Building a Fixed Gear Bike from Start to Finish (Sponsored by Wabi Cycles)

Thanks to Wabi for sponsoring this video! Check out the Wabi Retro:
wabicycles.com...
One of the most satisfying parts about bikes is building your own bike. It feels good to use a bike day in and day out knowing that you built it with your own two hands, but if you’ve never built a bike before, it can be overwhelming to start.
Luckily, Wabi Cycles is sponsoring this video and sent over a Wabi Retro and components for me to show you all exactly what the process of building a bike looks like.
My unsponsored reviews and opinions of Wabi's other bikes:
Wabi Classic Review:
bit.ly/2LXCeVz
Wabi Lightning SE Review:
bit.ly/2OH66nr
Get exclusive behind the scenes access by becoming a Super Subscrider on Patreon: / zachgallardo
songs:
John Deley and the 41 Players - Hold On a Second
Dan Lebowitz - Bridges
Fixie Famous Shoutout:
Mikey Sincox
Evil Ernie
Robert Terpstra
Albert Woo
DerElle01
Bluetickhound16
Mark Vandeventer
Jeziel
Marek Dravecky
Patreon Singlespeed Shoutout:
Michael Rector
nicadache
@ffnivas
Connect with me:
/ strava
Join the Reasonably Dangerous Crew on Strava:
/ strava

[@ZachGallardo]

I do give a lot of tips that'll save you future headaches throughout the video, but here are the time stamps for each segment if you're pressed for time. 0:00 Unboxing 3:29 Frame prep/saddle/seatpost 4:24 Fork installation 4:55 Wheel/tire prep 6:50 Cog/lockring installation 7:49 Putting wheels on bike 8:12 Easy trick for installing handlebar grips 8:40 Pedal assembly 9:16 Chainring assembly 9:57 Crankset installation 10:34 Chain installation 12:00 Pedal installation 12:28 Headset/stem/handlebar installation 13:46 Weighing the complete bike 14:09 The Wabi Retro's maiden voyage + my thoughts

[@williamparker2922]

Zach Gallardo good looking out bro

[@shokichi__s7420]

Zach Gallardo what if you put the drive train on the left side

[@nicholaspetersen8579]

Hairspray trick is an ace tip. An additional tip is to drop a nickel in the end of each grip for bar-end reinforcement. Works great.

[@psychoaiko666]

ShoVlogs that would be absolutely no problem. I've done that on my Bianchi. However, you CAN'T use a freewheel, pedaling forward you'll pedal into the coast... Unless you want to ride backwards all the time 😁

[@stevies.201]

hey, Zach! long time watcher, first time commenter. really curious, what do you think of the Throne Phantom 2019? I'm looking to get back in the saddle with an aluminum complete and have narrowed it down to two beginners: Aventon Cordoba complete and the Throne Phantom 2019 complete. I've found a decent amount of info on Aventon, but not much on Throne. thoughts, please? thanks for the great content, brov. much peace.

[@femmy5400]

Wabi, please let Zach keep this beauty.

[@aidanjones5509]

Femmy this comment aged well, considering today’s video, haha!

[@henrya1347]

Aidan Jones what video are you talking about?

[@TheDrWhac]

Coming from a professional bike tech, that was an excellent video. I wouldn't change a thing. Even the little details like loading the headset so that the spacers don't spin. I might only add to anyone building their bike, make sure the nose of your saddle is level with the ground before riding. Cheers!

[@the.communist]

Kevin 😪

[@davidduganne5939]

Well, in a literal sense, this video is about how to "assemble" a bike. Building a bike to me implies frame prep (chasing threads, head tube prep), and actually having to select proper size components (spindle length and type) etc. It also involves pressing in headset races if required. If any carbon components are to be installed, a torque wrench is mandatory; should be used on all assembly anyway as a good practice. Wanking on an Allen key to tighten a crankbolt will not be adequate.

[@griffcoleman]

Robert Trageser agreed. I never understood why anyone would say there’s a correct position for saddles. It’s like telling someone to set their recline to a certain angle in their car! I like having my saddles nose down a tiny bit.

