I was a bike mechanic and shop manager for twelve years and you do far, far more than does the average wrench. People watch bike maintenance videos and read Sheldon and think that every shop has the time, the manpower, and the ability to polish the cones on their 1998 Deore hub or that their $85 tune-up should include a bottom bracket overhaul. The truth is that, on any kind of large scale with overhead, bike repair is only profitable as a volume business, so as you say, most often the bike need only be “good enough for who it’s for.”
I do some repairs in my home town, I even call my tune-ups “Bike Farmer Tune-up” and for what you typically show I only charge $50 and I even refer them to your channel if they want to see exactly what a “Bike Farmer Tune-up” for details. That seems to be what the market will bear for me. This keeps me at about 3 bikes a month and I don’t just do it. I tell my customers to expect a couple weeks bc I already have a real job that I like; and, I just do repairs and tune-ups to keep me busy in my shop for fun. Neighborhood kids free. My success rate is incredibly low with automobiles but close to 100% with bikes. 😂❤ Thanks for your fun channel.
Some may disagree, but I think $50 is fair for a home shop price if you’re just doing it for the hobby and a little extra grocery/gas money and maybe to pay for some nice tools once in a while. Honestly, $50 is a steal for your customers, but I know people are hesitant to pay higher $$ for a home shop- even though the quality of work, I’m sure, is equal to an established bike shop.
@@georgeforeman89 I'm not sure a shop would do better. I'm in Milwaukee, and discovered through hard experience and also meeting an insider, that a popular local chain hires college kids w/ no experience & also seemingly no interest in doing good work.
@@boggy7665that’s pretty unfortunate. The REI around here is like that, but I am lucky to have very good bike shops around here. They’re pretty expensive (California, go figure), but definitely worth their time for major issues.
@@boggy7665it depends on the kid hired too. My best friends brother worked at a bike shop but he was very hard working, smart and I'm sure very thorough.
@@markfrisbie1587 The auto market is very fickle my dad had 35 plus years working on cars and became of health reasons started a small shop at home. ( Part Time.) It was crazy how some people talked to him and treated him because he wasn’t sitting in the Dodge or Chevy dealership. We was A.S.E. Cert with many years experience till he let everyone know where he came from it was crazy. I am sure Andy puts up with this also because he isn’t sitting in fancy high end strip mall working at a Corporate Trek dealership.
I think you should pay no mind to the negative comments for the most part. You're doing the vast majority of us a great service for free by showing us the ins and outs of bike wrenching. The target audience, myself included, is more than grateful. The haters are just that. They will hate everything and be only satisfied by publicly exercising their blowholes on the internet.
There’s nothing to hate about your work, buddy. For me you’ve taken the fear out of doing some of my own bike maintenance. And my bike runs all the better for it.😊
A quick tip. Go to Harbor Freight and get one of those cheapo extendable magnet wands that clips to a pocket. Use that to grab all the bearings when you open the hub. Works a charm.
Brass player and cyclist here. We use furniture polish on our horns to clean the brass. Works beautifully. Never thought to try it on my bike. Now I will!
Great video. I have 3 bikes and I don’t ride them as often as I’d like. I’m also pretty incompetent at anything mechanical but I do like to try. IMO there is always someone out there telling you that you’ll be doing it wrong or they have a better way. They’re on here doing it because folk won’t listen to em in real life!! Keep it up. Thanks again from Sherwood Forest, UK 😊
I have a couple of cheap bikes (one was $25, the other was free) that I brought home, took down to the bare frame, cleaned and regreased everything, then reassembled carefully. Took some time to tune everything in to perfection and now I pretty much always have the only bikes on the group rides that aren't making some kind of noise and always shift perfectly. It really is worth it, if you're the one who's going to be riding the bike.
So right. For your own bike this is the way. But good luck getting your time back in money when you're depending on it. I sometimes do the full program (disassemble, reassemble) to bikes I get cheap or for free and sell them afterwards, but that's just for the fun of getting my hands dirty, not to make a living. If I had to calculate a "wage" per hour it would be like 5-10 Euros, if even that 😅
I've got a $10 wrong size Magna MTB bike that I bought 20 years ago. Everybody tells me it's junk but after going through and adjusting everything while I'm learning about biking it runs pretty smooth. Sure it's too small, and not suited for riding on the street, but until I find a better replacement for the low budget it's good enough for my 50-75 miles per week. Currently I'm focused on a Roadmaster women's MTN bike I got from the neighbors curb with probably less than 2 miles on it. It's lighter, much better uphill gearing, straight rims, closer street tires, and allows my legs to extend closer to the ideal position.
@@martyjoseph9507 I rode around on an old abandoned 20" girls bike (I'm an adult male) for about 8 months while my MTB was in parts because I needed something to cover the 3-5kms to various worksites until I could get the time to finish assembling my MTB. People hung shit on it, but it didn't faze me. Other riders would smile or burst out laughing when they'd see me, and little girls would ask their mothers, "Why is that man is riding a girls bike?". After I extended the seat pole, it was easier on my knees and quicker than having to cover the distance by foot. I was able to replace or upgrade a lot of parts on it with old BMX stuff I had or other kids bikes that I also found dumped or left on the curb for rubbish collection. It was excellent for getting around in the city as the shorter wheelbase made weaving through crowds easier and I could just jump off, run up some stairs or jump a fence/guard rail with it in one hand with no loss of momentum. It withstood a huge amount of abuse and kept rolling for me, so I'll eventually restore it back to its original beauty one day.
@@martyjoseph9507 I've seen people on beater bikes crush it (ride powerfully) on hill rides and tours. Its okay man. Enjoy any bike, and introduce yourself to weekend racer types who often like to share knowledge or sell their unused bikes and gear to training riders. I just put a new wheel on an old but gold 700c hybrid and my friend loves it. Now it's no longer a yard sale but someone's favorite.
Mr. Andy, I really enjoy watching your videos and the way you narrate. As a hobby bike mechanic I think you do exactly what is needed for a bike to transform it from neglected piece ot machinery to something you will ride a long time without bother. Your cleaning and your lubing is enaugh. You don't do restoration to strip the whole bike, you just go through all the moving parts without dismantle everything. As usual people don't appreciate that they watch content for free and forget that you do this for living and the time is money. Keep up with your great work!
