplified and isn't horribly time consuming the better equipped shops should have a station fully equipped for it thus cutting the time spent down. How often this needs to be done really depends on use . But once the air bubbles have been completey removed that shouldn't need to be done again until the pads are worn-out then consider a flush. With a new bike hopefully the shop had removed any of the bubbles from the factory already if they were present (it happens frequently) and sometimes the bubbles hide and become noticeable in the first couple of months. The lever will feel a bit soft and spongey. They should take care of it in the warranty free tune up grace period. Most shops consider properly working brakes essential and promptly take care of it free of charge in that grace period in the first year. I've found that Tektro and Shimano are very reliable ( the other wordsalad cheap stuff not so reliable) . Tektro's inexpensive ceramic based pads don't sqweel as much as the resin pads . Keep your fingers off the rotor because a finger print with the resin pad will often do it . Clean the rotor after using spray polish or lubricants with alcohol or chlorine free disk brake cleaners. If you ride in the rain alot or winter commute clean more often. A CLEAN OIL FREE rag or paper based towel is essential , it can be the next rag for the next bike cleaning. I've been in full time service since 1985 .I liked them from the start.
The Kent, Washington, Raleigh M40's were nice too, very easy to pedal and maintain. Do you remember the 1984 Schwinn High Sierra? It was one of Giant's first subcontracted frame sold in the US, they are exceptionally nice riding for an ancient early 80's MTB. The welds aren't as pretty as the later Cunningham Nishiki, Anlun factory made frames.
Thanks for sharing the Cypress. I went to Giant and found the Cypress 3 model looked good With 1X gearing and it is in a good low range. I like the no squish fork and the position. How do you think it would work with a wider seat and swept back bars?
My sister expressed interest in riding this past summer and a friend of hers offered her an “old bike” for free so I went and picked it up to make it ride worthy. It was a mid 90’s Specialized Crossroads, the tires were dry rotted and the pads were hard and cracked. All corrosion was easily removed, cleaned and lubed everything, repacked the stem, bottom bracket , and hubs along with new pads tires and tubes, and an inner cable for the rear brakes. For less than $100 and a little time she got a bike that performed flawlessly and will last forever with a little maintenance.
Congrats on almost 10k subs!!! Also thanks for this interesting video! I learned using furniture polish and the way you lube housing. Keep them coming, love seeing your progression. Greetings from Germany!😊
I thought oiling the cables and housing would cause them to muck up over time. So I try to keep them bone dry and clean. Guess I was wrong? Also I would have taken the brakes off out of compulsion to clean the frame take 2 minutes.
So many variables to consider, but my default is to hit 'em all with Tri-Flow. Not the greatest for cold weather, but I really don't think the next owner of this bike will ride it in the winters.
Not much more adjustment other than spring pre load...so you can make it less bouncy or looser . It's usually not a big difference but noticeable. This type of fork is easy to take apart too clean and relube the internals . If left out side they will collect water and it's going to be a bit rusty . You'll need a very long allen wrench to fully dismantle it up to 18 inches often a foot is enough 4 or 5mm this can be accomplished witha socket and extentions. That bolt is under the caps on top that is best removed with the special inexpensive plastic tool . A larger pliers with a twi position jaw will work use the teeth with the jaw in the wide position. Be careful to use as little force as possible and slowly and steadily increase the rotational force until it starts to loosen ...you have it . The other side often pops off like a pressed plug. Clean every thing ( a long bottle brush will be necessary)and put light grease(Lucas Red n Tacky is what I've been using for many years it holds up for many years, flows good, holds up to high pressure, resists light salt, high temperature...important for disk brake hubs..and can be found almost anywhere everywhere. If it's going to do heavy winter commuting then go with the marine stuff it's made specifically for salt water. I use it in all the bearings and bushing and brake posts ...it's much betterthan many bike greases. Shimano dura ace is really good and really expensive) including a bunch on the spring itself . The inside and out side of the tubes and the inside of the lower blades. Don't forget to put the boot back on before reassembling . Torque the bolts good and tight. And you are done this can be done with the fork in the bike in a stand or hanging or upside down.
Great video as always. I scooped up several moly road bikes tossed out at local Goodwills in the 90s. Learned to braze together a LWB bent and never looked back.
Is a used Cypress SX with the cable disc brake and shocks a good buy at less than $100? It's in great condition as if it was bought then stored in a basement. Use it as a neighbor cruiser. Thanks!@@bkefrmr
When I was researching non electric bikes two years ago, I concluded that a new Giant Cypress would be a good choice for me. I ended up not buying one, because I opted for an e-bike, instead. I'm very happy and putting lots of miles on my e-bike, but in the near future, I may pick up a Giant Cypress as an alternative on certain days.
