Bike Shop A$$H0LE tells how you've been DUPED! 10 reasons your bike is WRONG (or maybe right)!

[@brianflanagan4889]

Wish your KZbin channel was around in 1991 when I started cycling again as an adult! That said, back then, recently divorced, with two small children and very little disposable money I bought a $99 Huffy ATB from KMart. That bicycle saved my life. At 6’1” the bike did not fit well, made a lot of noise shifting and was laughed at by many “true” cyclist on my rides. However, that bicycle got me back riding and became priceless. At twenty-nine it got me back in shape, taught me the basics of bike maintenance and enticed me to make cycling a major part of my life. This bicycle started me riding to work twenty six miles a day that would last twenty one years. The bicycles changed to mostly Cannondales (I lived in Connecticut at the time where they were made) and although painful at times learned and performed all my own maintenance. Kudos to your videos for they could of made my learning curve much more steeper; ). I know I am a special case, heck I took a short bus to school, but there is no “right” way to get into cycling other then getting on a bike and riding. Again great job on your videos, practical and entertaining!

[@suspiciousstew1169]

Those “true” cyclists have no reason to laugh when they wear the most dorky lycra just for the aero haha

[@ThisTimeTheWorld]

Thank you. "Comfort bikes " are rad. Not everybody wants to look at their front axle and hurt their back all day

[@BlueTrane2028]

I used to hate "comfort bikes" but I've been convinced. The only one I have though is an '88 Schwinn Woodlands mountain bike. But, the frame is more "road" in geometry and the upright Wald bars I put on it get me right into that relaxed comfort position. Some low rolling resistance slickish tires let it eat up miles easily. No wonder I ride it often...

[@Notturnoir]

I like my Electra stand up and my 26” motobecane. I get laughed at but i just imagine im riding across the french countryside … just like James Coburn

[@kevindouglas2060]

Bought an old tandem bike at an antique store next to a bike shop. I got it so my autistic grandson could experience bike riding. It was missing a few things and the bearings were a mess. The only ones that didn't need cleaning were on the rear. The owner of the bike shop said they had him redo that. The shop owner sold me some parts cheap and I disassembled the bike for paint. And fixed everything that it absolutely needed and discarded the rest. After a repaint it looks pretty good. We took it to my daughter's and spent the week riding with her kids. Aiden had so much fun just being one of the kids. I'm just about to turn 67 but I also enjoyed that old bike especially because my ankles are damaged in such a way that walking is difficult but biking is easy.

[@Goenzelsen]

True. However, everybody‘s different when it comes to comfort. I had to learn that other people’s opinions on comfort wouldn’t mean anything to me. It’s almost 100% subjective with the exception of some basic ergonomic guidelines. Trial and error, I guess 😄.

[@tiggs5591]

I love my comfort bike

[@gblan]

I worked in a very large bike shop in a major metro area throughout the 1980's. The owner's mantra was. "Sell them the bike they need, not the bike they want." Generally worked pretty well.

[@bkefrmr]

It often backfires

[@JMJM75257]

The customers are always right until they bin it and come back with a cracked carbon frame looking for a "cheap fix". Some bikes require deep pockets to maintain and repair. Whereas sell that same customer a chromo steel framed bike and it'll probably survive all the abuse a newbie rider can dish out!

[@hobinlobo]

I think my local bike shop have this attitude. unfortunately they have no idea how I ride my bike and don't know what I need. I tried to explain. either they didn't listen or they didn't get it.

[@andrewrivera4029]

@@hobinlobothe more you know about bikes the less you have to explain to the shop.

[@xkjzix]

Conversely the owner of the (quite successful) shop I worked at said "Sell the people what they want"

[@ACER2BASER]

Just love your honesty. My wife and I are in our 60’s and even though my wife wasn’t in favour of it II bought 2 e-bikes . She has done a 180 degree turn and absolutely loves them. Cycling slows the world down and lets you appreciate the landscape we speed past in our cars . You get a whole new perspective. We still pedal but the motor helps our older bodies .Your channel speaks the truths ,wish there were more channels like yours.

[@Alina_Schmidt]

✨😊👍🏻

[@johnsheetz6639]

E-bikes are awesome! I'm in love with my lectric one of the cool features is when I got it in 2020 every guy from my age on up I wanted to ask me about it like I was at a car show! I spend a couple minutes selling them on the idea! 😅 I'm just trying to do them a favor I swear!

[@chrissy24-7]

I love my e-bike! It's allowed me to join a cycling club and do rides I never would have enjoyed before. I used to always be the slowest. I get tired easily and I have some physical issues I can't really help, so it's awesome to be included and have a social network!

[@BartAnderson_writer]

Best line: "as I pursued an English degree and became a bike mechanic" Funny and so true!

[@jfthome]

I know at least one English major/bike mechanic.

[@dustind9242]

Now that's getting proper duped

[@thesublimelight]

@@dustind9242 the english degree probably has something do do with dude's ability to write content for youtube and to be an effective communicator. Not sure I'd call that getting duped.

[@Greeniykyk]

I graduated with a degree in molecular cellular and developmental biology and became a bike salesman. See how valuable a STEM degree is?

[@dustind9242]

@@Greeniykyk Why didn't you go to medical school?

[@traviseller3770]

this story rings so true. My journey started in about 1995 and I’m still wrenching today after four college degrees. I love these videos.

[@victorrodriguez2806]

I just love bikes!! Your words are words of LOVE to all bicyclists. Im almost 60 and I just keep buying more and more bikes. I love them all. My favorites are 6 Italian ( with Campagnolo) bikes, no electronics, no computers, no disc breaks, no tubeless tires. Just pump the tires and go. All so beautiful, all very colorful, all very fast. I love my walmart beach cruiser. I have my Grandfathers Schwinn Suburban. I have a real velodrome bike. I have a Cinelli with racks and fenders. I even have a custom Tandem. I love and ride them all. Some take more work to ride than others and some are not as compfy as others. But I love them all. I love bike so much I want everyone to feel the way I do about bikes. I even keep beautiful bikes in my home that dont fit me at all. They are for any guests that may be too small or too big to ride any of my personal bikes. Everyone that knows that if you come visit me, you're probably going to ride a bike at my house.

[@KRAFTWERK2K6]

Yeah i am kinda the same now. It's nice to have various bikes for different purposes or scenarios. One for every kind of purpose. A rugged offroad MTB, a City bike and a mix of both. Wanna take it for some grocery shopping? Take one that looks beaten up that is not attractive for bike thieves. Gotta go through the woods? better take the bike with better suspension fork and frame and thicker tires. And yes, i too prefer fully manual with low maintenance gear shift mechanisms. Something that just always has to be on ALL of my bikes are Hub-dynamos for constant power supply for the front and back light. Batteries suck.

[@steveg.3022]

Started cycling again at age 65. Rode a lot in late teens and early 20s. I’ve learned pretty much everything you said in this video. Riding outside in fresh air and sunshine doesn’t require too much money. My small pack of tools, a spare inner tube, a power bar, a full water bottle, and a small hand pump together far outweigh the weight savings of a $3K carbon frame.

[@bkefrmr]

Thanks for sharing!

[@robertrjm8115]

I too started to ride again much more when I was 60 (and had just recovered from a heart attack and a quad bypass). Similar to you, i rode and raced in my teens and up to early 30's then the family happened. I went back on my 1982 steel frame bike (Koga-Miyata) but upgraded from 7 speed friction shift to 11 speed indexed shifting and flat handlebar. After gaining fitness and speed over 3 years I then upgraded to a used Specialized Roubaix Carbon bike (made in 2015) and from then on my cycling became pure pleasure. I am now 70 and ride 200-300 miles per month on average and lots of climbing in the scottish hills. It's the feel on the bike which makes the difference. When I sat on it the first time it felt like a rocket under me and I can ride for 12 hours without pain or getting stiff. The limit is when the legs start to fall off after 100 or 130 miles in one go but then that is to be expected. Next year I will aim for 140 miles and see if my former colleagues (20 years younger than me) will be able to keep up.

