Budget Gravel Bike/Cyclocross Bike Build from a Hybrid Bike

I've been wanting to build a swiss army knife of a bike for years now. A bike that has chunky tires but can go fast on the road. So I bought a Dawes Easy Street On/Off Road Hybrid bike for £40 and made it into a gravel bike / cyclocross bike / monstercross bike. This is the process of me building the bike on a budget.
Part 2 - I've made a follow-up video for those interested in the cost breakdown and answering some common questions - hope it helps! • Budget Gravel Bike/Cyc...
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Instagram: / theslowworms

[@TheSlowworms]

Thanks for watching. I've recently made a video about the rebuild and upgrade of my road bike too. If you like this then maybe you'd like that too. Cheers! kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGrXm4WYe76Afs0

[@Jan-bf2ht]

I know I'm a bit late :D … Anyway very nice build! I really like it and I keep doing these "conversion" myself … One thing I learned just recently is that the rear derailleur doesn't need to be marked as a 9-speed derailleur, the old shimano 8- or even 7-speed will work fine with a 9-speed index shifter and cassette … makes the recycling even easier as the old derailleurs are literally everywhere to get.

[@TheSlowworms]

Thank you very much! That's a really good tip, I'll have to give it a try

[@subterra7291]

I’ve recently started a similar with a 15ish year old Trek 7.5FX which has a shimano Alivio derailleur and 8 speed cassette. You think it would be fine for me to keep that derailleur and buy a 9 speed cassette to go with my Sora shifters?

[@el_micha]

Yeah you're right. With the older MTB derailleurs they're interchangeable between 7/8/9-speed. Only 10-Speed derailleur wouldn't work since Shimano changed the cable-pull ratio (don't ask me how I know). Cassette hub wise 8-10speed are same size. 7-speed would fit on also an with additional spacer. For reusing old 7-speed cassette hub wheels U can put 8 of 9 sprockets of 9-speed cassette or 9 of 10 sprockets of a 10-speed cassette and use a 9-speed/10-speed shifter with it. Check Sheldon Brown's pages for more on that.

[@thomasroberts2869]

That's awesome! I frequently use my dad's Dawes bike. Good bikes. Love how you show things that didn't go to plan. Most videos just make it seem like everything goes to plan 100%

[@TheSlowworms]

Thanks Thomas, I really appreciate it. That’s the beauty of using a cheap, second hand, well built bike, you don’t have to worry about making mistakes! What model is your Dawes?

[@TheSlowworms]

Thanks for all the interest in this video, I've made a follow-up video for those interested in the cost breakdown and answering some common questions - hope it helps! kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5Opi6OnpdeknqM&t

[@oldshovel]

Awesome. Loved it.

[@TheSlowworms]

Thank you very much! I’m a big fan of your work!

[@balduinoiv5268]

Hey OldShovel, really like your videos mate.

[@ipodgolfer13]

Would you say that you really….dug it? Sorry. I’ll see myself out.

[@TheSlowworms]

No you will not! You get VIP seating with jokes like that 😂

[@regieelefanio7304]

Mah men oldshovel❤️

[@r0gue_1]

I’m always looking for vid builds like this. I have a Bridgestone RB3 waiting for restoration. This vid definitely game me ideas on that! Thank you so much!

[@TheSlowworms]

Thank you for watching! I just had a look at what that is, it looks really nice! Let me know how you get on.

[@patientswim6888]

Ahhhh its weird Im looking to exactly this. I needed a cheap bike i dont care about too much but I also want to enjoy riding it as Im going carless and would be wounded if my proper bike got nicked. So ive been looking for older, preferably steel, bikes with canti bosses so I can stick decent tyres in and have good braking too (calipers are shit in my experience). Im also going to put a basket or porteur rack on! England is a bit naff for older bikes compared to America but we have loads of Raleigh pioneer trails if anyone here is interested in doing something similar. Theyre essentially the same as this Dawes. Theres also a few trek multitracks knocking about but nothing major. Its a bit like this video was made for me at this exact moment in my life lol nice one cheers

[@TheSlowworms]

No way! I’m glad I can be of assistance. Have any bikes taken your fancy yet?

[@etr9650]

Nice home build! I've got a home-built cyclo/gravel/road bike too. Gravel Kings perfect for most off road riding. Rim brake pads can get a lot of rocks embedded. Gotta pick the rocks out once in a while. If you need lower gears, you change to 10 speed with a Shimano Deore 11-42 rear cassette. Keep your rear derailleur as it'll work fine with some used 10 speed road shifters (e.g. 105/Ultegra). You will want to add a Wolf Tooth RoadLink derailleur hanger extension to clear the largest gear. Once you get your bike sorted for the kinds of riding you do, you will discover that most store-bought gravel bikes aren't really much better!

[@kloboucek]

This thing looks just beautiful, man!! Nice work!

[@bando-q8t]

This was a really cool video to watch because while you seem to know what you are doing, there was still a kind of amateur feel to everything. Compared to the videos of people in fully kitted out workshops, it's much more relateable seeing someone working in their backyard, stripping threads and explaining their mistakes. So from new zealand, thank you for the inspiration

[@danielcameron8382]

I love this idea. I am about to do a gravel bike build with a hybrid bike. I may steel the idea of brown tires, seat, bar tape.