Truing otherwise well maintained but slightly out of true wheels: use the Park stand's truing arms set above the rim surface and check for areas with slight up and down and use the groups of same general direction spokes to average out the vertical while also averaging side to side trueness with either more or less loosening and tightening. Generally speaking, wheels that have been in service for a couple hundred miles have bedded in their spoke nipples and have set the permanent J-bennd at the spoke "head" Factory built wheels vs. handbuilt; handbuilt, if the mechanic or builder knows whet they're doing, will pretension and pre-stress the spokes as the build transitions from lacing to tensioning. Not all inexpensive factory build wheel will have this attention and some of these wheels can be a mess.
Factory wheels are often low on tension out of the box and is somewhat dependent upon the weight of the rider. It only gets worse after use. Not many shops will like spending 30 to 50 minutes to get the wheels actually true. During set up round and straight isn't necessarily true . But then spend spend alot of time setting up a new bike pretty much rebuilt . But then I don't see them again for a long time. Usually until the chain needs replacement and a quick tune.
@@stevengagnon4777 I worked at Burley in '92 as a trailer wheel builder. We used Winkel Wheel's wheel building equipment and I can say that our 20" alloy trailer wheels being built on 1980's tech lacers and truing machines came out of the process as better that most $400 bikes wheels. It was pretty amazing how well the lacers and truing machine would hold their settings when set correctly. Burley also made many of the tandem wheels on the same machines. It's not rocket science to build a good machine built wheel.
@@tauncfester3022 I spent a fair amount of time on those wheels for the tandems as I built most of them that we sold and we did sell many. They were pretty good as better than anything that came out of the orient and especially China. What I do know is all of the wheels on the bikes I built were at proper tension for each bike and duty. All my wheels held up for very long periods of time. But I still needed to bring the Burly tandem wheels back up a bit in tension by the time I had finished with pre- stressing them. That's why I built all of our tandems we did sell many easily serviced tandems.
@@bkefrmrHey Andy, I know you've mentioned a well made, not over priced brand of 26" rims in earlier videos (I've been watching a bunch of them). I've got a 1994 Trek 930 that I want to turn into a comfort bike for my wife. But the rims are trashed. Recommendations for new wheels? Thanks, Mark.
Some basic light vaseline oil is more than enough. As it's mineral it won't gum up. And it's the cheapest you can find. It can be used in many parts of the bike : cables, chain, derailer pivots, shifters, brake pivots, etc. Spinning parts need grease as some threadings, the seatpost and stem quill.
@@johnsmithers284 that doesn’t mean the axle is bent. I’ll take a closer look, but it’s not uncommon for freewheels/cassettes to float a bit on cheaper bikes. Freewheels especially. It really shows up in the videos! People call it out all the time
I have a friend with a paralyzed arm, it would be interesting to see you setup a bike for a one hand control, and adjusting the brakes for that - e.g. using a single brake handle that controls both brakes.
I wonder if Bob Ross had people send him random oddball requests like, I have a friend that's colorblind, it would be interesting to see you do a black and white painting sometime.
Thanks for the feedback@@R33GTRRRR - that said, I really like how @bkefrmr explains and shows how to adjust the brakes. I just wonder if there is a trick or hint to get all 4 springs to pull equally, or the approach to make the front or the rear trigger first/faster to favor that end for braking. I've seen the a lever that does what you describe, and the link inside rocks back and forth, so more of a dance/knowledge process to get it all adjusted correctly.
The best thing about late 90s early 00 bikes is that you can keep them running with junk yard parts for the rest of your life.
When I started cycling again last year (after 15 years of not cycling), I fixed up my old bike with the intention of buying something new if I kept cycling. Now I know that I don't need it. My bike can last a long time with the right care.
You are so right about parts, you can even buy a spares bike for $30.
"The crown jewel of the bike industry" - at first I thought that's ironic - secondly I realized you meant it seriously - thirdly I realized my snobbiness. I get you there, for most people these hybrid bikes are more than good enough and this specimen hasn't seen many miles and is worth refurbishing, and getting ready for another twenty years.
Great video! So I have a Giant Cypress LX hybrid bike from about 2000, I believe. I need to replace the shifters on the handlebars because the rubber exterior is kind of melted and gooey. It leaves black, sticky residue on me. Any idea what part numbers that I need and where I could get them?
