Bob Ross Style Gravel Bike Conversion & Restoration on a Budget

From an old hybrid dad-bike to and awesome gravel bike on a budget with a Bob Ross inspired custom paint job.
Get all your parts for your next bike restoration from Jenson USA and help support more content like this by using this affiliate link:
Jenson USA - bit.ly/JensonU...
Also check out my other partners:
Club Ride - Great Riding apparel that you can wear every day - even in the shop. bit.ly/ClubRid... Use the discount code oldshovel20 to get 20% off your order at checkout.
Park Tool - Check out and subscribe to their channel at bit.ly/ParkTool...
Spray.Bike - If you are considering repainting a bike you will not regret using Spray.Bike. bit.ly/SprayBik...
New Parts List for this Build:
Wolf Tooth Chainring Bolts Green - bit.ly/3kXNfp8
Avid 20R Brake Shoe Pads Black, Symetrical - bit.ly/3kXNfp8
Shimano XT Cn-Hg95 10 Speed Chain - bit.ly/3DLu62l
Surly Knard 700 x 41 Tire 700 x 41 - bit.ly/2Yid5MT
Foundation Shockproof Bar Tape Black - bit.ly/3BItyZo
Race Face 4 Bolt 12 Speed Shimano Chainring Black, 34 Tooth, 104 BCD - bit.ly/3kOoPhG
Ritchey Comp Butano Drop Handlebar Black, 46cm - bit.ly/3kTFEbk
Cane Creek Drop V Levers Black - bit.ly/2WW7tHV
Microshift 10-Speed MTN Thumb Shifter - bit.ly/3zNWhv1
microSHIFT ADVENT X Rear Derailleur - bit.ly/3DMmKLX
microSHIFT ADVENT X Cassette ED Black, 10 Speed, 11-48T - bit.ly/38DLwjc
Shimano XT BB-MT800 Bottom Bracket - bit.ly/38HD0Qk
Foundation Road Presta Bike Tubes - bit.ly/3BIuVau
Used Parts List for this Build:
2005 Trek 7200 FX - Used from a thrift store
Microshift Bar End Mount - Left over from my Ritchey Ascent Rebuild
Fizik Arione VS Saddle - Used from local bike shop
Truvativ Hussefelt Seatpost 27.2mm - Used from thrifted bike
Cycling King 110mm stem - Used from thrifted bike
Shimano Deore Creankset - Used from SLC Bicycle Collective
Ritchey Pedals - Used from TRUVATIV HUSSEFELT SEATPOST
For more content on my builds follow Oldshovel on Instagram and Facebook.
bit.ly/oldshove...
http:/Cycling/bit.ly/OldshovelInstagram
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Music from Epidemic Sound bit.ly/30pwbOZ
Footprints in the Sand - by Roots and Recognition
#oldshovel
#Gravelbike
#BikeRestoration

[@thiagootaviosidoleonardo2714]

This painting became a work of art. Congratulations for the work this fantastic

[@oldshovel]

Thanks

[@francesconatale4241]

how much did you spend?

[@DanielCruz-tp9og]

This is like a meditation video for me.. man this is so relaxing

[@oldshovel]

Awesome

[@kadaverf]

I was literally thinking the same thing :)

[@davidclayton1803]

Yep. Also I nearly cried! A bit of a John Muir moment for me. The mountains are calling and I must go.

[@ninochemtaro5076]

A@@@

[@sisaktamas]

Exactly the same for me. I just watched it simply to relax and unwind. I also LOVE that he barely speaks.

[@sergiorivaslamas]

What a joyful experience. Thanks to your videos I managed to unassembly my old TREK 7500 just a few weeks ago. I cleaned it, and did some upgrades. Of course They were not as good as yours. there is a huge gap!!!!! Watching this restoration is just amazing, The quiet yard, the tools and the expertise showed. As a Bolivian I can only dream with that peace. In recent days a news came out about the URU URU Lake environment disaster. .. It was called a DYSTOPIA. and it really is. I live in the city that CAUSED that (Oruro, Bolivia). A place where there is not a single bike path, few greeen areas, there is no kids on bycicles. The streets are ruled by noisy motorcycles and cars. Traffic law is broken daily due to an endemic corruption of this country. Cycling in my city is not as beautiful as It should be. Thanks for this minutes of PEACE!!!.

