Building 1X Gravel Bike From Road Bike (2X7 to 1X10 Conversion)

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

For more bike repair videos hit the subscribe button ► bit.ly/SubRJTheBikeGuy

[@dallinlake4274]

43:18 q how many apples grow on a tree a all of them

[@vicgravelrides]

Hey RJ where did you get your grease gun from??

[@leestimson12]

@@vicgravelrides That is a Dualco and you can get them at auto parts stores, hardwares and I got mine at my LBS. They are great.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0025UGOVW/ref=nosim/youtube25-20

[@MiguelDiaz4469]

Would love to see you ride this one, please consider as this means a lot to us viewers!

[@whiteknightfight98]

In a world where every KZbin video about bikes is presented by someone in £3000 lycra riding gear... You are honestly just the best thing ever. The people's champion. Bike looks great!

[@pepperstmm]

Can't forget Trace Velo and his sketchy cheap carbon escapades

[@p504504]

@@pepperstmm always respect Detective Trace

[@ADCFproductions]

@@p504504 "Goddamit Trace you're still investigating that damn chinese crank piece of crap. Next time i see you opening this case again i'll have your badge and i'll put you to a goddamn desk job you hear me?? Now get the hell outta here!"

[@marktalbott3835]

As a mechanic who is also a road biker and Lycra wearer, I don't really appreciate your comment. Nobody has $3,000 of lycra. Just a dumb comment

[@ADCFproductions]

@@marktalbott3835 that's what you think my friend, some people do indeed spend hundreds of € to the thousands on lycra. it has been proven that expensive lycra weights 5g less than normal lycra from Decathlon.

[@jamalbisharat5029]

I just want to say you are a breath of fresh air my guy! Love the simplicity, the math , the intelligence and the common sense . The approach is flawless!

[@Einhander49]

Dunno why, but watching this video was very therapeutic for me. Thanks, bro.

[@Jeanboglietti]

yeah me too buddy

[@timbazzinett2693]

Same here. I'm thinking, I'll never do this. But, I cannot look away.

[@canitogalicia]

RJ the bike guy,,,,,,,,,has done it again.....no need to buy a gravel ,,,, get and frame get the components from adinerado bike and whaaaaalaaaa

[@xc3675]

Je n'ai pas compris un seul mot des explications (bon, les images suffisent), mais cela produit le même effet chez moi aussi.

[@MichaelSignore]

Ditto...

[@michaeltillman886]

This is about the third time I watched this build. I like how you go through every detail of the build. Man, you're the best. Peace!!!

[@RollingExistence]

Awesome content as always RJ. You've helped me get 4 bikes on the road that were left for dead. Thanks a ton.

[@leeokelley4898]

It’s a real pleasure to watch someone work who knows what he’s doing. Thanks so much.

[@georgewcamp]

RJ, you share a great deal of detailed knowledge here that is SO VALUABLE and not generally available on the internet. It appears so easy when you do it, but finding the correct parts and knowing what is possible with these older frames (which is what you help us with!) is the magic. Thank- you!!!

[@jackrobinson119]

So true, finding the parts is the killer for me!

[@MassimilianoFerrante]

i didnt even finish to watch the video but i have to say it... you are a genius! i love they way you work and the solutions you find. big thumbs up !

[@JohnSmith-qf1jn]

I've been working on bikes for about 4 weeks now and I'm constantly worried about messing something up and the idea of removing all the components to work on the bike is so terrifying that it's paralyzing almost but things are starting to make sense and those fears are becoming lesser. I have videos like these especially from RJ the bike guy to thank

[@josephfine3394]

I really enjoyed every minute of this thoughtful and practical build. Steel is real, and it will hold up well off road. I'm glad the frame wasn't modified. Some future owner might want to build it that triple-butted frame as a road bike again...but man, that'll be a fun ride in its current configuration! Thanks for your time RJ!

[@fixieebro]

The Technium frame was an innovation - used aluminum main tubes and a steel rear triangle. It was "welded" using an epoxy.