I worked in QC for a power electronics manufacturer before retiring. At times, I'd have to disassemble units, then put them back together. When screwing things back together, particularly with dissimilar materials (e.g. plastic valve cap on a metal valve stem), you want to back off the screw or bolt until you feel the threads engage; back it off until you feel a click, then screw the thing in normally. Start off by hand tightening to double check that the threads are truly aligned. Then, use the necessary tool to screw things down. This will prevent cross threading.
@@bkefrmr you're welcome, hey! It's the least I can do, as I'm learning a lot from your videos, and I'm already using your tips and tricks to look after my bikes between LBS visits... 😀
I get it. Don't allow people the ability to dim your light Andy. What you do is a blessing and very much appreciated by way more folks than the few who have crap to say. Some people wake up with the specific intention of picking away at others. Abnormal individuals who feed on sick kicks. I've learned a great deal listening & watching you work your magic. Stay magical Andy, and be not moved by the bull. Instead be moved by knowing that you're making a tremendous difference for an even more tremendous amount of folks.
Currently stuck at home, recovering from a mtb injury. Love your videos! I find them extremely satisfying to watch. I did a fair amount of wrenching on old tech several years ago, so your work on square taper axles and v-brakes are bringing back good memories, when there were less standards and less proprietary tools required to fix your bike. Thanks!
Your videos are great...old man here and worked on my bikes since i was a kid...i know quite a bit about bikes but still learn something new with your videos...thank you very much.
Actually it's "Zinn and the Art of Road Bike Maintenance. " The author's last name is Lennard Zinn. I thought he was pretty clever mimicking the "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" book.
Spending 40 years in bikes shop industry, you are doing exactly as i was taught at 17. Some may call it cutting corners, but it is about risk mitigation vs cost effectiveness. A "mechanic" (not a true certified trade) could spend 12+ hours "tuning up" each bike, but a customer will never pay that time spent. Those haters have never run a business and do not understand what the market will bear vs the work undertaken.
I volunteer at Working Bikes and run into a lot of bikes like the ones you work on. I was concentrating on replacing/repairing broken and missing parts. I still do that, but after watching you I also spend more time cleaning, lubing and adjusting so the end users get a safe, functional bike and one that is nicely tuned. Thanks!
Right on. Time is money. To run a business successfully you simply can’t tick off every box on the list. Just do what’s really necessary and get it out the door.
@@GokkunGuru if you need to tick more boxes you need to charge more money. the less boxes you tick the less money you make. so you really do want to upsale and allow yourself to put in the extra work to make the extra money
@@bmxscapeNot everyone is willing to pay x amount for a tune up. There’s an expectation as to how much they want to spend vs how much the bike is worth.
Agreed. I used to repair computers and am still good enough to make most computers sing. But nobody was willing to pay for the hours a "full tune-up" takes (and no costumers did much more than browse the net, check their e-mail and collect pictures), so instead they got a quickie that fixed the most common problems... and it was "good enough for who it was for". I do wish they made break-cleaner for Windows....
Great to see some 3×7 Tourney love! I have a Giant Escape III, probably the cheapest adult bike Giant offered in 2021. I've since graduated to better road and gravel bikes, but I kept that Escape as a daily commuter to the store and to the gym. My hometown is built on hills, and that both derailleurs get a workout. It's not a fancy groupset, but it's a tank.
Hello new subscriber here and you make the most sense to me. I’m a career automotive technician and haven’t touched a bicycle since my kids left home lol….until recently, your vids are easy to watch. Thank you for what you are doing sir.
Great video! Provides the depth for the “geek” DIY guys and gals watching your channel loving on their own bikes. Thank you. Now go somewhere warm this off season and take us for a ride with you!
Having been an automotive tech and bicycle mechanic, I can say that the haters clearly have no idea what they're talkling about when it comes to running a shop and the services you, amongst many others, provide. I'd like to see how well the haters do with a "tune-up" when the BB doesn't come out lol! When I was at a LBS I'd seen a number of those old BBs either barely come out or not at all. Certain jobs have to be priced accordingly, but many outside the industry don't know all the nuances that come with wrenching and running a business. There's a great deal of considerations that must be taken into account to ensure a business is sustainable. Personally, I find your work and efforts to be quite suitable to meet the needs for the majority of riders. And I can only imagine that the prices you charge are comensurate to meet the needs of your organization and personal. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. That's just standard business practice. Keep doing you and thanks for the vids.
When reinserting the ball bearings put you axle back partially in and it stops the balls dropping through the centre of the hub. Brought back so many memories because as a child i would like to repair/service my bike whilst my Dad serviced his trucks. Still love wrenching. Love your commentary
I am watching while rebuilding my camp’s bikes from burning man. The clay dust and any mistakes made in loading in/out of trailers forces a complete tear down and frequent trips to the used parts store for rims. The one thing I have to do is open/clean the free hubs as they get super gummed up out there on the playa. Thanks for keeping me company while wrenching!
Call me crazy but the longer these videos are the more enjoyment I get from them! Absolutely love when they're at least 45-50 minutes but RLY love when they're an hour+...!!!
I have to admit, I have been lulled to sleep by this video only to pick it up the next day with a cuppa cawfee. That’s not a bad thing. I’m actually somewhat inspired; we have a Trek FX3 and an old 4900 (with Shimano Tourney 3x7 and Shimano Deore 3x8 groupset respectively and cantilevered brakes) that both need some attention and a new home.
Great job. I advise anyone getting irate owing to what they perceive as a lack of thoroughness on the part of the Bikefarmer to watch the Bikespeeds channel. They take bike servicing to the Nth degree. Me, I love the Bikefarmer's work.
I have a 3x7 Trek hybrid and absolutely love it. Now that I have a bike rack that doesn't make me cringe every time I go over a bump I am hoping to get out more often and then put it on a trainer for the Winter.
I worked at Bring’s Cycling and Fitness during collage in the late 90s. It’s a family owned show and has been in the same family for a couple generations. I learned to work on bikes there and we did things very much the same way that you show!
I've restored hundreds of bikes, I strip everything off the frame that will come off, clean, polish and wax the frame, then one by on clean lube etc each part and install. Once I'm done the bike is as good as it can be. It's not feasible to do this to crappy bikes for $100 plus parts though I totally agree.
