5 Things Bike Mechanics NEVER Want You To Do

[@biknjak]

As a bike mechanic and rider, I am still stunned by the number of people who are clueless about fixing flats. Yes, I know nearly everything has gone tubeless these days, but there are still a LOT of tubed setups in circulation. I realize it's the "bread and butter" for most shops, but it amazes me that people are willing to pay us as much as they do because they ran over a goat head thorn or whatever! When you're out riding, those same people are dead in the water and helpless when they flat. It's not rocket science, and I've always felt that it is a bare essential skill to have if you are going to ride a bike!!😬

[@sbccbc7471]

I've heard worse: Not knowing how to remove a rear wheel, from an open-dropout frame.

[@biknjak]

@@sbccbc7471 Yep! That axle skewer is a real mystery for some, or removing the two axle nuts on the cheaper bikes!😬

[@sbccbc7471]

@@biknjak I rarely see quick-release skewers tightened the right way. It's always one of the following: Tightened by screwing alone Lever lines up on top of fork blade or frame tube Insufficient clamping force

[@biknjak]

@@sbccbc7471 The other thing people struggle with is getting the skewer/axle centered FIRMLY in the dropouts, otherwise their wheel isn't centered in the fork/frame. It's one of the nice things about thru axles - you don't have to worry about that. It always surprises me about the simple stuff people are willing to pay a shop to do, but that's what keeps the doors open, I guess.

[@jani724]

​@@biknjakit pays my bills fixing clueless people's flats and brakes 😂

[@geoffersmaher]

As a man who has been working in bike shops for 20 years as a mechanic and floor as well I appreciate this video 👍

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

THIS!!! 100% the reason I wanted to make this video. You just made my day!

[@theymademepickaname1248]

You worked as a floor? That must have been rough.

[@LaughingSaint66]

I’m always amazed at how many bikes I see with rusty chains. It hurts my heart. Sometimes if I see a bike in a mall with a rusty chain and I have lube with me I’m going to lubricate it that’s how anal I am.😂😂

[@MrEski22]

Yes! Especially clean your bike. It's hard to do diagnostics on something caked in mud. And you better bet your paying shop rate if I have to take it outside to get it clean.

[@brettjohnson9453]

Maintenance hack: learn how your bike sounds when in good condition. Ride your bike somewhere quiet to reduce sound interference and listen as you perform certain actions like; coasting, easy pedal, full power pedaling, hard and easy braking etc How frequently you test is dependent on your riding style and conditions. But make sure your bike is nice and clean. If any sounds stand out investigate or take to a mechanic. Recording the rides and verbally stating the test you’re about to perform is very helpful

[@joeshmoe7967]

I am keen on the sound of everything I own. Bike, Car, motorcycle, chainsaw....Know the sounds well, and know right away if something is off. - Cheers

[@jimwing.2178]

My MTB was making a troubling noise that I could not locate. I recorded it to play for the bike mechanic. Then I washed my bike and brought it to the shop. The mechanic heard the recording and told me that it could be any one of many problems. The next day he called me and told me that he could not make the noise happen. So I took the bike for a ride. It was as quiet as a mouse. Afterward, I spoke to the mechanic about it and he said he'd been thinking and wondered if I cleaned the bike before bringing it in. Ahh yes. Now I know that if my bike is noisy, the first thing to do is giving it a good washing. It works every time.

[@DavidMarkun]

A good place to listen to your bike is next to a wall or even a guardrail (on a quiet road of course) where the structure reflects sound to you.

[@yourlocaldoomer]

A friend used to have a Ford Ranger from the 90s. He was pretty keen on hearing a new sound it makes right away. Me, not so much. All I hear is squeaking, squabbling, and scraping. It's "done fer" now. Engine blew up.

[@tornagawn]

Best tip I have is if you are struggling to get your gears to index across the range: check your hanger alignment.

[@williams6594]

Add to this, check if you have a low end derailleur like Shimano Alivio that is over one year old. Throw that in the bin and replace with Deore.

