HOW I turned my LIFE’S PASSION into a $100k/yr BUSINESS as a SELF EMPLOYED bicycle mechanic!

[@jonmeek3879]

This was the most interesting and honest thing I’ve ever seen on KZbin Thanks

[@bkefrmr]

@@jonmeek3879 this is the most validating comment I’ve ever read! 🙏❤️

[@billhemingway5558]

At 72 I find myself authentically joyful on a bike. I like riding them more than fixing them, but i could watch you "work" all day.

[@ramsien]

"When things get weird, I'm already there." Thaaaat's a keeper.

[@bkefrmr]

No doubt

[@tomanderson9497]

I’m in for 10 “when things get weird, I’m already there” BikeFarmer stickers….shut up and take my money!😅

[@garysmoot1144]

Andy, I subscribed a few months back and really enjoy your videos. This one was great. Started my own small construction company 25 years ago. Best thing I have ever done. Retired 2 years ago. Back in the 80's cycled a lot. 140 mile days, rode up 14,000 ft Mt Evans in Colorado etc. 2 years ago bought a Trek fx 7.2 and now ride 2 or 3 times a week 25-30 miles at a time. Bought a bike stand and do one of your tune ups every couple of weeks based on your videos. So here is an idea for you: Go out to Iowa and do RAGBRAI this upcoming summer. You could ride it all or take your van and do fixes every night to show what happens to bikes on that tour. Would be great video content. Maybe take your employee along and ride part and fix part time so we get a mixed video. Just a thought.

[@bkefrmr]

I rode Mt Evans from Echo Lake when the road was closed to cars in 2020. Thin air up there!

[@bryanb6931]

I purchased a 2013 Trek 4900 and converted it to a 1X with Sunringle 27.5 wheels, the frame will also accept 29" wheels. I stripped the paint, it had almost 3 pounds of paint on it (not exaggerating) and gave it a brushed Aluminum finish with a clear satin paint job. My wife has a CNC sticker cutting machine that I used to make a template for Trek logo that I painted onto the frame. To make a long story short, I removed every part on the bike and replaced it with upgrades. I sold the 26" wheels that came on the bike after I overhauled and trued them. Replaced the suspension forks with a carbon fiber Exotic set. The MTB is now transformed into my custom Gravel bike. I found the whole process very therapeutic and I'm looking forward to making many more.

[@toms1499]

Very inspiring! I have started my own bike shop in a small town with an up in coming bicycling community. Im honestly a rookie mechanic at best but have been making my way. Thanks for sharing the trials and tribulations you have been through. I very much enjoy watching your videos. Best of luck to the future, and keep up the good work!

[@dewittlunsford2527]

Loved your story, I’m 22 years older than you and still trying to decide what to do when I grow up 🤣

[@bkefrmr]

@@dewittlunsford2527 well, I do feel blessed, but I still have my bad days for sure! I’d rather not have to earn a living at all. I’m always looking out for the next big opportunity to jump on!

[@Adventures4vida]

I worked 20 years in the restaurant industry, and never one wanted to be a manager, or excel in that profession. I've been a full time bicycle mechanic for 8 years now and I love it. I love fixing bikes, I love the feeling of learning new things, and mastering everything on the bicycle. I don't have the capital or credit to buy the shop I'm working at now, so when this guy sells I'm gonna do a year long tour, and then try my hand at being a mobile mechanic by bicycle. Good video, Happy Thanksgiving!

[@don_sharon]

I think the Bike Farmer is back. Super interesting, not angry, no politics - just a great bike video to get lost in. I sincerely hope this is your next viral video. Well done dood.

[@bkefrmr]

It’s just one video, just like the others. There are many sides to Andy Q. You’re not gonna like them all.

[@don_sharon]

@@bkefrmr Sigh... You're probably right. I should go now.

[@ShapezPuller64]

Honestly - be cautious about algorithm optimization in terms of doing or not doing things. I've watched a lot of unique people let those unique parts of their voice be sandpapered off so they fit a mold that itself is changing constantly and without rhyme or reason. Be true - sometimes that means being inefficient; but not everything in life is. Hope that part of you doesn't get sandpapered off. Great vid.

[@bkefrmr]

Well, I think definitely think it’s possible to talk about my take on modern politics without endorsing a party or a candidate. Unfortunately, I think many of the folks we lost in the process would agree with me on most of it.