[@jonathandougherty3677]

Yea when the red trek letters showed against the happy trees, and that bike name too, my eyes bugged out! This is the coolest bike restoration I’ve ever seen. It’s also gorgeous. You really are talented. 👍🏻

[@gavinbritt1349]

I’m usually not a huge fan of your paint jobs but I respect the time and effort put into them, but this.... this is amazing Love the channel too!

[@UltimateWedgieParachuteCo]

Your vids transcend bike building the same way Bob Ross transcended painting. The whole of your content is greater than the sum of its parts. Thanks again for sharing your work.

[@oldshovel]

Thanks my friend

[@austincanty780]

Drop bars, v brakes, and bar end shifter. I love it

[@wdevisser6854]

Oh, you did magic! now my children want their next bike like tis one....and you know what....i think i would give it a chanche!

[@duanevigue1603]

No idea how I got to this vid, but as a huge Bob Ross fan, an artist and cyclist, kudos on a job well done.

[@davidlynch8509]

Same!

[@JohnnyNowhere]

Dude, you tricked that bike out like a BOSS. A Ross Boss. Yeah. Kudos.

[@robertferguson3223]

This is got to be one of my top 10 favorite KZbin videos of all time. I never made the Connection between your channel and Bob Ross, but yeah I have to say it fits. My differently abled brother is a big Bob Ross fan and we recently visited his Final resting place. I’ve got a watch this video with him.👏👏👏👏👏

[@oldshovel]

Awesome thanks for sharing your story

[@Robloxnshorts]

I don’t understand how you got those decals so perfectly aligned. It’s blowing my mind.

[@dimimtb]

That is a beautiful bike! Bob Ross would be proud of the art you created out of an old and tired bike. IMO this is a high point of all of the bikes you've brought back to life.

[@TheEaglehaslanded733]

It's like watching 'American Restoration' my favorite TV show. Excellent job!! 🚴‍♀️

[@Modrunnermusic]

The most peaceful part is the build :) Love the sound of putting a bike together.

[@theadventurefamily761]

I’m a father and just bought a used mountain bike to get back into riding again with my son. I’ve been hesitant in painting my bike and after your video I’m more confident now to do it. Thanks for posting this video. You’ve gained a new sub, cheers!

[@MarioLorenzo]

"We don't make mistakes, we have happy accidents." -- Bob Ross Darn it, some other commenter beat me to it.

[@marki5269]

Maravilloso trabajo, de una manera rápida y segura, una restauración hecha en casa digna de imitar. Gracias y bendiciónes.

[@jimgourgoutis]

I think that shifter is mounted upside down.

[@trevlyndeklerk6266]

I subscribed without watching any of your videos... Video titles were enough to convince me that I would like this channel... Instinct was correct. Respect from South Africa 🇿🇦 👍

[@BikeItUK]

Striking colour scheme and great to see it out being enjoyed. Fantastic work as always, all the best Andy

[@oldshovel]

Thanks Andy!

[@MAUROSGARIA]

We have the same heart, the same passion but your golden hands are able to achieve what I can only dream of. Just great!

[@nikolaibohachevsky2301]

Another great build....thanks so much 🙏. I can’t praise MicroShift enough...they have really opened the door to properly equipping normal bikes for normal riders with high quality drive trains for a good value. I’ve been running the Advent 9 spd since it came out on my dedicated mtb trail bashing bikes. I have a loaner that gets used a lot by less experienced riders who crunch gears, bend derailleurs etc., and the drive train just keeps ticking. Circumstances in which the higher end gear you’d be walking home with instead of riding.

[@oldshovel]

Microshift is awesome

[@DanielCooper1]

Dude, this is seriously, 100% the BEST. I love this bike.

[@yazzmatazz86]

Wonderful build, one of my favourites so far! I don't know if this was intentional, but I thought it was funny when the music stopped and you started spray painting the inside of the cup. Then I saw the paint brush and understood. Blown away by how well you painted those trees. Happy trees indeed.