[@geoffersmaher]

I'm a bike mechanic of 15 years and this guy is an idiot

[@Zenek143]

zach gallardo the best source for anything fixed and also the man who uses a tree as a work stand and can fit tyres without a Tyre lever . you sir are a god

[@markdichiara3250]

Thanks for showing people the easy step at a time way to mount tires on rims as opposed to the gorilla method of trying to wrestle the entire thing in one step. And I loved learning a new rule of thumb on the headset tension. Great job.

[@shepherd76]

I would only add that I uses soap around the tire. It makes it slip on the rim real easy and it pops into the clinchers every time.

[@TheKeithbruce]

Finally .. New Colors .. And what a GREAT color it is .. thank you wabi

[@BlaxKid22]

I like when you show clips of you riding your bike with the music in the background, it’s cool.

[@Sir_Arlin]

I would Like to point out you should ALWAYS GREASE YOUR HEADSET BEARINGS BEFORE INSTALLING THE FORK ONTO THE BIKE.

[@ZachGallardo]

Agreed. We cut out that footage for time, but we should've kept it in.

[@TheBalls2thewalls]

What are the headset bearings? Taking in bunch of tips before i build my 1st bike for next summer.

[@finnatwood7240]

@@TheBalls2thewalls they are what go in the headset cups

[@ayoCanada0921]

I like the look of these bikes, Hope they keep the supply forever

[@limitless1692]

Using a tree 🌲 as a stand is a cool idea 😎

[@blackfox1514]

Lol how to end a Saturday watching your videos and have the a.c on full blast

[@Crazybird920]

Iso alcohol is also great for the handlebar rubbers, get it for $0.99 at the drugstore

[@daverinker1234]

I’m not sure why. But rewatching this here and there, makes me want to find the next person who needs it. Great walkthrough.

[@JC-yy1by]

I really like how your always excited about unboxing and building a new bike despite building many bikes

[@GT6SuzukaTimeTrials]

I paid under $1,000 shipped for my Wabi Urban complete bike in Electric Green with black Sub-15 wheels and black chain. The guys at Wabi are amazing. They put the front brake lever on the right-hand side of the bar for me since I also ride a motorcycle which is where the front brake is. The only thing I changed was the stem height and seat. I removed all the washers and the bike looks better and is more comfortable to ride. A wider/taller bar setup may be in the future, as well as an upgraded crankset. I love Wabi.

[@MattePurple1]

Hell yeah, dude. This was a quality video. Enjoyable and informative.

[@williamlucas7600]

Yo Zack, you can find work clamps for $60-70 and then you can attach that to your tree, or make a stand for it out of wood or piping, its cheap and definitely worth it.

[@jewellmaster4746]

Or just order a decent repair stand. I have a Feedback pro- elite repair stand. I do my own builds, and most of my own repairs and maintenance. It would suck without a repair stand lol

[@Albanez39]

Great editing when you ride the bike.

[@dannycore5359]

I scored a wabi special with really low miles for $390 on craigslist. super happy with it!

[@CM-hb9ob]

Danny Core NOICE

[@johnbravodemicoli1456]

Holy hell dassadeal.

[@bluetickhound16]

Love my Wabi! The sub 1500 wheelset really makes it a hotrod. So far, the only thing I’ve upgraded was the saddle. Got a Brooks Pro.

[@MattSezer]

Which will offset the weight savings from the Sub 1500 wheelset! To be fair, although not a Wabi, I did the same thing with my bike; being comfortable is worth the extra 300 grams, unless you're doing short races on a velodrome.

[@bluetickhound16]

Matt Sezer, Ha!! I’ll never be a threat to appear on any racetrack... too old for one thing and I think the fastest downhill speed I ever recorded was like 35 mph but in all seriousness, I really love the responsiveness of the sub-1500 set. The Wabi is already plenty light enough for me and so far I haven’t felt any need or urge to upgrade any other components.

