7 Secret Bike Mechanic Tips to Fix Anything (Even Yourself)

[@colinjohannsen193]

You were riding around with a dead cockroach on your bottom bracket the whole time? Now that's a bruh moment...

[@__entiendo]

That's extra grams

[@newosamoht4593]

Getting that book

[@moreblueye]

Can't say how many times I have gotten pissy while working on something, put it aside for a bit, then went back and fixed it with an idea that I would never have come up with while I was being a cry-ass. Great content as always.

[@krzysztoflemieszczuk2463]

This is a deeply philosophical episode. Never looked this way at mechanics.

[@alen-commentnazi8774]

its kinda phony to be honest, its really not that complicated especially if you're riding a fixed gear bike. the only time it should be this complicated is if its wheel building, suspension service or doing a full custom carbon TT bike

[@tomson842]

Probably your best video yet, love the message, clearly you thought this one out through very well. Great work! I love this style of content. Mixing self development & cycling.

[@Marco.fm.73]

Hey Zach! Great video! Would you consider making a "What's in my Toolbox" video? It would also be awesome if you could show briefly how they are used and what other tools you plan to purchase to complete your tool set. I'm a longtime fixed gear rider but have never worked on anything except my saddle and handlebars.

[@functionc]

I actually recently started learning how to do maintenance on my fixie and I gotta say if I had seen this video before, it would've save me a lot of time and frustration. I assumed everything would only take 30-60 mins and I was wrong Everytime and I didn't want to rely on bike shops so I just bought cheap tools and ended up almost messing up important components

[@StanfordLeeStrong]

Love that Nitto stem! and yes, that is a classic book!

[@BenjaminSmith2]

+1 for the state of mind. I was cleaning my drivetrain after I had a beer this weekend and the cleaning cloth got caught and pulled my hand in. Cut and broke my fingers, bad enough to go to the ER.

[@BanacaNation]

Yea I got my finger bit doing that too, and I was buzzed too. Never drink and work on your bike, learned that.

[@ghosthogday]

My fingers hurt just from reading this. I often picture this kind of thing happening, but ouch...

[@BenjaminSmith2]

@@BanacaNation Yeah, I got used to working on it with a freewheel, because I was letting someone else borrow it. I forgot the drivetrain does not stop as fast without a freewheel. Not the type of lesson I wanted to learn that day 😅

[@BenjaminSmith2]

@@ghosthogday I'm not going into the gorey details, but yeah, much ouch.

[@BenjaminSmith2]

@BeboSaab than stay away from disk brakes too, they can do some damage too. I'll still ride fixed, just be more careful cleaning it.

[@kimrice394]

Yes! Setting up loose ball bearings is an Art... a temporarily perfect, Art🤬 Also, if you wanna ride soon and it ain’t broke, Do Not fix it!

[@zachb.6179]

still blows my mind that you only have one bike. i totally caught that n+1 bug when shopping the local used market for my first real build. 10 years later, i'm outta storage space :-(

[@simonr7097]

Apparently the secret is to spend an unreasonable amount on every single part, then you won't be able to afford more bikes. $200 bucks for an alloy seatpost to fit an equally overpriced seat that can't be used in the rain... $130 for a BB that consistently fails...

[@almightyalan8942]

I love the intelligence I feel at peace watching your videos man, God bless you x1,000

[@paullacey2999]

I love tinkering on my bike but you are right,be patient and take it to a pro when you are out your depth.Why did you cut the seatpost anyway?

[@cyclingzen824]

I totally agree about your philosophy on your bike. I love my bike and have spent money on upgrading the quality of items on it (Brooks saddle, Brooks bar tape etc.) because it makes the bike mine.

[@Aubreykun]

Extremely good content. More like this would be great (as long as you keep it real without replacing the brooks with your skull! Too many fallen youtubers...)

[@BluW13]

Excellent. I'm going through that same thing and have been trying to find out from what heck happened. Talk about one of my bicycle and that 3 o'clock position and one in a while clicking but a lot of time. Now I know something about it. Thanks! One day soon, I want to rebuild this bicycle that I have mentioned over with all good and best equipments. You would freak out with this bicycle which I have found and picked it up and not too long ago.

[@brooksbanister]

This is Grade A content. I already like most of your vids, but this is a step above. Bravo!