[@josephfine3394]

@@fixieebro Yes, I had a Raleigh Technium, what a nice light responsive frame that was. This frame however, has the rather rare (Ross Signature 290 S) triple-butted Ishiwata-tubing, which is even better no doubt!

[@joeyv.7360]

It never ceases to amaze me how well old steel bikes can be adapted to modern trends and considerations. Sports tourer of the early 80's = worthy gravel & cyclocross contender of today.

[@jockalladrick8255]

Aye So long as you don't try to stop in bad weather/ mud

[@forevercomputing]

I'd have upgraded my old bike if I had it. I now have the one I bought in 2013 brand new. Spent a while in some parts so it wasn't left outside to rust. I removed the seat and wheels. Lost a bearing. It's all good now. A few tweaks here and there still

[@flavortown3781]

Jock Alladrick steel bikes don't rust when the paint is good by your logic every car ever would be a pile of dust in minutes

[@borderlands6606]

Joey V. Also how much bespoke custom tourers resemble 1980s MTBs.

[@DMBramblett]

Jacob Westphal I think he's referring to disc brakes.

[@markmartello]

I see this is a few years old, but I just found it. Thank you! I've got a 1984 Trek road bike that I built up as a single speed several years ago. As I've gotten older I would like to go back to some gears, but was thinking about just in the rear with a wider gear range. What you did to this one is my next shop project! Thank you!!

[@Justmyopinionlol]

The real value of your video is the trial and error methods! Another masterpiece. I think I will get a rear extender to build my own gravel ride.

[@willmarks1984]

Thanks RJ. I had an old steel road bike that was a good few inches too big for me but ran beautifully. Having watched a few of your videos I made the jump - I bought a small aluminium road frame and moved everything across. I had a few bloopers - spindle too short and pedals hitting the frame for example, or the gear mismatch with the newer shifters. I bought new headset, cables and rear derailleur. I learned so much and I love my new bike!!

[@rickh6963]

RJ, You should post some footage of you riding your bikes when you are done with them.

[@xchopp]

Seconded! Or someone, anyone riding them.

[@bananasstuff3344]

Maybe RJ doesn't have any good trails near him or he isn't very good or something

[@INeed8Quid]

Ive been building 1x gravel ,mtb and cx bikes for 15 years and i found this video extremely useful informative and therapeutic too. Many thanks for an addictive and compulsive to watch video

[@thelonerider5644]

So cool! Thank you for sharing this. Except for that I kept two front gears (but went compact) I did basically the same thing on my first custom frame, more or less. 32mm tires, old school centrepulls for tire clearance. Brazing the frame was the hard part tho... that and figuring the angles... so much math involved. I never knew how right Mrs. Anderson was in school when she said I might actually need it some day lol! The irony is back in the day this setup (except the knobbies) would've been found on any "sports tourer" roadbike, a category that no longer seems to exist but encompassed both recreational road, light touring, and gravel road bikes as they are now seen.

[@hbandere]

I am no where near equipped to do a project like this but I just learned so much about the construction of my bike. Thank you!

[@mijsnap7797]

Enjoy watching u explaining every details of the process from start to the end.

[@toddwalker512]

I cant speak for everybody, but I must say I appreciate your videos thoroughly. They get me jonesin to do the same project, cuz, hey, it's a lot of fun! Thank you!

[@zeta-t4r]

one of the best videos you ever made

[@DiegoCamarero]

Agree.

[@hammeredbassman88]

I've probably said this already in a previous comment but binge watching the full build videos again, this thing is a beast! Watching this again, 100% inspired me to build one myself, slowly getting into gravel bikes now, made a cheapy 'mock up' last year. A rough old Raleigh road bike frame mixed and matched some mountain bike parts, enjoyed it, awesome bike. I'm lucky enough to have gravel tracks right on my doorstep where I'm from. Only took me a couple of hours to put together the 'Frankenstein' rat bike but think I should now make a proper one like this, really take my time and build her properly 👍

[@karlholz9751]

Beautiful bike, RJ! I may build something like that this winter when I run out of things to do! Thanks for the instruction; you are a gifted teacher!

[@leightonbohl1920]

Well done; a really effective, practical rebuild - the bike retains its look and style, but is re-purposed without distortion.