[@eighty6gt]

​@@bkefrmrSometimes you have to let go. Being mellow is something people are really drawn to.

[@bkefrmr]

@@eighty6gt I don’t understand what you’re trying to say here

[@borisstanislav4560]

"Become one with the dork disc my little grasshoppers" -Sensei Bike Farmer.

[@viadharmawheel]

Never heard that dork disc before this channel. I only remember that you could not keep it clean so I left them long ago...

[@johnduggan4993]

Know the power between the dork side and the forks.

[@wolfgangweber9924]

I give you the thumbs up at the end. That way you know you earned it! Your first bike ride story brought back some memories. I learned to ride using my mom's bike. It was probably around 40lbs with 28" wheels and coaster brake. When I got on the pedals the seat's nose pointed at my neck execution style. A few weeks in of actually riding it I got a little overconfident. I sped up on a slight downhill when my foot slipped of the pedal. I crashed and scraped along a fence wall. My whole front was scraped up: forehead, nose, chin, chest, knees and feet. My parents cleaned the scrapes and powdered everything. And someone gave me a descriptive nickname that I won't disclose here. It made me (in)famous in our town!

[@geog.8120]

Your story is inspiring! Thanks for sharing. Maybe someday you can show your personal bike(s) in one of your videos. Long live BikeFarmer!

[@bkefrmr]

I’m gonna rank them . Top 10 list style. Gonna be a banger!

[@BobM-t8c]

What a great video! I discovered your channel a couple of months ago, and it has become my "comfort food" of KZbin channels. I really enjoy hearing your stories, and this one was truly inspiring. Congratulations on finding your true calling and on your success so far. I have no doubt that this channel will continue to grow. This was the perfect Thanksgiving video - it reminds me (and I am sure others) of what we have to be thankful for. Godspeed, Bike Farmer!

[@aq7705]

How about a shop tour video...tidying and organizing?

[@brrrt6666]

just talking and shopkeeping, I'd watch that!

[@daniellarson3068]

Good Variation on a Theme - The autobiographical story. I've seen this used before. Rick Beatto often goes over my head, but his autobiographical videos have kept my interest. You used an excellent technique with your comment, "What does the future hold for the bike farmer?" This entices the watcher to join in on the journey. Thanking the viewer rather than chastising them is also a good feature. It was relatable to most of us. Who loves working long term for a corporation? My dad bumped from job to job and the only constant was fixing radios and TVs. (It was a different time. They still had typewriter mechanics.) You share the pain with many viewers. Being an English major and married to one, I expect quite a bit of originality in your videos. Keep it up.

[@TheRongWay]

Coincidentally I did start my own thing, also quit my job (although looking for another one), and got sober a little over a year ago. Got into riding bike this summer, and started watching bike fixing videos because I wanted to go on long rides pretty much right off the beginning. I feel lucky and grateful I found a local bike shop with really nice guys and some KZbinr like you, who kept me motivated and inspired. I don’t know, this might be a middle age crisis too lol Anyway, thank you very much for your videos ! It’s been great ❤ looking forward to more! You should definitely pass by Montreal again and check out the F1 track for biking

[@DavidEricNemeth]

Andy may know French, Oui! He did not mention where he attended college, I saw report Our Lady of Lourdes in Iowa became a party school like Marquette and Notre Dame, maybe he is a NWestern grad! Childhood acquaintance mine played several years for the Expos, has done nothing to get people running the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area create bike paths, just for Wranglers and ATVs, you Christian, Jew, or Quaker admiring Muslim pray to God for USA!

[@lancerawlings5401]

I was captivated all the way to the end. Watched the whole vid, “as per the usu” (sp). WOW what a life you have lived and I think you have managed it well. I was self employed as a general contractor for 40 years I really enjoyed it. Now retired many clients are now my friends. I was wrench’n bikes in the 60’s as a kid loved it. I knew every inch of my PX10 Peugeot 10 speed. I could have used your videos then as I have learned a lot now. My Trek 5000 is shifting and stopping great! Thank you!

[@ClintDowd]

Thanks for this one! I also really appreciate the sobriety story... I'm currently on year 4 and I'm feeling unemployable at the moment. Trying to move back to small town Kentucky where my daughter lives but working there is difficult. Your story is encouraging. So thanks again.