I like your channel because of the half a dozen or so of your videos I've watched, I haven't seen one overpriced carbon bike with $3,000 wheels and you don't talk about how if you upgrade to carbon bottles cages, you'll save .00003 watts which will make you .000000000001 seconds faster up a 8 mile climb. I mean, we all like going fast on our bikes, but the elitist cyclists out there just make me want to punch someone. Whatever happened to just having fun riding a bike? Slow, fast, gravel, road, trail, whatever. It's supposed to be a healthy way to have some fun, amiright? That's why I like watching you fix up or talk about these bikes that aren't cheap pieces of crap, but they're not wallet busters either. Hell there's no reason you can't find a really nice used bike in the $400-$500 range that maybe cost someone $1,000-$1,200 four or five years ago and have something that will last you for years to come.
Trek has a new program where they are asking owners to bring their old trek bikes that aren't being used to be refurbished and sold to keep them out of the landfills. Trek is thinking most of these bikes will only need tune ups.
Is it a new program? How are they selling them?
@@bkefrmr online. I took a look, thinking they would be reasonably priced, but they are listed for 80%+ of the price for a new bike.
@@bkefrmrThey're selling them online. I read a news article about the program. The dealer is supposed to give someone turning a bike in for reconditioning a discount on a new trek bike.
Dude your attention to detail is phenomenal. Worth every dollar!
Interesting video. If I lived closer to your shop, I'd be tempted to call and see if you still had it. I'm tall enough to appreciate an XL AND I'm old enough to appreciate a step thru.
I did have one question regarding the Cypress, how well do they handle heavier riders? I flatten the scales at a bit over 270 pounds (not hard for a tall guy) and my Trek Verve XL has suffered a few failures as a result. The suspension seat post bent, the seat later broke off and I have been dealing with spoke failures on the rear wheel. The bike currently uses what my old bike shop calls "a loaded touring wheel" and I still bring the bike in for tune ups every 400 miles or so. Would I be dealing with similar issues with a new Cypress? What would you recommend to keep a Cypress rolling along with minimal trouble?
Another Great vid.. Keep them coming
More to come!
I was literally just thinking "man I really like BkeFrmr's new scripted videos, but I really hope he puts out another bike build video soon". And you did not disappoint!
Doing my best! Thanks for watching an making it worth doing!
@@bkefrmryou are good at it, even the background music choices.
Andy, how much would you sell that bike for after your work on it?
Probably around $350
I have a somewhat earlier version of this. Mine is burgundy/silver. Like most of my bikes it was set out curbside on trash night. I call these the US version of a Dutch bike. Rack, panniers and a big old Wald basket there's nowhere you can't go and not much you can't do. "Look at the old dude onna bike!"
You inspired me to get a bike stand 😂
Nice to see you lubing up cables instead of chopping them out like most restorers do. Getting the most life out of stuff. What is the lube you use? I use LPS 1 .
I think he likes Tri-flow.
@@R33GTRRRRTri flow doesn’t do that to mine.
Hi, i know of you from your semi-frequent posts and interjections from the Mobile Mechanic page. I really love the You Tube channel. I do mobile myself and have been in the Biz for a very long time (not as long as you but 25 yrs) and i'm am quite surprised at how closely my methods mirror yours. I guess if you do enough bikes, its obvious to Tri Flow nips and how to truly identify when a chain is OK to re-use. I feel the same as far as bikes being amazing simply because they can easily be re-furbished and give joy to the next rider. I hope to get the YT side going soon and you have inspired me a lot so thanks! Keep up the great work, just being yourself is clearly the way to go. Cheers..
Really digging the bob-ross vibes going on, almost fell asleep. That's a good thing though! Thanks for the relaxing vids, they've been helpful as well. Thanks.
Glad you like them! I'm really going to start leaning into it. My "studio" is coming together as a very peaceful place conducive to chillness.
Your videos have taught me a lot in the way of bike maintenance, thank you.
I dumpster rescued a (medium size) Giant OCR 3. After the initial clean-up it seems to only need tires, tubes, & shifter cables at this point.
I'm just getting back into riding & tinkering, road bikes are new to me...
How can I identify the year of this ride?
