Tire puncture repair... This was back when i was a kid in the Philippines and tire levers weren't a thing, so screwdrivers for levers and used a piece of an old inner tube as the patch with some contact cement.
Changing the big chainring on my lockdown bike. Got the replacement part on eBay and used the GCN maintenance book and video and just went and did it! I was soooo proud of myself 😂
As someone who's worked on hundreds of different bikes, I'd stray the f**k away from eurobike. You're better off buying an old trek bike from the 90's for cheap on craigslist.
@@Obsidian72 Well, you'd think that GCN and sister channels upload fairly non-controversial content that hardly ever gets demonetized. However, the content this... "road bike" has delivered is simply priceless.
Like Ollie, I have always struggled with removing and reinstalling the rear wheel ... Thanks for showing me how its done. I feel more confident doing it now.
Tips: 1. Go to your Library & read some of the modern well-illustrated books on the subject. 2. Ask any OLD cyclist how things are done. 3. Don't Fear, as there's been far-bigger Fools than you that have successfully done what your about to. 4. ANY bike is a Joy, so don't let the "snob" commenters denigrate your baby. 5. Remember to wave & smile to everyone on your regular circuit, for someday you may need their help, AND you'll inspire them to join you* :-) 6. Like a 1st kiss, maintenance is first awkward. Then on...it's easy! Broken parts sometimes are not, like a broken heart (hey, I'm an old North Italiano...we all think that way! :-) 7. Craigslist or 2nd hand shops are great for cheap tools. 8. Make your own bike stand, it's really easy. 9. Rub lanolin on your hands before wrenching. 10. I forgot...I'm old, & started thinking of my 1st kiss :-) Buona fortuna! *something that never happens to the "snobs"
Here is my bargain maintenance tip : lubricate wheel and pedal bearings. Most wheels use a 6001 cartridge bearing that is in the hub. You access the bearings by removing the axle from just one side (non-drive, using standard wrenches) and then pop off the rubber seal with a razor blade or pick. Then spray some solvent in the bearing races and cages and flip over to drain and wipe clean (with a perfectly clean cloth or paper towel). Lubricate with a few drops of tenacious oil (e.g. Phil Wood) and then optionally cover with thick grease to retain it. Replace the seal and re-insert the axle. Doing this once every season (e.g. 5000km) will keep the bearings smooth and prolong bearing life. I also disassemble my Shimano pedals and re-grease the bearings which makes them smoother than a new pair. Even if your wheels are quite heavy, on a flat section they can still perform as well as a lightweight carbon model costing thousands, because of the kinetic energy that is stored in a heavy wheel. Smooth bearings facilitate this energy take up and release and I think regularly replacing the lubricant actually results in the bearings and races become smoother with use. You can also lubricate the teeth of the pawls (in the hub) with grease and this will make the freewheel quieter and have less friction. Only oil should be used on the articulating surfaces of the pawls, that attach to the free hub body.
How cool! I had a click in my fork when braking and was afraid to start unscrewing all those bolts to not make it worse, now i know how to fix it, thanks a lot :)
Yes, and if rim brakes, flip the lever to open-up the brakes so the tire can pass the brake pads. And remember to close the brakes back-up once the wheel is back on!
Can you do a quick video on doing up QR skewers as some people do them so tight they struggle to get them undone and others I've seen aren't tight enough
It would be fantastic to see GCN test the most affordable carbon fibre wheels available and comparing them between each other and to the more expensive ones :)
While it would be nice to see that, I reckon GCN would avoid videos like that. By comparing different brands of carbon wheelsets against each other, they're indirectly losing sponsors. Let's take ENVE vs Reynolds. If they compared and found that ENVE is better than Reynolds, Reynolds might avoid engaging them for a collaboration since GCN concluded that Reynolds are not as good as ENVE.
Any advice on what to replace my old square taper (122.5mm by 68mm) BB UN-55 with now that it has been discontinued? Apparently the Shimano BB UN-300 is it's successor/replacement but they aren't available in my neck of the woods at the moment. I know you can't miraculously make stock appear, but perhaps you know of another product I can use. Have a great week!