[@MattSezer]

Yes, the feeling you get from light wheels often outweighs the actual performance benefits you get. I've actually raced on a Brooks saddle, and I know for a fact that the extra 200-300 grams had nothing to do with me being decimated by much stronger riders than me.

[@griffincui]

As a mechanic, I would use anti-seize on threads or bolts, NOT grease! I recommend green or blue thread-lock for bolts that need to be secured.

[@SonikJesus]

Can you list all the tools and materials you’ll need when building the bike like grease and wrenches?

[@ayoCanada0921]

Everwhere I go I take a picture of my bike like that 😂

[@claysullivan5347]

Brave man building a bike with those clean pants on...

[@nguyenvanduc2512]

I built my fixie from spare parts, i thought it was the way to go

[@BikeItUK]

Nice video, great Fixed gear bike! All the best Andy

[@jamiebanks3966]

That handle bar grip tip is 💯

[@stevenn6722]

This is great, thanks zack

[@XifalizE]

I've been so torn between getting the special or an EAI Godzilla. This video has made those lugs undeniable. 😭

[@jewellmaster4746]

I just ordered an EAI/Toyo Godzilla. The last red one Retrogression had in my size. I am sooo excited! It just shipped and is supposed to arrive Thursday the 12th. I am writing this comment on October 8th, 2019. This video was made last year. I am building it myself, except for installing the headset. I really don't like Wabi bikes. Just not my style. They are great bikes though. To each their own.

[@realkilju]

1270$ i thought it was about 500$

[@EdwinWalkerProfile]

It "won't break the bank".

[@HagakureJunkie]

Cheap Bikes aren't good and good bikes aren't cheap. I thought my $200 walmart bike was okay until I bought a $1000 road bike fitted to me and it's a completely different experience.

[@trelane751]

@@HagakureJunkie we are talking about a fixie though. Anything you learned about road biking is lost in fixed riding. You could build a real good fixie for 600

[@MrKushinator420]

I got my specialized bike for 500. It's actually really nice, aluminum tho.

[@warfighter-rango8180]

@@MrKushinator420 I've build my throne track lord for around 800 and it has alot of carbon fiber parts with unknown carbon rims

[@PoeCompany]

Nice vid. Eventually some years from now I’ll get down to building my dream bike. This was good to watch

[@mrmshifan]

Looks very minimalistic.

[@BluW13]

Wow, awesome. I like this fixed bike a lot. Thank You.

[@jakobsanktes6090]

Pretty amazing video Zach. I would have loved to have this kind of video when I started building fixed gear bikes. Only things you might add is to remind people to lube the chain (although it should be common sense) and link to your chain tension guide.

[@henrymoreno4388]

this was a great video Zach but it'll be real nice if you did a conversion build taking a geared bike or mountain bike and converting them to a really nice fixed geared bike.

[@moviepedro]

please no...you won't get a "really nice fixed geared bike" out of a conversion

[@psychoaiko666]

Peter Staubs you're wrong. In Europe we do a lot of conversions, because we have a shitload of dirtcheap old steel roadbikes and they turn out really nice. Yeah, it might be a little bit harder to get a straight chainline, but if you have the basic math skills of an 8yo it shouldn't be too much of a problem. So, all in all if you want to show of your bikebuilding skills, do a conversion. 💪

[@OfficialyDitched]

This guy really helped me so much thank you❤

[@HardcountsAdventures]

On the grips isopropyl alcohol works like hairspray and might be a cheaper option

[@alternator7893]

I've always prefered mtb's, so when all this fixie stuff started i decided to buy a fixie looking mtb and changed the seat, handle bars, gears, removed the derailer, brakes and painted it a nice dark red color, it turned out great, it has a nice fixie vibe but still keeps the big knobby tyres

[@markjthomson]

Nice to see Wabi accepted you back... I mean last time you had to enter witness protection...