[@andrewrose9707]

Absolutely! It is so often overlooked - and so often out of alignment

[@chrishomel9558]

Best comment has got to be, "Ride you bikes". lol. So many epic bike hanging in garages untouched. I agree.

[@druzinabozic5305]

True. I have a friend. He has a 4 pcs very good and expensive biciycles and not riding them.

[@robrousseau4478]

I disagree. Who the hell am I to tell someone to ‘ride your bike’? Moreover, what business is it of mine? Lastly, I enjoy an empty trail… so I say, ‘ride your bike less’.

[@maximumschwa6993]

Re-greasing the Shimano SPD pedal is satisfying. The sound of the excess grease pushing out…

[@dirtroadie4642]

I’ve been working in a bike shop for 5 years. These guys definitely spoke to what I feel is great etiquette in for bicycle maintenance.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

My work here is done!

[@thecombats]

Nice pun!

[@benbutelefski5253]

Love 1:35 about taking time. I think a lot of people under the impression that bicycles are essentially toys and anyone can fix them quickly. As a mechanic for 7 years i greatly appreciate the educational value of this video.

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

I've been maintaining my bikes since the early 1990's. I screwed a lot of sh... Trying to use hardware store tools was the biggest mistake.

[@mikelang5495]

Then he strolled in and had his fork swapped on the spot.

[@treyton6892]

as a mechanic for a month it seems like a lot of repairs are quick but shops just get so many fucking bikes in

[@sbccbc7471]

I once had a customer ask me this: "Can you help change my cockpit to a one-piece cockpit? It'll only take a while, right?".

[@CathyGoes]

@@treyton6892 I'm waiting on my bike to be assembled at a local shop. They've had it a week. You can stroll in anytime to see how many boxes of just delivered bikes are sitting around and all their repair stands full of bikes to see why though. It's riding season in AZ and they are BUSY. I'm glad they have business coming in but it's hard to be patient with how nice the weather is. LOL

[@kubackjeee]

Hey dustin Can u make a video tutorial with this mechanic changing the inner housing and cable using the method he described? It is such a pain in the ass for millions of bikers I Can assure you that this will be the most watched video of your channel. As there is no good video on KZbin about this topic yet😊

[@coryartrip8142]

I don't have a bike with internal routing, but can you use string and a vacuum to do the same thing as the magnet kits?

[@LVang152]

Thanks for this quick and easy tip: @4:44 at the break-in brake.

[@thousandsunny3103]

Is it just me, or did this video never actually touch on the whole “5 things to NEVER do” issue? I mean, we got some advice on what TO DO. But not NOT to do, at least, not any top 5 list. The only thing I recall being said to not do is bring in your bike for maintenance/repairs and expect it to be done immediately/quickly.

[@Gary_G]

Grease your pedals.

[@thousandsunny3103]

@ I sense hostility, when all I did was state the truth.

[@Gary_G]

@@thousandsunny3103 No hostility here. It was obvious though that greasing the pedals needs to be done. In reference to the title, it may have been a reverse AI title. Although the mech gave tips on what to do, they didn't actually say the title. Mr. Klein?

[@thousandsunny3103]

@ to be honest, I only vaguely recall the video at all, so not remembering most of it and reading “Grease your pedals,” it came off like a “go jump in traffic “ type comment, if you were suggesting greasing not the pedal bearings, but rather the pedal foot beds themselves. Like riding a bike with a banana peel between the pedals and your feet. lol. I do have a Klein, am I forgetting something or someone?

[@Gary_G]

@@thousandsunny3103 I actually do need to grease my pedals. It was a great reminder. DKlein is the dude that made the video. He probably has plenty of pedals to choose from and given to him. Grace and peace.

[@joopzoetmelk6705]

I mis Portland. Could you have bought your pedals from the shop you get advice from?

[@paullouthan4390]

3:43 I really appreciate this tip because although I have only messed with it 1 time, I certainly need to fix the rim tape job on my mountain bike. It's sort of constantly leaking a little. I have a friend who has recommended Cyclepath, but I've never made my way over there yet. This really makes me want to drop in next time I have a need.