One of the great things about youtube is the variety. Great i found your channel. Your appreciation of the humble bicycle resonates with me. Thank you for sharing.
I'm all about a $300-$500 bike. The frames are good bones and I can upgrade the rest. I have a GT and old GIANT that I've spent more on upgrades than the entire original bikes. I use them as a daily commuter and as a tourer. Haven't failed me in 12 plus years. Consistent preventative maintenance has kept them running. Nothing in depth unless something is busted. Bikes are pretty durable items...as people see by the older ones you tune up or slap upgrades on. A part here and there, a servicing and wipe down, the bike will serve its purpose for a long time.
Giant makes excellent bikes - no surprise they sold very well. Love the BFW and BFH! This is great to see how and WHY you perform certain maintenance tasks - this has been very educational.
Andy, when using new inner cables, I use beeswax instead of oil. Yep, on existing cables the oil “travels” further down inside the housing and makes sense but it is messy and the oil might eventually thicken up and become sticky. The waxing method then polishing it off on new cables might be worth a try. I am living proof that you can teach old dogs new tricks 😊
You take your work seriously and you are doing a great service by showing your craft. Thank you. For every complainer there are probably 100 people who love this content. BTW, go Elks!!! I grew up down by Abels Corners (County ES and 12). Hike and ski up in the Kettle alot! I will bring my bike soon.
Another thing I do when rebuilding cup and cone rear hubs, is once you have the first set of balls in, use the axle with cone installed to hold the balls in when you flip the wheel over. Leave the axle sticking up on the freewheel side as you grease and install balls, and the axle will keep the balls from falling down the middle of the hub. (Signed, an Old Guy) ps. and two thumbs up on the Phil oil in the freewheel!
You have the perfect mentality. You male the bikes "Good enough for who they're for" and that means they are mechanically sound and safe. This doesn't mean every part is the most optimal for speed, efficiency, or weight savings. They also dont need to stand up to the abuse of a pro rider. People need to have the right expectations. You dont take your Honda Accord to the dealer and tell them to disassemble the car and lube every bolt every year. You have the high wear items addressed, and have the professional look over it to see if anything additional needs attention.
I commented this time because you were working on a giant I have a giant Sedona from back in the early nineties I bought it brand new and wrote it everywhere and pulled my daughter with a burley bike carrier, everywhere including riding my bike to work after I dropped my daughter off at daycare. Bikes are so much fun and they give you a sense of freedom . Now I'm almost 60 and I still have that same bike 👍😁
Good video, good editing. I would use a pipe to extend the lever to unscrew difficult stuff. Ignore negative comments - basic rule: if you have nothing positive to say, go away and shut up... Have a Great Day... I kept watching till the end, you are so good I just could not stop, I even watched many parts which did not interest me that much. Your calm voice and well set music and interesting comments kept me watching. I can see that you are fixing bikes many years, you know what you doing and you can do it fast. This video is great in showing most of the needed repairs on a bike.
@@daivernon7346 I like giving him some real crap without being stupid about it. All jokes aside i enjoy his work and have enjoyed his edditing growth. If you watch his earlier video’s thay have much more shots of just dead space in them.
@@6479rob his latest videos are near to perfect, sometimes he cut out even to much... dead space? His dead space is always filled with his talk, his great background music is PERFECT - I can tolerate anything even some out of focus parts. I just love the guy, he is a real smart person who could work in so many other fields yet because of hos love to the trade, hi is most happy doing just that. May our universe have many more humans like him
Thank you for giving so much of your time for these videos, you can't please everyone, keep strong majority of people watch because of you, keep being you and don't change keep it real with life experiences ❤
In my shop, we use a breaker bar to get the tight BB's out. Also, we only service BB's in our complete overhaul. The basic tune ups only involves adjustments.
loving your channel. i only shred my modern hardtail in the woods currently but you have inspired me to build an older steel mtb into a dope commuter/"gravel" bike
I have always been the kind of person to go a little bit above and beyond, I think you do a great job. When you're running a business you can't give a bunch of freebies to everybody you'll go out of business, it's called volunteer work! You're not volunteering you're actually doing a labor for people, and you're doing a great job. 😁
No hater here Andy. Love what you do and how you explain things so thoughtfully and well. Still loving the Trek service bike I bought from you! Recently put a couple of new Schwalbe skins on it and some nice combo(spd/flats) Shimano pedals. Not much to change after the great job you did on the mechanicals. Keep up the good work young man, you’ve got many fans.
I like this level of bike; just good enough, not expense. And a funny thing about them is that when they are not ridden too much, they and their parts last forever.
I install the ball bearings with tweezers one at a time after adding the grease. I sit the wheel over a oil drain so any dropped bearings don't roll away. I can overhaul a hub in minutes. No mess. Adjusting the cones is much easier when the wheel is held in a vise. Great videos.
Happy to contribute a “like” and comment for the algorithm. I loved the “full monte” you did on this bike. Your videos and commentary are giving me the confidence to tune-up my own bikes… and maybe even get the tools and products to correctly service bikes as a hobby. Keep it up Bike Farmer. You are planting great seeds!
awesome! i have an old early 2000s trek 820 that i love (poor college kid att)! i've gotten a few newer bikes now but man, nothing feels quite like my old 820! my wife always asks me when i'm going to throw it out. im sure i can buy a VERY NICE new bike with all that i've invested in keeping that bike in good running shape! makes me love this video more!
That’s really funny, you are using furniture polish on bikes, and wooden furniture refinishes hate the stuff, because it leaves a silicone film, and eventually, a dull waxy buildup that interferes with the refinishing process. Also surprised that the bike stand clamp doesn’t slip much. Thanks for the video!
NICE GOOD TO SEE YOU DOING IT TO A HIGH STANDARD I HAVE A CHEAP BIKE WITH SUM UPGRADES & DUNE THE SAME AS YOU ON MY BIKE.I RIDE ALL YEAR ROUND DO A LOT OF MILES IN ALL WEATHER THIS TYPE OF SERVICE MADES A BIG DIFFERENCE TO THE BIKE MAKEING IT LAST LONGER & IT FEELS GREAT TO RIDE & FASTER 😊.