[@alexvedom]

You're the Matt D'Avella of bikes. Liked and subbed

[@MrMarkpark]

Wow. You really make bike mechanics seem hard. I like wrenching on my bike because bikes are so simple it’s therapeutic

[@almightyalan8942]

He makes wrenching seem fun

[@nothelisjo6631]

Nice video bro I have one question I bought a bike rockrider 520 but I wanted to to Change it from 3x8 to 1x8 without changing the crankset is it possible to do it And Can you give me some advices how to chose the right single Geer speed

[@gabrielsabourin2529]

The black shirt looks good. Also I could see you getting into oldschool mtbs, building a clean 1X or with chuncc tires. They're cheap fun and bulletproof.

[@ianrichardson8657]

Knew reading Zen & the art of Motorcycle Maintenance 30 years ago would come in handy

[@frizzen]

There may be too much slop between the bottom bracket cups and the the bottom bracket. Try wrapping the cups with teflon plumbers tape to get a snug fit.

[@jakubpu]

Man this was a super nice feeling video, loved it. Thank you

[@metaldevil102]

Probably one of the best videos you’ve made in my opinion :)

[@alejandroreyes7101]

So sorry for not subscribing earlier bro you made it easier purchasing my first fixies thank again bro. keep up the awesome vids!

[@-_--ne9op]

Hey Zach I recently just dropped my 6ku “fixie” I’ve had for 2 years after my components just kept breaking down on me and I think I’m ready for a real fixed gear that I can put to good use after the two years of experience that I have gained. I’m 15 and I thankfully have a job that pays well so I don’t really have a budget and I wanted to ask you if you could make a video on steel fixed gears at different price points so you could help me get some ideas. Love the work and keep it up! Edit: if anyone in the comments have any suggestions I will gladly take them

[@arne_mh]

My recommendation is, get a 400 to 500$ fixed gear. Why, you grow, in the one year I've went from a 55 is the perfect size to god damn my sadle is way too high. Ones you've grown get a nice bike. I (16) didn't really have a budget too and I'm pretty sure that at this age it's just smarter too go for the best bang for buck price

[@-_--ne9op]

@@arne_mh yeah I definitely don’t want a “flashy” bike. I live in a not so good neighborhood Chicago and getting robbed at gunpoint or being chased for your bike can be a real issue. I just want bang for my buck

[@arne_mh]

@@-_--ne9op in that case 400-500 dollars might be the perfect price point, also sticker bomb it with some ugly ass stickers, ain't nobody want that bike now

[@uverramirez4804]

When, how, can I get a wabi? Sending emails no response. Need assistance

[@justineaves1977]

Wabi wants to sell you a bike but they are typical bicycle guys that have no real notion of friendly service. Don't expect a lot of concern from them

[@notarabbit1752]

keep in mind that we are in the middle of a big bike shortage since due to corona all the factories had to cut production, but also due to corona people have been getting into biking more

[@uverramirez4804]

We need answers

[@justineaves1977]

@RollinRat good for you👍 I teach young people how to work on their own bikes so they can be more self-reliant and I do it with a smile. Nice to know there are other people out there in kind

[@justineaves1977]

@RollinRat always rolling with a bag of tools👍

[@MBandC103]

Definitely had those days where I just wanted to yell and curse and throw my tools in rage but only momentarily. Once I take a Deep breath and relax then there's always a way to solve a problem. Gotta love my bikes running buttery smooth.

[@axeldominguez9551]

What's your take on belt drivetrain?

[@event4216]

Belt isn't NJS compliants so don't expect Zach approves it. My other bike has it and it's damn cool not to deal with cleaning and lubing it after wet ride. But as frame has to be really stiff for use with belt seems alu frame is mandatory. I've seen steel frames with custom installed seatstay splitters but never have got long term reviews if and how many adjustment issues has created. Steel frames also can be more light and flexy vs really beefy which could be OK.

[@canitogalicia]

Hey zack,,,,,,, are you back in the states..??.?.??.?.?.?,,,,,,what’s the gearing on the bike,,,,,(help)...building one with all the left over Dura ace parts....

[@jameshotchkiss5577]

This was a really well made video.

[@detrillestp9166]

DO A REVIEW ON A AVANTI PISTA PRO!!

[@MyJskater]

Hey Zach, great video yet again! Are you planning on selling those sweet Reasonably Dangerous bike stickers? Would be dope :)

[@blakboyytunes]

super dope video definitely top 3. been subscribed for years too btw. hit that button yall! ✌🏿

[@MelancholyMadoka]

@7:10 What's a derailleur?