[@daniellarson3068]

Gosh - So many You Tube videos about waxing your chain. It does keep your hands 'n' stuff clean. I thought the mechanics would say that rather than use lube. So I've got old steel bikes. I don't have a front suspension so I guess that eliminates something that can break down. Due to the age of the bike, I have limited internal cable routing. Another problem discussed that I don't have is disk brakes. Good video. Good reasons not to buy a new bike.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Your bike is what we call in Apocalypse bike!

[@tevemullins8156]

Lots of good tips from the pros that do it day in and day out. Cheers to those guys!!

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Absolutely!

[@vitoonto]

This content was fantastic Dustin. Love the shop talk and advice.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

I appreciate that!

[@scottsutoob]

I worked in bike shop a million years ago. This was in the freewheel, not freehub days. One thing customers would do is wreck a rear rim and then cut the spokes out to removed the perfectly good hub, and bring in the hub with attached freewheel and want us to remove the freewheel. Ugh.

[@joanneleyva4942]

Hey, I bought my Salsa Chili con Crosso cyclocross bike from Cyclepath back in the day. Great staff and service. Glad to see them in your video. Makes me miss living in Portland......

[@davidross8233]

The heat gun rim tape trick works so well.

[@pedroclaro7822]

Bike maintenance is someting i never did as a rider since I was a kid. And nothing ever broke on my, except a few flats which my dad fixed for me. Now I get stuff happening on the same bikes all the time. A couple extrae pounds of bodyweight and a lack of maintenance have basically worn everything out, and I'm fudged. Chain, brakes, cables, everything is worn out due to a lack of lubrification, or acumulation of dust and grime. Do your maintenance kids

[@PaulBeiser]

Most awesome, some incredible tips in there, learned a lot. Great bike shop and great guys. Thanks!

[@wwgbert]

I lived off Portsmouth and Cecelia for 6 years and just moved, I miss riding on some of the bikeways I see you on. Nice stuff.

[@gassd620]

the new pedals actually look perfect on that bike.

[@skoofer]

If you can’t swap your own fork in a bike cave like that I don’t even know what to tell ya

[@Handletaken4]

I know it's May and I did not buy this bike from you and it's Friday afternoon but I have a race tomorrow....can you fix my dirty creaky Trek?

[@bulliblack9661]

Had a customer come in with literal shit on his bike. I asked myself if people wash themself before visiting the doc ?

[@ilyaw.3081]

good content! I learned stuff!!

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@Jean-jk4zv]

Cool to see the cutty come back, I ride mine a lot 💕

[@rosetastone15]

The Matt Reyes video is my favorite in your catalog.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Thats a great one to reference!!

[@noisepuppet]

I somehow missed the list of five things to never do

[@michaelknopf3817]

Why not buy pedals from the shop?

[@mentatsolutions1101]

you made a video with their input but screwed them on the pedals

[@brian90tb]

Haha those rattling SPD pedals are making me think of the drag/sound that I am getting out of my freewheel... maybe i should check that.

[@kixigvak]

I'm 75 years old and got into cycling in 1962. I owned a bike shop in the 80s and 90s. I see the same mistakes we made 50 years ago being made over and over. Internal routing is nonsense. Why do we still see it? 1x is great if you don't need a wide gearing range. There's nothing wrong with 3x. My '87 Ritchey Super Comp is 3x. Tubeless? I see the advantage for racing but otherwise no. I like tubes. I don't walk around without socks so why would I ride a bike without tubes? Disc brakes? Once again, great for racing but otherwise I'll take the old fashioned way. With bicycles we should always looks for the simplest solution. Unfortunately, there are those who think a more complex bike is better.

[@johndef5075]

I agree with the tubes, cable routing, and gearing but discs are a big help in mtb situations.

[@CathyGoes]

We have goatheads. Tubeless with the newer sealants is a ride saver.

[@andrewblakesley4202]

I've been through rims after wet winter riding so whilst I agree with nearly everything you've written, mechanical disc brakes are my favoured low-tech solution. Double wall eyeletted rims are becoming a rare species and that's a shame because they're far more durable and serviceable.