Found your channel from a mention in BikeForums, pleased that you are within driving distance from me (Milwaukee). I've had a bunch of old bikes & am able to refurb them myself, but have had difficulty finding one that fits me perfectly. The one I've settled on is a Giant-built Schwinn Cruiser Supreme, after modifying the handlebars & finding better brakes & replacing the cheap rear wheel which gave out. But it's rusty & I'm not sure it's safe. Can afford a new bike but don't want to pay again for something I find I don't like. Leery of going to bike shops because of bad experiences in the past ('this one fits you, take it or leave it, we won't order an x size for you to try'). Actually developed the fix-it-myself hobby after that same shop (big local chain) charged me a lot of money for an overhaul & I learned they actually didn't do much of what I paid them for.
We got my wife (then girlfriend) a 2000 Giant Cypress new. Same paint scheme as the one in your video, but the top tube on hers left enough room to just squeeze in a short water bottle attached to the seat tube so it could carry two bottles. Also, it has a rigid front fork. She used it with the original 700x40c tires, but probably after 20 years had only put 500 miles on it. 1 year ago we got her an e-bike (Trek FX+) and I converted the Giant into my second bike for serious gravel riding. (My main bike is a 2022-2023 Trek FX2 with a few upgrades.) For the Giant over last winter I changed the old 40mm tires to Bontrager 29"x2" Connection Trail tires. Had to remove the center kickstand for clearance, but they fit! I dropped the stem to the lowest forward position and switched the (annoying) suspension seat post for a fixed one with the original Trek saddle from her FX+ (the same saddle as on my FX 2 - we got her a new big springy saddle). I left her old Giant saddle and spring seat post together in case she ever wants to ride the bike again. The grip shifters were very stiff and difficult over last winter and since both our new bikes had Altus shifters, I asked our local bike shop to replace the twist grip shifters with indexed Altus shifters. A new brake caliper and cable for the front as the original was worn and a new chain after I added 1,500 more miles and it runs like a charm! With 2 inch wide tires!!! I'm most impressed that a comfort hybrid from 2000 can fit 2 inch mt bike tires.
I liked this shorter form factor video. I'd be interested in learning about more of the types of bikes that you'd keep an eye out for to refurbish/rehab/rebuild.
Noted!
Tri-Flow... Discovered that stuff in the early '80s during my BMX racing days. Excellent lube for bikes.
Love the channel. Great stuff.
Your assessments of the bike industry marketing vs. practical well made bikes is spot on. I've been refurbishing bikes for a while, and you are living my dream by rebuilding 'practical and well made' bikes.
Why didn't you take the bottom bracket apart and clean and lube it? I have had those bearings go bad in those. It is an old bike after all.
Lol. Nope. Sealed cartridge bearings with no play. Bike had very light use. Age of bike has zero relevance. Waste of time, but you do you!
I’ve learned so much in the past week or so since I found your video. I can’t wait to tune up my 7 speed freewheel hybrid from Bikes Direct that I bought during the pandemic when no one had reasonably priced bikes in stock. It wasn’t my first choice (I really wanted a Priority L Train with the Gates carbon drive), but got me back in the saddle again.
I’m now considering upgrading because I know better the type of riding I want to do (something with drops, better components and better gear range for bikepacking and longer rides in general).
I’d love to see some videos where you go through reasonably priced bikes for sale online (maybe from $300-$900?) and go through the good, bad and ugly on the specs. There’s so much junk in the market in the price range I gave, but I’m sure there are also some needles in the haystack.
I’m hearing that a lot. I’ll try to spend a bit more time in the beginning to provide more details with what I’m thinking with the triage. It’s hard for me because my brain just does it automatically. It’s an exercise in mindfulness!
After renting a Giant cypress DX at a resort, I wanted to purchase one so much. My wife and I already had a mountain bikesand I thought these would be all around bikes. However, the area we live in is not good for biking and we really didn’t have any room in the garage for two more bikes. That same bike is now almost $300 more than it was 10 years ago.
Wow! ONLY $300 more? after 10 years (and COVID). That's amazing.
That bike sucks. Have some respect for your poor customers.😂
I DO RESPECT MY CUSTOMERS! That's why I tell them the truth!
Again, another great and informative show. However, I am sure you dislike the howevers, please wear nitrile gloves. The chemicals you are working with are nasty and oh so slowly stay in your body to do their harm. We want you around for a long time! Ride and wrench on!
I think it's a little weird that you care so much. I'd like to see the proof that "the chemicals I'm working with....stay in my body to do their harm." I know many people believe that, but I just don't think it's that big of a risk.
My dad worked in electric sub-station maintenance for decades. Lots of nasty chemicals too. He died of (probably pancreatic) cancer at 55. Sure he drank and smoked too (though his liver and lungs were fine), so I'm not discounting his work environment as a contributing factor. Be well.