[@nightshiftgamigsquad3215]

Damn I wish I had a fixie like yours dude 😇

[@timothyobryan9017]

bottom bracket issue: replace the retainer ring with free steel balls. Problem solved.

[@ranzteeezy9716]

I striped a thread on my brand new Thomson stem an hour ago. I regret using a fk*ng cheap Chinese torque wrench from aliexpress

[@sedricmalonejr]

Lol....2 ways to do it right. Right and again!

[@Its_Relic]

So can I have that Thomson stem or can I buy it from you 👀

[@metalheadmalta]

This seat post is an example of what is going wrong with bicycles in this day. TWO HUNDRED dollars for what is essentially a piece of pipe with a fitting? How is that even half-decent? I know, quality, bla bla... but it's just a pipe! I work in industrial electronics where we sell devices which have thousands of part, all under scrutiny and health hazard inspections... AND we don't sell them that expensive. I love quality,don't get me wrong, but that is absolutely insane... (and I am saying this as somebody who can easily afford that post)

[@BlazejTymowicz]

I always find the moths` cocoons in old frames or parts ;)

[@jamesjenkins8373]

What’s up bike mechanic!

[@hhhorb]

Zach Gallardo, I have to work the next 3 days, but I'll try and get a counterpoint video up within the next two days after that. A video rival is just what this show needs. Why has nobody done one yet? Oh, you're friends are slackers.

[@ec123]

How was it possible for the cockroach to go their? Lmao 😂

[@Aubreykun]

they can fit throguh spaces as small as 1/8" (~3mm)

[@a-kazebo-z5139]

You are back from the Far East,,,,welcome back....

[@eliotwolfert8488]

monkeying with my bikes is the only way i can de compress

[@krishnan-resurrection714]

Riser bars are so wack ..................

[@rafsxful]

This creak bottom bracket you could replace it with a Hambini bottom bracket. It is only for external cup BB, or pressfit. But manufactured with much tight tolerances and it do not creak

[@derekpurdie619]

Ehhhh…you’ve no brakes? Anyone who rides without brakes has a death wish

[@johnli8831]

this video was weird flex but ok

[@imnothere202]

Here are three tips for becoming a diy bike mechanic: 1. Remember to always ignore manufacturer torque specs 2. Never use grease 3. Excessive use of force solves all mechanical problems

[@imspyingonyou2243]

Always worked for me.

[@jeffcoleman355]

I also have a Wabi that is truly enjoyable. You were describing the creaking bottom bracket noise on the non drive side whether seated or not and not consistently making the noise. Like you, I am pretty aware of things that make that creak. Like you, after checking everything I replaced the bottom bracket and did a thorough job of cleaning, lubing and carefully installing it. After testing out my new BB there was that same #@%! creak. Deep in my gut something told me remove the seat post ( even though I knew that was a waster of time). Like you, I replaced my seat post with a nice quality post, mine is a Thompson. Like you, I cut it down a bit. What I found was the tube had rusted slightly from riding in the rain, etc. Once I cleaned off the inside of the downtube and the seat post: NO MORE CREEK! What a good day. I know you're very knowledgeable about these bikes but just had to share, maybe it will help. Good Luck, thanks for the videos. Jeff

[@ByronAllis]

Makes sense because the frame flexes under the torque of pedalling. And again it tends to sound like the bottom bracket or even the stem etc

[@daedalus9042]

Zen and Art of Motorcycle Maintenance might be one of my favorite books, but... WARNING, it can be a hard book to get through, took me almost 2 years of on and off reading to finish. It’s also about physiological issues, and philosophy, which can be a turn off for a lot of readers.

[@theworldsokayestmichigande851]

IM HERE! Am I late?

[@hhhorb]

Yes. The whole production has moved to Thunder Bay while you were getting here. It was a bitch riding there on fixies, it was snowing.

[@canadianpatriot14]

@@hhhorb As someone living in Thunder Bay this is the last comment I'd ever expect to see here.

[@hhhorb]

Tirty tree tousand treez in Toonder Bay, eh?

[@hhhorb]

@@canadianpatriot14 , I have to say, I enjoyed my four months there. Late nineties, one of the coldest winters on record, they were digging holes in Lake Superior to dump the excess snow. I was playing with the symphony (I'm American). The papermill. The Vietnamese mafia. The wilderness. Crown Royal, ice fishing, snowmobiles and one strip club. What a place!

[@canadianpatriot14]

@@hhhorb no no no.... That's Newfoundland man.