[@oldshovel]

Lol thanks

[@keithdunderdale8027]

Built a Gravel bike years ago never found any advantage over a MTB it's just a MTB with road bars It's so Road riders can go off road and not be seen on a MTB 🚴😂😂 because they don't like us MTB riders they never wave at you if you pass on the road

[@carljepp]

Perhaps the best build yet

[@oldshovel]

Thanks

[@sussuarana234]

Obra de arte amigo!!! Parabéns!!!! 👏

[@423gtrman]

Now that we have lost the gentle soul this video takes on a whole different feelings. Excellent job my man!

[@williamganshirt7312]

Are you sure that wasn’t a little ‘Van Dyke Brown & Titanium White’ Nice tribute to a great man

[@oldshovel]

Lol 😂

[@JeremyBeut]

This has got to be my favourite bike I ever saw. Wonderfuk job and beautiful editing, thank you so much for sharing!

[@stevaone]

You definitely out did yourself with this one, what a great build, and from such great inspiration, even the song flowed so well with the theme of this build. Left in aww, great job!

[@oldshovel]

Thanks

[@marianopellizzer417]

It's the most beautiful bike i seen in My whole life. Congrats.

[@neilgoedhuis5606]

Great video. Totally identify with your final sentiment - “I’m an old man “ - but I’m out on my bike! Keep up the good work. Very inspiring. :).

[@simonbartram9231]

I think I've now watched all your work on KZbin. The seamless way you blend new parts to an old bike. Keeping what still has use while updating the drive train in the main. They work every single time! Some of these bikes actually becoming another style love it. Hats off to you sir.

[@Fred66roberts]

Love the result - I didn’t think I’d like it but I think it’s one of your better builds. Thanks for sharing.

[@oldshovel]

Thanks

[@MykolaPilka]

unbelievable work, very beautiful results!!!

[@riddlydiddlyimawantedmanin4442]

this was a really special video and you clearly put a lot of thought into making this so special, Im only 5 mins in but I'm really enjoying this and had to say

[@oldshovel]

Thanks

[@marcianodemidof7135]

Wow 😳 That paintjob on the frame is appsolutely beautiful. Great bike-build 👏👏👏

[@GarryQuinn]

I wonder how much that bike would make at by auction? It is a work of art after all.

[@huskerfan3352]

I would say somewhere in between 2000 and 3000 at the right auction it’s such a good paint job

[@Foster_B]

azmtbbeast definitely not. The specs are way to low for 2000-3000.

[@ProfessorGalileu]

I watched all your videos and this one right here is your best paint job ever. Congratulations!

[@hai-hotranphotography1169]

@@Foster_B Who care about the specs when it's a piece of art.

[@huskerfan3352]

@@Foster_B it’s not about the specs

[@Michael-dj4vq]

You're videos are calm and relaxing..i enjoy it very much... so yeah you can be the new Bob Ross of bicycles...

[@paultaylorbikes]

Ok, I’ve had this 1960s Raleigh 3 speed sitting around waiting for inspiration. I am going to do a 4th of July theme on it!

[@oldshovel]

Sounds like an awesome idea

[@luisclaro3386]

I loved the painting! Those trees are perfect! Congratulations!

[@northeternia]

Holy smokes, that's nice. There's going to be a lot of people pining for that bike.

[@markgrenier6787]

Wooden you agree

[@markgrenier6787]

I couldn't leaf it alone

[@northeternia]

@@markgrenier6787 That's it. I'm logging off. ;-)

[@Korina42]

It does look better all spruced up, doesn't it?

[@northeternia]

@@Korina42 This build is going to make the Old Shovel channel more poplar than it already is. (OK, I'll stop now.)

[@mollerthereal]

Jeez! Great relaxation and restoration

[@desmondleung7750]

you usually put your own logo "oldshovel "on bike. I believe It will be famous brand in future. I love your technical and paint job very much.

[@Adroit1911]

Probably my favorite build, only because it is a perfect dad bike. It's so hard to pick a favorite too.

[@nickkent7164]

Your finest yet Sir! A wonderful conversion and some great artistic application.

[@oldshovel]

Thanks

[@JakebMiller]

OMG!! This was my first adult bike that I used for commuting to work and now I work at Trek!!! I might need this bike!!