[@TheSlowworms]

Thanks! You should do it, it’s so much fun! Let me know how you get on

[@theslimrealshady]

You got a like and subscribe from me. Btw, that looks like a proper hand built lugged Dawes that would have been built in the Brigg factory.

[@TheSlowworms]

Thanks James! I think you might be right, it’s hard to tell without taking the paint off but the lugs looked brazed on! Such a good era for bike building!

[@mango9087]

Sick bike man! I just bought an old dudes custom Steel cx frame, I'm about to build a bike really similar to yours. I respect the budget outlook too. Bikes are one of those things that just keep on trucking.

[@TheSlowworms]

Thank you Joseph! That sounds like such a cool build. What make is the frame? Let me know how you get on!

[@mango9087]

@@TheSlowworms It's a MEECH frame, hes a custom builder in Arizona. Give him a google! The bike is built, but the barend shifters I bought are trash. I'm giving myself a christmas present of some sora brifters. Should be 100% after christmas, I'll see if I can't make a short video. Cheers!

[@TheSlowworms]

@@mango9087 those bikes look sick mate! Have you managed to make your short video yet?

[@bluemystic7501]

I like new bikes but I also like old new bikes too. Great job!

[@TheSlowworms]

Sounds like you like all bikes! Thank you!

[@zacharywatts9287]

This bike is SO PRETTY. Im in the US, looking for something to build into that thing. I love the green and brown, one by, drops bars, its PERFECT.

[@TheSlowworms]

Thanks Zachary! I’m glad you like it. Let me know how you get on 🙂

[@zacharywatts9287]

@@TheSlowworms bro’s! I just bought a 1992 Specialized Roxkhopper. Finna throw the advent 10spd on it and the leather everything. Love you british Bois. You give me so much insporation. Love you guys!!!

[@kratti9147]

Durable and beautiful steel frame and modern components, best of both worlds. Been wanting to do something similar, although with a big, silver quill stem.

[@TheSlowworms]

Thanks very much! It’s funny you should say that because I’ve been looking at quill stems as well. I just want a quill stem that will fit modern bars but I don’t know if that’s possible

[@kratti9147]

@@TheSlowworms You can find modern bars with the old road standard clamp size, which is 26.0mm. So yeah would require buying new bars to fit the stem...

[@TheSlowworms]

Oh yeah! Good thinking 💡

[@holben27]

The end result is really nice. If you're intention was to make a frankenstein bike that wont get stolen then I think you've failed lol. The final result looks like something all-city or surly would put out. Also, I've seen people convert the old frame derailleur hangers with replaceable ones, might be something to look into if you're gonna do any sort of hard abuse to this bike.

[@TheSlowworms]

Thanks very much, I love all-city and my dream bike is a Surly so I really appreciate it! Yeah, I’m not really sure how you’d make a bike unworthy of being stolen. Maybe if you bought a second hand bike that was once a supermarket bike maybe? I haven’t seen that done before. I’ve seen people use hanger extenders so they can use a wider ranger of gears. It sounds like a good idea. Do you know any more about it?

[@jev2867]

I have a Specialized Rockhopper expert rigid that I converted to drop bar, Claris 2×9 shift/brake with the original suntour xc pro derailleurs. It is my gravel bike with wider and flared bars. I have mudguards that I have yet installed.

[@TheSlowworms]

Nice 👍 Have you got any photos?

[@dcouture79]

Great video! I love the candidness and honesty! 🎉

[@TheSlowworms]

Ah thanks Derek! I really appreciate it!

[@andyatkinson3574]

I love gravel bikes. This looks sweet. Well done! Yea, do another!. I actually have a Dawes Sterling in my shed, i rode it for about 5 years, bought for £90 second hand, really nice bike, maybe i could do something like this.

[@TheSlowworms]

I just googled your bike and it looks so so cool! You might be restricted with the tyre width because it looks like it has calliper brakes, doesn’t it?

[@TheForever1990]

Easy cleanup , came as described fast. Great product

[@TheSlowworms]

😂

[@pbaa6494]

You make a new life to your bike!

[@TheSlowworms]

Yeah man! You should give it a go if you haven’t already. It’s great fun!

[@Armin_27]

Very nice build!😍 I did something simlilar with a Raleigh Corsa (Reynolds 531) in Celeste / Mint Green and it worked out beautifully. 😏 40 Pounds is an absolute Steeeel of a bike! 😜

[@TheSlowworms]

I just had a watch of your Raleigh build video. Loved it! We should start a 9 speed fan club 😄 I really want to get some of those thumb shifters too. Anyway, I better crack on 😉

[@Armin_27]

@@TheSlowworms Aww Wow! 😍🙏Thank you for watching my interpretation of the Vintage Gravelbike and for your great feedback! Yes, you should! Thumb shifters are just frickin cool! 😎🙌 Greetings from Germany, Armin

[@BruceChastain]

I think it looks flippen awesome too!

[@TheSlowworms]

Thanks so much, I really appreciate it! 😊

[@detroitboy65]

You CAN cut down the "set" straddle. All you need do is remove the and reposition the pivot on the cable and cut the excess cable sheath from the left side. The only issue is making sure your measurement and cut keep the pivot centered as this type of straddle cannot be adjusted on the fly. This is why I prefer modern roller yokes that make self-centering a snap.