@@stevel5192 When i can’t sleep at night i look for a extra long Bike Farmer video, within 15-20 min i am out like a light. Cheaper than a sleeping pill.
I think the complainers don't really understand that your business is to take a bike that's been sitting in a garage for 20 years unridden, and making it ridable for the next customer who will ride it a few times, smile, then leave it abandoned it in their garage for 20 years...
I love your confidence and glad you stay true to yourself the man splaining is proper enough. No apologies necessary. I like to work on my stuff too and I like to use painters tape to hold things in place so I have more flexibility with off hand gathering of spacers, parts. Etc. holds things together temporarily! I don't have a bike stand so I use a rope hanging from my garage ceiling from my punching bag set up. Bunji cord the front wheel to harness to hold in place ( yeah I'm a weird one but it works for me). I can see why people are critical but it's usually pride that wants to tear others down. You do you, I'm jealous of your experience!
Love your videos and style. This may be a dumb question,but are the bearings sealed on this bike. I didn't hear you mention them when you were servicing the lower assembly
Ok Bike Farmer, you made a great point! You must have enjoyed a XL cup-o-herbal tea to remain calm and focused on this over the top service. Great job, great results. It was nice to see the hubs, crank cartridge and steer tube serviced even if it wasn’t needed. This is a modern bike so unlike a vintage bike those items are designed better. Oh, and BTW it’s great to see another entry level bike brought back to its as new condition.
3x7 seven years ago? That was entry level. I can totally understand the prices that bicycle shops charge for labor. Conversely, I do all my own work. I only ride a bike so it's very important that I keep up on the maintenance. I haven't driven an automobile in over 13 years. It drives me nuts seeing someone use an adjustable wrench backwards. I'm glad you caught yourself the second time.
3x7 freewheel on a Giant just seven years old is kind of shocking to me. But, it gets the job done. My thick self has broken too many freewheel axles...
Was a pleasure to watch. I remember doing ssome of them cycle repairs. Hours of frustration and trial and error. Do not worry about the know it alls :)
Did not intend to watch the full vid - ended up doing so anyway. 🙂 I have half a lifetime’s worth of work experience in a mom & pop’s -type specialty store, and it’s always a balancing act between time, money and effort, and you have to pick your battles accordingly - especially in maintenance. Don’t mind the haters, you clearly know your stuff. 💪 That enamel touch-up hobby pen is a great idea, by the way - going to have to give that one a try. Thanks! 🙂
Besides your candid snarkiness, to me you are like a Bob Ross of bike repair videos and I appreciate you. Thank you for this long a$$ video Mr. Bike Farmer.
Vids are fun and informative. Love your attitude to life! Tweezers might help with placing the ball bearings in the hub once re-greased and prevent the drop through issue in the vid.
I think there's something wrong with me because these are the exact bikes I work on all day- but are some of my favorite videos of yours to watch after work. Keep up the great work, Andy. I think the ground down tool was probably done to use a fixing bolt to hold the tool in the BB splines (same thing you used the Pedro's BB tool holder inner tool for).
Pro tip my diesel mechanic old man taught me: always start a bolt or something like a bottom bracket *backwards* from the threading. It will *CLICK* into place when the threads are ready to mesh. Like, spinning the bolt the wrong way over your entire career until it clicks will take less time than even a single cross-threading repair. Side note: Shop handwashing soap works better if you lather up before wetting your hands. It's in the directions. I could give a chemistry lecture about it, but, if you're using industrial soap or something like Dawn, don't wet your hands because you scrub off grease and road grime.
love the vids, been doing some diy bike maintenance lately as well, bought seven Koga Miyata bikes already looking to buy two more soon. I really hate doing the wheels, learned a little trick of putting a piece of tape over the axle, then bring it almost completely through the wheel and put something underneath the wheel to hold the axle just under the cup, then fill the bearings so I don't drop them all, had some pain in the ass moments trying to get those balls out and back in place
Forget the haters! I do all my own maintenance and find your videos informative, entertaining and relaxing - keep up the good work!
I was a bike mechanic and shop manager for twelve years and you do far, far more than does the average wrench. People watch bike maintenance videos and read Sheldon and think that every shop has the time, the manpower, and the ability to polish the cones on their 1998 Deore hub or that their $85 tune-up should include a bottom bracket overhaul. The truth is that, on any kind of large scale with overhead, bike repair is only profitable as a volume business, so as you say, most often the bike need only be “good enough for who it’s for.”
@@manysnakes they need a love emoji for awesome comments like yours.
When I was a kid, I used work on Raleigh’s. Tuning was name of the game. When I watch your videos, it proves you are the master.
I do some repairs in my home town, I even call my tune-ups “Bike Farmer Tune-up” and for what you typically show I only charge $50 and I even refer them to your channel if they want to see exactly what a “Bike Farmer Tune-up” for details. That seems to be what the market will bear for me. This keeps me at about 3 bikes a month and I don’t just do it. I tell my customers to expect a couple weeks bc I already have a real job that I like; and, I just do repairs and tune-ups to keep me busy in my shop for fun. Neighborhood kids free. My success rate is incredibly low with automobiles but close to 100% with bikes. 😂❤ Thanks for your fun channel.
Some may disagree, but I think $50 is fair for a home shop price if you’re just doing it for the hobby and a little extra grocery/gas money and maybe to pay for some nice tools once in a while. Honestly, $50 is a steal for your customers, but I know people are hesitant to pay higher $$ for a home shop- even though the quality of work, I’m sure, is equal to an established bike shop.
@@georgeforeman89 I'm not sure a shop would do better. I'm in Milwaukee, and discovered through hard experience and also meeting an insider, that a popular local chain hires college kids w/ no experience & also seemingly no interest in doing good work.
@@boggy7665that’s pretty unfortunate. The REI around here is like that, but I am lucky to have very good bike shops around here. They’re pretty expensive (California, go figure), but definitely worth their time for major issues.
@@boggy7665it depends on the kid hired too. My best friends brother worked at a bike shop but he was very hard working, smart and I'm sure very thorough.
@@markfrisbie1587 The auto market is very fickle my dad had 35 plus years working on cars and became of health reasons started a small shop at home. ( Part Time.) It was crazy how some people talked to him and treated him because he wasn’t sitting in the Dodge or Chevy dealership.