[@jimsonjohnson3761]

It's for what you want if you're honest with yourself. Only idiots or rich people buy new. Used 10 year old high end bikes are still high end and can get crazy good deals on them

[@kbd13-n9c]

@@jimsonjohnson3761and you don’t know anything about how they’ve been ridden or potential problems unless you’re X-raying the frame or the welds. I only buy used if I know the person who owned it.

[@barrypeters3578]

Congrats on achieving the ultimate bike shop mechanic attitude !

[@Nal3s]

“Everyone needs a good slow bike” - that’s actually excellent advice, i really do love my plus tire steel frame

[@jaydickey1049]

umm, isn't any bike slow if you ride it slow?

[@Nal3s]

@@jaydickey1049 more fun to have a purpose built “slow bike” when u feel like riding around in shorts and sandals than it would be to try to swap out pedals on one of my aggressive fit race bikes

[@anielyantra1]

Finally! Someone who has my take on bikes. comfort, practicality and durability. I think if the bike industry took your approach they wouldn.t be in the pickle they are in today. I personally ride a MTB from the 80s (with upgraded parts). I am sure I will love your content.

[@613.Rooster]

Yes, my take too. Cheers!

[@Knowbody42]

With Shimano going all in on the fancy high end electronic shifting and disc brakes, I wonder if they're going to give an opening to the Chinese groupset manufacturers to start eating their sales from the bottom up.

[@williammorales-gonzalez1637]

I became "late-onset epileptic" in 2014 and went from a CAREER truck driver. NOT overweight or anything stereotypical for a "trucker," but I DEFINITELY wasn't in THIS kind of shape. It's like a saying I read, pretty profound, it goes: "Behind every strong person, is a story of one who had no choice but to be!" Pretty much my situation because of an ironic little "curse-turned-miracle" I'm just BETTER overall thanks TO, "having to!" LIFE is short and funny that way!🤘😊👍❤🚴♾💀🤘Pedal onwards fam!!👊👍🚴♾

[@bikeyclown4669]

I like your commentary. I worked in a bicycle shop for several seasons during the 80's. I also raced during the 80's and rode race-oriented and race-positioned bikes during that era. When I stopped I rode bicycles positioned and largely built the same way for a while. However, I gradually learned that, when my attitude is not about kicking ass, but about enjoying my rides, the experience becomes enjoyable. A comfortable, well-appointed bicycle is a pleasure to ride any distance. There is nothing wrong with racing, for people who want to do it. There is a lot to be learned and earned from racing. There is nothing wrong with expensive bicycles either. Even the comfortable ones are usually lighter and function better. For most people though, an affordable, but not cheap bicycle with a wide range of gears, wider tires and a comfortable position is the perfect bicycle. Bicycle designers seem to have figured that out too. Inexpensive bicycles now function way better than the expensive bicycles of the 80's and are more approachable for casual and uninitiated riders. Learning how to use friction shifters alone was a barrier to bicycle riding during the 80's for some. Friction shifting was/is nuanced, it was easy to make mistakes and making a mistake oftentimes pushed the rear derailleur into the spokes which led to expensive repairs in addition to the frustration that came with learning how to do it. Even inexpensive bicycles now come with easy to use and reliable indexed shifting and a wide range of gears allowing casual riders the opportunity to pedal up hills. Most bicycles, particularly road bicycles, well into the 80's had gear ranges oriented toward racing on level the roads. The mountain bike influence changed that. Now, even road racers are riding bicycles with wider gear ranges. Great video.

[@colleenwright-kakkar6384]

I became the “weak” rider, my husband bought me an electric bike that I love. I enjoy riding it so much that I have changed my life style to riding it for for my weekly errands. Which ends up being 3 out of 5 trips a week. So better, but, I would love to be able to do the other 2 trips by bike, the other two trips my special needs son is with me, and the type of electric bike I would need to take him is WAY to costly. I don’t understand why bike prices have become so high. Enjoying your channel.

[@swecreations]

Have you looked at a bike trailer? Fit it with fatbike tires for some extra comfort (if you want) and it'll work amazing for you! :)

[@colleenwright-kakkar6384]

@@swecreations thank you. I have a trailer for hauling “stuff” but my child is 15 and weights about 140 lbs. so no trailer will hold him.

[@swecreations]

@@colleenwright-kakkar6384 Actually the Wike Special Needs Extra Large trailer is probably perfect for him! It is rated for up to 150lbs and made for adults, so would definitely give it a look!

[@swecreations]

@rollinrat4850 You can get $1500 e-bikes with good hydraulic brakes nowadays. They are extremely cheap to own.

[@colleenwright-kakkar6384]

@rollinrat4850 thank you, because I live in the mountains I bought a bike that already has hydraulic brakes, thanks for the suggestion

[@Taurian_]

I, a philosophy major from the Upper Midwest, just found my perfect KZbin channel. Your wisdom-and relatable accent-are what I need in this chaotic world.

[@shawnfowler4660]

I, a philosophy major from the southeast, enjoyed it as well.

[@ianmangham4570]

Cake 🎂 major 😮

[@bicross87]

Comfy, well fitted, Reasonably priced bikes, bars high enough, good tires and a perfectly shifting and braking bike is clearly the ticket for most of the rides most of us do when we don't take the competitive side in consideration :) Thanks for posting !

[@613.Rooster]

Agreed!

[@kbd13-n9c]

Honestly, unless $ is on the line, even then the bike only makes so much difference. Bought some cool looking new carbon wheels, and I can tell a slight difference in all out efforts (more in the weight when going uphill) but riding around with friends, it doesn’t matter much at all. Could keep up and have just as much fun with a much cheaper bike.

[@josephah2000]

Nice video. Over the past 2 years, we have upgraded all of the components on our 10-year-old Fuji aluminum bikes to 105 and up and they ride great at 21-22 lbs!

[@m-11]

Bought a Schwinn hybrid from Target in 2017. Replaced the bottom bracket and took it apart and reassembled it before riding it and the bike is probably the most comfortable and best bike I’ve been on. I do 1000 miles from April through October outdoors and bring it into the basement and mount it to my Wahoo trainer. I love it.

[@bobloblaw10001]

The mantra that dept store bikes all suck probably does need some reevaluation.

[@swecreations]

@@bobloblaw10001He didn't buy a department store bike, he bought a Schwinn bike at a department store. Big difference there.

[@RolandRides]

@@bobloblaw10001Well if he didn't rebuilt the bike it would suck. And paying someone to fix it makes it a very expensive low end bike. If you know what you are doing you can cherry pick parts and bikes. If you just a human that wants a working comfy bike, it's not a strategy for you.