[@TheSlowworms]

Doesn’t that mean the the side of the cable with the nipple is going to be longer than the other side? So it won’t be centred?

[@Peaveygrinderr]

DUDE, it's the second time I'm watching this video with many more to come. I am searching for a bike and parts to make my own as we speak. Your work here is a big inspiration for me to build my own budget gravel bike. I will watch closely and I might have some questions later on if you would like to reply them :) greetings from Belgium!

[@TheSlowworms]

Thank you very much! I’m really glad you like it. It’s seriously fun. Usually I just buy a bike part and fit it instantly but it was a lot more fun to just let the parts build up and fit them all at the same time. Feel free to ask me any questions and I love Belgium! 😁

[@Peaveygrinderr]

@@TheSlowworms update, I build it. Needs more tweeking, spend way too much money on it already. BUT fuck it, I'm all in now. Waiting for bontrager TLR wheelset and I tried making it tubeless with normal wheels. They burp bellow 3.5bar pressure. How can I send you pictures? xD I ride it more then my 27.5" trek remedy 8, which I'm selling now. Been riding it for a month and I have more miles on it than on my road bike in the whole 2020. I love it! Did a 92km gravel ride past sunday... the week before 70km mudgrinding in the local groves. I'm mad about this bike, it's all I ever talk about these days hahaha.. Brother, you the best, although my girlfriend hates you know (this last bit is cynical joke)

[@edmonpedong4279]

I'm gonna build one too, oh men the bikes out there are really expensive. Thanks for the vid!

[@TheSlowworms]

No worries. You should, it’s so much fun! Are you looking at second hand bikes?

[@simonwoodward438]

Just done a Dawes Street for a work mate, really nice bikes to work on and it rides really well. We stuck with a triple 7 and flats but I used a more up to date Atlus set with modern trigger shifters. All in plus the bike it came to £120 which is a bargain.

[@TheSlowworms]

Nice! Is the Dawes street the same as my Dawes Easy Street or is it a completely different model?

[@lolat330]

Yeah a very nice build. With the bluemels they are fiddly to fit but they will last and provide good coverage. The set i have now has been on 3 of my bikes over many years. With 32mm tyres on my audax Dawes the clearances are very tight but I still think theres nothing to touch them. On gravel and or trails you will find little stones getting caught between guards and tyres unfortunately. I did use the black caps for the mudguard stays the way you originally did which seems to be the only/best way.

[@TheSlowworms]

Ahh that’s interesting. Do you leave them on all year around? Do you find they rattle very much or are they pretty solid?

[@lolat330]

@@TheSlowworms they are extremely solid with the exception like I say of little stones sometimes getting caught. I leave them on all year round. Think they suit the bike .

[@rodrigovilleda764]

Men today i was thinking to find an vintage frame and convert it into a gravel bike and now i found this! a signal! =D haha Nice video!

[@TheSlowworms]

It’s a sign mate! Let me know how you get on? 😄

[@mono635]

Hey, that is so good! (I love your logo btw.)

[@Angelnder-Typ]

6:36 the clapping of uncut shifter cable during setting :3

[@TheSlowworms]

I had to rewatch it to see what you’re talking about 😆 To be honest, even when it’s all set up I get nervous about cutting the shift cable 😅

[@Killer-ku8nf]

That is a beauty of a bike mate!

[@TheSlowworms]

Thanks Mate!! 😊👍

[@ThomasGmomo2xlc]

Hey nice did nearly the same with a old fashioned trek 720 multitrack - drop bar, sora group, bumm lights, xlc mini v brakes, dtswiss 540 rims with sora hubs, panaracer and ride this baby 3000km in 5 months 👍😊 up cycling rocks

[@TheSlowworms]

I was trying to get a multitrack before I bought this bike! That sounds like a nice bike and a lot of miles. Were the wheels expensive?

[@ThomasGmomo2xlc]

@@TheSlowworms oh sorry I mixed it up not the 540 it was the 545 rim and because no bike shop got time during the pandemic I decided to lace it up by myself with sapim spokes - the wheels are sturdy and fast and not that heavy - costs where about 160,- €

[@TheSlowworms]

How did the lacing up go? I’m a bit scared to try that myself

[@ThomasGmomo2xlc]

@@TheSlowworms it's not that hard then I thought. First try to truing some (old) wheels to get a feeling for spokes and tension. And after that I did just a rim swap (used zip tie to keep the new rim on the old wheel in place) and go around and barely "transmitted" the spokes and nipples. Some day later I started to lace completely new, with help from online spoke lenght calculator, some KZbin videos and patience 😊 first wheel took about 6hr in 3 days because the spokes where little bit to long and I supposed that my lacing pattern was wrong. But fixed it with some shims, rear wheel took about 2 hours, after that I did some more and now I'm under an hour for a wheel with truing - it's fun like meditation 🧘‍♂️ just try 👍

[@TheSlowworms]

@@ThomasGmomo2xlc ah I see! I need to bite the bullet and just give it a go. Did you use a wheel trying stand or did you manage without?

