Cheap Gravel Bike Build - 89 Panasonic MC 5500

This is my attempt converting an 80's mountain bike and convert it into a gravel bike.
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ES_You Can Take Me High - by Candelion

[@decentdad1160]

Old Shovel, I feel like I am looking into my future when I watch your videos. I am 25, with a 2 year old daughter and I love to restore old bikes people have thrown away. Breathing new life into something that was once beautiful but now discarded brings me so much joy. Thank you for sharing your passion with us. One day I hope teach my daughter how to restore bikes and give old things new life. Keep up the great work, we are all cheering for you.

[@oldshovel]

Awesome

[@kitpulmones2114]

Same here! Im also 25 with a 2 month old daughter whom I hope to imbibe my passion and enthusiasm in restoring old bikes and other old things up and running. Wishing the best for everyone! Cheers!

[@marekskuza7916]

@@kitpulmones2114 Guys, i am 45, i have 2 daughters, i also thought to share my passion to bikes with them. My advise to you - better start to work on a boys ☺️. Old shovel super great work. Thank you for inspiration.

[@kitpulmones2114]

@@marekskuza7916 Hahahaha! Thanks for the advice. Maybe some time into the future.

[@joselitobrigante]

It's great to know there's people like you guys. In modern society people get rid of things that are still in good condition in order to get the latest and newest thing. I am into restoring bikes too. Turning the abandoned and neglected bikes into electric hybrids. Greatings from Geneva, Switzerland.

[@parktool]

Very nice! Those older Panasonics are great riding bikes. Really like the font as well. Cheers!

[@oldshovel]

Thanks 🙏. It’s an awesome, and light old bike and the ride is supple. Thanks for watching. 🙌

[@newttella1043]

Hey Park Tool, this guy is giving new life to your old tools.

[@Sci_Fi_Up_High]

@@oldshovel 1

[@reynoldeuler9802]

Hey Park Tool, I only buy your tools since I discovered your awesome videos!

[@guix7368]

Mr Jones is watching you!😮💪❤

[@lassemaja8382]

Old steel MTB have such great beautiful frames. 👍🏻

[@AydinProductionsLtd]

All those old bikes are exactly what they are recreating these days as new Gravel bikes. Nice to see old bikes revived into this.

[@gergoolle5773]

This almost created tears in my eyes. This is the kinda bike I started on. Just not panasonic, it was k2. The same groupsets, the same geometry...everything.

[@oldshovel]

Awesome

[@rosbifle413]

Tears? Do you have a personality disorder maybe?

[@gergoolle5773]

@@rosbifle413 Ofc, both sides

[@kanosaunders]

Ha, gayyy!

[@joshuabrown9398]

Is a k2 a british eagle bike? I just picked up a British eagle k1 and it looks so similar.

[@nawaal4452]

Your work = therapy. I swear, it's like art. You bring old things back to life, better than ever. If I was anywhere near you, I'd totally volunteer to be your apprentice. Lol! Not like you need one

[@oldshovel]

Lol 😂 thanks

[@reapanomin899]

My new instinct: I see a Oldshovel vid,I click.Nothing but pure enjoyment and an unreal calm out of his videos.

[@oldshovel]

Awesome thanks 🙏

[@DragonBornish]

I really appreciate that you put the "before" picture in the thumbnail instead of the "after". It made the video a nice and relaxing journey, instead of just wanting to see the finished product. It's almost like watching Bob Ross paint happy little trees 😉

[@benm.viraa.5521]

I don't get it why u aren't trending hard, with all this restoration and o.g builds!! Dang it.

[@theworldsokayestmichigande851]

There is just something so satisfying about repacking bearings. The smoothness of the rebuild and making something work like new again is so amazing

[@scottsprojects658]

I love that you kept the original paint! That color is amazing!

[@oldshovel]

Agreed.

[@andrew8213]

The editing is generously informative but not tedious or condescending. thank you

[@flintyman.]

Awesome. Had an old Panasonic that was stolen while I was at work. It was my first real bike that I actually used to explore, to commute, it was a really versatile bike. It sparked my passion for bikes and to this day I still commute by bike only. Great to see this today! Awesome build.

[@oldshovel]

Thanks. Bummer on the stolen bike. I’ve had two stolen in my life and it sucks.

[@cjvilleneuve1566]

I'm probably not the first to tell you that but you are my highest exemple/standard as to what a bike builder and mechanic should be , your work is beyond outstanding !! thank you to show us how it should be done sir.

[@gregkellow4723]

It's good to see 3x's still have a place. Everyone seems to be going to 1x. I personally like gear choices that 2x and 3x provide on my bikes. Thanks for another great build. Love your content. Thank you for sharing.

[@northernairmtb4183]

1 buy drivetrains are where it is at, and I'm so happy no looking back.