[@elefantrising]

I even know good seasoned cyclists that can’t change a BB 😅

[@RolandRides]

@@elefantrising to be fair: the old square bb are very forgiving for casual riders. The issues began with external bearing cups and sportive bikes where frame tolerances are much lower and weight is the main goal before durability. In addition several different standards evolved that are a PITA. Thankfully I only have threaded BSA frames but recently went from square to M30 and will soon have to go to Hollowtech II for installing my new power meter (yes, on my old steel bike)

[@Mottleydude1]

Excellent presentation. I’ve been a roadie since the late 80’s. I still have my 1992 Schwinn Paramount. The frame itself is in great shape. No dents or dings or rust. I’ve updated it regularly with the components over the years, as they wore out, largely with used parts and new wheels and have never paid big coin. My latest update was to replace the groupo with used Dura-Ace 7800 that I purchased for $300. I had the good sense to have a fit test before I bought it and have had it fit tested as I aged and my riding changed from racing to touring and commuting with some sound advice from my LBS. So now it’s a 31 yo bike that weighs 21.5 pounds and is a sweet ride. I could even retrofit it into a gravel bike but we don’t have to many gravel roads or trails but plenty of chip and seal rural roads (I live in central Ohio). In other words this bike doesn’t suck. Yea it’s heavy by todays standards but I’ll worry about that when I drop from my current weight of 190 back to my racing weight of 150. Which will probably be never. 😂 One of the cool things about my Paramount is when I take to my LBS for tuning and maintenance the young mechanics just gush over it. Anyway thank you for your wise advice and your serious understanding of cycling in it’s entire scope and not just racing. Your the ANTI-GCN MAN! 😊

[@bkefrmr]

That bike doesn't suck. Except for the 10sp Shimano...that kinda sucks. 7700 is way better, mechanically speaking. But it's trickier to get compact cranksets to work...which sucks. Anyway, I've been down that road, and it sucked.

[@jamielawn1568]

Nice video. It is funny that you talk about fixing up your old bikes, I rode when I was a teenager before a bought a Vespa. Now I’m back into bikes, but not new ones. I’m currently doing up an obsolete 1969 Raleigh Twenty. It’s not all singing and dancing, but it’s stripped. Needs everything greasing and I’m converting the old steel rims to alloy so I can stop in wet weather. I can’t wait to get out on it!

[@billp8768]

I work in the industry and every time I watch one of your videos I’m less about drinking the company kool aid and more about giving my customers a reality check to what’s the best purpose bike for them.

[@ADAMJWAITE]

The line about most people just needing a few speeds and an upright riding position was spot on. The bike industry is not catering to "most" people, which coincidentally, is the largest market share. Instead, they're focused on telling people they need hydraulic disc brakes, 29" wheels and a 1x12 drivetrain. All of which are the wrong choice for most people.

[@dragoschisavu]

Man the video is so well edited and full of good info, it feels like you’re a 1M subscribers channel. Keep it like this 👍🏼

[@bkefrmr]

Here’s to hoping! 🍻🥂

[@diverdave4056]

A Bike Shop Owner A-Hole was trying to tell me that I was FOOLISH for spending my time and money to clean up - repair and fine tune a Schwinn La Tour that was made in 1971 . I had found set out for garbage pickup ! It was one of the La Tour bikes that the Schwinn bike company had a shop in JAPAN make up for the USA Bike team ! I told the A-Hole that this 50 year old bike will still be on the road for another 50 years where as the bikes he was selling won't last 25 years ! After a week of working on the bike , I gave it to my friend and he LOVES IT ! I laugh when I see people wasting a lot of cash on a bike that they will only ride a few times and then let it rot in their garage ! very few kids ride bikes these days .....

[@TheJalinmyles]

Happened to me with mine too trying to give it a LONG overdue TLC and a repair from a accident that happened then found a shop to fix it they weren’t trying to as well but I just told them I what this does for me I understand this beautiful piece of equipment that you’ll take fix and sell yourself

[@calvinmiller9049]

bought a mongoose mgx serif racing mountain bike last august for 20 and just changed the tires today.Awesome bike in my opinion

[@diverdave4056]

@@calvinmiller9049 if you spend a little time to clean and grease the bearing on the wheels and crank . and clean n lube or just replace the old chain ... it makes an old bike ride like new again ! Very Very few people take good care of their bikes to clean and do the needed maintenance on them

[@masonloh1411]

Those Le Tour - people collect or like to ride vintage.

[@lesbois53]

I still ride bikes that I built up from scratch, in the 60’s 70’s and 80’s. Freddie Grubb, Anquetil, Motobecane, Peugeot, Gitane, Bianchi, Willi Moore,Scott. All framesets I bought, and added the equipment that was available at the time. From Cyclo Benelux, Sturmey Archer, Campag Gran Sport, Super Record, Nuovo Record, Simplex, Huret Bobet and Shimano SX with Suntour shifters. Deadly Weinmann brakes on super skinny Fiamme sprint wheels. All handbuilt. I still ride them all. I suppose according to Bike Farmer, they all suck! Or maybe not! ( he is a good guy) I live in a very hilly part of France. Either up or down. I have just lashed out seven grand euros on a new Look 765, and I love it! At 80, I have never had a bike fit, nor ride in cycling specific clothing. Carpal tunnel probs cut my ride times down, (I am awaiting two hand operations)but that is more the fault of my “job” which has been a pro rock musician ❤( guitarist) for most of my life! Cycling and Rock and Roll DO mix! Ask David Lee Roth. 😊😊 Keep up the good work Farmer. Your voice is magic!

[@dinodaniel2237]

Best thing about the carbon bicycle is the void it left leaving me a chance to buy a steel road bike frame on clearance. I’m going back 8yrs ago. Put an old Campag group set on. Now in my retirement I’m riding my dream bike Great videos, looking forward to your next video. All the best.

[@liammcgough9969]

Thank you for being so honest. I just went to a bike shop yesterday. They asked me how much I was looking to spend. They told me they didn't have any bike in that price range. Their bike prices start at $1300. I have to confess that I have never bought a bike. I have found all my bikes in the garbage. Living in Long Island it's not hard to find good bikes in the garbage. I have found a Cannondale Sr 300, Trek 510, 800 sport and 8000 slr. And a 1970's Rally, and a Fuji Roubaix. But, back then there wasn't Ebay. No one put's bike out much now, they put them on Ebay.

[@russello7311]

I find good bikes at pawn shops. Especially after Christmas. People find they really wasn’t a good idea buying a bike so they take it to a pawn shop.

[@PatrickKend]

I absolutely love your philosophy. I’ve had everything from very entry level bikes to a $8000 custom built bike and after 35 years of cycling I learned to not spend so much money and simply enjoy the fun of cycling. I love messing with the idiots who buy extravagant “Superbikes” and don’t even have the stamina or ability to ride them efficiently. I have three bikes now and none of them are over $1000 and I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in my cycling life. Thanks for the awesome video and I will subscribe to your channel. 👍

[@GigasAhriman]

I love the honesty here. "I'm a professional. Your bike fucking sucks." Looking forward to learning more from your channel. Complete beginner to bikes but your vids will help a lot. Thank you for creating your channel and sharing your knowledge

[@wattsdronewilltravel3881]

I just went through my g-kids Huffy, it’s a load of terrible components (I didn’t buy it for her). Your videos showed me how to make the best of “what it is”. It now shifts decent and the brakes work. Thanks for the videos with a layman in mind. I’ve shared your channel with my friends.

[@bkefrmr]

Glad I could help

[@bicyclefixdarwin1718]

Behind the blunt delivery is a really good message. Love your work.

[@doughorner5730]

Best quote @ 2:10 - "I don't want you to end up like me either" Words to live by. I love all sorts of bikes, even hybrids and comfort bikes!