[@Dnuteki]

you need a slightly lighter color for the steering wheel wrap, and it will look absolutely perfect! like a saddle and tire stripes)

[@TheSlowworms]

What if I get a slightly darker saddle? I hate the saddle.

[@peterwenger5501]

A very nice build. I love the color scheme and especially those tires, but I guess the canti brakes make more noise than they are slowing you down. An old Belgian cyclocross saying goes that canti brakes are only good to announce to the guy in front that you are about to crash into him. You could put some mini-Vs instead (difficult if you want to install mudguards though). Or you take normal V-brakes and put a travel agent to compensate the shorter cable pull of the brifters. I swapped the cantis on my CX bike for a set of mini-Vs, what a difference. Now I can brake easily from the hoods, it is almost too much. Tektro makes still affordable mini-Vs, if you want to go fancy, take those from TRP.

[@TheSlowworms]

Thanks very much! Yeah, a few people have suggested mini-vs. I really like the look of the cantilever brakes though and they really don’t seem that bad. Maybe I’ve just got used to them 😄

[@luis__jrtx]

Hooked on building these out as well. Off topic, I've got a mid 2000's dawes fixed gear aluminum frame that is absolutely my favorite. Great frames.

[@TheSlowworms]

Me too! Ahh nice, you got any photos?

[@luis__jrtx]

@@TheSlowworms luis_jrtx on insta

[@bicyclepicnic]

Love the transformation nice job man 👌🏽

[@TheSlowworms]

ah thanks! It’s nothing on your Surly 😄

[@evildiesel1709]

Great vide! A Dawes Lightning was my first bike! I have a soft spot for them! Nice job😁

[@TheSlowworms]

Thank you! I didn’t know a lot about them until I bought this one to be honest. I’ve now bought a Dawes Hybrid from the same year for my girlfriend. That’s gonna be my next video. I don’t know much about the Dawes Lightning. What’s it like?

[@evildiesel1709]

@@TheSlowworms I'd say similar to this one except it wasnt Reynolds tubing or anything fancy. Simple drivetrain and weimann brakes. It's pure nostalgia for me though. I can still remember how shiny and nice it looked. I used to go into the bike shop every day just to make sure it was still there😁. Hand built in England!

[@tofulai7404]

Fabulously skill, this is really inspired me for my new grave bike, Thank you for sharing such amazing experience!

[@TheSlowworms]

You should do it! It’s so much fun. Let me know how you get on? Thanks for the kind words Tofu!

[@tecdesigns8183]

Great vid I'm doing a Dawes currently into a gravel come everyday bike. It was left outside my daughters nieghours a grey galaxy Al its alloy more like a mtb frame. That might be why they had put 26inch wheels on. Now it's got a set of 28 inch on it from another donar dawes ladies bike. Just gotta put new blocks on it and some better tyres and I'm set.

[@TheSlowworms]

Oooooo, I would love a galaxy. Fun fact: this is the same frame as a Galaxy but with different brake mounts. How did they manage to get a 26 inch wheel to work? Have you got any photos of it?

[@tecdesigns8183]

@@TheSlowworms they couldn't get the brakes to work I think that's why they gave up, the wheels will live on as there fine for the kids bike. I haven't taken any pics yet but will be soon. I just gotta dig in the parts store to get some brake blocks.

[@TheSlowworms]

@@tecdesigns8183 I’d be impressed if they managed to get those to work. I’ve heard of people fitting 900c wheel bikes with 650b but that’s about it 😆

[@tecdesigns8183]

@@TheSlowworms they gave up too soon. Now the 26" wheels are proving useful yesterday I found a claud butler mtb outside a house with other rubbish with a free sign on it. I'll have to send you some pics of the galaxy

[@ytsda]

Very dilligent, I love it bro

[@TheSlowworms]

Ahhh thanks Seth 👍👍👍

[@banjomechanic]

Nice build!

[@TheSlowworms]

Thanks Banjo!

[@kadaverf]

Awesome build man! I think I will finally have a go at it too, as I have been wanting this kind of gravel bike for years now :) I only want to recommend you putting your saddle more to the front, as I think it will improve your ride a lot. Thanks for the great video!

[@TheSlowworms]

Thank you! Let me know how you get on. Send me some pictures on Instagram if ya like?

[@lexwells4763]

It looks good.

[@TheSlowworms]

Thanks Mr Agent

[@northdiver62]

Great video! I'm planning to do the same thing soon :) 40 euros hybrid mixed with all the other parts from a 40 euro road bike

[@TheSlowworms]

Thank you so much 😊 It was seriously so much fun. It was really hard not to just install the parts individually as soon as they arrived but it’s definitely way more fun to wait for everything to arrive and do the bike build all in one go 👍

[@vaulthecreator]

I was exactly this with my Reid Urban X2. I was half way through get the parts when some bastard stole it. Who steals a half completed bike?! No chain, no cables, no bar tape, crappy stock wheels with old worn out and skinny Schwalbe Smart Sams.....good luck with that buddy. Anyway, I'm now pulling a Trace Velo and build a budget carbon gravel grinder. Miss the Urban though 😢

[@themississippikidful]

Wow what a cool build 😎

[@TheSlowworms]

Thanks mate! 👍

[@speedbird8987]

gorgeous-- love the frame -- great color and love the lugged frame! great build.