[@michacyran3642]

This is exactly what I want to do with my bike. Thank you. Besides, it is a very well made video. We need such videos with affordable (and great) bikes.

[@axelgranzini6797]

This is one of if not the most descriptive and detailed Frankenstein gravel builds on all of youtube

[@rohuezo]

Hi, I have an old 1995 Cannondale R400 (road bike) with the following original parts: Shimano RSX 7-speed STI group with Hyperdrive-C Mavic 195 silver rims with 700x23c tires. I want to convert it to a gravel bike, but my first thought was to only replace the tires with 700x28c and the pedals to SPD click pedals. Watching your video has motivated me to even try a couple of other stuff such as replacing the RSX STI group with the newer Shimano 105. Thanks for the video, I subscribed to your channel because I think I will consulting your expertise to get me out of trouble... ride safely and stay healthy

[@CAHOP2401]

I couldn't stop watching. Just the great craftsmanship kept me engaged. Makes me want to get into building custom bikes as a hobby.

[@Justmyopinionlol]

You help us poor folks have a great fun on a budget. A lot of things that don´t work can with some experimentation. I have to applaud your ingenuity!!! Might as well change your name to RJ The Bike Robinhood

[@craigscott3133]

This is the best video of its sort on KZbin. Great job!

[@litao.monaghan308]

Great timing as I just started doing something similar with a vintage Trek Elance. I had used your cold setting the frame video just the other day! I'm converting to 650b wheels though so I can use a slightly wider tire, but I have to use long reach rim brakes. I'm excited to go with a 1x10 drivetrain with a 11-42T cassette and a long cage derailleur. Thanks for the video!

[@irishrover99]

Lita O. Monaghan can you tell me what 650b wheels you are using and which brake callipers. I have a road bike that fits a 30 mm cx tyre perfectly on the front but on the back it's rubbing the calliper a tiny bit so I might need some new ideas. Thanks

[@captaincoyote1792]

Outstanding discussion on gear numbers….along with a great chart! Probably the first time I’ve understood WTH all the numbers mean! I have five bikes in my basement…..I now have this compulsion to go down and “count teeth” on my gear cogs!

[@emiliejade1910]

52 minutes of bike love

[@theSEGAtwistisover9k]

wish you could by that from the back of a seedy magazine 😏

[@shwndh]

Watched this video in its entirety again. It's even more valuable during the pandemic.

[@SoonerThanLater5523]

Really enjoyed this conversion process and learned a great deal about the parts and operations of a bike. Thank you. Bob C.

[@ramitche11]

This is the best bike build video I've ever seen. Thank you.

[@slugcereal8647]

your videos are helping me alot with learning how to fix bikes :) thanks

[@Hazball]

such a sick build. Sickest vintage frame with the perfect choice of new age parts

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

First!

[@th_js]

Haha, I love these kind of videos and your style

[@sraki]

I jist make my 1x8 conversion it's works amazing, if you choose the right front chainring size! Thanks the amazing tutorials!

[@prewirespecialists1239]

RJ The Bike Guy I think that's the best looking build so far !!!!!

[@ronalddaurosr9686]

RJ The Bike Guy RJ sir , What kind of inexpensive bike stand do you recommend ? My heaviest will be a stainless steel fendered 1962 Schwinn jaguar . Thank you

[@MitchCrane]

Sonofa! >.

[@BruceWalkerPhotography]

So many great tips, tricks, ideas and general knowledge in this video. I appreciate every minute of this video. Thank you!

[@Simplelittlelife]

Great video! And great looking bike! Nice work, thank you! 👍

[@MrMuzule]

I watched it mostly for the rust cleaning and greasing. It's prolly why I love rebuilding old bikes.

[@volcom05345]

I wish I could download you're knowledge of bikes just like in the Matrix. Me: "Whoa! I know bike fu." RJ the Bike Guy: "Show me."

[@denizkiri7041]

I am restorating a Koga MIyata from the 90's and this Virdeo ghelped me out. Greetz from Germany

[@rolandovera5935]

Great project. Its insanity that the Bike industry wants us to think we need to buy extremely specific new bikes for every little variation in riding surface.