[@FlyingScot911]

Glad I found your channel this morning. I wish I lived in your town. Bike shops here suck. All corporate. I wanted to upgrade brakes on my DIY ebike. None of the bike stores would work on anything to do with my DIYer. Claiming insurance or some other bull****. I started building my DIYer a few years ago at the age of 65 after a lifelong love of cycling with over 200k road miles under my belt. I picked up a 12 year old Brodie Bandit gravel bike on Facebook marketplace for only $170 CDN here in BC. I added a CYC Stealth mid-drive motor, a Box Components eBike drive train, and a 21ah battery from Electrifybike in Utah. I chose the CYC Stealth motor because of the torque sensing pedal assist. It has been a dream riding my blue bomber. I could not get any of the local bike shops to give me any help as they would only work on eBikes they sold in store. None of them would even sell me and install $700 SRAM Code RSC brakes because of "insurance." Yeah, right. So I had to strip my bike of all things eBike and bring it in to a shop to get that done. I have built several eBikes since I started on my own. I built a couple of folding eBikes based on a 2021, brand new at the time, Giant folding bikes for a friend. I used the same motor, smaller battery, and my build crushed anything you could buy in a store. The motor swung up and installed in the tiny frame triangle with only 1mm to spare. Almost nobody on first look even realized they were eBikes. Same for my Brodie. I have to point out to most people that it is an eBike and love their shock and awe when I describe the performance. Best thing is I built the bike with transit in mind. It looks like a regular road bike and weights less than 55lbs which is the limit for transit buses. With 2" Schwalbe moped rated 50kph tires it fits comfortably on transit buses so I can use the bus to go the 100km into the city and then take off on my bike to explore. I am currently working on my dream build based on a brand new Soma Riff frame. I am porting my eBike components from my old Brodie to the new frame with the addition of hand built wheels designed for ebikes, a new eBike ready Rockshox fork, and a Shimano Linkglide drive train. The new parts combined cost me less than 2k but I will now have my dream eBike. And it crushes $5k to $10k eBikes in corporate stores. I also added a DIY bike trailer I built from an old Huffy tricycle that I can pull behind the bike at 50kph and not even feel when hauling. I have saved so much money on fuel, insurance, and vehicle maintenance that the bikes are basically free. And the best part is I can ride off into the sunset in the mountains here and feel like I did in my youth on my first Cannondale criterion bike. Closing in on 70 years old here and getting faster.

[@caraqal]

Lol, are you future me? I'm not in a small town but in Munich Germany, and the bike shops here are overpriced arrogant know it alls that only help you if you buy their stuff. So my cellar is now my personal bike shop and the classifieds is my source of bikes and frames. Built an electrified Bullitt Cargo Bike with CYC Photon and that thing outruns and out handles cargo bikes that cost 10k. And living in Europe there's actually some bike infrastructure, so it's been amazing having no car!

[@shaunoleary8740]

Dude, you're awesome. This is the youtube channel the bike world needed!

[@bkefrmr]

Wow, thanks!

[@nitstraightcore]

the absolute gold in this video brings me tears of joy from one bicycle mechanic to another, thank you!

[@darwinskeeper421]

Since I got back into biking at 59, I decided to go for the most comfortable of the comfort bikes, an Electra Townie 7D. Love its comfort, rugged simplicity and it being just sophisticated enough that I didn't find myself needing a new bike after a few months. I have since supplemented the Townie with a Trek Verve 2 Lowstep. There were times I loved it and times I just wanted to park it out along a bike trail with a sign "all yours". Still, even during the worst times, it was nice to have a second bike to ride when the Townie was in the shop. I found a good mechanic and the Verve is doing a lot better now. Having a second bike is good.

[@bkefrmr]

Similar bikes. Townie is pedal forward. Comfy, but inefficient. The verve is a nice in-betweener.

[@darwinskeeper421]

@@bkefrmr Strange, I've noticed that the Verve feels a little more efficient, like it takes less effort to pedal it in certain conditions than the Townie. Any explanation as to why?

[@jillclarke7264]

Thanks really refreshing views. I'm 63 have an 18 year old Specilaized commuter Expedition built for comfort not speed. I have it tuned up and added a comfy seat still awsome.

[@ianmangham4570]

Great bike 😊

[@user-ki9gd2bk5q]

Andy tells the truth! I left a similar comment on another BikeFarmer video. I bought a Giant Defy Advanced 1 this year because I wanted to do road rides. I was waiting on a Contend AR 1 which would have been just fine for me. Even the shop owner said if I held the frame of each bike at the same time I wouldn't be able to tell a difference in the weight. Sure there are differences in those two road bikes, but I'm not a Pro. I was tired of waiting on the Contend so I bought the Defy. I was riding my Giant Escape around the neighborhood and on some paved trails. One trail is rarely used because it's nothing but hills. It was very uncomfortable at first, but I got stronger. The Escape is a great bike and I still ride it as well for some different riding. Like Andy said if you're going to ride a bike there's going to be some discomfort, but riding a bike of any kind is worth that small amount of discomfort. Riding a bike does wonders for your mental health as well as physical health.

[@stevenqirkle]

He says he doesn’t sell bikes that cost more than $800, and the Defy is like $3500. I think you’re not really talking about the same thing.

[@613.Rooster]

Fantastic! You speak the truth. I'm another "old guy" here. Comfort and easy is wisdom. I love your Walmart explanation. I have a little home shop and work on bikes for a select few people. I don't advertise or try to make a side hustle out of it. I found I have to explain the exact same things to people as you have in this video. In fact, I'll just share it so they can hear it from the "Professional" I describe the walmart bikes as "BIC" pens or lighters...disposable. It's a shame they can actually make and sell them. Borderline dangerous me thinks. By the way, one of my purpose built bikes is a Trek 750 Multi-Track still running with Suntour driveline and Dia-comppe Canties the only upgrade is more upright and comfy position. stem, bars and saddle. Thanks, subscribed for more. Best!

[@jasonpoole2093]

I appreciate this channel and the refreshing honesty it offers. I get tired of reading Reddit posters claiming you must spend thousands of dollars and go through suffering before you can really call yourself a cyclist. Thanks for returning cycling to the masses.

[@Criscross292]

After getting frustrated with local bike shops, I started working on my own bikes 20 years ago. Best move I ever made. Two quick pieces of advice- 1) Press fit bottom brackets were designed by Satan. 2) If you have OCD, do not true your own wheels 😫

[@Qlicky]

LOL. Just by watching some people true their wheels I could immediately see it was a whole day job for one wheel if I were to do it. If I actually knew how to do it properly that is.

[@robertchandler587]

Me too. It’s always good to work on your own bike. Not just to save money but to learn how your bike works and be aware of things like wear, upgrades, bike fit

[@stevengagnon4777]

That OCD guy is exactly the person you need to true your wheels. Pay him Tip him ! An actual true wheel doesn't happen on its own...It takes time . There is just no way around it . A straight and round wheel isn't necessarily true...and usually Not !

[@JamEZmusic86]

I'm truing my rear wheel today. A few of my spokes needed to be cut off because the nipples were so rusted that it snapped a couple anyway trying to undo it, so I'm just going to take them all off and apply some copperslip or something to each end. It's going to take me hours

[@stevengagnon4777]

@@Qlicky plenty of " mechanics" don't know how either they just think they know how. Turn a couple of spoke nipples and call it done . If you ever get a pair of wheels that are tensioned by a good wheelsmith that made sure they were up to the right tension and reasonable uniform. The bike will feel different. Modern high end wheels to have the tension checked with a tool with out question. And a good wheelsmith will do the same with any wheel . That's how I know the next spoke on the flange is within 10 % of ideal. Ideal is a function of the rim ,number of spokes and riders weight. Through in type of bicycle and riding style to boot. These are the kind of things a good wheelsmith considers. For example if I have a bike with a very light rider an the are easy on their bike I won't be cranking up the tension too high. That way the rider will have a wheel that feels more comfortable and compliant to the road .I don't want a petite woman to get hammered on the bike paths with a set of too stiff wheels. A big bike masher will need alot more tension or the wheel's going to feel like mush and break spokes prematurely. This is where the OCD wheelsmith is the person for the wheels. It really does make a difference. It why the sales people put costumers on bicycles I set up and made the sale in one visit. Yes everything worked right too. But the bike still felt real nice. Like a dream ! Really they did ! It didn't need to be an expensive bike to do achieve that either. Just another hour devoted to get the wheels right.. that's the rub it's an extra hour of labor for a set up. I didn't care ...I believe build it right the first time the bike is going to get used and not become a garage ornament because the bike is a joy to ride and I doesn't break down too often. I'm also unemployed now after doing this for four decades being uncompromising...