[@TheSlowworms]

Thank you very much!

[@JumpingWatermelons]

Cool. Nice bike. I had a Bridgestone MB-Something before. I really liked the frame and I would have loved to modify it sort of like this (just upgrade the drivetrain, convert to curved bars, change the seat). But I ended up selling the bike one time that I moved

[@TheSlowworms]

Thanks! Ah that’s a shame. You should pick up a new one. They aren’t very much and it’s so much fun! 🤙

[@leradicideglialberi]

Super nice! I still love cantilevers

[@TheSlowworms]

Me too man! I think we’re in the minority by the looks of it 😆 Thanks!

[@chrisko6439]

@@TheSlowworms Yes, you are. They are a huge pain in the a to set up properly and need constant readjustment. Horrible.

[@TheSlowworms]

@@chrisko6439 some of them are pretty easy to set up. Badly made ones are usually a pig

[@ZGHFF]

Nice bike conversion. Geht gut mit den richtigen Teilen

[@TheSlowworms]

Ah Danke!

[@wilshirewarrior2783]

Dawes frame..nice way to start

[@TheSlowworms]

Thanks! I didn’t really know much about Dawes before I bought this bike. I’m more of a Raleigh fan I think

[@enriquee.k3329]

Just brilliant 👌🏻

[@TheSlowworms]

Thanks very much Enrique! 😁

[@marklorencate656]

Hello if you want to make it 2x10 try, just try the racework r10 upkit. Its good for 11-36tt cogs. 10 speed

[@TheSlowworms]

Ah nice! Is that a rear derailleur extension?

[@niki27x]

Sick build bro!

[@TheSlowworms]

Thanks Niki! I think the Carrero should be next

[@johnnygunz2300]

The late 70's early 80's touring ten and twelve speeds are really decent "gravel" bikes that need little to be decent again. Keep your eyes out for most japanese steel "touring" bikes at garage sales (CL and Facebook prices are too expensive). I happen to garbage pick mine and put about 150 bucks into it (mostly tires), and it's great!!!;

[@TheSlowworms]

Nice! Have you got any suggestions for some good Japanese touring bikes?

[@johnnygunz2300]

@The Slowworms I'm not an expert by any means.... The article www.cxmagazine.com/cheap-gravel-bike-steel-vintage-road-bikes-60s-70s-80s Kept me from spending a lot on a gravel bike (I'm more bmx / enduro sort and ride mostly very tech single track). Some of the vintage stuff can be pricey in my area, but sometimes you find an affordable bike that works. The bike I had was a 79 takara touring 12 speed that weighed quite a lot but even my older brother mr road bike snob that cycled for Notre Dame admitted it road pretty dang good (even though it's definitely not high end). The touring bikes are very upright and comfy. They also have decent tire clearance, and I have yet to really break anything. I have other hobbies that involve distance travel vs technical riding where I wouldn't want to use my more expensive mountain bikes. Like packrafting with bikes, going deep woods on abandoned colonial roads to metal detect old homesteads, bombing around town maybe a bit "tipsy" running errands etc... (Not just due to theft or damage but the vintage bike with decent upgrades is WAY more efficient). That is where these budget builds shine.

[@austinsmith1293]

Woah never knew Jack Black likes bikes

[@TheSlowworms]

Me neither

[@tacconelli]

loved the build video. you are a hilarious dude

[@TheSlowworms]

Hahaha thanks! I do try... probably a bit too hard 😅

[@neilf4128]

Not what I was expecting from this video. Not a how to video as I was hoping. However, your bike is spectacular. Awesome build and super exciting.

[@TheSlowworms]

Thanks Neil! Is there a particular bit that you need explaining?

[@neilf4128]

@@TheSlowworms Hello, happy new year. Thanks for asking. I just wanted to better understand cost and labor involved in rebuilding a bike? I have a Schwinn 10 speed road bike that might be worth changing, but not entirely certain. I was trying to develop an idea of project scope.

[@TheSlowworms]

Thanks, you too! Ahh I see. You aren’t the first person to ask this so I could do a break down in the description? The only reason I haven’t done it is because quite a few of the parts came off old bikes or were really cheap on eBay. Do you think it would still help though?

[@neilf4128]

@@TheSlowworms It would make for an interesting content, to be sure. But you might preference it with pointing out the fact that your cost are low due to on hand supply. Or as a thought, you might consider, for fun, doing a build from scratch and noting where most common items can be acquired, while others may need to be purchased.

[@vivoslibertos]

90s MTB is actually already a gravel bike LoL. Though in the era of John Tomac he puts a drop bar and race on it.

[@TheSlowworms]

Yeah, they are pretty close. You just don’t get bikes specifically built for gravel grinding with 26” wheels. A bike is what you make of it though.

[@HikingFeral]

I did like the video so yes, yes I'll subscribe

[@TheSlowworms]

😂 thank you kind sir. You’re a gentleman and a scholar 🧐

[@detroitboy65]

Do yourself a favor and buy Tektro modern, restomod cantilevers as they use threaded post pads, just like standard in-line brakes. These make setting the toe-in easy peasy. Or you could opt for in-line brakes which are3 more efficient and easier to set up. They use the same brake bosses on the frame so the conversion is simple.