[@bkefrmr]

@@ClintDowd I was about 4.5 years sober when I started The BikeMobile. Looking back, I think Recovery was my job for those 4.5 years. I really had to dig deep, buckle down, and go through it. It almost feels like I lost a few years of my life. It’s all a blur. Wild to look back on it. But eventually, I really did find the serenity and gratitude I heard so many others talk about before me. I hope you find it too!

[@ClintDowd]

@@bkefrmr I can understand the process. I left Kentucky and spent the first year in Washington State and Alaska. Then i moved to Florida with my sister to get established and got a job with a company that had a branch in Louisville. I transferred last summer but I'm still 3 hours from my daughter. I see her often but she's 7 and I'm trying to make it more than 2 weekends a month. 3 hour drive is better than flying every month but I'm trying to make the next step. Your videos have helped me learn the skills I need for a side hustle so I really appreciate you. I usually just break even or support the hobby but it keeps my hands busy. Happy Thanksgiving!

[@DavidEricNemeth]

Hope you get back home unless you are from Coventry or Louisville, saw the McCoys and Hatfields are profiteering from the old feud, think several own plumbing business together near Loretta Lynn hometown

[@ClintDowd]

@@DavidEricNemeth I'm living in Louisville. Trying to get home to Paducah.... Far western Kentucky almost in Missouri. LoL

[@durden.tyler537]

Same here, I love tinkering and fixing more than riding. Not that every ride isn’t magnificent, life is Zen when I’m making a bike great again. So much so that on Sunday I brought a buddy’s 1984 rusty crusty Peugeot home to restore it because all 7 of my bikes are at maximum modification and I “need” to tinker. Funny, I used to work in HazMat, then a semiconductor manufacturer and now a pharm company.

[@chrisxshock]

I love how much I relate to you and how much you understand the market. You're a fantastic storyteller. I have two small businesses with my wife. I just train martial arts an raise our 4 girls. But we just opened up our second hair salon. Everything you say in this video is so honest and true. Success comes from failure! Love ya bro!

[@4epatterson]

Thanks for your story. It’s really fun to hear your story. And, I am honestly surprised you haven’t reached the 100,000 mark yet. These are always my favorite videos😊

[@bkefrmr]

Man…I was well on my way until I made a political statement. Major setback with the algorithm! Wish I had a KZbin Time Machine! Maybe someone over there will see this and flip the switch back for me!

[@rainerunsinn4808]

So much truth and wisdom here. Worked at/around a couple of shops that went out of business, things that will get you in trouble: - Don't understand the business aspect - Not paying attention to what your (possible) customers want/need - Don't be a snob, don't talk down to people on how their bike sucks cause it didn't cost +1.000$ and is by brand XYZ - Talk to customers, explain why you would do/not do this or that

[@ReaperCH90]

What a great story. Proofs what I also learned in the last 10 years: No matter how bad your situation is, life will always go on and get better if you do something for it and have patience and dilligence. Greetings from Switzerland

[@bkefrmr]

Living in Switzerland is my other dream!

[@indianadave8881]

I too, enjoy wrenching on bikes. I've turned it into a second income... We had a local bike shop for a few years, but they were snobbish, and really didn't want to work on older, or lower-quality bikes, or bikes that weren't purchased there... They knew I worked on my own older bikes, so didn't really like me. I bought tools, and lube, and the occasional tube from them, but otherwise steered clear. I get my business thru word of mouth, or from my posts on our towns Facebook chat group. If it wasn't for health insurance, I could see trying to open an actual shop, and making a living at it, but I just don't see that happening. Especially with the cost of real estate in our little town going thru the roof. I'll just stick to doing it part time out of my garage,

[@daniellarson3068]

The weird comment - Have you ever wondered how many entrepreneurs are denied the opportunity in the US because of the health insurance thing? Have you ever thought how many innovations don't occur due to the health insurance thing? You may now return to the original normal comments.

[@seandwyer3598]

This is so true and relatable. I feel like I'm in the same boat--if it weren't for insurance I'd be on my own, too. Insurance in this country is like the golden handcuffs but these days they seem more lead than gold. Just like the post below by daniellarson3068 said--how much talent and needed local service do we all miss out on because of our messed up healthcare system?

[@wolfgangweber9924]

Count me in as well. My advantage is that I am retired and don't need the additional income. However the activity keeps me busy and the cash is nice to pay for bike touring etc.