We was A.S.E. Cert with many years experience till he let everyone know where he came from it was crazy. I am sure Andy puts up with this also because he isn’t sitting in fancy high end strip mall working at a Corporate Trek dealership.
I think you should pay no mind to the negative comments for the most part. You're doing the vast majority of us a great service for free by showing us the ins and outs of bike wrenching. The target audience, myself included, is more than grateful. The haters are just that. They will hate everything and be only satisfied by publicly exercising their blowholes on the internet.
@@TheVTRainMan I approve of this message.
There’s nothing to hate about your work, buddy. For me you’ve taken the fear out of doing some of my own bike maintenance. And my bike runs all the better for it.😊
Amen sir, amen.
A quick tip. Go to Harbor Freight and get one of those cheapo extendable magnet wands that clips to a pocket. Use that to grab all the bearings when you open the hub. Works a charm.
@@michaelmann6482 I like those bowls that the bottom is one big magnet great for small metal parts that seem to fly everywhere.
Brass player and cyclist here. We use furniture polish on our horns to clean the brass. Works beautifully. Never thought to try it on my bike. Now I will!
Great video. I have 3 bikes and I don’t ride them as often as I’d like. I’m also pretty incompetent at anything mechanical but I do like to try. IMO there is always someone out there telling you that you’ll be doing it wrong or they have a better way. They’re on here doing it because folk won’t listen to em in real life!! Keep it up. Thanks again from Sherwood Forest, UK 😊
I have a couple of cheap bikes (one was $25, the other was free) that I brought home, took down to the bare frame, cleaned and regreased everything, then reassembled carefully. Took some time to tune everything in to perfection and now I pretty much always have the only bikes on the group rides that aren't making some kind of noise and always shift perfectly. It really is worth it, if you're the one who's going to be riding the bike.
So right. For your own bike this is the way. But good luck getting your time back in money when you're depending on it. I sometimes do the full program (disassemble, reassemble) to bikes I get cheap or for free and sell them afterwards, but that's just for the fun of getting my hands dirty, not to make a living. If I had to calculate a "wage" per hour it would be like 5-10 Euros, if even that 😅
I've got a $10 wrong size Magna MTB bike that I bought 20 years ago. Everybody tells me it's junk but after going through and adjusting everything while I'm learning about biking it runs pretty smooth. Sure it's too small, and not suited for riding on the street, but until I find a better replacement for the low budget it's good enough for my 50-75 miles per week. Currently I'm focused on a Roadmaster women's MTN bike I got from the neighbors curb with probably less than 2 miles on it. It's lighter, much better uphill gearing, straight rims, closer street tires, and allows my legs to extend closer to the ideal position.
@@martyjoseph9507 I rode around on an old abandoned 20" girls bike (I'm an adult male) for about 8 months while my MTB was in parts because I needed something to cover the 3-5kms to various worksites until I could get the time to finish assembling my MTB. People hung shit on it, but it didn't faze me. Other riders would smile or burst out laughing when they'd see me, and little girls would ask their mothers, "Why is that man is riding a girls bike?". After I extended the seat pole, it was easier on my knees and quicker than having to cover the distance by foot. I was able to replace or upgrade a lot of parts on it with old BMX stuff I had or other kids bikes that I also found dumped or left on the curb for rubbish collection. It was excellent for getting around in the city as the shorter wheelbase made weaving through crowds easier and I could just jump off, run up some stairs or jump a fence/guard rail with it in one hand with no loss of momentum. It withstood a huge amount of abuse and kept rolling for me, so I'll eventually restore it back to its original beauty one day.
@@martyjoseph9507 I've seen people on beater bikes crush it (ride powerfully) on hill rides and tours. Its okay man. Enjoy any bike, and introduce yourself to weekend racer types who often like to share knowledge or sell their unused bikes and gear to training riders. I just put a new wheel on an old but gold 700c hybrid and my friend loves it. Now it's no longer a yard sale but someone's favorite.
Mr. Andy, I really enjoy watching your videos and the way you narrate. As a hobby bike mechanic I think you do exactly what is needed for a bike to transform it from neglected piece ot machinery to something you will ride a long time without bother. Your cleaning and your lubing is enaugh. You don't do restoration to strip the whole bike, you just go through all the moving parts without dismantle everything. As usual people don't appreciate that they watch content for free and forget that you do this for living and the time is money. Keep up with your great work!
There is absolutely nothing to hate about on this channel! Keep on keeping on there Bike Farmer! Thanks for the great videos! Thanks, Key West Rick
I worked in QC for a power electronics manufacturer before retiring. At times, I'd have to disassemble units, then put them back together. When screwing things back together, particularly with dissimilar materials (e.g. plastic valve cap on a metal valve stem), you want to back off the screw or bolt until you feel the threads engage; back it off until you feel a click, then screw the thing in normally. Start off by hand tightening to double check that the threads are truly aligned. Then, use the necessary tool to screw things down. This will prevent cross threading.
Thanks hey!
@@bkefrmr you're welcome, hey! It's the least I can do, as I'm learning a lot from your videos, and I'm already using your tips and tricks to look after my bikes between LBS visits... 😀
I get it. Don't allow people the ability to dim your light Andy. What you do is a blessing and very much appreciated by way more folks than the few who have crap to say. Some people wake up with the specific intention of picking away at others. Abnormal individuals who feed on sick kicks. I've learned a great deal listening & watching you work your magic. Stay magical Andy, and be not moved by the bull. Instead be moved by knowing that you're making a tremendous difference for an even more tremendous amount of folks.
Currently stuck at home, recovering from a mtb injury. Love your videos! I find them extremely satisfying to watch. I did a fair amount of wrenching on old tech several years ago, so your work on square taper axles and v-brakes are bringing back good memories, when there were less standards and less proprietary tools required to fix your bike. Thanks!
For what it's worth..... Good enough for what it's worth.
Thanks for this film.
I like what you did with this video, it's almost like Bob Ross levels of relaxing, while being just about as informative, and maybe more entertaining.
Extra tacos for you, sir!
Your videos are great...old man here and worked on my bikes since i was a kid...i know quite a bit about bikes but still learn something new with your videos...thank you very much.
Thanks! Keep the good tunes coming.