[@TheSlowworms]

have you got a link to the Tektro ones please? I can't find the ones you mean

[@brrrt6666]

Be thankful for that grease mate ❤

[@TheSlowworms]

oh yeah, I am. Better than it being seized stuck 😄

[@davidgillespie1280]

Great looking bike brother!

[@TheSlowworms]

Thanks man! 👍

[@camilohrnc]

Beautiful bike bro!! 🙏🏼👏🏼

[@TheSlowworms]

Thank you very much! 🤘

[@abhiseksaha3221]

Bike look really good

[@TheSlowworms]

Thanks mate! 👍

[@linseyyoung1772]

'90s steel hybrids for the win. My daily driver is a '94 Dawes Synthesis

[@TheSlowworms]

I don’t know a lot about Dawes models so I had to look it up but that bike looks so cool! Have you done anything to it or is it all stock?

[@linseyyoung1772]

@@TheSlowworms Tektro mini v brakes, Brooks Professional saddle, ITM Kristal titanium quill stem, Shimano R500 front wheel. Old XT rear mech and deore thumbshifters. Can't think of anything else, but I don't think there's anything left of the original factory build. I originally found it next to a bin...

[@TheSlowworms]

That’s the best feeling, when you’ve saved a bike from being scrapped and given it a new life. Sounds like a really nice bike 👍

[@el_micha]

That's a great conversion and a nice budget build as well, kudos! How does it translate with the reach? I heard old frames geometry often got a toptube too long, so with gravel bars the reach gets too big. As in sitting too stretched over on the bike (if that makes any sense, don#t know how to describe it better).

[@danielweber3433]

Did you use a Shimano chain? Because then it is way easier to get rid of the distal part of the bolt than what you where presenting. Just take pliers, clamp it down and rotate the pliers. It will simy brake of. Here it seems like you tried to cut it.

[@TheSlowworms]

No way! I’m gonna try that next time. Yeah I used a Shimano chain and wire cutters. I just watched a GCN video and the guy cut it with wire cutters. I watched another GCN video and the guy did it by bending the link with long nose pliers 🤦‍♂️

[@danielweber3433]

@@TheSlowworms crazy, I thought GCN guys would know that. I guess one will nether know everything.

[@TheSlowworms]

@@danielweber3433 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIjGmaiajZKHp9U it’s at 5:10 just in case you don’t believe me. I suspect foul play though because he seems to do it way easier than I did it 😄 Yeah, I don’t have a clue what I’m doing most the time. Thanks for the advice!

[@ethanbq674]

Nice build. What is the part to hold the front brake cable into the front fork, TIA?

[@zblitzzy1647]

So nice

[@TheSlowworms]

Thanks mate 👍

[@GenevaSevenfold]

Beautiful build my guy. I want to do the exact same thing with a bike frame I have here It’s an old Raleigh frame. Did I mention I barely know anything about bikes? I have the tools tho lol

[@TheSlowworms]

Thank you! That’s great! Have you started it yet?

[@GenevaSevenfold]

@@TheSlowwormshey friend. Yes I’ve started but upon doing research I’ve learned I have to modify the bike a bit considering it’s a road bike with a skinny frame. I’ll leave that bike as my first time rebuild bike. I still plan on building something like yours I just have to plan it out for now 😁

[@TheSlowworms]

That’s sounds like a good idea. Let me know how you get on!

[@cornishcactus]

Was going to ask if that was Cardinham then saw the pin when I can off full screen :D Hell's Teeth on it er no? Looks real nice and stylish retro in it's brown and turquoise scheme. Keep thinking about doing the same to an old Coventry Eagle I have in the shed but I don't have need of a gravel bike, really don't want to be on the roads and it's chucking money at something that's more rust than paint.

[@TheSlowworms]

No hells teeth for me mate 🤣 I went about 50 feet away from the car park and that’s it. I did a couple of laps on the mountain bike beforehand though. What is the old Coventry Eagle? 26” wheeled mountain bike?

[@cornishcactus]

@@TheSlowworms yep an old mountain bike I've had probably 15 years or more same as below but his silver bits are rust for mine :D facebook.com/932928566738015/posts/coventry-eagle-connect-mtb-very-good-condition-22-inch-frame-26-inch-alloy-wheel/3432101670154013/ I'll have to have a look at your pt2 and see what sort of costs it is. If I did ever convert my Talon 3 to 1x that would free up an 8 speed 11-34 for the rear. Would be a good way to easily get from The Mast down through Tehidy and out to the coast. Easier than the T130 ;D Sorry, rambling now

[@TheSlowworms]

That looks really cool! I think you should give it a go! You don’t have to spend a fortune on components but if you do end up building up some really nice parts over time you could put them on a different frame maybe?

[@cornishcactus]

@@TheSlowworms Ended up 1x-ing the Talon. Just over £90 for a Sunshine 8 speed 11-42 Cassette, Jessica GPX crank and ring, Skyeye BB. My Deore 9 speed derailleur just needed a slightly longer B screw with a nut on the end to cope. Used pair of CrossKings on Ebay for 13.40 for xc miles. Rode it yesterday to North cliffs and back, 19 miles more than doubling the miles I've managed on most rides this lockdown with Patella Tendonitis causing aggro. It's no gravel bike but then I was able to ride it down the steep goat track from Four Lanes mast and the techy highline in Tehidy. No reason the old components can't migrate to the Connect leaving just the cockpit and rust to sort out. Thanks for the inspiration to finally do the mod over an enjoyable evening's tinkering and get my hardtail back to enjoyable use.