[@ReCyclesBikes_]

That's it! You've inspired me to start. I've had customers asking me to start making videos, but have been keeping it on the backburner. Been making a living with a business model much like yours since 2019. Thanks Bikefarmer!

[@KeithHeinrich]

Thanks for sharing. I suspect this story could be filed under the category of getting your sh!t together and I mean that in the most positive and respectful way. Congratulations on your success. The secret sauce that makes the vids work is the story telling I feel. Always a good time when I sit back to listen to you. 👍

[@jonathongebhardt3015]

Your videos have taught me so much about basic bike maintenance and beyond. I really appreciate the effort you've put into your content. I look forward to all of your new videos. Thanks so much!

[@tipfallon7309]

Love this video man! Thanks for sharing your story. As someone who strives to be authentic and is a solo-preneur who also has to “play the game” to a degree this all resonates. Here’s to following your nose for many years to come.

[@joepauly6769]

Good inspiration Bike Farmer. I started my own small landscape maintenance business and it was amazing. Hard work but worth it. Customer base grew really fast by word of mouth and had a full schedule in a couple months.

[@thellester]

My first road bike was a blue Ross compact. Just an amazing bicycle. The crank kept rotating while the bike was in motion even though the crank arms were not rotating. Made it easy to learn to shift. Would ride the 4 miles to school and could hang out with my friends in town after school rather than riding the bus back home. The freedom that bike gave me to go where I wanted when I wanted hooked me for life. Thank God for small town bike shops.

[@bkefrmr]

THAT’S THE ONE! Holy shit. I’ve never seen one since - even after collecting THOUSANDS of bikes with FB4K I’ve never seen another. Shimano Positron crank freewheel system. I looked good on paper!

[@zone4garlicfarm]

I've been flipping bikes as a side hustle for a couple years averaging 20 bikes a year. Being in a town of 1,500 people I think I've hit my market cap. I find half of my bikes on the metal pile at the town transfer station and half from Marketplace and Craigslist. I'm in my mid 60s, easing into retirement and not looking for a full time business. I see used bikes as a way to add value to the world while making some extra spending money. My next bike to fix up is a Schwinn Paramount from around 1980. It was in a thrift store with a $25 price tag. I got lucky and went there on half price day.

[@sufpnancy]

I'm one of those kids taken under the wing of my LBS--in 1971--and I'm still wrenching, still teaching the neighborhood kids the basics, still loving bikes. Back then no mountain bikes, gravels, snow fatties, just balloon bombers, 3 speeds and TEN speeds (wow!) The best bike is the one that's fun to ride. Love your channel and politics, if ya can't be good, be good enough at it ya don't get caught.

[@robertapholz2279]

I share the magical feeling of entering a bike shop. The smells, sounds, and visuals. It’s the only time I feel truly alive.

[@fredrappley6960]

I gotta tell ya, I just love these videos! Keep up the good work.

[@peterbaskind9872]

First, I am so proud that you have found sobriety. That will change your life. It’s also an amazing example for your kids. Like you, I sort of fell into my path. It’s a far different path - I am now a trial lawyer. Before that, I was a radio disc jockey. But, I love what I do MOST DAYS. And I was shocked to find that I’m good at it. Cheers, Andy. You’re winning.

[@bkefrmr]

I think I’d be a good attorney too. Just don’t like school at all.

[@peterbaskind9872]

@ You know, I barely graduated high school. Hated it. I am also autistic. But when I grew up and went to college, I killed it. A little maturity goes a long way. I even have TWO law degrees. Yeah… crazy. It’s funny. Some of the skills from radio actually translate to trial work. It’s all show business. Cheers, Andy.

[@CC58]

“When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro." - Hunter Thompson 🚴🚴‍♂🚴‍♀ Happy Holidays🦃

[@Dirtshirthero]

Makes me really happy seeing this dude starting to really accumulate subscribers. Truly unique content.

[@aaronrobinson4519]

VERY interesting story. Full circle, I love it. Glad to see you ending up where you started and genuinely doing what you love.

[@TimSeaman-f6q]

One of the best parts of my day is enjoying your content....

[@justincapek1132]

Another great video. Thanks for sharing your story. I also worked in a bike shop in college in 2000. Degree in Journalism, English Minor. Current path substantially different from that... Ha! Just successfully enjoying the ride. I think we all need a good existential crisis to get us to where we need to be! Carry on!