[@caped57]

Your opinions and approach to bikes are very refreshing for a bike lover in bike sales. This channel is awesome! So glad I found it.

[@bkefrmr]

Welcome aboard!

[@spoudaois]

Great content. I have to say i love my two fixed gear bikes. One is a fast aluminum Cinelli tipo pista with a slammed stem and bullhorns that I sprint around the neighborhood .The other is a MASH work with a more upright position with a basket in the front for my small dog.

[@smthnew861]

Thanks. I was about to get my old bike into a dumpster, but after this video, i just went and got some new gears and derailleurs. And it's awesome

[@ADAMJWAITE]

Thank you! So many people, those who are new to bicycling and work in the industry alike, need to hear this message. What's the right bike for "most" people? A basic hardtail with quality parts and 26" tires. You don't need disc brakes, hydraulic especially, 29" tires or complicated suspension.

[@Spamua13]

Dude no… 29 is far better.

[@ADAMJWAITE]

@@Spamua13 Why, because the industry tells you so? For some people, 29ers are the right choice, sure, but that's not what we're talking about here. For "most" people 29ers are a disadvantage. 26" tires will always be the most common, least expensive and easiest to maintain. That's a better choice for most people.

[@Spamua13]

@@ADAMJWAITE uh not really. The advantages of 29 already outweigh any cost difference. Pretty sure most modern good quality bikes don’t sell anything below 27.5 for adult bikes. So as long as you’re not shopping at walmart your looking at 27.5 at the smallest. Bigger wheels roll faster, for longer, and clear obstacles easier. A tube for 29 costs the same as 26 and if you have tubeless i have never seen a tubeless 26 wheel. And tires also cost nearly the same maybe like a $4 difference on the low end. So you really have no idea what you’re talking about saying it’s “easier to maintain”. Dude it works exactly the same it’s just a bigger wheel. I even recommend 29 wheels for kids and teenagers and they seem to love it.

[@ADAMJWAITE]

@@Spamua13 I've restored and sold over 600 bikes. Twenty six inch tires are the most common in the world and always will be. Twenty nine inch, which is the same size rim as a road bike, is the second most common. Because of this, 26" tubes are the cheapest, 29" second and 27.5 the most expensive. I've literally bought hundreds of them. And I have several bikes with 26" tubeless wheels. I really hope you're a young kid who hasn't realized how much he doesn't know yet.

[@Spamua13]

@@ADAMJWAITE i work at a bike shop and we charge the same for tubes regardless of size. I literally went on amazon and found 26” tubes and 29” for the same price as well as tires. 27.5 is no different. You literally do not have to take my word for it. If youre spending more on different size tubes you might be getting scammed. Last thing ill say is that there is that there is no single perfect bike for everyone. It would be stupid to suggest a 29 hardtail for someone who wants to bmx. But ill die on this hill that for anyone wanting a 26” wheel is better off on a 29 for reasons i already stated. I find most ppl who want a 26 are members of the older generation still thinking they know a thing or two about bikes. For casual riders it will literally not matter but doesn’t everyone want to go faster? Get on a 29”.

[@ClintonC1991]

You really are living a dream I had. Owned a bike shop for 2 years to simply help people. I found out my market was a 50 mile radius. I always thought about doing videos too.

[@brennangandy]

I love this mentality. I have a garage bike shop and have been tuning up family and friend's bikes the past couple of years. Oh, and enjoying the heck out of my 5 year old "budget" hardtail.

[@bkefrmr]

Right on!

[@wmcrosbyesq]

50 year plus rider--this is an excellent video that says everything I would say. Thank you.

[@WillPower46]

Benny at Cycle City all he would do all day is put other people down and bag their bikes no matter what they were. Bike shops don’t need people like that.

[@kimbersal1]

I’ve been a bike wrench maybe longer than you’ve been alive. I’m 59, and most of your points hold true. I grew up riding my paper route cruiser down the mountains in Marin county in the ‘70s, and graduated to building the most advanced mountain bikes in the world in Santa Cruz in the ‘90’s until now. At the end of the day, it’s two wheels, handlebars, a frame and ideally a seat. Thanks for your input.

[@dphachey]

I loved this video! My first mountain bike was a Trek 830 that I purchased brand new in the early 1990s. Absolutely indestructible. I have since upgraded to a newer model, but I still have that old Trek. I have converted it to a “hybrid” - thinner tires, more comfortable seat - I use it for tooling around. Would love to see a video on converting an old mountain bike to a comfort bike! I haven’t raised my handlebars yet but would love to know if it is possible and cost effective.

[@michaelgeisert289]

Check out some Jones H Bars.

[@fieraci8500]

I bought the exact same bike and years later made the exact same conversion. mine was yellow. Loved my Trek 830.

[@gilabear11]

My first mtb was a 1986 Trek 850. Loved it! So fun! It changed my life for sure.

[@niceguy191]

I still have my old Trek 7000. Don't ride it anymore though

[@philsmith2346]

Im a "Okay, right, Boomer," so if I did this properly, you have a new subscriber in western West Virginia. I love your attitude, and cannot see your EBT Card. Yes, my bikes really suck, but they're yard sale Huffys. Have a fantastic week, and stay warm and dry up there!

[@WheelcraftBicycles]

I own a bike shop (Trek Dealer) and a customer gave me flack for riding a 20 year old Cannondale road bike. I was like, "I don't race and it does what I need it to do. It works fine and if it was fancier I couldn't beat on it".

[@bkefrmr]

Truth

[@splashpit]

I daily a 30 year old Alan cyclocross to work , wouldn’t give it up for a new bike .

[@888timesmart]

Haters gonna hate. I'm a home mechanic and have probably 15 or so bikes, mostly road. Don't have a single disk brake bike and few with internal cables. I have all frame materials, but Steel is still the first choice. Almost all purchases have been already fully depreciated, so basically I'm riding on the cheap. I do work on modern bikes, but for me 2005 and earlier was the golden era. I own a Soma rando converted to an ebike, but don't ride it much.

[@greenpea9412]

Great video and very informative. I am 58 and just bought a Trek Verve 2. I am simply wanting a bike I can ride while camping and along bike trails here in Ohio. I bought a trailer for my grandson to ride in behind the bike. I pick everything up tomorrow and can’t wait to just ride around and enjoy the outdoors.

[@jcsrst]

The "right" bike is the bike you'll ride 😉

[@ronrossi2585]

As a person who has made hundreds of sales videos, you have a great camera presence and connect well with your audience. Good down-to-earth presentation of content. Keep smiling!! I look forward to your next video.

[@bkefrmr]

I appreciate that!

[@manuelluis5456]

Which one is your chanel ?

[@ronrossi2585]

Thank you for reaching out. I decided to not work anymore and enjoy life and have more time to ride my bike so my involvement with making videos is over.

[@dand3975]

My friend Randy, wanted me to clean, maintenance and get his 25 year-old Walmart bike tuned up. I told him it was a POS when new. That bike was not worth new cables, chain, tires, and inner tubes.

[@notanomad9320]

Yep, too many people want to fix up their department store bike but they'd be better off investing in a newer brand name bike even if its a few years old. People give away some pretty nice bikes on graigslist,

[@dand3975]

@connyconiglione I figured the new parts to bring Randy's bike to working shape would be $80. It did not make sense to spend $80 to fix a bike that was worth $120 new. the truth is if you have a nice bike it increases your chances of seriously riding and sticking with it. Same thing goes for all other hobbies, you need to upgrade as you gain experience to keep the hobby going.