[@TheSlowworms]

@@cornishcactus I know the exact techy tehidy trail you’re talking about, the ones with all the bloody roots everywhere? That’s my favourite when it’s wet because I’m just constantly falling off. I wouldn’t fancy cycling anything back up those hills into the fog (aka four lanes) 😆 Im really glad you managed to do your own build. That didn’t seem to take you long at all

[@jlk7107]

Looks so cool

[@TheSlowworms]

Thank you! 🤘

[@omareduardotroncoso107]

Very, very nice bike🚴💥

[@TheSlowworms]

Thanks Omar, it turned out better than I expected 😆👍

[@hanno8705]

What's the size of the tires? Think I didn't notice you mentioned that. Nice video, enjoyed it!

[@hanno8705]

OK, got it, 43 mm. You mentioned that in the second video.

[@TheSlowworms]

Yeah, you’ve got it! They’re 43mm. Apparently they’re quite hard to get hold of at the moment 🤷‍♂️

[@brudgerfrudger2174]

great job- how much would you spend overall?

[@TheSlowworms]

Thanks mate, I made a part two video with a price breakdown 👍

[@shaunportlock4924]

The guy who greased everything, did you a massive favour.

[@TheSlowworms]

Yeah, you’re right. I’m not sure if the clump of grease on the bottom of the seat post did a lot though

[@jamesmahon838]

I’m enjoying the bike so far kzbin.infoUgkxMesz3KOGEmwmvyKQfLfrRSUXLFzfVHZA My only real complaints are the brakes and the pedals. I feel like a bike designed for bigger people should have much larger pedals and more heavy duty brakes. I’ve only gotten two really good rides out of it, minimal downhill action, and the brakes feel like they’re already going out. A larger person has more momentum, so I think this wasn’t thought through very well. Also, I wear size 13-14 wide shoes. My feet cramp up on these pedals that are clearly made for smaller feet. Since I’m not a pro rider (and I don’t think many are who purchase this bike) I don’t think that the straps on the pedal are necessary at all. None of this takes away from the enjoyment I get from riding, however. I’ll just head to a bike shop to improve on a few things.

[@TheSlowworms]

Thank you! What’s a Vilano bike?

[@tyross4649]

Please help me . It is okay if my bike with cantilever brake is without cable hanger ? 😞😞😞

[@TheSlowworms]

Hi Ty 👋 I don’t think it’s going to work mate. You need something to hold the cable housing in place so the cable can pull against it. It’s built into v-brakes and calliper brakes but you need a hanger for cantilever brakes. Usually they go around the stem though, not like the one I bought. Did your bike not originally have one?

[@matthewlewis2072]

Interesting. I have an old 531 which I bought as a teen in the '80s, with Dual Pivot brakes, thinking about making it a mud plugger affair. Has reasonable clearances, would only be used up the woods, etc

[@TheSlowworms]

You should do it!!! Who makes the 531?

[@jjp002]

clean

[@TheSlowworms]

Thanks Jason 👍

[@hiddenguitardog]

Hmm wonder if I can do the same to my steel cruiser bike. I rarely use it once I got my roadie

[@TheSlowworms]

What do you mean by cruiser bike?

[@hiddenguitardog]

@@TheSlowworms sorry this bike www.reidcycles.com.au/collections/vintage-cruisers/products/reid-vintage-roadster-7-spd-navy

[@TheSlowworms]

Oh wow that is really nice! I love how it looks so flat, if you know what I mean. Do you think you have enough clearance in those calliper brakes for thick tyres?

[@hiddenguitardog]

@@TheSlowworms they are 32mm but yea maybe able to convert

[@kudosbudo]

@@hiddenguitardog Make it a real cruise rbike and find some BMX cruiser bars for a nice upright chilled ride.

[@tjoekie1968]

nice job

[@TheSlowworms]

Thanks mate! 👍

[@TheDorlyon]

inspiring video. thnx...

[@TheSlowworms]

Thanks Mustafa! That’s really nice of you 👍

[@buixote]

So you want to zoom off to the shops with no mudguards... oh yeah, it doesn't rain that much in the UK, right? ;-) Funny story... here in Northern CA, Foreign Student goes into bike shop and asks "what do you do with all the fenders and racks that you take off these bikes"?