[@ssmtb]

I've listened to a lot of bicycle related videos/podcasts, this has easily become one of my favorites, thanks for sharing your story 🙏

[@philmorrow2446]

Personally, I really enjoy the mix of story and skills. The Rant Stand is my favourite bit! You don't need my approval for everything, that's not real life. Just keep it gong and I look forward to the next instalment. keep it in the day, bro.

[@laurawalters7973]

When you find your path and follow it, the universe sends you what you need. I love your story.

[@Vlad-bu3mr]

I have no idea how to do it but this needs to be on the opening page of your channel its just very interesting and pulled me in

[@ostekuste3646]

Similar story here. Got my first bmx bike for Christmas and it was way too big. Had to stand on the first step of the front porch to get on it, and crashed a lot till I figured out how to ride. Got my first mtb in the early 90s from a shop I ended up working at for ten years. Got burned out and quit, sold every bike and part I owned and didn’t touch one for years. Now in my early 50s and been riding purely for fun for a few years but I’m itching to work on more bikes. Don’t know about working a day or two for any of the new shops, I might look into bike farming out of the garage. Wish I lived in your town, I’d damn near work a couple days for free just to hang out and wrench a little.

[@Jabberwocky4k]

Great video man! Thank you. I've been watching your videos for a couple of months now recently discovered your channel. I have a Trek 4300 BTW and I have had that thing since it was new, that was a number of years ago but you already know that. I think my first bike was a huffy back in the early '90s when I was a kid. Subbed.

[@darenneuenschwander6860]

AWESOME!!!! Video. I really enjoyed hearing your story of how you arrived on the scene as BikeFarmer. Your videos are just, mesmerizing? I don't know, just enjoyable to watch and I learn something!! Please do consider doing more videos about your Rando rides, also interesting. I believe in your politics but keep up with the bread and butter, these type vids, teach us, entertain us! Glad this is working for you!

[@anothervisionofthings]

Thanks for sharing your story, it was exactly what i needed to hear now !! I'm a junior Mechanic & really good at sales too but i'm gonna follow my intuition & like you makes my dreams a reality with bikes :)

[@DonMccourt-q8e]

Great video Andy Q, one of your best. I know a little more of what makes you tick. Keep up the good work.

[@burmajones803]

Cool video, man. Glad this gig is working for you, and I was happy to hear your story. Here I am working at 9:20pm the night before Thanksgiving because my bosses gotta make payroll and make profits in the consulting business--which means everyone is balls-to-the-wall busy all the GDamn time. Including me. Not sure I have the stuff to strike out on my own, but this video helps me keep the dream on life support at least. Maybe one of these days I'll figure something out, but until then, it's good to know someone is out there making it work for them. Peace!

[@russell154]

Andy , what a fascinating and inspiring journey you have been on,,, thank you so much for sharing this. Your sincerity honesty and genuine nature makes this channel fantastic. The bikes are pretty cool too. 😊

[@cotoXD]

A nice comment to boost the algorithm for you man, keep it going❤

[@jeffandersen6233]

Thanks for sharing your personal American dream story. One point of your story really resonated. Being in a bike shop, hanging out with the owner. The shiny stuff, the freewheel cog boards and figuring out gearing, the smells. I was doing that in the early 70s when bicycling started to take hold. Great times those were. Maybe that's why I watch your channel. A reminder of when the ships were owned by more down to earth people and the bikes were easily serviceable. Yes you e found the niche.

[@nathanpoole2308]

Andy, I enjoy seeing your personal bike collection videos. I like the range of bike frame brands that you have. Especially since some of those companies have closed. Please do a bike shop video and also show your showroom floor. I would also suggest showing your bike inventor online too.

[@williammrdeza9445]

Thank you for sharing your personal story with us, Andy. I am always amazed when people share their personal journeys that eventually led them to the place where our lives ultimately intersect. Yours was very interesting to me. The one thing you left out, though, was how and when you and Maggie met! It will be interesting to see where you take your life from here. Hopefully, you'll take us along for the ride!

[@bkefrmr]

Match dot com! Randomly, she was sober too! That’s a WHOLE different, but major part of the story. I’m not sure I’d have made it out of my crisis without her.