[@HFV_Junkyardin]

It’s because they know that many bike enthusiasts loooove collecting. I have 5 bikes, road, mountain, fixed gear, BMX, and a nice cruiser. But the Mountain bike is the only one I bought new. I have maybe 1300 bucks in all 5. If I had bought all of them new I could have easily spent 4,000-10,000 bucks, which to me seems insane, thing is plenty of people can easily afford that.

[@shwndh]

Well, choice is nice. If you buy a good bike one time and never buy another bike for 30 years, it’s not a very profitable business model and you don’t get new tech. I appreciate people who have the disposable cash to buy disposable carbon bikes. Somebody has to keep R &D bills paid and the economy rolling. I also appreciate being “in the know” and not brainwashed by marketing. Love these kinds of videos.

[@triumphmanful]

DUH, just like gravel bikes ? Its planned obsolessence. Just like all the phone, and computer cables are all different now ! Its a conspiracy to sell us more stuff ! Updates are the most annoying thing I have ever encountered !

[@Spoonmeister62]

A great guide to converting an old bike RJ! A couple of tips to help anyone watching the video: 1) 9 speed MTB derailleurs work with 10 speed road shifters which may provide enough range so you don't need to buy the hanger extender that you used. Note that 10 speed MTB derailleurs do NOT work with 10 speed road shifters. 2) You shouldn't have to remove the 'dust cover' from the cranks before installing them - they normally need a 10mm allen key but the crank installation bolt uses an 8mm. The dust cover is what allows the cranks to be self extracting - the 8mm bolt pushes against the cover and 'pulls' the non-drive side crank off. Hopefully this helps someone out :-)

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

It depends on the cranks.

[@l0r4kpl]

This is excellent. I REALLY need to see a followup video of how this bike actually feels and handles, please! :D

[@kvnprc2]

Gotta admit, this video was therapeutic to watch. Good job with this one.

[@TheDon1856]

How about a video of you on the trail with the gravel bike?

[@davidhamilton6690]

TheDon1856, yup, totally agree, let's see rj on the trail

[@chrisharrod3709]

yes this!

[@1trucxhondamov589]

I would like to see how it handles?! 🤔🙄😀

[@1trucxhondamov589]

🚴‍♂️! 🎃

[@vermonthillsumc]

as a newbie I find your commentary extremely helpful. thank you.

[@TweedSuit]

This is the way the first Mountain Bikes were made back in the 80's - very cool.

[@dougmaceachern5568]

Thanks for the clear and concise directions on the build. This sure seems much easier than other conversion videos i have watched.

[@BerserkerNick]

I really like your builds, would like to see you build a late 80s or early 90s race BMX with modern components

[@dlloydgriffin1]

Thanks for sharing this. I'm about to start a build with my '84 Raleigh frame (more commuter/urban than gravel, but there will be some gravel too) and this was really helpful!

[@vedadrokkor]

you just saved me from wasting money on overpriced gravel bike. I'll fix my old road bike from the 70's.

[@GroovyCachinDude]

Nice build. Great use of old, but usable parts and frame.

[@The177Hunter]

43:20 if you pause it at the correct time and at the slowest playback speed, theres a text that flashes on the screen. "How many apples grow on a tree? All of them" wtf?

[@crypttonite]

yep

[@garlihu]

How on Earth did you find that?

[@madcapper6]

Powerful subliminal messaging. Illuminati mind control by RJ the Bike Guy.

[@fedor5664]

Lol i saw some text fly by so i set my speed on 0,25x and finally got it and then i looked im the comments 🤦‍♂️

[@firesurfer]

@Dick Fageroni I use > or < above the comma or the period. This gives you frame by frame advance or rewind.

[@sleeks9939]

All of your videos has been very helpful. Thank you very much RJ. Much appreciated.

[@diamantisathanasopoulos1479]

nice build, although as a vintage bike lover I kind of consider it sacrilegious to sacrifice a so well preserved oldie. My only worry is the clearance between rear tyre and brake caliper, it sure looks marginal in the video, a little stone or twig and catastrophe looms...Tell us how it fares off road though...