Who made your apron? It's killer
My friends at Portland Design Works sent it to me. I've reached out about doing another production run as a collab. Hoping to sell them out of an ecommerce site once I get my shit together ;-)
I told someone today, "your bike sucks," and they laughed. I cannot stop saying this. Love the channel.
Man I need to find the UK version of Dawn power Wash! I think Dawn is Fairy in the UK, but not seen a spray version. Do you have other brands in the US that do the same thing?
Hey BikeFarmer, really enjoy your content! You have taught me so much already, and I have a humble request. As a greenhorn about two wheelers, and a hop on n go kinda guy. I'd love during your "triage" of the cycle to give a little more detail to why you enjoy that make/model so much. I just recently got bit, and am finding your insight, and wisdom beneficial to bird-dog a smashing deal to refirb for family. Something to entice them to be bitten, and be proud of when I get to ride with them. Kinda of a double dip in feel good. Keep up the good works, your videos get better with every one posted!
I've thought about a "what to look for when bike hunting" type video. Or I guess I could do as you suggest, lol, because that makes a ton of sense too! Thanks for the feedback. I like it!
You're very much welcome! You caaaan do a single video on that topic for a catch all general knowledge. I'd watch, but appealing to your WIFM. Each refirb vid would be timeless niche info to that make /model. Built in SEO for you tied to the products you know, and love. To your continuing success, cheers! @@bkefrmr
Just got the same model (blue Cypress DX). It had been discarded. Needs a new spoke. Otherwise I'll just imitate your procedure!
Thanks
Man, I wish my local bike shop has the same mentality.❤❤❤
What size tires are on the bike 700x?….. It looks awesome I have one 700x40c…. Wanted to go with 700x45c…
I always screw it when trying to adjust shifting and derailleur.
Trek Shift 2 Comfort Bike: last a good long while when ridden on pavement. Off road the hub wore out and SRAMs began to shi(f)t unadjustably. Then seat post snapped at the shock absorber. It went to the recycler and I went to single speed klunkers because it makes me feel better about owning bicycles. You just made me feel even better about feeling better about that decision.
One question, why don't you use water and soap before you use the furniture polish? wouldn't that get rid of most of the dust and dirt? Thanks for the videos!
I've watched this video 3 or 4 times like the looks of this bike so well thought I'd do something special for Valentines Day so I went and bought me a new cypress 2 think I'll like it better than either one of my verbe 2s
Would like to know what you soak baring cages full of sand and old grease in.
Also when setting wheel cones do you use the vice or is there a third hand under your apron?
Tuned a Giant once and wanted to buy it.
Your the only Farmer I know who doesn't "prey for rain"
A truly nice bike. I have a similar era Giant ATX 850 which I setup for commuting. Put many thousands of miles on it. Still love it.
I do the same thing as you every day in the bicycle shop where I work as a bicycle repairman. We also repair second-hand bicycles with new parts
I avoid anything with a suspension fork when looking for a simple reliable old bike - they can fail when they corrode. I look for bikes from the same era but no suspension
I would never choose a bike with one of these forks for myself either.
706 views. Need a better title. Lots of engagement w comments though.
Great bike. I ride the width and breadth of my region on a hybrid bike, they are the best for riding around, seeing things, and having a general good time.
3:53 "It's time to make a big decision. Where is your mountain gonna live?"
I have a 2019 Giant Cypress dx m disc love it
Loving the videos. If you can get your hands on one, I would love to see how you would restore a 90s GT triple triangle.
Just found this channel, I’m from Appleton! Im happy to find a nice Wisconsin page!! I just got an 05 giant Boulder on marketplace and it’s in amazing condition!
Right on!
👍
Had one and the only thing we changed was rapid fire shifters hate grips shift, my daughter still uses it till this day.
I have that bike in my basement. My wife rode it three times.
Sounds like a large tree witch I found rather strange an funny .
I have a bike exactly like this but a Schwinn that someone gave to me
My wife had this same model in maroon. Bought new and she rode it like 10 times in 20 years (9 times me whining for her to pull it down and come with me!) Great bike for what it is, trouble free, lightweight and simple. Tuned up like you did and sold for more than we bought it new 😂
I picked up a trek comfort step through of the same era and nearly identical design and components for $20 to fix up for my mom. It really is a great bike to get people into biking. Good to hear giant still makes a modern take on them.
they're pretty much the same bikes. Always have been. Always will be.
cleaning the little wheels of the dereuiller will help to have anicer shift experience , too - love your work and your bob the painter voice ;)
Thanks 👍
Ahhh those horrible brake levers!! The rubber always turns to mush
Tune in a squeeze bottle, works every time.