Seeing the test drive is the best part. Please leave them in.
Zen and the art of bicycle maintenance.
Actually it's "Zinn and the Art of Road Bike Maintenance. " The author's last name is Lennard Zinn. I thought he was pretty clever mimicking the "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" book.
My father had the original “zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance”
Spending 40 years in bikes shop industry, you are doing exactly as i was taught at 17. Some may call it cutting corners, but it is about risk mitigation vs cost effectiveness.
A "mechanic" (not a true certified trade) could spend 12+ hours "tuning up" each bike, but a customer will never pay that time spent. Those haters have never run a business and do not understand what the market will bear vs the work undertaken.
I volunteer at Working Bikes and run into a lot of bikes like the ones you work on. I was concentrating on replacing/repairing broken and missing parts. I still do that, but after watching you I also spend more time cleaning, lubing and adjusting so the end users get a safe, functional bike and one that is nicely tuned. Thanks!
The "haters" don't understand business and have never done the work. They only watch videos with time lapse. 🙂
Right on. Time is money. To run a business successfully you simply can’t tick off every box on the list. Just do what’s really necessary and get it out the door.
I heartily agree.
@@GokkunGuru if you need to tick more boxes you need to charge more money. the less boxes you tick the less money you make. so you really do want to upsale and allow yourself to put in the extra work to make the extra money
@@bmxscapeNot everyone is willing to pay x amount for a tune up. There’s an expectation as to how much they want to spend vs how much the bike is worth.
Agreed. I used to repair computers and am still good enough to make most computers sing. But nobody was willing to pay for the hours a "full tune-up" takes (and no costumers did much more than browse the net, check their e-mail and collect pictures), so instead they got a quickie that fixed the most common problems... and it was "good enough for who it was for". I do wish they made break-cleaner for Windows....
Great to see some 3×7 Tourney love! I have a Giant Escape III, probably the cheapest adult bike Giant offered in 2021. I've since graduated to better road and gravel bikes, but I kept that Escape as a daily commuter to the store and to the gym. My hometown is built on hills, and that both derailleurs get a workout. It's not a fancy groupset, but it's a tank.
You are a very talented bike mechanic, I enjoy watching you, turn these old bikes into almost new!
Thanks
Hello new subscriber here and you make the most sense to me. I’m a career automotive technician and haven’t touched a bicycle since my kids left home lol….until recently, your vids are easy to watch. Thank you for what you are doing sir.
Great video! Provides the depth for the “geek” DIY guys and gals watching your channel loving on their own bikes. Thank you. Now go somewhere warm this off season and take us for a ride with you!
Thanks hey!!
Having been an automotive tech and bicycle mechanic, I can say that the haters clearly have no idea what they're talkling about when it comes to running a shop and the services you, amongst many others, provide. I'd like to see how well the haters do with a "tune-up" when the BB doesn't come out lol! When I was at a LBS I'd seen a number of those old BBs either barely come out or not at all. Certain jobs have to be priced accordingly, but many outside the industry don't know all the nuances that come with wrenching and running a business. There's a great deal of considerations that must be taken into account to ensure a business is sustainable.
Personally, I find your work and efforts to be quite suitable to meet the needs for the majority of riders. And I can only imagine that the prices you charge are comensurate to meet the needs of your organization and personal. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. That's just standard business practice. Keep doing you and thanks for the vids.
Thanks! I enjoy what you’re doing
Thanks hey!
keep the videos coming! good stuff!
Thanks hey!
That’s awesome! My wife exact bike that I’ve been slowly trying to salvage, now I have a complete guide!
When reinserting the ball bearings put you axle back partially in and it stops the balls dropping through the centre of the hub.
Brought back so many memories because as a child i would like to repair/service my bike whilst my Dad serviced his trucks.
Still love wrenching. Love your commentary
Great work and great service to everyday folk with every day bikes. I could never be a professional bike mechanic because im too fussy. 😊
Thanks!
Thanks hey!
I am watching while rebuilding my camp’s bikes from burning man. The clay dust and any mistakes made in loading in/out of trailers forces a complete tear down and frequent trips to the used parts store for rims. The one thing I have to do is open/clean the free hubs as they get super gummed up out there on the playa. Thanks for keeping me company while wrenching!
Call me crazy but the longer these videos are the more enjoyment I get from them! Absolutely love when they're at least 45-50 minutes but RLY love when they're an hour+...!!!
I have to admit, I have been lulled to sleep by this video only to pick it up the next day with a cuppa cawfee. That’s not a bad thing. I’m actually somewhat inspired; we have a Trek FX3 and an old 4900 (with Shimano Tourney 3x7 and Shimano Deore 3x8 groupset respectively and cantilevered brakes) that both need some attention and a new home.
Great work mate and thanks for sharing it here mate
yes. work is great and the comentator funny
Great job. I advise anyone getting irate owing to what they perceive as a lack of thoroughness on the part of the Bikefarmer to watch the Bikespeeds channel. They take bike servicing to the Nth degree. Me, I love the Bikefarmer's work.
bikespeeds also only do what is necessary and what the customers ask for...however he often works on very modern bikes
I have a 3x7 Trek hybrid and absolutely love it. Now that I have a bike rack that doesn't make me cringe every time I go over a bump I am hoping to get out more often and then put it on a trainer for the Winter.
Love the videos
Surprised you didn’t do the chain checker…but maybe I missed that
I worked at Bring’s Cycling and Fitness during collage in the late 90s. It’s a family owned show and has been in the same family for a couple generations. I learned to work on bikes there and we did things very much the same way that you show!
I mess about with bikes a bit. Good enough for who its for"". Perfect words of wisdom when I'm deciding how far to go.
Knowing when to stop is a sign of mastery. Chasing perfection is counterproductive.
I've restored hundreds of bikes, I strip everything off the frame that will come off, clean, polish and wax the frame, then one by on clean lube etc each part and install. Once I'm done the bike is as good as it can be. It's not feasible to do this to crappy bikes for $100 plus parts though I totally agree.
I commented on another video about the Jazz you had in the background. This video, with the guitar, is far more pleasant to listen to.
One of the great things about youtube is the variety. Great i found your channel. Your appreciation of the humble bicycle resonates with me. Thank you for sharing.