[@emilywelsch7764]

So excited to see you with a Wabi, Zach! I LOVE my Wabi! Lightweight, sleek design, and an amazing ride. I have their single speed road bike with a freewheel, because I like to coast and I like my knees. It's the best bike I've ever owned and I like that I can buy individual components from them if I ever need/want to change anything. I get compliments on my Wabi on nearly daily basis. Damn, and now I want a yellow one...

[@ericcornell3243]

installing bb, pressing headset and cutting fork were like my favorite parts of building a bike myself. they are definitely more technical but totally doable. made my own headset press and just went slowly. used the nashbar fork cutter. for 15 buck.

[@bluesimon13ify]

Nice build, I'm glad you liked it as much as you did, I may have to get one for myself 😀

[@nanaofthefaintsmile]

Hell yeah, this video is awesome. Learned quite a bit. Keep it up, Zack.

[@adaircastillo4241]

Hopefully you get to keep the bike , seems like a beauty

[@richardking3681]

I love my Wabi, bought after hearing your recommendation.... another great vid, Zach!!

[@freedomformen2548]

I have a brompton single speed and it rides great ❤

[@Quickhand]

Great video, Zach, keep doin you. Just one little thing: I hate to be that guy, buuut…Um, aaactually, you can install pretty much any headset (or at least any external cup headset) with a safety hammer. Just cushion the blows with a plank of soft wood and you'll be fine. Edit: It would also be a good idea to use some framesaver or equivalent.

[@se7ensnakes]

for two months I have been thinking between the WABI CLASSIC PRO and the WABI LIGHTNING. I like vintage bike but I still cannot decide. It will be my daily rider

[@brettscott3067]

Great video and a nice looking bike. One suggestion I have is to pump a little air into the tube just before putting it in the tire. Not too much, just enough to give it a little bit of form. It stays up in the mold better and you don't have an issue with the tube between the tire and rim when you're ready to pump it up. Just my two cents.

[@timeslowingdown]

What? He did that... go to 5:32

[@brettscott3067]

The Lazy Logician Thanks. You’re right. I must have missed that.

[@scheerlon]

that fork installation is a LOT easier, than mine will be.

[@curtis12345ize]

PRETTY DANG IMPRESSIVE !!!!!!!

[@grim4954]

Bike building can be so fun and so frustrating. Your going to need to get some tools to cute pipe, wire 4 5 6 7 8 and 9 alen key set, wrench 15mil, tire leavers 6 pairs you will brake them trust me you will. And a floor pump. For extra items. Bandaids first aid cream and first aid tape and a friend to keep you from going insane.

[@SchmityFPV]

Not hating at all but I figured this was a bike that was under $200 😂 Jaw Dropped when I heard that price.

[@topherpie]

one of my favourite of your videos to watch by far probably because it teaches me things but mainly its fun watch Life is short, don't make it shorter

[@limbolegs]

Building up a bike for the first time and I really want that wheelset. I’ve heard nothing but good things about them.

[@bobsturgis4674]

Zach as all ways Great Video,even though i don!t ride fixie.We can all ways learn something from watching others.I noticed while you where standing over the bike,it looked to big for you.But you know what works for you.Be safe on the road.:}

[@cocomaster3755]

I'm getting THREE, WHOLE trucks. For under the price the that whole BIKE! "Won't break the bank" my ass.

[@ZOB4]

I’m not sold on gatorskins as an upgrade - they’re both heavy and stiff. GP 4000 IIs would be an upgrade, Gators are for winter riding when you want something to take a beating (and don’t care about grip) and even then, GP 4 Seasons would be a better choice for about $5 more per tire. You’ll get better grip and feel, and similar durability.

[@lena19191]

Great review , as Zach was building this bike I could see it wasn’t a cheap n nasty bike , looks pretty good quality.

[@motoshedman]

Do you know what that little notch on the chainwheel is? It tells you position you need to put the chainwheel to a crank. That notch goes the same way with the crankarm.

[@psychoaiko666]

Well, that's it. Zach has completed his transformation to the dark side. He has become a sith lord of the cult of wabi.

[@ZachGallardo]

Buy Wabi.