[@johndef5075]

I dont agree with tubes anymore either. I finally went tubeless and so far so good

[@kixigvak]

@@andrewblakesley4202 I made that post 10 months ago, around the time I started riding my first bike with disc brakes. I'm now a big fan of them. They are easy to install and set up, trouble free, and by far the best at braking. So you can teach an old dog new tricks.

[@mtbboy1993]

5:35 The rotor and pads can be sanded. If brake is well bled, and pads not too worn, it should solve the problem. Don't use rougher than 100 grit.

[@mtbboy1993]

4:28 I won't work on internal cable routing unless it's on friends bikes. All my bikes must have external routing, apart from dropper post, but must be done well.I have a Geometron G1, I can easily take off the brakes and install new brakes, so If I were to travel and had brake failure, and had to buy a brake somewhere i could easily do a fix.

[@kimrice394]

Dustin! I’ve never(as an adult) heard a peddle that dry!

[@rokibuca]

The best advice bring your bike to service before the bike season other way you will have a long time to wait

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

That's the plan!

[@6ft8incyclist]

Rocking Local Bicycle shop... Always support your Local shop. Disappointed tho you brought new peddles online. BOOOO HISSS

[@TheLawlbreaker]

4:42 This is the best brake bedding explanation I've heard.

[@jrreed6992]

I worked in a bike shop last winter and my biggest gripe. People bringing in dirty nasty bikes for the free tuneup.

[@michaelbronaugh3817]

I have internal cables and was getting a lot of gear noise. The mechanic said the original housings were worn and making it difficult to replace the gear cable. He said replacing the housings was very expensive so he ran the cable on the outside. I’d really like to replace the housings and keep the cables internal. Is it that difficult and expensive to do this?

[@drewguttormson9368]

Awesome video! Learned a few things. Thanks, Dustin

[@charliedee9276]

Wait until the very last day to bring it in for the HUGE ride you are embarking on the next day. You knew about this event for months or longer, don't wait until the last second to service your ride.

[@txmale5070]

you always have the best music on your videos

[@jimm244]

Good info about heating a rim a bit for tape installation.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Glad it was helpful!

[@blakegoodwin3591]

Careful not too hot on those carbon wheels - I almost ruined a wheel removing decals with a heat gun. Forgot how hot a heat gun can heat - hot. Now I have a little aero ripple in the carbon. Aero because it’s the front wheel. Hell ya.

[@coreyreeder3549]

That metal interlude made me lol

[@SeanKWhite-lk5zf]

Huge Cutty fan and glad to see it returning to its unmolested state. Didn’t seem like you really got along with the SID on that bike anywho.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Sean you called it. I prefer this rig in its "natural" state!

[@ernie12man]

CyclePath! And, fwiw, 2x for the win on that Open. 1x = endless gear-hunting madness.

[@aubreyxengland]

Yo! Woody rules!

[@huwleonard9261]

As a home mechanic the info in this video is great. And no, I can’t just go to my local mechanic….it 200km away.

[@lindonandlisa8114]

There is nothing better than a good bike shop

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

@1:03 FinishLine chain lube is one of the worst... look at the ZFC test data. If this shop will put shlt lube on your bike... or they don't know don't care... should we be going there for maintenance? I mean, what else do they not know not care about?

[@jackmacdonald7636]

It serves many cyclists fine. Chances are if they need to take bike to the shop, they don't put the bike thru the same wear and tear you do. Their hallmark dry teflon lube is still popular and still serves many cyclists well. It's not a reason to discredit a shop. I've worked for private bike shops many years, and there are far greater issues to be concerned about. This shops inventory, overall look and enthusiasm says alot os good here.

[@JakebMiller]

Love the SCRAM hat!

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Good eye!

[@HabaneroTi]

An aside, but I've always wondered why so many bike shops have stairs and ramps leading from one section to another. Is it because they tend to start small, and when business picks up they acquire adjoining properties and because they're not always at the same level they have to install these? It's uncanny but so many bike shops I've been to are like this.