[@krsp420]

Unemployable myself. Started my own business. Still trying to get it right. Still struggling. But I…can’t get a job. So we gonna figure it out.

[@chrissy24-7]

👏 Wow what a triumphant story, and so much kismet in you shop acquisition ❤ thank you so much for sharing your story with us! ☺️

[@hatbpto5180]

Really liked this video. I have been messing with bikes since around six years old. Loved this one solid-tire bike I had!

[@tshadow6]

I had a Ross for a few years in middle and high school. It worked great.

[@MrLmb4682]

Thanks bike farmer, this is exactly what happened to me two years ago but the money is less of for now. (Hope that changes) Living the dream that at one point seemed like a nightmare . God is good 🙏🙏

[@sethat8e]

You have all of your viewers here learning. You've paid it forward several times over!

[@thewintersteiner]

This was my favorite video so far. Thanks for sharing the story. I can relate to the low self esteem from failed interviews and constant rejection. 23:40

[@robinmichel9048]

I love riding bikes so much that as a kid, before I got my own bike, I rode my dad's bike. I couldn't reach the pedals, so I would push down really hard on one pedal and then wait for the other one to come around and push down hard on that one. I was ecstatic when I got my first bike - second hand Schwinn with a banana seat and sparkly blue handlebars. I rode it everywhere.

[@josephorr5175]

Very interesting video! Thanks for sharing the details. It's so amazing to me to see how folks grow up through turmoil and diverse lives. Most of us have had to crawl through things to get what we wanted. I am happy you did as well. Life isn't fair, TBS, but drive and tenacity will aid us all to succeed if the cause is good.

[@nealart]

Authentic self. Good mantra.

[@bdogsp0012]

I found this really refreshing and entertaining. I wish you all the best with your business and KZbin channel.

[@jacobatherton8339]

I actually have a Giant Boulder 500 frame from the late '90s with a Budget Bicycle Center sticker on it. Perhaps you tuned it up at some point. It's gonna live it's life as a fixed gear now

[@brianchudzik7829]

Ahhh, my favorite hippy bike mechanic is just killing it. Very well said, and quite the story.

[@artlew27]

This is great stuff! Thank you Andy

[@jimh5054]

thanks andy for giving me the confidence to show my bikes the love they deserve. i wan't a gib's bike shop water bottle and i still wan't to see that boston terrier that was in one of your earlier videos.

[@davidp6839]

Awesome story! I was about 11 in 1987 when I bought my first "nice" bike with paper route money, a Ross Mt Hood from the LBS for $434. Loved it!

[@giowawa5035]

That's a lot of money in 1987

[@DavidEricNemeth]

Ditto! I bought a maroon Columbia 10 speed in a department store near a college town half hour away, my late father loved driving his Chevy Nova - had a 3 or 4 speed manual tranny! But I got angry at a neighbor who was a bodybuilder harassing me and cut the bike to pieces front of him, he passed away I think from cancer!

[@davidp6839]

@@giowawa5035 Absolutely... Lotta papers delivered for that bike!

[@nalissa77]

I find your content entertaining. I don't have the space or tools to work on my bike but it's fun watching you do it. Glad it's working out.

[@IncogNito-gg6uh]

My first bike was a 16” Hawthorne (Montgomery Wards). The salesman convinced my parents a girls style bike was safer for learners. Man, the next few years seemed like a century until my Dad brought home a boys 26”er from Western Auto.

[@marta150]

My first bike was from western auto. I was too short to sit on the seat and pedal so I learned to ride standing up

[@kylevandeusen]

Watched 'til the end AND told a friend :) Great story, Andy Q!

[@brianlightbody2612]

There are no coincidences in life. Devine intervention is about right!

[@chrisdowner3758]

Thank you for another great video! I'm a "shade tree" wrench, day job is high school woodshop teacher (first year). I'm 55. Been thinking about starting a channel for very basics hand tool woodcraft for kids and adults wanting to get started without a shop full of machinery. Been laying out how to get somebody started with a fun and easy project that will be a quick success while teaching some basic skills. Lots of maestros with grey beards (like mine) but I think they start at too high a level to be relatable to today's high tech society. Going to give it a shot, Thanks to you!!! Best, Chris from silicon valley

[@mtnhigh]

We love ya man!

[@spencerrobinson2719]

Welp, you did tell me a bit of the “Bike Farmer” story and I have to say you are EXACTLY like the person we see on camera! You are doing good.