10:14 - KITTY!
12:05 - kittycat
The Sedona CX is similar as was the Farrago .
BRAND NEW...GREAT JOB !
Better than brand new!
love this bike . comfy and versatile
Furniture polish on the rim? Not advised. Also after working on hundreds of these models, the grey shift housing should be replaced on these giant earlier bikes. specifically, it will explode.
I’ve been using furniture polish on rims for decades. Literally thousands of bikes. It’s fine. But you still probably know better!
I guess, at XL, this really IS Giant! 😉
Thanks for mixing in that jazz track. And those descriptions are looking juicy!!! ;)
I’m trying to write them like a bot
Shame these are difficult to sell, I wish tall step troughs were easier to find personally. Can be hard to find a step through when you're 6'1".
I have one for sale! $399
Awesome..love the channel..love the bikes..i have a giant cypress DX excellent hybrid bikes... keep on keepin on💯💯💯🎯🎯watching from queensland Australia
Right on!
Very nice looking bike
I wonder why things like bottle cage bolts and stem bolts are not stainless. It seems like a really cheap upgrade.
I keep a big supply of 4 mm and 5 mm bolts and just replace. Is there any reason that I shouldn’t?
Do you prefer rim brakes or disc brakes?
I've noticed that some cheap mechanical disc brakes don't have enough power to lock up the front wheel, which is good from a not-going-over-the-bars perspective, but I like the braking power and easy feel of rim brakes.
Rim. Always.
@@bkefrmr I thought I was crazy for liking rim brakes, glad I'm not alone!
Your videos got me interested in comfort hybrids, so I looked online and noticed that all Trek Verve and Giant Cypress models have disc brakes now. Specialized Crossroads still has rim brakes on the cheapest model, but the more expensive models have disc brakes.
It probably makes more sense to buy a used bike anyway, considering the price difference.
@@bibasik7 yup. The bike industry has been gaslighting us for decades.
I bought a 2022 Trek FX2 disc in Sept 2022. Only it had been re-classified as a 2023 (so no end-of-year discount). It came with (non-spec) RUSH disc brakes. They were fine for about 1 month, but never stopped squealing after that and actually failed (very weak). My LBS got them replaced with (spec) ProMAX brakes from Trek under warranty. These were never really strong, but good enough I guess and they began to squeal after a few months too. I was very new to disc brakes, but I was careful not to contaminate them. After many pad changes and new rotors, my local Trek shop finally replaced them (under warranty, but after lots of expensive repair attempts) with Shimano disc brakes. So far these are working great with almost 2,000 miles (3 months) on them. My old Cypress has rim brakes that I can maintain. When disc brakes work right they are great, but rim brakes ... so much easier to maintain and more consistently reliable.
Rim brakes aren't as good in the rain and were the rims down especially in the rain. Not as good for daily commuting Even worse for Winter commuting . The ware thing isn't a trivial mater ...we keep a rim with a blown out bead to show costumers what will eventually happen when we see the braking surface is getting too thin. Disk brake wheels are generally stronger and lighter too because the rim design isn't compromised to provide a brake surface. The manufactures have got inexpensive hydraulic brakes to pretty reliable and are self adjusting. The bleeding process has been simplified and isn't horribly time consuming the better equipped shops should have a station fully equipped for it thus cutting the time spent down. How often this needs to be done really depends on use . But once the air bubbles have been completey removed that shouldn't need to be done again until the pads are worn-out then consider a flush. With a new bike hopefully the shop had removed any of the bubbles from the factory already if they were present (it happens frequently) and sometimes the bubbles hide and become noticeable in the first couple of months. The lever will feel a bit soft and spongey. They should take care of it in the warranty free tune up grace period. Most shops consider properly working brakes essential and promptly take care of it free of charge in that grace period in the first year. I've found that Tektro and Shimano are very reliable ( the other wordsalad cheap stuff not so reliable) . Tektro's inexpensive ceramic based pads don't sqweel as much as the resin pads . Keep your fingers off the rotor because a finger print with the resin pad will often do it . Clean the rotor after using spray polish or lubricants with alcohol or chlorine free disk brake cleaners. If you ride in the rain alot or winter commute clean more often. A CLEAN OIL FREE rag or paper based towel is essential , it can be the next rag for the next bike cleaning. I've been in full time service since 1985 .I liked them from the start.