[@oldshovel]

I like both. On a gravel bike it’s nice to have the option of a bigger front chainring. On the longer flats of my ride I was in the big ring (48 T up front) and 11 in the back and was flying fast. I could not have done that with a 1x as there is no way I would have done a 48T ring up front with a 1x. I would need like a 11-60 in the back 😁 to give me the needed climbing gears.

[@kevinjfeeney77]

I'd consider trying out a 1x, but I think I like 2x at minimum

[@PAExploration]

1x is okay, but I still like my old 3x, it’s less finicky; my 1x skips if you move the bike backward, but my 3x doesn’t, it just seems more robust

[@gregkellow4723]

Yeah, here in Northeast Pennsylvania we have hilly terrain that require low low ranges for going up and good high gears for getting speed downhill (and everything in between). I just like the range choices of a 3x or at minimum a 2x. AND I also believe 1x has a place, but its just not for me.

[@steventharalson]

I long for the day that oldshovel works his magic on a 90's era steel road bike. Another brilliant build. Keep it up.

[@oldshovel]

When I find a good one.

[@DanielLenaghan]

just change the tires, boom! insta roadie

[@pepperroni6252]

I've stumbled upon your channel and it's so soothing watching you convert a bike and talk about the process.

[@JimmyB463DP]

I was so glad you lopped off the top of that headset converter. I’ve seen those on bikes before. And they always look goofy to me with all that extension sticking up like a fence post! You did it right in my opinion ✅ Nice build!!

[@oldshovel]

Thanks

[@stuartbell1398]

Love this project as I did pretty much the same thing about 3 yrs ago to an old Raleigh 4130 chromoly Pioneer and it has turned it into a truly awesome bike that has by now been absolutely everywhere with me, and I will never part with it. Went with 1x11 SRAM Apex group set, carbon bars and seat post with Shwable land cruisers (as I often have to use it on road) on a pair of DT Swiss rims. Only wish I had kept the old center pull V brakes, but the alloy was looking too tired -24 yrs old. Had no idea that you can get a threadless head set conversation kit, so that's going in the shopping basket soon as the only downside to this bike is the original road headset which is a bit vunerable. So thanks Old Shovel for the heads - up with this and let's keep these fantastic old bikes rolling.

[@oldshovel]

Sounds awesome

[@mk3gtivr61]

I've built a few odd bikes and was doing some research and stumbled across your channel recently. This is one of my favorite channels in all of the internet.

[@vpcogworks]

Another minty fresh, and absolutely astonishing build. Hands down you've grown to be my favourite bike-related content creator in the past few months. Thank you for your work!

[@oldshovel]

Thanks 🙏

[@lord8139]

It makes me so jealous at how easy it is for you to do these restorations. Wish I had your knowledge and tools 🧰

[@lucm70]

Thank you for the great and much needed intertainment during these hard times. Stay safe everyone ! 👍

[@oldshovel]

Thanks

[@emmettroche313]

This vid inspired me to do the same to a Raleigh nitro vintage mountain bike I bought on the cheap for €20. Now my favourite bike to ride because it feels self made. Thanks!

[@nathanexplosion743]

So glad you kept the gorgeous purple

[@tonyturley5942]

You sir, are a craftsman. I enjoy watching your builds. I built a fat bike from an old Mongoose frame a few years ago. I didn't have any idea what I was doing when I started, paid too much for some of the parts, but got a lot of great rides through our forests in every season of the year before passing it on to a friend recently. I'm currently looking for a frame to use as a basis for a single speed. I'm wanting something that will comfortably handle 2.2" tires. Guess I need to start cruising yard sales. Prices on eBay for old Kona, Ritchey, Raleigh, and Gary Fisher frames are off the charts. I live near a city that is much smaller than SLC, so we don't have anything like a bike collective.

[@ronwhite8503]

Old, steel mtb's have always been the original gravel bike; my Cinder Cone has been slammed, drop barred and is now more of a Dutch style cruiser. These old steelies can do it all.

[@oldshovel]

And they’ll last forever.

[@nunyabizness690]

What does slammed mean

[@VyantQuijt]

@@nunyabizness690 when the handlebar stem is right on top of the head tube, so little to no space between the frame and the stem.

[@bozstitch]

I have a tourer with a Shimano Exage 500LX groupset. I bought it in 1991 and the rear derailleur changes gear so smoothly to this day. Beautiful piece of kit!

[@fayegallosa3369]

I've been watching your videos for days now and it inspired me to keep some of the good part of my dads old bike and not to replace everything. Thank you for your content 😊

[@NaniJapaneseForWhat]

He's inspired me to keep parts too Even more so that I'll just keep the rust

[@oldshovel]

Awesome thanks 🙏

[@brandonmoore263]

Dropper seat post and line pull v brakes and that bike would be set. It’s super sweet to see drop bars Mountain bikes getting some love

[@marciooki5820]

This video make me feel so good! The bicycle looks amazing and the song fits perfectly Thanks for sharing

[@ignacionarganes5039]

I usually don't comment on these videos, but that's one beautiful build. Congrats!