[@Cuahutemoc-RJ]

This painting was a work of art. If Trek's CEO watches this video, he'll want to hire you to paint the frames and forks at the assembly plant of the iconic mountain bike brand. Greetings from Niterói, Brazil.

[@DuanDao]

Really happy this video showed up on my feed

[@Basement_CNC]

glad you have so many bikes so this one isnt alone😂

[@oldshovel]

Lol 😂

[@Darchful]

Nice job. I have loved those handmade drawings of pines.

[@pokeypaul78]

I also didn’t initially see the Bob Ross parallels, but now I do. Thank you again for the great video. Great solution with the bar end shifter. Maybe you could explain a couple of your special parts that make the build work either while installing, or in the end review. What drop bar levers work with V-brakes? I thought there was a short-pull/long-pull issue.

[@oldshovel]

The levers I used were designed specifically to work with v brakes.

[@robbyfernandez5260]

@@oldshovel may i know the type of the drop lever that suitable for long full?

[@gamby16a]

Bob Ross and Dario Pergoretti are smiling down on this bike. Super creative. Beautifully done.

[@ketjuariittaa]

Only know shimano barend sifter. Sifter cable is in 11 ’clock. Was it ment to be that way?

[@KyleHenselthejumpingbean]

I've got a microsoft bar end. I think he put it on upside down lol

[@GustavoLopez-uq6rs]

My favourite painting so far and what a great conversion

[@hanskristianjakobsen7367]

Why mount the barend-shifter upside down? That really screws up the ergonomics of the lever…

[@ChrisinOSMS]

If you keep it in Dad gear it’ll be horizontal either way, that’s why Dad rides with knee pads.

[@texarama]

Showing your old enough to remember bar-cons would be a dead giveaway to being a "dad biker".

[@PareKo82]

Being a huge Bob Ross Fan… when you finished the bike and started riding it and that music started… my emotions overtook me. Gave me butterflies in my stomach. Bob Ross would be so proud to have ridden this bike. Outstanding job! Miss Bob Ross and you my friend have another Sub! Can’t wait for future vids. 🍻 cheers!

[@johnsonjay60]

Sweet!! It's that soothing talk and music in the background. Cooler artist if u ask me ! ;)

[@CSL-Tom]

I Love it, bring back old things to live 👍👌 it is poorley Not the normal in our Time. Thank you for your work regards Tom from Berlin

[@hamoodrm4726]

i was want to be the first person to see any of your restoration videos, but i think it's OK to be one of the first 100 thanks for letting us enjoy watching your work brother ❤️

[@oldshovel]

Awesome

[@Typical_Cyclist]

This is the by far coolest bike i have ever seen. Wish I could make something like this

[@jordz2893]

As soon as i saw the name bob ross, i clicked.... Straight away

[@oldshovel]

Awesome awesome awesomeness

[@jordz2893]

@@oldshovel aha

[@DilbertMuc]

A happy little tree and there... his friend, another little tree. :D)))

[@jordz2893]

@@DilbertMuc yesssss😌😌

[@TomPollardPhotography]

My favourite build yet. Beautiful.

[@jaymesh1man]

You should do this to an 80s Ross. You could call it the "Bob Ross"

[@garykidson]

I did a gravel bike rework of a 1999 Trek6700. The bike has been through so many iterations over the last 20yrs and I love that I can keep it going amongst my modern bikes

[@oldshovel]

Awesome

[@thomashardbattle4287]

Where do you store all these bikes? There's hundreds of them. Surely they aren't all in your house

[@willhan9959]

What a work of art!

[@mikolajkuzniecow359]

old shovel: "I am not a professional painter"...

[@shannonbene7220]

Ha! Yes, I was waiting for him to say that, again, in this video. I guess this means he now knows the truth?

[@tavscreations2670]

right...

[@Werkaholik261]

I've been doing this for years. It's lots of fun and awe-inspiring when you see someone riding your project. 😁

[@heathenamerican8149]

"There are no mistakes here, Just Happy Little Accidents" - Bob Ross.

[@oldshovel]

Spot on my friend.