I'm all about a $300-$500 bike. The frames are good bones and I can upgrade the rest. I have a GT and old GIANT that I've spent more on upgrades than the entire original bikes. I use them as a daily commuter and as a tourer. Haven't failed me in 12 plus years. Consistent preventative maintenance has kept them running. Nothing in depth unless something is busted. Bikes are pretty durable items...as people see by the older ones you tune up or slap upgrades on. A part here and there, a servicing and wipe down, the bike will serve its purpose for a long time.
exactly, I´ve slapped a XTR shifter plus few other good things on my 10 y.o. Cube, works like a charm
Giant makes excellent bikes - no surprise they sold very well. Love the BFW and BFH! This is great to see how and WHY you perform certain maintenance tasks - this has been very educational.
Andy, when using new inner cables, I use beeswax instead of oil. Yep, on existing cables the oil “travels” further down inside the housing and makes sense but it is messy and the oil might eventually thicken up and become sticky. The waxing method then polishing it off on new cables might be worth a try. I am living proof that you can teach old dogs new tricks 😊
do you wax your chains too?
I use lithium grease
The ground down bottom bracket tool is so you can put the bolt on it for really stuck bottom brackets
You take your work seriously and you are doing a great service by showing your craft. Thank you. For every complainer there are probably 100 people who love this content. BTW, go Elks!!! I grew up down by Abels Corners (County ES and 12). Hike and ski up in the Kettle alot! I will bring my bike soon.
Another thing I do when rebuilding cup and cone rear hubs, is once you have the first set of balls in, use the axle with cone installed to hold the balls in when you flip the wheel over. Leave the axle sticking up on the freewheel side as you grease and install balls, and the axle will keep the balls from falling down the middle of the hub. (Signed, an Old Guy)
ps. and two thumbs up on the Phil oil in the freewheel!
You have the perfect mentality. You male the bikes "Good enough for who they're for" and that means they are mechanically sound and safe. This doesn't mean every part is the most optimal for speed, efficiency, or weight savings. They also dont need to stand up to the abuse of a pro rider. People need to have the right expectations.
You dont take your Honda Accord to the dealer and tell them to disassemble the car and lube every bolt every year. You have the high wear items addressed, and have the professional look over it to see if anything additional needs attention.
I commented this time because you were working on a giant I have a giant Sedona from back in the early nineties I bought it brand new and wrote it everywhere and pulled my daughter with a burley bike carrier, everywhere including riding my bike to work after I dropped my daughter off at daycare. Bikes are so much fun and they give you a sense of freedom . Now I'm almost 60 and I still have that same bike 👍😁
Good video, good editing. I would use a pipe to extend the lever to unscrew difficult stuff. Ignore negative comments - basic rule: if you have nothing positive to say, go away and shut up... Have a Great Day...
I kept watching till the end, you are so good I just could not stop, I even watched many parts which did not interest me that much. Your calm voice and well set music and interesting comments kept me watching. I can see that you are fixing bikes many years, you know what you doing and you can do it fast. This video is great in showing most of the needed repairs on a bike.
@@daivernon7346 I like giving him some real crap without being stupid about it. All jokes aside i enjoy his work and have enjoyed his edditing growth. If you watch his earlier video’s thay have much more shots of just dead space in them.
@@6479rob his latest videos are near to perfect, sometimes he cut out even to much... dead space? His dead space is always filled with his talk, his great background music is PERFECT - I can tolerate anything even some out of focus parts. I just love the guy, he is a real smart person who could work in so many other fields yet because of hos love to the trade, hi is most happy doing just that. May our universe have many more humans like him
Thank you for giving so much of your time for these videos, you can't please everyone, keep strong majority of people watch because of you, keep being you and don't change keep it real with life experiences ❤
It's nice to see someone not just replacing everything!
In my shop, we use a breaker bar to get the tight BB's out. Also, we only service BB's in our complete overhaul. The basic tune ups only involves adjustments.
loving your channel. i only shred my modern hardtail in the woods currently but you have inspired me to build an older steel mtb into a dope commuter/"gravel" bike
I have always been the kind of person to go a little bit above and beyond, I think you do a great job. When you're running a business you can't give a bunch of freebies to everybody you'll go out of business, it's called volunteer work! You're not volunteering you're actually doing a labor for people, and you're doing a great job. 😁
Bike Farmer is one of my favorite channels. so relaxing. next month I will be adding to the taco fund!
No hater here Andy. Love what you do and how you explain things so thoughtfully and well. Still loving the Trek service bike I bought from you! Recently put a couple of new Schwalbe skins on it and some nice combo(spd/flats) Shimano pedals. Not much to change after the great job you did on the mechanicals. Keep up the good work young man, you’ve got many fans.
I like this level of bike; just good enough, not expense. And a funny thing about them is that when they are not ridden too much, they and their parts last forever.
If it's stored indoors
Keep doing what you're doing good sir. Don't let negative comments get under your skin. Your content is awesome and so are you . ❤
I install the ball bearings with tweezers one at a time after adding the grease. I sit the wheel over a oil drain so any dropped bearings don't roll away. I can overhaul a hub in minutes. No mess. Adjusting the cones is much easier when the wheel is held in a vise. Great videos.
Happy to contribute a “like” and comment for the algorithm. I loved the “full monte” you did on this bike.
Your videos and commentary are giving me the confidence to tune-up my own bikes… and maybe even get the tools and products to correctly service bikes as a hobby. Keep it up Bike Farmer. You are planting great seeds!
awesome! i have an old early 2000s trek 820 that i love (poor college kid att)! i've gotten a few newer bikes now but man, nothing feels quite like my old 820! my wife always asks me when i'm going to throw it out. im sure i can buy a VERY NICE new bike with all that i've invested in keeping that bike in good running shape! makes me love this video more!
Love the background guitar music. It makes watching your videos almost a therapeutic experience.
Love how you deal with some stuff like the "cheat method" for perfect cone tightening. I'll watch this over again, it was sweet. ❤
i upgraded my gotrax ebike. its fantastic. i do this for a living but been watching you alot.
That’s really funny, you are using furniture polish on bikes, and wooden furniture refinishes hate the stuff, because it leaves a silicone film, and eventually, a dull waxy buildup that interferes with the refinishing process. Also surprised that the bike stand clamp doesn’t slip much. Thanks for the video!