The Kent, Washington, Raleigh M40's were nice too, very easy to pedal and maintain. Do you remember the 1984 Schwinn High Sierra? It was one of Giant's first subcontracted frame sold in the US, they are exceptionally nice riding for an ancient early 80's MTB. The welds aren't as pretty as the later Cunningham Nishiki, Anlun factory made frames.
Do you have a recommended list of good value used bikes?
LOL. All of them? Literally, like every bike is completely different that the next but they're all the same! What an impossible question. Hilarious!
Thanks for sharing the Cypress. I went to Giant and found the Cypress 3 model looked good With 1X gearing and it is in a good low range. I like the no squish fork and the position. How do you think it would work with a wider seat and swept back bars?
Behold that was a really bad dad joke of the day. 😂😂😂😂 well done dude loved it
amazing dad joke!
My sister expressed interest in riding this past summer and a friend of hers offered her an “old bike” for free so I went and picked it up to make it ride worthy. It was a mid 90’s Specialized Crossroads, the tires were dry rotted and the pads were hard and cracked. All corrosion was easily removed, cleaned and lubed everything, repacked the stem, bottom bracket , and hubs along with new pads tires and tubes, and an inner cable for the rear brakes. For less than $100 and a little time she got a bike that performed flawlessly and will last forever with a little maintenance.
As someone who does almost everything on my own bike, it pains me to see that you didn't do a hub,bb and headset service
Pains? This bike didn’t need it.
Congrats on almost 10k subs!!!
Also thanks for this interesting video! I learned using furniture polish and the way you lube housing. Keep them coming, love seeing your progression.
Greetings from Germany!😊
I thought oiling the cables and housing would cause them to muck up over time. So I try to keep them bone dry and clean. Guess I was wrong? Also I would have taken the brakes off out of compulsion to clean the frame take 2 minutes.
you are correct, both approaches have merrit
So many variables to consider, but my default is to hit 'em all with Tri-Flow. Not the greatest for cold weather, but I really don't think the next owner of this bike will ride it in the winters.
Is there anything that can be done to front suspension fork, as to adjust or lube? Another good Giant Hybrid is the Escape, a bit more sporty.
Generally with these cheapo forks you just live with them or maybe replace them if they totally wear out.
Not much more adjustment other than spring pre load...so you can make it less bouncy or looser . It's usually not a big difference but noticeable. This type of fork is easy to take apart too clean and relube the internals . If left out side they will collect water and it's going to be a bit rusty . You'll need a very long allen wrench to fully dismantle it up to 18 inches often a foot is enough 4 or 5mm this can be accomplished witha socket and extentions. That bolt is under the caps on top that is best removed with the special inexpensive plastic tool . A larger pliers with a twi position jaw will work use the teeth with the jaw in the wide position. Be careful to use as little force as possible and slowly and steadily increase the rotational force until it starts to loosen ...you have it . The other side often pops off like a pressed plug. Clean every thing ( a long bottle brush will be necessary)and put light grease(Lucas Red n Tacky is what I've been using for many years it holds up for many years, flows good, holds up to high pressure, resists light salt, high temperature...important for disk brake hubs..and can be found almost anywhere everywhere. If it's going to do heavy winter commuting then go with the marine stuff it's made specifically for salt water. I use it in all the bearings and bushing and brake posts ...it's much betterthan many bike greases. Shimano dura ace is really good and really expensive) including a bunch on the spring itself . The inside and out side of the tubes and the inside of the lower blades. Don't forget to put the boot back on before reassembling . Torque the bolts good and tight. And you are done this can be done with the fork in the bike in a stand or hanging or upside down.
Great video as always. I scooped up several moly road bikes tossed out at local Goodwills in the 90s. Learned to braze together a LWB bent and never looked back.
Not a serious cycler but love your channel. What are your thoughts of the 2005 Cypress SX with the disc brake and front shocks?
disc brakes and shocks on hybrids are a gimmick
Is a used Cypress SX with the cable disc brake and shocks a good buy at less than $100? It's in great condition as if it was bought then stored in a basement. Use it as a neighbor cruiser. Thanks!@@bkefrmr
I've always had the best results with installing new cables and housings.
When I was researching non electric bikes two years ago, I concluded that a new Giant Cypress would be a good choice for me. I ended up not buying one, because I opted for an e-bike, instead. I'm very happy and putting lots of miles on my e-bike, but in the near future, I may pick up a Giant Cypress as an alternative on certain days.
The new Cypress is my favorite bike to sell. I am a Giant dealer.