You can use UN-26, it will have plastic cup vs Aluminum on UN-55. Also there is older UN-52. I would suggest to check eBay or Amazon stock in Your area. Last thing is to check older Shimano or other brands cup & cone bottom brackets, main difference these will have loose bearings. Maybe You can source one of these as temporary BB.
Actually just dry rubbing/wiping the dirty chain pushes some of the grim in between plates and barrels, reducing its lifespan. Don't wipe before using either a degreaser and/or mineral thinner with brush, then wipe, then reapply.
If the tube is not seated correctly (twisted, folded) it will prevent the tire from being centred on the rim and cause a bumpy ride. Remove and reinstall tube and tire, inflate a little bit and pinch and tap the tire to allow them both to be centred, then inflate to riding pressure.
Indeed, spin the wheel and look for changes in the 'height' of the tire. If there is a low spot, the tire bead is not properly seated. You will feel this as vibration when you ride (worsens the faster you go). If deflating-'massaging' the tire-inflating doesn't solve it, try talcum powder or dishwasher soap (look for videos explaining this). Good luck!
#askGCNTech Hi Alex. Thanks for the bike maintenance videos and the Q&A. They are very helpful indeed. I have a question re. lubrication of my bike chain. I ride the bike exclusively indoors about 4 times a week for an hour or so each ride. The bike is also stored in a clean environment indoors. I throughly clean the bike once a month and degrease and clean the chain until (really) shiny, dry it and lube it with muck off dry lube. The amount of lube is adequate and certainly not excessive. The trainer cassette is also removed and cleaned. However every 2-3 weeks or so, some black gunky stuff starts coming out of the chain. The gunk has a paste like consistency. What is going on? Is it just time to clean and lube again or is it something i need to look at?
Could it be that dust settles on the chain and mixes with the lubricant? Or is there old wet lube buried somewhere in the system that you don't get to with cleaning? (Perhaps the derailleur jockey wheels)
The last time I did remove and insert back the rear tire, the setting was out, my gear and brake got a problem. Then, I decided to sent it to bike shop. I am so frustrated.
This bike was really easy to assemble th-cam.com/users/postUgkxMesz3KOGEmwmvyKQfLfrRSUXLFzfVHZA and required very few adjustments out of the box. The wheels did not require any truing/adjustments. The frame had some small scratches, but nothing major.I did replace the seat though - the seat it came with was very uncomfortable. The tires need to be re-inflated every 4-5 days, but this appears to be quite common for the narrow 700x25 tires.Overall, in my opinion, this bike looks and rides like a much more expensive bike.
Buy cockpit spray for cars and after you wash your tires treat them with it, perverts cracking. You can also treat the PU leather of your saddle with it and any other parts that are rubber like the grips.
Can't remove a rear wheel without a wrench/spanner anymore? Just proves that technology doesn't always march forward. At least all the bearings don't need to be repacked at least once a year like in the old days.
all 3 bikes I have have quick releases on the back wheel I have removed that wheel before to put a trainer on it during the winter I think most mid to high end bikes have quick releases
Sorry Alex thumbs down on this one head set tightening. If you tighten the head stem to tight it can be be dangerous has you will know. when tightening the head set cap make sure you can move the handlebars freely gently left to to right without any stiffness. There should not be any stiffness
i wish you gcn guys could do a draw to win a eurobike for the suscribers of the channel around the world here on south america its imposibe even to get a low budget bike like the eurobike that you show on the videos will be a lot cool to do so in y opinnion thanks in advance
What was the first repair you remember making on your bike? Let us know in the comments! 👇
Tire puncture repair... This was back when i was a kid in the Philippines and tire levers weren't a thing, so screwdrivers for levers and used a piece of an old inner tube as the patch with some contact cement.