[@BanacaNation]

Send that BB to Hambini so he can roast it

[@davidburgess741]

Loose as a wizard's cuff! Get a Phil square taper bb. Check the usual suspects like chainring bolts and spokes first. A little grease or WD might do it. Headset on occasion.

[@jacobvoid9176]

Tip number 8. Dont cut your seat post to short and crack your frame.

[@timlawson1337]

At 7:11 SRAM front derailleur is too high ....NJS is very good stuff, if you are a professional Keirin racer in Japan....or, if you are independently wealthy

[@douglasdavidmisascamacho3431]

Just an advice. NEVER GET INTO COMPLEX mechanic issue while getting high. You won't find your own hands.

[@jkeiffer]

I still don't know why you lube the outside of the chain. You should be lubing the inside since that is the surface that contacts the gears.

[@plixplux]

"This is an opportunity for me to work on myself, and approach the problem with curiousity instead of frustration." Not shown: Zach punching a bag with "Curiousity" printed on it

[@ericrobinholt2047]

have you ever tried teflon tape on the bottom bracket its ghetto but works

[@epihumbuckers]

I love your philosophy, thanks Zach!

[@EricReyes0142]

I ride single speed and decided to try out fixed. Rode it for a few days, got straps, learn how to skid and was learning to track stand when i decided it wasn’t worth it. I just didn’t like riding fixed, i have to ride much safer and while that’s supposed to be a positive, I love single speed because i feel safer while riding dangerously.

[@adityajonathanmamahit2889]

R u even try fixed gear with brakes? It more fun tho, imho

[@EricReyes0142]

@@adityajonathanmamahit2889 i kept my front brake on all the time, even when i learned to skid, i kept it on just in case. Eventually i forgot it was there but a still didn’t enjoy it riding fixed

[@rewop12]

What's the difference between a fixie famous shoutout and a single speed shoutout?

[@BanacaNation]

100 fixie points

[@davidburgess741]

Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance has little to do with a motorcycle, but the movement through life. A donkey would have been just as good a vehicle. A threaded interface can allow some movement of two parts and clicks and creaks. A change in temperature can affect the movement and noise. Engineers have described this situation. Has the bb shell ever been faced? I've had better luck with cartridge bbs You're right about stopping when frustrated.

[@DRMatt-zd4rh]

+1 on facing, looks like there's still paint on the sides of the shell (15:13) its especially important for 3 part bbs or else the lockring can be tight but only touch a small portion of the tube and move under torque.

[@joshuastaroselskiy2524]

Could you please review the Unknown Singularity complete? I have been wanting to see this bike reviewed on KZbin but I can’t find any real reviews. I am starting away from buying the Framset and other things separately because it is my first fixed gear bike. If you please could review it and help others like me decide whether this is a good first fixie I would greatest appreciate it.

[@MisterSal9895]

Great video all facts all true. This is why I own multiple bikes so if one breaks down or still under construction due to the unexpected I can use other bike in my stable .

[@yardsalecycles]

The problem I have with that is then I have to fix several bikes when they add up

[@MisterSal9895]

@@yardsalecycles True it can get even stressful. Twice I had all of my bikes except one in good working order.

[@yardsalecycles]

@@MisterSal9895 last time I had to fix 5 flats and that was just a start

[@MisterSal9895]

@@yardsalecycles So did you end up down sizing your fleet? I just end up putting "puncture resistant" tires on all my bikes and it definitely reduced the chances of getting flats. I'm pretty sure I'm losing 1-2 MPH of my top speeds because puncture resistant tires have slightly higher rolling resistant but that's the trade-off.

[@yardsalecycles]

@@MisterSal9895 lol no I ended up buy a few more since then (2 weeks ago) I'm up to 30 ish bikes 10 or so are ready to ride the rest are projects I'll get to eventually 😅

[@G_Ozare]

100% agree with all the tips from 'Zen & The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance' you expressed in your video Zach. I've been building my bikes (road, fixed gear, vintage, bmx, etc) including lacing hubs/wheels for a few years and it's definitely much more than just throwing random parts together & going for a ride. I've also owned and ridden motorcycles as well. There is a philosophical element to the process of bike, motorcycle maintenance if you have the correct mindset.

[@FGIRAFFE]

So now you're ready for Pirsig. I can feel you're growing ... And becoming great, or just a man, that is... Great. When coming through a depresion, greatness is to be expected a lot of times. Remember this day if harder times come back. Cheers

[@crisbivolaru819]

Never thougth that a video on replacing a bottom bracket could be so profound and motivating in life..this is top notch quality man thank you very much !