[@kubaszek82]

Thanks for that movie. Did the same conversion 1x10 with road 105 on my bike. Also works perfect.

[@BlackWarriorLures]

Okay, this is what I'm talking about.

[@Deadbuck73]

Man I wish we had this kind of video info when I was a kid! I’da never been a chef! I’da been a bike guy! Absolutely amazing to watch! I’ve wasted 30 years! 😝

[@Liofa73]

I don't think that bottom bracket could have been any drier when you removed it! Surprised it wasn't seized up. :)

[@RyansuBike]

I got thirsty watching that section it was so dry

[@macmurfy2jka]

I know, right. Freakinv deseet.

[@hammeredscout]

Liofa I noticed that too.😄

[@captaincoyote1792]

This was an outstanding video….on numerous fronts….but particularly a great tutorial on rebuilding a bike. Bravo-Zulu, we’ll done, sir!!

[@burmesebeef]

you should include test ride footage after these builds

[@Salukicyclist]

Loved this conversion. I was a little misty eyed because I owned and loved the exact Ross almost 40 years ago. I would love to ride this one. :)

[@anthonyschmieder3174]

I love this. Thanks! Do you have a video on how to do the clear coat?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

I just pulled off all the parts, cleaned the frame really well. Wiped it down with naptha and then spray light coats of clear on.

[@Shurup33]

Best bike build video i ever seen honestly... Thank u uncle

[@amuroray7543]

nice i want to convert my classic road bike

[@15idog]

amuro ray I'm in the process of doing this to my old road bike

[@ridingmilford8583]

I love steel, for comfort and looks. Thanks for explaining every detail.

[@mikuramsay]

Q. How many apples grow on a tree? A. All of them

[@TheStellalegs72]

Was gonna ask the same question, you beat me to it :D

[@MarcoR6]

I was wondering if I was the only one to see it.

[@cadwellkid1672]

That is the correct answer😂

[@rodionpavlenko4680]

I cant imagine another answer. Is it a stupidity test? 🤣🤣🤣

[@gunjja13]

This was such a joy to watch! Sad that I came so late to this channel.

[@pikapp22]

You should do some test ride videos.

[@christiankilleen7626]

These videos are brilliantly made. So easy to follow, explains the bits that need examining but doesn't waffle on and makes me want to do projects like these myself.

[@Flederratte]

Right at 43:20 only one frame it says a text: Q. How many apples grow on a tree? A. All of them.

[@Kerveros1904]

A great build! and what a nice color! the 1X10 setup is very practical in shifting. I am still having a MTB with 3x5 and i am tired of the overlapping of the gears. Thanks to your videos i have managed to service the hubs and bottom bracket of my 1989 Raleigh Mustang, and my 1983 Raleigh Twenty (Stowaway). They run flawlessly, and i keep using more the Twenty than the Mustang. It has to do with the more comfortable driving position, and that i go faster with it.

[@taitai300]

Newton's third law is: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

[@triumphmanful]

its called progress today

[@padude131]

You make these jobs look so easy. I would love to build a single speed bike out of an older bike, but I don't know where to even start. Great video!

[@BeMaKi]

Loved watching this on a Saturday morning drinking ☕️ . Looks Great 👍🏼

[@ralphpannone3391]

183 dislikes. Probably from people who wear spandex on their $ 4k bikes

[@marklawrence343]

I never could understand 'dislikes' on good educational videos.

[@andyharris313]

No man, not for people that uses spandex, the 184 dislikes maybe because this guy transform a classical perfect bike of 80's in a horrible ugly monster of actuallity, the worst work that I ever seen... PD: I have a colnago 1989 master, not a $ 4K bike.