Changing brake pads
Changing the big chainring on my lockdown bike. Got the replacement part on eBay and used the GCN maintenance book and video and just went and did it! I was soooo proud of myself 😂
tire repair and wheel truing :)
I used to work on D model Phantoms aka Phantom Phixer, so phixxin my Tarmac is easy.
Good choice for keeping the eurobike for general reference since alot of us couldn't afford $$$$ bikes
Truee
I hope you didn’t buy a euro bike 😂
Yuppp 👍
I agree
As someone who's worked on hundreds of different bikes, I'd stray the f**k away from eurobike. You're better off buying an old trek bike from the 90's for cheap on craigslist.
that eurobike has paid for itself 1000x over, in content 😂
Not to be a damper but youtuber's revenue these days is....a bit steep I suppose
But yeah great content
@@Obsidian72 Well, you'd think that GCN and sister channels upload fairly non-controversial content that hardly ever gets demonetized.
However, the content this... "road bike" has delivered is simply priceless.
So helpful for new riders…great video again GCN! Best channel around for sure
Thanks Jake!
Rear wheel removal, BEFORE you loosen the axle, shift to the smallest sprocket, THEN you can loosen the axle
Or take off the chain.
that bike's price got higher by 50% or more cuz it's been in such a great journey, got used by a pro and has been featured in multiple videos
Alex is a good teacher
Like Ollie, I have always struggled with removing and reinstalling the rear wheel ... Thanks for showing me how its done. I feel more confident doing it now.
Happy to see you used the 30 lb eurobike.
Tips: 1. Go to your Library & read some of the modern well-illustrated books on the subject. 2. Ask any OLD cyclist how things are done. 3. Don't Fear, as there's been far-bigger Fools than you that have successfully done what your about to. 4. ANY bike is a Joy, so don't let the "snob" commenters denigrate your baby. 5. Remember to wave & smile to everyone on your regular circuit, for someday you may need their help, AND you'll inspire them to join you* :-) 6. Like a 1st kiss, maintenance is first awkward. Then on...it's easy! Broken parts sometimes are not, like a broken heart (hey, I'm an old North Italiano...we all think that way! :-) 7. Craigslist or 2nd hand shops are great for cheap tools. 8. Make your own bike stand, it's really easy. 9. Rub lanolin on your hands before wrenching. 10. I forgot...I'm old, & started thinking of my 1st kiss :-) Buona fortuna!
*something that never happens to the "snobs"
Here is my bargain maintenance tip : lubricate wheel and pedal bearings. Most wheels use a 6001 cartridge bearing that is in the hub. You access the bearings by removing the axle from just one side (non-drive, using standard wrenches) and then pop off the rubber seal with a razor blade or pick. Then spray some solvent in the bearing races and cages and flip over to drain and wipe clean (with a perfectly clean cloth or paper towel). Lubricate with a few drops of tenacious oil (e.g. Phil Wood) and then optionally cover with thick grease to retain it. Replace the seal and re-insert the axle. Doing this once every season (e.g. 5000km) will keep the bearings smooth and prolong bearing life.
I also disassemble my Shimano pedals and re-grease the bearings which makes them smoother than a new pair. Even if your wheels are quite heavy, on a flat section they can still perform as well as a lightweight carbon model costing thousands, because of the kinetic energy that is stored in a heavy wheel. Smooth bearings facilitate this energy take up and release and I think regularly replacing the lubricant actually results in the bearings and races become smoother with use.
You can also lubricate the teeth of the pawls (in the hub) with grease and this will make the freewheel quieter and have less friction. Only oil should be used on the articulating surfaces of the pawls, that attach to the free hub body.
Thanks for the tips Alex, I always struggle with taking the rear wheel off. That was super helpful!
How cool! I had a click in my fork when braking and was afraid to start unscrewing all those bolts to not make it worse, now i know how to fix it, thanks a lot :)
Thank you for the maintenance video :) I would like to see a free hub replacement/service video!