[@richbowie76]

I grew up in the Chicago suburb of Niles which had a Bicycle Patrol ( college students ) during the summer in the late 70s..We got into a lot of "Dukes of Hazard " style chases with them all summer long ! 🚲🚴‍♂️🚴‍♀️ Saturday morning bike court appearances were a drag ! The fine was sitting through a bicycle safety movie and class.

[@georgeramirez9841]

Truly appreciate your history, is very motivational, and all your teaching on your videos !!!!!

[@techjunkie68smusicandtech56]

Funny enough, I probably enjoy fixing and building bikes more than riding them too, the process of problem solving involved in working on bikes is very satisfying. I volunteer for two bike projects in my city in the UK. I am going for a job interview tomorrow but If I don't get that job I shall have to look at other ideas to keep my passion for bikes going! Maybe start something for myself too. Thanks for sharing your story!

[@brittweir8844]

Yeah!! We love you man😊

[@MikeConner88]

I have freed up many a freewheel by flushing it with WD-40 and then adding gear lube or something similar to it. They are much quieter this way to.

[@65bugnut]

I have an idea for a video for you to do. What should you do when you've purchased the worst used bike from Facebook market place? Or can you buy a bike, and make it rideable for a budget of $100 including the price of the bike?

[@snukabrown6159]

This was very inspiring and insightful. Thank you man!

[@kennethbransford820]

I watched the whole thing. Thank you Mr. Bike Farmer.

[@maulrat588]

The first thing you said is my exact situation. No bike shop would ever hire me. Had to be captain of my first boat. 11 years of this now. You make $100K a year? Divide that by ten and you have what I make. It depends on where you live, and who rides where you live.

[@912Bill]

Fantastic video! The content was much appreciated, and I’ll agree that this was the most honest and interesting video I’ve seen on KZbin yet. You’ve inspired me to keep going at my own passion. Thank you, and have a great Thanksgiving Holiday!

[@etr9650]

Bikes are an amazing invention. Good for you that you found a way to make a living reviving bikes!!

[@CJD1984]

Great work. I like watching bike videos way more than riding them. Cheers from the uk.

[@stephencolton299]

Awesome video. Greetings from Durban, South Africa. Love your content and congratulations on your sobriety.

[@anniebikes7002]

So interesting! Thank you. We have a 22 year-old son who's a self taught bike mechanic, 2020 graduate who never wanted to attend college. He works for a non profit bike shop and has amassed nice personal tools. Who knows where he'll end up someday but for now he's where he's happy.

[@bkefrmr]

Mamas don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys! Sounds like he’s got the bug. This is why I think they should teach entrepreneurship in high school. Also, I started with one bike and grew from there. After proving the concept, a good plan helped get that small loan. The toughest part was convincing myself it had to be done. I sure wish I could’ve skipped all those huge mistakes I made getting to that point!

[@Wheel_Horse]

@@bkefrmr Yeah but... if you HADN'T made those mistakes, think about how different your life experience perspective would be! "That which does not kill me... etc" Be thankful for the rain!

[@bkefrmr]

@ totally

[@erictrelz3519]

Everyone needs to go his or her own way. Glad you found something that works for you. Congratulations on sobreity!

[@forwardtravels]

This was my favorite one. Bravo!

[@algeisthardt7610]

Really enjoyed watching, say what you want to, we get it. I joined, so just a little buy in on my side, lots of work on your side. Keep it going!

[@AntonioGarrido-g4n]

Andy, I like story of your life and let me tell you, not to many people do what they like and you do it. Congrats and good luck. Bikes forever!🚲

[@viadharmawheel]

Doing what you like to do is the goal, or should be. It is never too late until it is too late...

[@JoeOsChannel]

Love the stories in this one. 35 and figuring out what you want to do when you grow up? I'm in my 50's and sort of going through that too (though been working out of my own small shop mostly for bunch of years now). Love the story of how "Gib's Bike Shop" came to be :) Keep on Farming!

[@whazzat8015]

broke hip on ride 6 weeks ago on a tip over. Bikefarmer sustaining gonna get back up, still have more bikes than couches in the house

[@drsamjohn]

Just a thought - add the bike model (and year) to the video description - it’ll help at least a number more people find your video’s as they try for themselves to fix up those dusty garage bikes themselves