[@PumpkinVillage]

This is so good and right on point. Good luck on your trip. Take care, Al

[@akairborne]

"Ride your bike." Best advice ever!

[@paulbrunner1818]

My favorite video was the LA, Holiday Sign ride.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Good choice!

[@magicdrainpipe8146]

Awesome tip about the TL setup and the heat gun method. I'll definitely try that technique.

[@daveanolik8837]

Heat gun on cf hoops😂😂 … use a hair dryer, especially if your hoops are budget. If you use a heat gun, low setting at a distance from the hoop.

[@billincolumbia]

@@daveanolik8837 mmm hmmm def want to go easy on the cf...

[@FreeRadicalX]

Hi neighbor. Freaked me out how this video opened with a bunch of shots of my neighborhood. Mock's Crest wassup. Cyclepath built a new wheel for my old Lemond a few years back.

[@jem4274]

Nice Sun and Air shirt!

[@robertwalker7496]

Is it just me or does the bike mechanic at 5:10 remind you of Dustin Hoffman in Rain Man!?! Love that movie!

[@JHattsy]

the bedding in your breaks is the best tip in this entire video.

[@nascarisawesome5018]

The biggest thing that mechanics hate is dirty bikes. Everyone from sales to service hates dealing with dirty bikes. Trust me when I say worn out clean stuff is way easier to work with than dirty new stuff.

[@jimwing.2178]

Seems like cleaning the bike before bringing in to a shop would be common courtesy. If I owned a bike shop, I would charge to clean a dirty bike.

[@WildBikerBill]

@@jimwing.2178 Modern culture can be pretty short on common courtesy.

[@sbccbc7471]

@@jimwing.2178 Where I live, apparently, that's not a thing.

[@jeromecant4515]

What bike wall mounts are you using?

[@petergledhill8994]

Nice. Like the Smiths t-shirt.

[@thebikehippie6562]

Wow, these couple dudes are keeping the thick framed glasses company in business

[@terrybriggs3289]

I've always had to explain too customers we do work orders in the order they come in. CLEAN it before it gets here or we charge $60 hr to clean it

[@Colleenann61]

What the heck is Derik Archibald doing in Portland?

[@kristopherhicks-green2152]

My thought too!

[@edjack1993]

Cool store. Good tips too.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Glad you like them!

[@cosmicwav]

1:10 "ride your bike" A very good advice.

[@B1KER]

Pretty sure I just glazed my rotors on my new bike. LOL...wasn't even thinking about bedding them in. Was too excited to go ride. Great vid!

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Fun over all else!

[@jimwing.2178]

Remove pads. Hit the rotors and the pads with sand paper. Clean all surfaces with rubbing alcohol or degreaser. Replace pads. Bed the brakes as prescribed.

[@cicw22]

What's wrong with having ABS brakes?

[@isaackim9191]

Nice pro tips! Thanks! Also, my fav videos are with the van 🚐

[@clubmate12]

The metal on metal pedal thingy degenerated in an epic way 😆

[@mikevannike]

Hi Dustin, How do you like the Gore jacket ? Would like to buy this for commuting with the Stromer in the fall/winter season in Belgium Thx

[@mikeb1039]

Doesn't your suspension fork have a lock out for street use?

[@denis_roy_7]

Why not buy pedals from the LBS? Good video!

[@niceup1177]

this was reaally good

[@brokenrecord3523]

I would kill to have a bike shop like that in my area. Where is this?

[@spade2heart]

@everythingsbeendone PLEASE tell the internal routing guy about pull-string and how to use it, it’ll be a lifesaver. Signed- a guy who’s had to mess with wires in solid and flex conduit

[@andrewwylie9259]

In your opening 10s, the fork has something on the inside, presumably for protection against tire rub. What did you use for it?

[@ChrisJonesv19]

That looks like something to keep the brake line from rubbing through the fork. Brake lines are relentless, I've seen them wear through aluminum chainstays on a FS bike and look totally fine.