When you greased the brake pads, i almost spat out my coffee! 😂👍
I enjoyed the whole thing. Very informative and entertaining. I'm going to keep watching this channel if you don't mind.
NICE GOOD TO SEE YOU DOING IT TO A HIGH STANDARD I HAVE A CHEAP BIKE WITH SUM UPGRADES & DUNE THE SAME AS YOU ON MY BIKE.I RIDE ALL YEAR ROUND DO A LOT OF MILES IN ALL WEATHER THIS TYPE OF SERVICE MADES A BIG DIFFERENCE TO THE BIKE MAKEING IT LAST LONGER & IT FEELS GREAT TO RIDE & FASTER 😊.
I like your laied back attitude. It's like watching Bob Ross of the bike world. It is relaxing and informative.
@@stevel5192 When i can’t sleep at night i look for a extra long Bike Farmer video, within 15-20 min i am out like a light.
Cheaper than a sleeping pill.
I think the complainers don't really understand that your business is to take a bike that's been sitting in a garage for 20 years unridden, and making it ridable for the next customer who will ride it a few times, smile, then leave it abandoned it in their garage for 20 years...
LMAO. As a bike commuter I always get the full service. I should probably purchase some tools and do it myself since I ride a single speed.
@@macedaking That's why I'm here - learning to do my own upgrades and maintenance!
grease a steer tube though?
I actually started riding daily my Scoot classic mountain bike
Rain or shine even snow didn't stop me
I love your confidence and glad you stay true to yourself the man splaining is proper enough. No apologies necessary. I like to work on my stuff too and I like to use painters tape to hold things in place so I have more flexibility with off hand gathering of spacers, parts. Etc. holds things together temporarily! I don't have a bike stand so I use a rope hanging from my garage ceiling from my punching bag set up. Bunji cord the front wheel to harness to hold in place ( yeah I'm a weird one but it works for me). I can see why people are critical but it's usually pride that wants to tear others down. You do you, I'm jealous of your experience!
Love your videos and style. This may be a dumb question,but are the bearings sealed on this bike. I didn't hear you mention them when you were servicing the lower assembly
Ok Bike Farmer, you made a great point! You must have enjoyed a XL cup-o-herbal tea to remain calm and focused on this over the top service. Great job, great results. It was nice to see the hubs, crank cartridge and steer tube serviced even if it wasn’t needed. This is a modern bike so unlike a vintage bike those items are designed better. Oh, and BTW it’s great to see another entry level bike brought back to its as new condition.
3x7 seven years ago? That was entry level. I can totally understand the prices that bicycle shops charge for labor. Conversely, I do all my own work. I only ride a bike so it's very important that I keep up on the maintenance. I haven't driven an automobile in over 13 years. It drives me nuts seeing someone use an adjustable wrench backwards. I'm glad you caught yourself the second time.
3x7 freewheel on a Giant just seven years old is kind of shocking to me. But, it gets the job done. My thick self has broken too many freewheel axles...
Was a pleasure to watch. I remember doing ssome of them cycle repairs. Hours of frustration and trial and error. Do not worry about the know it alls :)
I can't believe he talked about comments that talked about him talking about the comments!
Please keep the good videos coming. OPE!
This is a comment talking about making comments about me making comments on comments!
New to the channel and slowly going through the past videos. Definitely have learned a few things. Keep up the good work.
Did not intend to watch the full vid - ended up doing so anyway. 🙂 I have half a lifetime’s worth of work experience in a mom & pop’s -type specialty store, and it’s always a balancing act between time, money and effort, and you have to pick your battles accordingly - especially in maintenance. Don’t mind the haters, you clearly know your stuff. 💪
That enamel touch-up hobby pen is a great idea, by the way - going to have to give that one a try. Thanks! 🙂
Really appreciate showing the deep dive including the bottom bracket bearings etc. Thanks for all you do.
Please don't let the haters get to you ❤❤❤ wiping as you go ❤❤❤
Besides your candid snarkiness, to me you are like a Bob Ross of bike repair videos and I appreciate you. Thank you for this long a$$ video Mr. Bike Farmer.
I'm glad I found your site . I heard more then I have on any other. Thank you 😊
Leard
Vids are fun and informative. Love your attitude to life! Tweezers might help with placing the ball bearings in the hub once re-greased and prevent the drop through issue in the vid.
Behold polish and steel wool on cables. Two great and practical ideas. Thank you.
I think there's something wrong with me because these are the exact bikes I work on all day- but are some of my favorite videos of yours to watch after work. Keep up the great work, Andy.
I think the ground down tool was probably done to use a fixing bolt to hold the tool in the BB splines (same thing you used the Pedro's BB tool holder inner tool for).
Oh yeah, made it to the end, fun to watch you make old new again.
You do a great job on all bikes. I see all ur videos don’t stop. I’m learning a lot from you. Thank you much.🚴♂️
You should do a Q&A! I love your videos and have watched all of them. It was great to see how you tune a wheel hub as well.
Our Queen Tay Swiftsez: shake it off!~don't allow the haters to live rent-free in your head.
Pro tip my diesel mechanic old man taught me: always start a bolt or something like a bottom bracket *backwards* from the threading. It will *CLICK* into place when the threads are ready to mesh. Like, spinning the bolt the wrong way over your entire career until it clicks will take less time than even a single cross-threading repair.
Side note:
Shop handwashing soap works better if you lather up before wetting your hands. It's in the directions. I could give a chemistry lecture about it, but, if you're using industrial soap or something like Dawn, don't wet your hands because you scrub off grease and road grime.
Those guys just didn't know how to ask nicely for your expertise. And after this video they learned something, as did I. Thanks
love the vids, been doing some diy bike maintenance lately as well, bought seven Koga Miyata bikes already looking to buy two more soon. I really hate doing the wheels, learned a little trick of putting a piece of tape over the axle, then bring it almost completely through the wheel and put something underneath the wheel to hold the axle just under the cup, then fill the bearings so I don't drop them all, had some pain in the ass moments trying to get those balls out and back in place
Respekt o voll gute Arbeit und sehr inspirierend. Glücksegenswünsche und alles gute weiterhin.