[@psychoaiko666]

Yes, my lord

[@emmanuelh.f.8348]

Nice bicycle! I also love lugs :D

[@SteelTownRunner]

Can you make a video on centering / trueing wheels (and fork / handlebars / breakpads) when assembling and maintaining a bike?

[@Hoshiの]

love your videos, now im into fixie bikes

[@danieldulay1970]

I wish i had a bike like wabi's

[@xbexbe]

I've got a Wabi Urban and it's AMAZING.

[@rudolfnavaro]

hey zach and guys, ive been a fixed bike rider for about 6 months now and i gotta say compared to all the other bikes ive seen, mine is close to bad. sometimes when i go downhill really fast or even just gain speed on a long stretch, my chain just falls off, or unlinks, and im there just contemplating what to do. im really new to this and i just need tips on what i should know, what i need to upgrade and how to maintain a good fixed bike. also, ive been really enjoying your vids, earned a sub :).

[@timeslowingdown]

Chain tension too loose to begin with and/or wheel bolts slipping? And if your chain comes unlinked while riding you should probably get a new chain.

[@Crazybird920]

I second Lazy, also check to see if your cog or chaining have pointy teeth (worn out) or are bent. Measure the chain; 12 links should be exactly 12 inches or it's stretched. Watch a video on chain fixed gear chain tension. I love you zach. Zach doesn't have a good video on this.

[@misternobody4644]

Don't forget to give the tree a reacharound.

[@KOROKIK]

This was Awesome ☺️❤️👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@SeargentFirestone]

Too bad they don't distribute to Germany. That frame is sooo nice!

[@YeahSureNoWorries]

Awesome video and such a nice colour. Thanks and you should do these build videos more.

[@ZachGallardo]

I'll certainly try 😁

[@andrewhildner]

Love your vids! Wondering if you could do entry level videos on what to consider and how to shop for each component, wheels, frame, gearset, etc.

[@williamparker2922]

Great video man!

[@cybertyto]

Only thing i'd do differently as a mechanic is let the loctite dry before threading in your bolts (where they apply) makes life easier for whoever your mechanic is to make repairs (even you) and it is just as effective at keeping bolts in place

[@dreamingdust7667]

Sir..that s a beauty..great video, colour,light bike..but i prefer a longer handlebar ..i am human not an ant.

[@barnabaas79]

Man I just got my first wabi and the lettering on my chainring isn't lined up with my crank arm and after seeing this it now it drives me crazy!

[@whygoogle5051]

Instead of hairspray, use rubbing alcohol. It isn't sticky, so you'll actually have an easier time removing the grips, if necessary.

[@JollyDMoss9297]

tbh i prefer a seat well stuck so nobody steal my seat( already happen) and there is always a way to get it out

[@upperccutt]

cool I like fixing up old bikes and new ones I love bikes ,I'm a bike addict ,love your video

[@greengonzonz]

Wow, I barely recognize you without the glasses. Awesome vid. It is the best feeling assembling a new bike. But, it is better when you've selected each component yourself. 💙

[@simondr70]

Things you gotta make sure when ordering a Wabi 1- the welds , ask that they get the one in the batch with the nicest welds 2- seatpost retention bolts some framesets were delivered without one 3- COLOR OF THE HEADSET SILVER OR BLACK , indicate in the message box when ordering what color you want the headset or else they will send you a silver one automatically . No they do not swap or re-imburse your money but they will gladly sell you an extra one ..

[@fpsninja1]

Hi Zach. After watching your videos I literally have just brought my first fixie (I haven't really cycled for over 9 years). I brought a cheapo muddyfox fixie (I live in UK and I'm on a bit of a budget, wanted a bike I wouldn't worry too much about breaking) and went on an 8 mile cycle. I'm riding single speed at the moment (haven't had the confidence to go fixed yet). Just wanted to say thanks for making me aware about what fixie is about. I was otherwise going to get a mountain bike (whoch I find fall apart due to the gears all the time when dropped etc). Will let you know how it all goes! I plan to ride once a week for the time being

[@ZachGallardo]

Awesome to hear that. Keep riding and crushing those miles out there 👊

[@davis8045]

Dude!!!! You forgot to grease the Head set

[@fu0psmn638]

There are other stands, not only parktool, I have a 25$ bike stand and its perfect for building a bike or doing something on it.