[@aimusoorii4484]

Easily one of my favorite bike restoration, that’s really beautiful

[@TukangAmplas]

Josshh gandoozzz mister

[@raffy9582]

Mau dicat juga dong om sepeda saya 🤭🤣

[@johnnydoe66]

This bike is a piece of rolling art and a nice tribute to the "other" Bob Ross.....It fits what a bike is supposed to be all about, Happiness, Freedom, Fresh Air, and getting out into Nature.

[@jimmccorison]

That bike is a work of art, but paint and mechanical. Very enjoyable to watch you go through the process. Thank you so much for producing a wonderful video which isn't all covered by mindless tink tink thump thump of repetitive background "music" like so many seem to do.

[@marius1147]

Super vélo, super montage, belle vidéo, beau paysage....le top 😉🚴‍♂️🚴‍♂️🚴‍♂️👍

[@chrissmith2729]

Kids these days don't get to appreciate the great Bob Ross. I would always watch with my Grandma. Quiet afternoons. It was a calmness in a hectic world. Almost meditation. I hope his serving family understand the nostalgia he brings to people.

[@mango9087]

Bob ross is quite popular with the millennials and gen z, his entire series is available on netflix

[@GelMibson-u2y]

Dad bike! Love it. Perfect for hauling the kid around on a trailer!

[@enestahirozan]

Yes. Bob ross is a good analogy.

[@oldshovel]

😁

[@bradberry117]

Noticed you installed bar end shifters. Nice touch. They are a forgotten bit of simple tech. Keep up the amazing work.

[@nealnewhof]

This bike might be my favorite of all your builds

[@Quaid_Nasty]

So satisfying watching you peel the stickers off then BOOM, commercial.

[@nowayout8773]

I'm thinking on a budget but the time you took getting the paint job completed with all the logos can not be calculated in price. This is a labor of love. I am amazed at your dedication.

[@thelifeofjessejames]

Wow that turned out insanely good!! I wish bike manufacturers would take the time to make more interesting colorways like this. Great work!!

[@kanitaprishtina4239]

I enjoyed watching - felt like meditation. Work of Art.

[@diq5386]

Thats definitely one unique happy little bike. Enjoyed this, thankyou for sharing it!!

[@ATUKYANA]

Es un exelente trabajo, quedo muy bonita la bicicleta, saludos y muchos éxitos

[@knotingspecific]

You Did a fantastic job with the painting, and the conversion too...

[@stevenspoll2969]

That's one of the nicest paint jobs I've seen you do

[@phillipcowan1444]

There are a lot of bike build videos on YT. This is the first one to impress me in a long time! Absolutely stellar "something from nothing" sort of build.

[@samuelcordova5980]

Hi, I'm Brazilian and I've been watching your videos for some time. They are great! Thank you very much! A hug.

[@darrenhooley8472]

Therapeutic indeed.....you have a great talent and I appreciate you sharing it with us!

[@wyattevert6835]

Gives a good reason to keep your grandad's old hybrid bike. If someone attempts a build like this I high suggest Jones H-bar. It's super comfortable and compatible with v-brake levers and mountain shifters.

[@Mgizler1]

Wow man. I'm blown away. This came out amazing.

[@monkeysize]

The way the bike should have looked from the factory. Perfect paint job! Interesting flipping the shifter like that.

[@KyleHenselthejumpingbean]

Yeah, I've never ran a bar end upside down. Seems like it would make riding in the drops no good

[@michaeldouglasmason]

What an amazing transformation! Thanks... now I want to build a gravel bike..!

[@samueldantas3662]

what a wonderful painting

[@oldshovel]

Thanks

[@fabiopantel4742]

Every bike you touch turns to gold. I love these videos so much.

[@madrabbit64]

I refurbished a 2011 Ridley X-Fire into a gravel bike after its first life as a cyclocross bike. Changed out the drivetrain to a SRAM 1X10 and the hardware to a red anodized titanium. Gave her new life and she is a beast, fast and sleek in her full carbon outfit. Most fun I’ve ever had riding…..great job on the old girl, she looks awesome……Rob K

[@WheeliePete]

Hahaha.....I make the dad-noises too now when I get up off the ground. Awesome build!

[@oldshovel]

Lol 😂 yep that’s what happens when you’re our age.

[@kentcruse4969]

Just wait until the Grand Dad noises start! 😆