Hell yeah, you actually keep that XC road super bike thing
may i just add make sure the chain is in the smallest cog on the front and the back to make it easier for removing and installing the rear wheel
Yes, and if rim brakes, flip the lever to open-up the brakes so the tire can pass the brake pads. And remember to close the brakes back-up once the wheel is back on!
hi. can you show us how to replace a brake pad and how you know when the disc part of the disc brake is in need of replacement?
Great tip about loosing the cable!
Good to see GCN getting the most out of the Amazon bike
I loved this! Taking off the rear wheel, getting the chain back on looked beyond reach. I bought a stand. I'm going in...
Can you do a quick video on doing up QR skewers as some people do them so tight they struggle to get them undone and others I've seen aren't tight enough
It would be fantastic to see GCN test the most affordable carbon fibre wheels available and comparing them between each other and to the more expensive ones :)
While it would be nice to see that, I reckon GCN would avoid videos like that. By comparing different brands of carbon wheelsets against each other, they're indirectly losing sponsors. Let's take ENVE vs Reynolds. If they compared and found that ENVE is better than Reynolds, Reynolds might avoid engaging them for a collaboration since GCN concluded that Reynolds are not as good as ENVE.
I really appreciate these videos, Alex, thank you!
thanks! great tips !
Very nice and very effective
I stuck at getting the rear wheel off, that was a nice explanation of why I'm a nuffer.
Perfect video , need more guidance on self maintenance
Hey GNC
You should do an episode on “can you make a cheap bike look expensive challenge”
On candidates like the Eurobike, I‘d check if the fork is shortened correctly. Often enough, it comes too long and the preload does nothing.
helpful thanks. was afraid to remove rear wheel but now im not
Any advice on what to replace my old square taper (122.5mm by 68mm) BB UN-55 with now that it has been discontinued? Apparently the Shimano BB UN-300 is it's successor/replacement but they aren't available in my neck of the woods at the moment. I know you can't miraculously make stock appear, but perhaps you know of another product I can use. Have a great week!
You can use UN-26, it will have plastic cup vs Aluminum on UN-55. Also there is older UN-52. I would suggest to check eBay or Amazon stock in Your area. Last thing is to check older Shimano or other brands cup & cone bottom brackets, main difference these will have loose bearings. Maybe You can source one of these as temporary BB.
Thanks a lot, sir for the tips.
Actually just dry rubbing/wiping the dirty chain pushes some of the grim in between plates and barrels, reducing its lifespan. Don't wipe before using either a degreaser and/or mineral thinner with brush, then wipe, then reapply.
Holy Smoke, Alex! The way you lifted that Eurobike back wheel with one arm! Not normal. Submit yourself for testing please.
tighten bolts
cleaning chain
checking brakes
Great tech videos Alex, almost as good as Jon Cannings!
Ouch!
That Shimano Tourney TZ RD is crying when you are pulling
Can you guys try and turn that into a super bike pleaseeee. I love you guys
Alex, did you say coffee and cake? I can have those two over doing any type maintenance any day of the week and twice on Sundays. Cheers mate..
Are giant tyres good bought a giant content 2 have terrible trouble with vibration and rattling got 28 tyres can you help me.
If the tube is not seated correctly (twisted, folded) it will prevent the tire from being centred on the rim and cause a bumpy ride. Remove and reinstall tube and tire, inflate a little bit and pinch and tap the tire to allow them both to be centred, then inflate to riding pressure.
Indeed, spin the wheel and look for changes in the 'height' of the tire. If there is a low spot, the tire bead is not properly seated. You will feel this as vibration when you ride (worsens the faster you go). If deflating-'massaging' the tire-inflating doesn't solve it, try talcum powder or dishwasher soap (look for videos explaining this). Good luck!
Are these cheap carbon wheels? Are they any good? How are they called?
They aren’t carbon, I think they’re steel
I appreciate this and other maintenance videos. It is good to go over the essentials and good technique.
Eurobike, yellow jersey maintenance mode.