[@DS-um9hi]

​@@dand3975did he buy it from new? Owned it for 25 years and then 80 dollars to tune up seems a good investment. Saves slinging into landfill. If it works for him it works, don't be a bike snob.

[@RyanBuildsWheels]

Loved it! Number 4 is especially important for so many people; love that you're touting it!

[@FrontierBill]

As a guy who has been riding a 2011 hybrid commuter since 2012, a lot of this video was spot on. Kept up with my maintenance. Wanted to go faster, got faster tires. Wanted it to be more comfortable, got mild cruiser bars. Wanted to get groceries, got racks and bags. Wanted to cover longer distances for my commute, sucked it up and just rode further. Had a baby, got a trailer. A shiny new e-bike would have addressed most of these things. Or a nice road bike for the speed (I did acquire a nice 2010 Bianchi for free). But there is nothing inherently wrong with a decent, older bike that fits your body and needs. And more people need to hear that.

[@ThisTimeTheWorld]

N+1

[@clayh9624]

This channel rocks. I like my bikes 9+ old mountain bikes. I'd like to get a road bike next. Old 10 speed Peugeot, or?

[@philipbyrne3037]

Great advice. I rarely ride more than twenty miles in a day. I don’t need a super bike nor do I need broken spokes, wobbly wheels, shoddy indexing and seat posts that won’t stay still connected to saddles that are both hard and soft in all the wrong places. Plus the axles on freewheel bikes seem to break so much easier than they used to. Unfortunately what used to be the industry standard 30.40 years ago is now made with the cheapest possible materials. There are some exceptions ,like Velo Orange and Soma , but try explaining to someone that the high quality version of their replacement part costs hundreds of dollars. Someone who is willing to scavenge hard garbage and have trailer loads of metal recycling can get the part for ‘free’ but they still need the skills to install it.

[@mbeatty6970]

that's what makes mid grade 90's mtn bikes so reliable give me a good deore DX or "XT 8 speed derailleur and matching shifter, or retro mod the hell out of them with 1x 10 or 11 drivetrains. even with retro friction shifters

[@johnkilty5091]

Great advice. I learned that talking to the right person and listening to them. Is of great value. I love the humor.

[@tconnolly9820]

Most of the market outside of e-bikes tends to be focused on roadies and mtb'ers. I ride a large frame fairly heavy relatively slow hybrid covered in racks and bags to commute mostly locally, do shopping and pull trailers for larger cargo as a car replacement or supplement. I couldn't be arsed in riding a bike just for fitness or performance but I absolutely LOVE finding every opportunity I can to take the bike out instead of the car. That's what cycling is to me. I know roadies who put up thousands of kilometres on expensive bikes who have never ridden their bikes to work or picked up a litre of milk on the way home instead of using the car. A bicycle is completely a different concept for them than for me. Those 2 minutes or so that were spoken about in this video are what they spend thousands on high spec bikes to achieve. My bike must look like a Frankenstein type abomination to these sports and fitness oriented purists. They are also what the majority of the industry focuses on because they create the greatest profit margins.

[@martinkrautter8325]

I am no "Professional" but just another "n+1" person, volunteering at communal self-help bike repair projects, and just wanted to say I like your down-to-earth approach a lot. Keep it rollin'!

[@bkefrmr]

Right on!

[@LukeHague]

I love geeking out on bikes and the tech. But there's a limit. I really love your saying of "practical bikes for practical people" because it just rings true in so many cases. I did a good overhaul of my Dad's bike with him a couple years, an old 90's Ross mountain bike, and thing was "better than new"! He fell in love with it all over again.

[@clayh9624]

Ross.I remember they are cool. I'd like to find one.

[@MrLmb4682]

Love the common sense here, I just opened a bike shop in our small town 11 months ago ! Just trying to follow the golden rule and help people enjoy their ride . God bless sir !

[@bkefrmr]

Good thinking. Good attitude. It will wane!. Good luck! 🤣😂

[@MrLmb4682]

Thanks ! Hey what have you found works best to clean rim brakes to help the pads stop them better , cleaning wise ?

[@jonathancrew5811]

I am absolutely learning with my bike, been commuting with it only for a few months and it's a blast.. But do everything you can to learn how to maintain it. Also ride hard when you got some energy, getting your fitness up will make riding way more enjoyable!

[@bkefrmr]

Well said!

[@Reticulosis]

😂😂😂 this was awesome, your video popped up because my fancy old (2016 Giant Advanced Defy 2.0) needed some work done and the algorithm figured you were a mechanic and could help out.

[@brokko_le3]

My bike does suck, but I've had it for about 25 years and I love it for who it is.

[@jasong546]

I love my entry level giant endurance bike. I have made it my own and I have had a bicycle mechanic tune it perfectly, put slightly wider tires. It might suck to the large contingent of older folks who live here and go on big group rides with their 5000 dollar carbon bikes and who never go over 10 mph, but it has grabbed my heart in its suckiness. I ride it and after a minute I realize again that I am having fun and feel like a kid and it has begun to fix my hip problems and my emotional health. I really love your reason number 1 in this video. That’s the truth about it for sure.

[@DeeEight]

#10 there's usually ONE bike each model year in a particular department store bike offerings that doesn't suck. For Walmart there might be a half dozen as a large number of the controlling family members are cycling enthusiasts and it shows in the transformation of Bentonville where the brand was founded. Of course you may need to order that non-sucky bike from their website and have it delivered direct to your own home to assemble it yourself, as your local Walmart store probably didn't stock it, and as you said, the guy stacking paint cans is probably the one who assembled it, or they hired an outside contractor who's paid per bike assembled, NOT per hour spent assembling. #7 What's amusing to me is that awful shortish (by today's standards) top tube 71/73 XC racing mountain bike geometry of the 90s, is now ideal gravel / adventure bike geometry, and no longer being stuck to running dildo length stems, narrow saddles without padding, and narrow flat bars, folks also get nice comfy riding positions on them just by updating the cockpits. Lots of framebuilders can even put disc tabs on your older good steel or titanium framesets (or aluminum ones if they're built from 7005 or 2024-T6 as they don't require the complicated oven re-heat treatments that 6061-T6 does), and 700x40 to 45 (or 650B x 50) tires will generally fit into frames that formerly were occuppied by 26 x 2.35s. #3 The initial break in period... simply PRE-stretching the shifter and if present, brake cables before the bike leaves the stand it was assembled on, will generally avoid the customer needing to come back in a week or two. I've been pre-stretching them for a couple decades and the earliest i ever needed to adjust a shifter cable is after a few years of owning the bike.

[@AlexandarHullRichter]

I always pre-stretch cables when I install them, and most of the time, I don't have to readjust the derailleur until it's time to replace the cable.

[@YerDad632]

Cables don’t stretch. Ferrules settle. And there’s no good walmart bikes. Also the bentonville infrastructure is built with the unpaid wages of walmart workers nationwide.

[@ras864]

Excellent Post. Enjoyed the honesty. I’m a roadie who has moved to Hard-Tail Mountain bike. Love the ride around town.

[@B_COOPER]

I’m really glad you addressed the lightweight racing bike obsession. You aren’t going to be faster on a light bike if you pedal around like a grandpa.

[@bigwheelsturning]

Love my 1991 Costco MTB. Chrome Molly Tange and fun to ride. Have changed a lot of the XT stuff to make it an upright bike. Added an Enveolo hub and I'm rolling now. Love the old Univega at the start of the video. Have a 1980 Specicalissima that I will never get rid of. It just rolls along and the farther I go, the faster it gets.