[@mrseaweed5587]

Clean chain after every ride!!!! make it shiney.

[@sampotts4269]

Hey Woody!!

[@cancer8343]

You have a whole shed! I am here doing fork lower service in my living room 😂

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

I have been there!

[@timguza3846]

Woody ❤

[@jonamcc]

what’s the answer to heatguns on carbon rims??

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

He said “yeah go for it”

[@jonamcc]

@@EverythingsBeenDone sorry if that was obvious. i watched this with no sound and closed captions!

[@Icehso140]

2:26...after a muddy mtn bike ride, my shoes weigh 18 lbs. LOL

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Thats a proper session!

[@SteinBulgogi]

Is that an official Gravel Mustache extension?

[@jobytapia6388]

...and PLEASE don't expect things to be done for free because it only took a little time (to you). it takes years of experience to be able to do some of the work quickly and what appears to be 'easily', but remember - YOU brought it to US because we know how to do the job. how about valuing our time and experience.

[@philhunt1442]

I don’t understand the internal routing kinking method, maybe it deserves a video of its own

[@querube78]

Can we talk about how chill these mechanics are? Car mechanics could never.

[@CRneu]

that's because being a car mechanic is completely different. It's way more complicated, more physical, and more frustrating. Bicycle mechanic is basically plug and play with some annoying standards whereas car mechanic is 4 hours to get to the part you need to replace and you need $10,000 of tools to do it, plus you bust a knuckle at some point, etc. they're not comparable at all. I've worked on bicycle and cars for most of my life. A person can completely rebuild a bike in a few hours with a few tools. To rebuild parts of a car can take days and you need specialized tools that can get very expensive. I'm not saying bicycle mechanics aren't talented or cool so plz nobody take offense.

[@sbccbc7471]

@@CRneu As wrenchwork difficulty varies significantly from bike to bike due to mechanical design, I never believe any two bikes are the same. The same procedure may be a piece of cake on one bike, but annoyingly cumbersome on the other.

[@dand3975]

If a car mechanic has a late model stock car in front of his shop, I guarantee you he loves talking about that. Ask him some questions about his race car.

[@andrewrivera4029]

I find bike shops that know what they’re doing will give advise freely but I’ve traveled all over the USA and there are a lot of bike shops who do not like being asked questions nor will they give their opinions and as the dude says even good bike shops make mistakes I’d just like for shops to have a little bit more humility.

[@michaelchurchmcm]

Question for you guys: Should I be lubing my force wireless derailleurs? And if so, where? Thanks.

[@jackmacdonald7636]

All of the wireless derailleurs are still mechanical, So YES, make a way to lube all pivots, with the right and durable lube. Even if you have only Tri Flow, use that better than none, just can't expect to last as long esp in rain weather.

[@michaelchurchmcm]

@@jackmacdonald7636 Thanks for getting back to me, I appreciate it.

[@abritandhisbikeinpoland6802]

I enjoyed this one a lot🤔👏

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

When you owned Audi's out of warranty bikes are pretty straightforward. Nah really night and days taking stuff appart to change a 50 cent o ring. No sophisticated fs bike can compete with that 😂

[@MattRose30000]

thx for the reminder that I need to service my pedals 😅

[@jackmacdonald7636]

For bearing repacks, use the best grease, but never the original Park grease, it's cheap and failed me allowing the wet bearings to lose lubrication (grease film) and score the races and rust. The Economical Walmart RED grease would have been far better off especially now in season with warm temps!

[@ptonewood]

I’m guilty of bringing a bike in that was really dirty. I left the country and stored it before moving. I was too busy with the move and I’m sure I thought, “I’ll just deal with it when I get back.” Then upon return I didn’t deal with it…and the mechanics had to. Don’t do this.

[@roberthealey6820]

All that, and you mail ordered pedals?

[@stephenkramer6099]

If you haven't snapped those xPedo pedals (axles), yet, get rid of them because you will.

[@alhypo]

I mean... You gotta give yourself credit for actually riding enough to toast your pedals. 👍

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

I love Your perspective!