Adjusting brake pads please,. Ta. X
#askGCNTech Hi Alex. Thanks for the bike maintenance videos and the Q&A. They are very helpful indeed. I have a question re. lubrication of my bike chain. I ride the bike exclusively indoors about 4 times a week for an hour or so each ride. The bike is also stored in a clean environment indoors. I throughly clean the bike once a month and degrease and clean the chain until (really) shiny, dry it and lube it with muck off dry lube. The amount of lube is adequate and certainly not excessive. The trainer cassette is also removed and cleaned. However every 2-3 weeks or so, some black gunky stuff starts coming out of the chain. The gunk has a paste like consistency. What is going on? Is it just time to clean and lube again or is it something i need to look at?
Could it be that dust settles on the chain and mixes with the lubricant? Or is there old wet lube buried somewhere in the system that you don't get to with cleaning? (Perhaps the derailleur jockey wheels)
Please, for us newbies, could you show more clear close-ups so we can see exactly what's going on. Thank you.
The last time I did remove and insert back the rear tire, the setting was out, my gear and brake got a problem. Then, I decided to sent it to bike shop. I am so frustrated.
What size are the rims 26" ?
This bike was really easy to assemble th-cam.com/users/postUgkxMesz3KOGEmwmvyKQfLfrRSUXLFzfVHZA and required very few adjustments out of the box. The wheels did not require any truing/adjustments. The frame had some small scratches, but nothing major.I did replace the seat though - the seat it came with was very uncomfortable. The tires need to be re-inflated every 4-5 days, but this appears to be quite common for the narrow 700x25 tires.Overall, in my opinion, this bike looks and rides like a much more expensive bike.
i'm actually wanna see they upgrade this bike into superbike like duraace/ultegra, carbon wheels and stuff
If I don't have a garage or shed, where do I find my spanner set?
Pry in the junk drawer!
Right beside knifes and forks
Comes to something when the tools cost more than the bike and that's just the Park Allen keys 🤔🙂
upgrade when?
GCN featuring a non carbon bike, me: I finally feel part of you guys 🥲
Buy cockpit spray for cars and after you wash your tires treat them with it, perverts cracking. You can also treat the PU leather of your saddle with it and any other parts that are rubber like the grips.
I should get myself a eurobike.
I guess mechanical parts are still extremelly popular for us simple mortals
That is such a naff looking bike! :-)
Imagine what you could flip this bike for on ebay at the moment!! $$$
Can't remove a rear wheel without a wrench/spanner anymore? Just proves that technology doesn't always march forward. At least all the bearings don't need to be repacked at least once a year like in the old days.
all 3 bikes I have have quick releases on the back wheel I have removed that wheel before to put a trainer on it during the winter I think most mid to high end bikes have quick releases
Would love to see you guys transform that into a "superbike" lmao
With drillium!
How about doing a video on the tech channel to upgrade that cheap Eurobike and totally deck it out as a superbike?
Sorry Alex thumbs down on this one head set tightening. If you tighten the head stem to tight it can be be dangerous has you will know. when tightening the head set cap make sure you can move the handlebars freely gently left to to right without any stiffness. There should not be any stiffness
that euro bike gives me the creeps
Brakes are the wrong way round!
i wish you gcn guys could do a draw to win a eurobike for the suscribers of the channel around the world here on south america its imposibe even to get a low budget bike like the eurobike that you show on the videos will be a lot cool to do so in y opinnion thanks in advance
If you haven’t got that … if you haven’t got a penny then a ha’penny will do …
I think you should upgrade that bike....
Can i have that roadbike
Of course
STOP SHOWING THIS BIKE
: )
God I hate that eurobike so much
Oh good, another maintenance video, to go with all the other maintenance videos
It's Maintenance Monday! 😁
Cheap Chinese bikes are killing the industry. Not just the bicycle industry.
How are they killing the industry 😂
How are they killing the industry if practically no one buys them.
@@loc9588 Check the numbers in Amazon, to name just one seller, and if this guy is doing a review of the bike is for a reason.