[@ralphpannone3391]

The guy puts out good informative videos. He is talented. Even shows us how to make our own tools instead of paying outrageous prices for a seldom used tool. We ride our bikes. You probably just polish your bike with a diaper and look at it Andres Sierra

[@andyharris313]

@@ralphpannone3391 You should not assure what you do not know, I do all the maintenance to my bikes, because I have 3, the video is good in that idea, it explains how to remove and put the pieces, nobody denies it, the problem is that the aesthetic is important I personally believe that the bicycle was much prettier and more valuable before the change that he made

[@ralphpannone3391]

@@andyharris313 I can "assure" you this: Ive been watching these videos since around 2010 or 11 and have learned how to do everything from rapping handle bars(early video)to complete overhaul. He has taught me to make my own tools,put on braze-ons on bikes without them,and put tons of bikes back into use that would otherwise be in the landfill. Because you think its an ugly bike now does not warrant a dislike. He helps people avoid costly maintenance from bike shops and THAT puts people out on the road on their bikes who may not be able to otherwise. That ALONE deserves a like,man. Nobody forced you to watch his video

[@richhenneberry1691]

Loved it, I am not a bike mechanic. Rostered a lot of old sports cars, I have a 79’ Benotto racer I want to restore. Will be fun learning experience. Thanks for the video man

[@ckgrif6615]

Fantastic. I could not fast forward because I learned something all along the way. Your narration is spot on. Not too little and not too much. You do make everything look easy but that is a reflection on you being a true craftsman. I look forward to watching more of your great projects. Nice you kept the patina of the old Ross frame.

[@josephorr5175]

Fascinating video. I learned a lot about general bike components along with the gravel specific nuances. TY.

[@triblues7065]

awesome conversion. I love the handy-dandy grease gun.

[@roadglide]

Why would any one thumbs down this? This bike just exudes cool! Thank you for recycling such beauty.

[@rockyfcuk4523]

Because there are a lot of pretentious dicks who ride new stuff in new colour matching overalls and think they are super smart pros, but in emergency situations cant do shit to avoid them and just crash . My personal experience lol.

[@bozstitch]

so satisfying to watch someone build a bike

[@tacconelli]

RJ, I have watched several of your videos. Thank you for the large wealth of knowledge you share with the world. I'm a long-time tinkerer who is relatively new to the world of bike mechanics, and you have showed me countless tips and tricks that you have accumulated over your years of experience. This build is very inspiring. I hope to have a project like this with spare parts in the distant future. Thank you!!!

[@mattheweggleton493]

Uhj 2:15 I know if the td5gf

[@doylerabjohn3435]

Great job, I love those old Ross bicycles. I remember when you could only get a Ross though mail order.

[@barkletonsmcbark8047]

This bike looks like a beast. I used to ride an old Specialized crossroads that was heavily modified. Called it the Chromium Falcon. I could take that bike anywhere and it looked like a heap of garbage but up close you could see the work put in. I'd love to get my hands on a bike like this again. Great work RJ!

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

This isn't as heavy duty as my trek 700 gravel bike conversion. It's lighter and fun to ride.

[@mildthing]

its actually a gorgeous bike. this is an inspiration, for sure. this is one i'll have to watch several times to get all of the info i might need out of it. great job!

[@alanridley2917]

I was about to sell an older bike similar to this but you have inspired me to go down the Gravel Bike route also. Thanks heaps. Great build!!!

[@mozobrain]

I now have the confidence to bend my old steel. Excellent rebuild RJ

[@firstmatepegboot2589]

dude you gave this bike a second life! love it! i'm thinking about going GRX for my crankset 1x just because i dont want to change my road bike BB

[@tomy2t0ne3]

This was a very thorough build video! It was cool to see a 1x conversion. Great repurpose for an older bike!

[@DennisNowland]

What a lovely steel framed bike. Maybe i am old fashioned but to me they have never been bettered when it comes to aesthetics.

[@jasonsyers3948]

Totally Brilliant, one of the best bike video's I have seen. Some footage of it being ridden would be perfection, well done sir!

[@gimmeagig]

There is so much knowledge in this video. You totally know your craft. I'm so impressed. Thank you

[@andor305]

incredible work. your videos are amazing. I'm so happy to learn the bikes from your experience. Ty so much

[@1965zimmy]

Just an awesome video! I'm picking up an old Miyata later today and plan to do the same thing. This video just showed up in my recommendations. I learned so much to help guide me on my rebuild journey. Thanks RJ!