[@Soundafek]

Nice bike don't like the handlebars but that's not an issue, can't go wrong with Wabi Cycles..

[@rallyzamora8356]

Good job and nice bike!

[@Rigoosh]

More videos like this, please

[@primal5435]

The Chainring should be installed with the little "notch" behind the arm, to prevent the chain from getting stuck there in case of it falling off ;p But if you prefer the logo up top, I guess you could do that too ;)

[@MattSezer]

I'd be curious to see how the Wabi Retro rides as far as the geometry compared to the vintage track bikes that its style imitates. At least in theory, it seems to be a good mix of the classic look and geometry that would suit regular riding conditions. I love my late-80s track bike and as far as weight and materials (full Columbus SL with chrome lugs) it's similar if not better than the Wabi Retro. However, it's got a lot of toe-overlap and will only barely fit 23c tires.

[@pineboy13]

Wabi goes to 32👍

[@johnmcclain3887]

You are making me feel terrible!! I'm putting a "Viscount" frame with a tange fork, 23 inch, with some actual retro "Campi wheels, Gipieme crank, and a set of bars to be determined, my own made stem of 6061 T6, and some kind of flat bars. The frame doesn't have lugs. Otherwise it should be okay, it's from 77. Thanks for a good "build video" of a very nice looking, riding bike.

[@jonmule-ko4qp]

New to bikes and your videos are great. What is "lugged"?

[@johnmcclain3887]

Cheap frames are welded seam "tubing", welded together, heavy bikes are real "tube" no seams, welded together, rather heavy, 20 kilo bikes, a "lugged frame" is lightweight tubing, either "straight gauge, same wall thickness end to end, or "butted", walls thinner in the center, thick at the ends, for weight savings, with "lugs", fittings slip over each tube, a connector, and tubes brazed together, lower temperature, stronger joint, the "lugs" visible "over the tube ends" at each joint. Welding alters the grain structure of the metal, needing thick, to remain sound. Brazing is much lower temperature, gets its strength from the large area of "brazing connection", the area of tube mating to lugs, to tube, making it light, flexible, but resilient. They are entirely on "steel frame bikes", new technology "obsoletes them" except to those who prefer the "road feel" that only a good, light steel frame can deliver. I'm back in after almost fifty years, because a good bike just feels like it can fly. I hope you get the full pleasure of riding.

[@theonlymike]

Hi Zach, really enjoy watching your vids. This wabi build was great but I have a slightly off topic question - do you only ride fixed or do you sometimes venture off road with a normal mountain bike or hit the roads with a conventional race type bike

[@tituskho]

Which model should I go for? Wabi special or Wabi Lightning?

[@josephchoipiano]

I've heard putting on the tire entirely (after putting in the tube) from the valve and moving away from it is supposed to make it easier for those stubborn road tires... Your thoughts?

[@josephckennedy]

I’ve read the comments so I’ll just say this… a little more detail would have helped a lot more!

[@MatthewMenze]

You can make a headset press that functions better (in some ways) than a professional headset press out of threaded rod and a stack of large washers. Pro headset presses work wonderful, but are made to work quickly. The threaded rod DIY press will have much finer threads and require two wrenches to use, but also provides much more control due to it's slower operation when pressing down.

[@ultimaetsolder]

Great video

[@xyzDonaldxyz]

What make/model is the bag that Zach is carrying on his shoulder in the video? It looks cool and I have to get one of them for myself.

[@ZachGallardo]

It's a BLCKCHRM Citizen Messenger. I think it was a limited run, so they've gone up in price: ebay.to/2M4fMek (affiliate)

[@guillermopinon1848]

Hey Zach, what's your opinion on fixie conversions from older road bikes?

[@fmc6338]

Nice ride!!!