[@jonbowman2194]

Love this video, sent it to my fellow retrogrouch friend. A few quibbles : my two steel road bikes, 30 and 35 years old, showing a fistful of stem in the antique manner, and sporting broken in Brooks B17’s are superbly comfortable, even when I’m not fit. Electric bikes, which truly are electric motorcycles, can be fearsome to muscle powered riders. They accelerate alarmingly fast from a stop, are generally too fast for their inexperienced operators, who zip by me on the right, cut me off at corners, etc. I restored a Schwann varsity, a truly crude, primitive bike, and it was joyful to ride. I got a charge out of how it slammed into each gear with unramped, square cut gears, and felt comfort in its stodgy, heavy handling. Junk bikes, if solidly made, have their own charm!

[@RolandRides]

Inexperienced riders are the main problem with e-bikes. They usually have little experience in riding a bike and just use the highest motor setting. Using a regular bike one can make experiences over time and crashes are usually not that massive. With confidence and knowledge one is safer . In Germany e-bikes are popular by elderly people and most deadly crashes are with those folks. They have not ridden a bike for 45 years then start hauling asses.

[@seancoyote]

Most E bikes can only go 20mph with assist. The problem is there is little regulation at sale for the north of 750w bikes to have them be registered as mopeds or motorcycles. Big difference when they are over that 750w. Some are north of 7k watts.

[@evhbombastic]

I appreciate your honesty. My Trek ZX 8000 MTB, that I bought for $100 in 2010, has been my sole mode of transportation for 5+ years. I have replaced all of it's components myself with mildly used parts that I have procured from my local bicycle collective that warehouses all of it's overhead from donated bikes that nobody wanted anymore. I absolutely HATE going to a regular bike shop for the simple reason that all of the "professional" bike mechanics that I have had to deal with, have been tremendous snobs and very elitist. Necessity has taught me that the "keep it simple, stupid" philosophy always tends to be the way to go. I'm glad that I found your channel. I must add a caviat. Even though you don't mention them, when it comes to "fixies", all I can say is no brakes + no gears = no brains.

[@thebiglimey]

From one long-term wrench to another, I tip my hat, raise my beer, and salute you for preaching the good word!

[@bkefrmr]

Right on!

[@VickiKech]

Great video. It spurred all sorts of comments I'm too shy to post. I ride for fun, exercise, freedom, speed, social interaction. Am tempted by marketing, shiny new stuff, & esoteric niche brands. Am older & weak but I don't want to damage myself doing it yet am resisting the ultimate ease of e-biking. I get so frustrated but your vids make me laugh, even if it's at myself.

[@malloott]

So nice to see an American mechanic enforcing Dutch cycle standards! What I think the perfect city bicycle would be does not seem to exist: 5 or 8 speed coaster brake, belt drive, low step in frame, Dutch oma fiets geomatry, all stainless steel or aluminum parts, schwalbe marathon tires, amazing mudguards double walled aluminium strong enough to have 50kg girl standing on it. A bike like this would hardly need any care, and could last 20 years and not be obsolete. I guess that's why it does jot exist! 😂

[@PhilOsGarage]

Definitely agree with the ‘one bike’ bit, I have 6 that all do different things. The big surprise was the single speed, ideal for short journeys, in fact I’m nipping to the supermarket then the bar on it shortly.

[@BartAnderson_writer]

Lots of good thinking in the video - at least I agree with it. I never met a bike I didn't like. Some were frustrating and inappropriate, but they beat walking and I really love bikes. Over time I gravitated to pre-2010 steel frames. Not the fastest, but who cares?

[@STV-H4H]

While I agree any bike is better than walking, I also think a crappy bike can be a major factor in wanting to actually ride it. As a young child I was always on my first bike. Some Kmart POS. That was probably 1969-70, making me 5ish. All the other kids had their bikes and we had a state park (miles of wooded trails) in Washington along the Puget Sound. Back in those days kids were allowed to have careless unimpeded fun, and we would get hurt, but we would recover. Leave the house after the cartoons were done, and be gone till lunch or dinner and back to the business of learning about our world. We made jump ramps, raced down winding paths, crashed over severe hillside with a bottom still in sight, but usually the fall was broken by a kind tree or something else the angels used as disguises. Approaching a decade later I was living in a different city and had a new environment to explore. This one did have beach access, but the hill was too steep and was literally a series of criss crossing bridges over a trickling ravine. And once on the bottom, it was either wet sand, dry sand or rocky. So the beach wasn’t a destination to repeat. At least not on our bikes, the reverse was a push only steep 1mile endeavor, not a mountain, but it may as well have been. The woods were the best option. These days that entire 20-30 acre wooded area (actually two separate woods) is a neighborhood/s. But when the dozer first arrived, it soon became a series of wider trails that were, for a few years, abandoned and a couple of us would get motorcycles, so the bike riders among us did BMX and when the motorcycle arrived, we made better use of the bulldozer width paths. This is where the good and not good bikes came to be. This was 1976-1980. Bmx was arriving in the Seattle suburbs. My first bmx was a cruddy steel frame with steel wheels bike. My closest buddy Randy (and his brother roger, whose father was a doctor) received a slightly better grade of two wheeler. (Previously, they both had the stingray Schwinn, a 3 speed with the testicle damaging stick shift option. So naturally whatever I had before, sucked) Over the next few years, Randy and I both started riding to the nearest (2-3Miles) bike shop. I myself pestered the guy to do just what this video creator did, beg to be able to help in exchange for discounts. He was mostly a nice guy, but we were mostly just pests who distracted him from his work and didn’t have any money. As the years progressed, I eventually gathered the parts to build a very respectable lightweight aluminum frame bmx with all the trick parts. Randy couldn’t fix a chain, but he eventually did become an emergency room surgeon. So I guess repairing bikes was always beneath him. Forward to the early 2000s and I have a son. I very much wanted his first bike to be a good one. So I found a good used one, his mother didn’t like that I bought it used, so she bought him a new one that was a big step down with a higher price tag to make sure Andy would be able to be proud of his bike. I took him out to ride trails when he was reasonably proficient in the road in front of our house. He was about 8. Way too late in my view. On that first venture along the trails, he had a very scary experience. Crashing and earning a respectable road rash to serve as a badge of honor. I sadly behaved too much like a modern parent and didn’t immediately enforce him to walk it off and get back on the bike. Instead I felt his fear and pain, carried him and his bike back home. He never rode again. At least not enough to become a proper bike rider with much needed skills to navigate the world and presumably know what to look for and respond to when suddenly a blind car driver tries to take you out. He walked pretty much through middle school instead of riding his (by this time mom had again bought him an even better bike) bike to school, same for high school. Now he’s in college, and while he left his car (moms old car) at home, he also opted to walk or take a bus over riding a bike. So in my mind, a good bike vs a crappy one is significant. Though my story may not reflect the start of this writing. I now have a killer 90s era 10speed type, one that at that time was a top shelf model, not as nice as the Raleigh I rode in the 90s, but compared to the $2-3k versions of this era, it’s the best bike around.

[@BartAnderson_writer]

@@STV-H4H , great memories and a good point. I rode hand-me-downs for years - heavy steel frame 10-speeds. They were okay, but I should have spent the money to get a good intermediate-level bike. I bought a Bianchi Eros in 1993 at the suggestion of the bike shop and haven't looked back since. Yes a good bike makes a tremendous amount of difference if you're doing more than short distances.

[@smokeycanuck8058]

Great video and good advice. Very easy to get sucked into the marketing hype. And yeah just bought my first comfort "slow" bike for grocery runs, hops to the neighbourhood pub, etc. Just jump on it in any old street cloths and go (Trek Verve)

[@slowerlifeonpurpose]

Got my first bicycle at 44. It sucks. But its mine. 🍭💯👍

[@richardpetty9159]

If you love it but you know that it has some problems, you should take it to a real bike shop. Just talk about it with a mechanic and that person can probably give you some good ideas about your complaints and you can probably make that bike into something you love even more for relatively little money.