@@bkefrmr I will keep that in mind when the time is right. Thank you.
You gotta have a second bike for when your e-bike is in the shop.
Truing otherwise well maintained but slightly out of true wheels: use the Park stand's truing arms set above the rim surface and check for areas with slight up and down and use the groups of same general direction spokes to average out the vertical while also averaging side to side trueness with either more or less loosening and tightening. Generally speaking, wheels that have been in service for a couple hundred miles have bedded in their spoke nipples and have set the permanent J-bennd at the spoke "head" Factory built wheels vs. handbuilt; handbuilt, if the mechanic or builder knows whet they're doing, will pretension and pre-stress the spokes as the build transitions from lacing to tensioning. Not all inexpensive factory build wheel will have this attention and some of these wheels can be a mess.
Factory wheels are often low on tension out of the box and is somewhat dependent upon the weight of the rider. It only gets worse after use. Not many shops will like spending 30 to 50 minutes to get the wheels actually true. During set up round and straight isn't necessarily true . But then spend spend alot of time setting up a new bike pretty much rebuilt . But then I don't see them again for a long time. Usually until the chain needs replacement and a quick tune.
@@stevengagnon4777 I worked at Burley in '92 as a trailer wheel builder. We used Winkel Wheel's wheel building equipment and I can say that our 20" alloy trailer wheels being built on 1980's tech lacers and truing machines came out of the process as better that most $400 bikes wheels. It was pretty amazing how well the lacers and truing machine would hold their settings when set correctly. Burley also made many of the tandem wheels on the same machines. It's not rocket science to build a good machine built wheel.
@@tauncfester3022 I spent a fair amount of time on those wheels for the tandems as I built most of them that we sold and we did sell many. They were pretty good as better than anything that came out of the orient and especially China. What I do know is all of the wheels on the bikes I built were at proper tension for each bike and duty. All my wheels held up for very long periods of time. But I still needed to bring the Burly tandem wheels back up a bit in tension by the time I had finished with pre- stressing them. That's why I built all of our tandems we did sell many easily serviced tandems.
10:30 for Noodle Song
Oh shit, I didn't cut that? OOPS!
@@bkefrmr😂 it's a ritual now for all future noodle lubings
Thanks for another great video.
Thanks for watching!
@@bkefrmrHey Andy, I know you've mentioned a well made, not over priced brand of 26" rims in earlier videos (I've been watching a bunch of them). I've got a 1994 Trek 930 that I want to turn into a comfort bike for my wife. But the rims are trashed. Recommendations for new wheels? Thanks, Mark.
What kind of cable lube is that? Is there a good substitute I may have on hand?
It's Tri-Flow and in my estimation, there is no substitute. Plenty of opinions to the contrary.
Some basic light vaseline oil is more than enough. As it's mineral it won't gum up. And it's the cheapest you can find. It can be used in many parts of the bike : cables, chain, derailer pivots, shifters, brake pivots, etc. Spinning parts need grease as some threadings, the seatpost and stem quill.
What would be the price that you'll ask for this bike?
Hard to say right now. The market is so soft. Probably $350 ish.
@@bkefrmr thanks!
Rear axle is bent.
really?
@@bkefrmr I forgot the timestamp, but when you're messing with the gears you can see the freewheel hopping up and down.
@@johnsmithers284that’s not a symptom of a bent axle. Most freewheels have the slight oscillation you’re seeing.
@@johnsmithers284 that doesn’t mean the axle is bent. I’ll take a closer look, but it’s not uncommon for freewheels/cassettes to float a bit on cheaper bikes. Freewheels especially. It really shows up in the videos! People call it out all the time
I have a friend with a paralyzed arm, it would be interesting to see you setup a bike for a one hand control, and adjusting the brakes for that - e.g. using a single brake handle that controls both brakes.
I wonder if Bob Ross had people send him random oddball requests like, I have a friend that's colorblind, it would be interesting to see you do a black and white painting sometime.
@@bkefrmr 😄 if I was a painter, then sure! If I still lived in Wisconsin, I'd bring a bike with a single handle for a tune up to your shop.
@@redamaleki I’ve done it before!
Thanks for the feedback@@R33GTRRRR - that said, I really like how @bkefrmr explains and shows how to adjust the brakes. I just wonder if there is a trick or hint to get all 4 springs to pull equally, or the approach to make the front or the rear trigger first/faster to favor that end for braking. I've seen the a lever that does what you describe, and the link inside rocks back and forth, so more of a dance/knowledge process to get it all adjusted correctly.
Wtf?