[@TheSlowworms]

I guess you haven’t seen part 2

[@buixote]

@@TheSlowworms Perfect. Agree with your feelings about "fiddling mudguards"... I've got some 26x2.4 which *barely* fit; both tire clearance *and* frame/fork-too-narrow... think it's time for some homebrew! Reminds me of another fun story... we have a custom tandem built (Bontraeger... b4 he blew up). We tell him we want the little braze-ons for fender attachment, which he provides, but rear triangle is too tight to fit fenders; ha ha! Climbs well, though! ;-)

[@TheSlowworms]

Oh no! 😂 I feel your pain. I feel like I’ve shot myself in the foot by choosing tyres that were so wide. If they were just 3mm narrower it would be so much easier. I guess the good thing is that tyres are easy to change so if I’m that bothered by it I’ll change them. I feel like when it comes to mud guards- the more wheel coverage you want, the longer it’s gonna take you to set them up. I had one of those small ass savers but it didn’t really do a lot and eventually it blew away anyway

[@dineshreddy3643]

Hi can you share the components and parts used

[@TheSlowworms]

I’ve got a list of parts in the description of the Part 2 of this video 👍

[@Ditch_Head]

Great video 🤙 can I ask what size rims you have and what width tyres thanks

[@TheSlowworms]

I’ve had a look online and it says they’re 13c rims. Does that seem right? The tyres are 43mm wide 🤙

[@TheSlowworms]

Thanks by the way! 😄

[@Ditch_Head]

@@TheSlowworms thanks for your reply that seems about right.Really great set up. i have a tokyo bike not sure i can go that wide which is a shame

[@TheSlowworms]

@@Ditch_Head thanks very much! What is a Tokyo bike? Is it a commuter bike with smaller wheels?

[@Ditch_Head]

@@TheSlowworms Yeah its more of city bike based on classic simple construction. They run 26" wheels. Think you can fit up to 1.75 inch wheels though. I will find out soon enough

[@josiahbandong2382]

Cool bro! but how to change it to disc brakes?

[@TheSlowworms]

Thanks! I don’t think disc brakes would work very well on this bike because of the fork design. Maybe I’ll do that on another bike in the future though.

[@davidmedina7998]

Are your tires tubeless?

[@TheSlowworms]

No, they aren’t. Maybe I will at some point but I’m not fussed at the mo.

[@damjanpavlovski6929]

Its a fucking masterpiece

[@TheSlowworms]

😄 thank you Damjan!

[@ZombieArgath]

great build. been searching for a vintage mountain bike for a nice winter project. how much did you end up spending on parts?

[@TheSlowworms]

Good question. I’m not really sure to be honest with you. The tyres were the most expensive parts and they were about £60 for the pair. The chain, derailleur and cassette were new and cost probably around £50. The rest of it was off eBay and it was all pretty cheap. The stem only cost £3.

[@samueleickelberg1263]

Neat bike, but... what are you going to do with the left STI shifter? You've got a 1x9 drivetrain on 3x9 shifters... 🤨

[@TheSlowworms]

Thanks! I was gonna use it for braking. Have you got a better idea? It was cheaper for me to buy these 3x9 shifters than it was to get any 1x whatever setup. It would be good if shimano released a matching STI brake for every component level but unfortunately they don’t.

[@samueleickelberg1263]

​@@TheSlowworms I've had the same problem on my road bike not long ago. I decided to not go with the STI shifters, since even the SORA ones are quite pricey, at least over here. I've decided to go for single brake levers on the drop bar, and a single 9speed downtube shifter (not Shimano Dura-Ace SL-7700, these are ridiculously expensive) from SunRace. They make decent shifters for 7, 8 or 9 speeds and sell them at a reasonable price.

[@TheSlowworms]

Yeah, I feel your pain. STI shifters are really expensive. 3x seem to be a lot cheaper than 2x. Another one that is cheap and has good reviews is the microshift advent

[@samueleickelberg1263]

@@TheSlowworms True. But the Microshift R9 ones seem not to be compatible with Shimano's indexing.

[@beanie_guy6286]

How are you puting your steam on your old fork because there is not the thing to put a other steam mount on it ?

[@TheSlowworms]

Hi! At 4:05 I say I’ve bought a quill stem to thread-less stem adapter. I bought it off eBay for about £10. Hope that helps.

[@solstar4778]

Not familiar with the “ gravel” term what make it so special? Is it a road bike or a urban commuter bike ? Front handle bars are a bit too low for my taste , maybe more comfortable if the rider was in the more upright position!

[@TheSlowworms]

I believe the term came from America. There’s a type of event called a Gravel Grinder, which is usually a long distance race along gravel tracks. The bikes aren’t too dissimilar to Cyclocross bikes although they’re becoming less and less similar each year. It’s actually more comfortable than my road bike for the leisurely sort of riding I want to do on it. The saddles probably a bit hard but that’s it.

[@TheCaptainLeonard]

100 bucks for the bike and another 100 for the tires :D

[@TheSlowworms]

Tell me about it! Bloody tires get on my nerves!

[@quadzen8114]

Awesome

[@TheSlowworms]

Thanks man! 👍

[@Smegma_pirate]

Why not leave the flat bars?

[@TheSlowworms]

They were really bent

[@nicholasplunkett2988]

Excellent! I've an old Raleigh Pioneer that looks very similar to this one. I've even managed to sheer the threads on the cranks in an attempt to take them off. What measurements should I be taking to work out what replacement BB to get?

[@TheSlowworms]

🤣 happens to the best of us! I love a Raleigh pioneer! Ooo, good question. What BB are you wanting to use? Square taper?

[@nicholasplunkett2988]

Aye looking to keep it square taper

[@TheSlowworms]

@@nicholasplunkett2988 have you still got the old one?