[@supersamzman1]

Holy moly, this just came up on my feed and I know you. I'm Sam, I did a Driftless 300k you planned the route for and supported last year. Nice video, and see you on Strava!

[@bkefrmr]

Legend!

[@markmartello]

Way to go Andy! I think you've got another hit video here.

[@bkefrmr]

Wow, thanks!

[@wesleyzimmerman6093]

My basically perfect bicycle turned 101 this year, is pretty heavy, and in the most delightful ride I’ve ever experienced. internally geared hub, with coaster brake, front drum brake/dynamo hub, super high powered headlight, carrier, panniers…it’s sheer joy every time I ride it.

[@Moostery]

Cross country trail bikes are my absolute favorite bikes to ride.

[@thedolt9215]

I normally hate long intros to a video… But yours is very interesting! Keep up the good work!

[@paddyleather5676]

you became a bike shop owner and mechanic after getting an English degree? Was it a hybrid program or something ?

[@richardpetty9159]

The English degree came into play when making this video, you can bet your ass.

[@nigel4776]

This man talks sense. I was obliged to start cycling to work at the age of 65 after finding myself in a new job which didn't provide employee parking and having an allergy to public transport. I found an old, well maintained Raleigh Pioneer for £20 on ebay and rediscovered the joy of getting cold, wet and fit for free.

[@tauncfester3022]

Just wanted to add: Worked as a shop mechanic since '81 and in the manufacturing industry. One of the best bike sales people I've worked with was just easy going genial and wanted to know what you wanted to do with your bike, what kind of adventures you and your bike were going on, of course with some customers his opening was "So how can annoy you this morning?" Breaking the intial sales ice with humor is an art, I'm a social klutz, but I did like to explain to regular non bike people what the heck was going wrong with their steed, and how spending a bit of money in repair would make them love their bike again. Frankly my idea of a comfort bike was an arm and leg powered front wheel drive recumbent.

[@Gary_THR]

Great video. More people need to hear what you're saying. I'm so tired of all the bike "bros" looking down on the average bike rider.

[@Bikemaddad]

I love your honesty and reality. I got back into the bike game this year and it is so true what you’re saying here. Love the channel. Thank you

[@bkefrmr]

It's funny. I was out of the game from about 2006-2014 and so much had changed - for the worse - in the post Lance bike industry. I've spent a good part of the past 10 years trying to get on board with disc brakes, internal cable routing, press fit bearings, carbon fiber shit bikes, etc. I just can't find any real world benefits. I guess disc brakes for daily commuters...but even so, rim brakes work so well and are way easier to futz with. Anyway, I feel like an old curmudgeon, but I've really thought this through.

[@wilkokajko1]

I love this one! ! ! Man! There is so much truth in this 11min bit! I love it! Today's people care more about how they look from outside, how expensive stuff they are using. . .and they have their own audience for that. But buying the most expensive stuff does not make 99% of them happy or fulfilled. Thanks for that! PS: I am from Slovakia (used to be Czecho-Slovakia) and people over here absolutely believe all the commercials that sell emotions. "Buy a brand new iPhone in price of your 2 salaries and you will be happy!" "Sell your family MPV, add more money to the amount, buy a bike and you will be like Peter Sagan!" Not really. . . Same applies for any other stuff also bikes. :-D Thanks for being honest. :-)

[@DaveCM]

You are not wrong at all. I am 54 years old. So, I have seen a lot of change in bikes too. I had a co-worker ask me about a bike at Target. I convinced him to go to a bike shop. He ended up with a fairly entry level Giant. He was thanking me for convincing him to spend a little more money. He couldn't get over how much better and enjoyable an $800 bike could be. As for me, I have a 5 year old road bike. It was a dream bike when I bought it. I have been itching for a new one, but I know that the new one really won't be much better. A slight advantage in aerodynamics that I probably won't notice anyway and a better range with a new 12 speed groupset is pretty much it. My bike is still great. As for old bikes, I found a 90's Cannondale MTB frameset for next to nothing. I stripped it down, put a crazy paint job on it, installed a Box 1x groupset, found brakes with enough adjustment to change the wheels out for 700, added some nice 32c tires. It was for my son as a commuter. It is his favorite bike. I rode it around some after I got done, and it was absolutely amazing.

[@markharrison9247]

Love this review and spot on! I have started a rental and now bike retail shop in Antibes, South of France - I rent and sell steel and old school Reynolds - Temple Bikes - The Bike Chain - its not the bike its the rider , two wheels should be fun and open to everyone , that’s what we do … Love your stuff BikeFarmer

[@ostekuste3646]

Ex racer here, raced xcountry, cross, road, dh, and at one time had 14 purpose built machines including a sub 16lb Carbon road machine. Was a pro wrench for 15 years. Used to put in the miles and loved smashing up mountain climbs. I’m 51 now, over time sold all my bikes and even stopped riding for about five years. A couple years ago built my dream “retirement” bike, a Surly Karate Monkey, with all the fancy parts I could get. Built it for low maintenance, durability, and multi functionality. No suspension fork, 1x12 with a microshift thumbshifter, and mechanical disc brakes. I can repair this thing in a blacksmiths shop if I need to. I use it on all the trails I used to ride, I commute, I bikepack, I take it with me on all my vacations. It does it all. What I did do is SLOW DOWN and enjoy the ride. I did it all and don’t have anything to prove to anyone anymore including myself. Also, I’ll never ride again before I ride an e bike. They are great for commuting or for those that may have health issues that would otherwise prevent one from riding at all, but they have no place in the woods otherwise. They are electric motorcycles. In the early 90s we had to fight so hard to prove to land managers that mtbs were not motorcycles to get them to even consider our group a viable trail user, I see this as betrayal of everything mountain bikers stood for.

[@teklife]

you're cool bro, and you're right on, i'm 51 now and i finally figured out after a lifetime of BMX, road bikes, and mountain bikes, that the best bikes, by far, hands down, not even close, is a traditional, step through utility bike with a basket, fenders, nice kickstand, bell, lights, wheel lock, chain guard, upright handlebars, and cargo rack, IF a bike is your main mode of transport, and it is for me and all of those things i just listed make it an overall pleasant and practical day to day riding experience. i don't even notice all that extra weight from those addons, riding a bike has never been more pleasurable.

[@MultigrainKevinOs]

One of the biggest myths and mysteries out there seems to be how long a bike should last. Why are consumers never told heading in how long a bike is expected to last, how long those components will be sufficient? They would be shocked that that little bike could last a lifetime. My humble low end components and bike have lasted tens of thousands of KMs and i know that is still on the low end compared to serious riders. The biggest problem with the bike industry is their products are entirely too reliable in their simplest form. So we are on the hamster wheel of new tech = gooder that old bike you have now should make you sad.

[@MickeyDunaway]

My car is a ebike I put together and in the city it can’t be beat and I love riding it it so much fun and no traffic screw traffic I’m 77 I ride to the golf course pulling my bag in my pushcart almost every day I like your channel keep it up

[@aarontracy5160]

Sigh. Told myself I would never ride again after a 2 year Mormon mission (Giant Iguana). 15 years later bought one to go on rides with my son. When he aged out I was confident I was done riding and gave my Trek to him for college. This year, couldn't resist that inexpensive Schwinn hybrid at Goodwill. Rusty chain, spokes and a sun rotted saddle. And here I am, getting the pep talk as I return to cycling again. Appreciative of your channel.

[@JodyGetchell]

Appreciate the picture of your youth working in the shop on the red/yellow Trek, frame - 36 - 40 seconds. I bought the same model. It was a piece of art. 🤩

[@MarkSmith-js2pu]

My e bike transformed me at age 68. 3500 miles later I may be in the best shape 😂I’ve ever been in. Mentally and physically.