[@jeremyemilio9378]

You're supposed to hold down the non drive side preload to stop it from moving then tightening down the lock ring

[@space_cakes]

I'm Asian and this vid gave me PTSD of my parents .

[@pgreenx]

only because you brought it up, I didn't sub because your channel is concentrated around your one speed bike

[@nuklassmc7644]

Zach what do you think about aventon fixed gear bikes?

[@ZachGallardo]

They're great on paper, but I'd avoid them due to some questionable practices: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXjQlI2GicyqZ8k

[@nuklassmc7644]

@@ZachGallardo I was thinking about buying one today

[@ryanwitt]

Wow, Zach, this is definitely my favorite video yet! This personal improvement mixed with bikes stuff is totally your wheelhouse.

[@skyjuiceification]

This is ur best video. congrats.

[@bikelanez7376]

I’m so glad I watched this video it was very helpful thank you 🙏 Zack

[@appetit2619]

one of the best and most helpful video on your channel. 💕

[@WayneDeeker]

My very favourite book, read it at least 30 times. And I'm a bike nut, learned maintenance the hard way, mainly from KZbin, by necessity because pro bike mechanics are too often lazy idiots (exactly as the book says). I always thought this book was perfectly applicable to bikes, good to know others noticed that too. Thanks for the video. Lube the top surface of your chain along on part closest to the ground.

[@GoldColony415]

Zach from the sound you’re describing, make sure that the fixed cup is really tight. You want to make sure it’s more than hand tight. Usually I give the tool on the cup a couple hits with a rubber mallet to get it just a little tighter. That might solve your issue. (Coming from a bike mechanic)

[@bigmindlearninggmailcom]

Have you thought about the crank arm installation on the bb spindle? You might want to read this article on the Sheldon Brown site. www.sheldonbrown.com/brandt/installing-cranks.html

[@johnspooner4128]

I purchased a new Aventon Level E Bike in Mar 2022, it has the cheap zoom fork, after about 2 weeks the front fork makes a clunk sound when going over some bumps and it's pissing me off, it does not do this when it's locked out though, does anyone know what the issue is? Or even an upgrade fork the would fit this bike? Thanks John

[@rogerzheng2814]

Or just don't give a shit about all the noises and enjoy your ride. 90% times mechanical things make noise (creak, click, etc) its not a real issue, at least if you do not exceed the component life time. Just service (or replace) every XXX miles and everything should be fine. (and using torque wrenches properly solves most noises... undertorque cause creak&click, overtorque cause squeak)

[@hhhorb]

Ha, did you just say everything comes down to precision? Seriously, have you ever ridden a steel framed fixie? HAHAHAHA! Subscribed, if I can find the subscribe button. KZbin, WTF? Oh. The big grey button. That shit should be orange, like your bike.

[@alexeyorekhov3982]

holy crap! kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIu7YXyDf8yXlck I had these headphones 15 years ago. What's the name of it???

[@PuresG1ft]

Considering that I just ruined my backbreak by rushing a bleed... I feel offended :D.

[@souprememc]

This is why you need multiple bikes…

[@mom_im_losing_it]

Ah money. When you have you throw it away when you don’t you dig it back out.

[@_shaqz_]

You know you are supposed to lube the chain on the inside, not the outside *facepalm*

[@thehandseesall]

Fuck loose ball bearings mate, save those for when you have your own mechanic at a velodrome

[@jayadams2771]

If you put the grease inside the frame you want have to wipe it off afterwards. ;)

[@crisnilo4370]

That was inspirational :)

[@fannyandres3056]

Keep brake on your bike.. if chain fails brake will save u.

[@andreiguarin1409]

“There’s two ways to do things: ‘right’, and ‘again’. Woot woot 👍

[@davidramio]

What do you think about the Miche Pistard air crankset?

[@hhhorb]

$130 for a failed bottom bracket install? Dude, get a better LBS or stop making videos. Oh, wait, maintenance is half science and half art. They are screwing you on the "art" surcharge.

[@charliepi]

I think he means the Sugino 75 bottom bracket is $130 itself. Those things aren't cheap.

[@jorgealcantar4386]

Gracias por toda la información, se aprecia sr Gallardo

[@jodywest9044]

Now I need a PAUL for my Brooks Swift

[@ajlg-vzla]

hahahaaha to cut a paul seatpost, bold

[@Alejandrophat]

Wabi cycle bikes look so ugly