[@vojvoda9060]

No comment!!!BEAUTIFUL ❤❤❤turn this old bike in young mtb.....gravel bike....💪💪.

[@littletinyegg]

Just bought this same exact bike for $50 at a garage sale. I think I'm gonna turn it into a touring bike! Thanks for the video :)

[@antoinedoinell]

Loving this. Only things I'd change are the brake pads to Kool stops and I would have gone for a Nitto MT quill stem just to try to keep a little more period. Either way awesome to see! Cheers

[@fiqriazzi9544]

Hohoho.. finally! you made gravel bikes from old school mountain bikes. Very nice bike! Mr. Oldshovel, and very cool your journey with your bike. thank you, you make me inspired

[@seanmadill283]

I like the Panasonic logo , that's a cool old frame. Man, the crankset cleaned up like new. Neat build ,thanks old shovel

[@oldshovel]

Thanks

[@fryreartechnology7611]

I have a tough book laptop made by them. Amazing how some company’s make more then you know. Awesome build very relaxing.

[@jhomarjosemondana435]

Exactly the same build that i'll do to my grandpap's bike. This restoration build the best. ❤️

[@jhomarjosemondana435]

And btw sir, where did you bought that threadless stem adapter?

[@jhomarjosemondana435]

That threadless adapter is abut rare and i cant find those here in our country

[@oldshovel]

I got the parts off Amazon. They are linked in the description.

[@marcocabral4838]

Old shovel....man oh man...you did it again!!! I love this bike! I commented the first time I saw you build your Kona and this is exactly what I was talking about was the bike I built like this one. These are such awesome bikes! My makeshift gravel/adventure/monster cross whatever you want to call it has very quickly become my favorite bike to ride as you’ll probably find out yourself soon enough. Keep up the good work! All your videos are awesome.

[@FrankLadd]

Love how you saved the Biopace sticker! I had a dual shock squishy bike my Son got for next to nothing from the bike shoe where he worked and I traded it for an old school no shock mountain bike. The Biopace was great for crankin, but the dual shock just worked when you cranked, it didn't go. I've since avoided any shocks on a bike except for the occasional sprung saddle. Great video!

[@betotrono]

That frame is an absolute gem. Very cool.

[@Lububrn]

I love this build. I have an 89 Diamondback Apex that I have stripped down ready to paint and rebuild. I think I will do exactly what you did to this Panasonic. I have all of the parts already. Thanks for the inspiration keep up the good work.

[@oldshovel]

Awesome thanks

[@callcenterguy1975]

I actually had the same mountin lx set way back on my 1st MTB. But my chainring is a lot more oval. Love this video. Took me way back, when I 1st got an MTB during the early 90's. John Tomac was a huge name during that time. Kudos!

[@matiasvota6899]

Such a great built! I think You should build a fixie in a Next video

[@ashleyhall5312]

Your attention to detail is superb !! Bravo once again Old Shovel !!

[@oldshovel]

Thanks

[@raphaelangehrn2435]

I had a Panasonic such as this one. I loved it, but obviously I've been too young to realize that it's never gonna come back when I throw it away because I got a better bicycle... Loved the video, thank you!

[@brianbaldino3496]

The old Deore LX 1989-1993 are really the best performing components I've come by. Even lighter than the XT of the era too. They are true classics and Outspin high performance bikes with the cartridge bearings.

[@oldshovel]

It is smooth

[@mojojojo6852]

Just stumbled upon your channel and this video and others, they're just gold.. Thanks for making these, thanks for building these bikes. Very enjoyable. And: You're a famose narrator.

[@MeneerHerculePoirot]

Panasonic, Fugi, Shogun, Myata, Univega, etc. were all great brands during the 'bike boom' days. A Panasonic DX2000 was what I chose to rebuild. I built a 1x7 commuter with rack, bags, mudguards, lights, etc. It was a very dependable, low maintenance workhorse. Also, a Fuji Del Rey fg conversion. Loved that bike. Had to.let them go when I moved to New Zealand. 5 years and I still miss that fg.

[@paulsimmons5726]

Great work, I love seeing old things getting a second chance. Thanks for sharing.

[@oldshovel]

Thanks

[@kevinthomson6324]

There’s a early 90’s Bianchi hybrid for sale locally. Very tempted to pick it up and do a gravel conversion. Just doing some research on what I’m about to take on. Thank you for posting your project/restoration

[@bitterick]

i really enjoyed the pace of the edits. allowed me to get thru the process of rebuild more timely

[@Pillokun]

You are so right in saying that gravel bikes are pretty much old MTB. I took and compared my old steel mtb frame to a new gravel bike frame.. And guess what, measurement and angles are very close. Good way for manufacturers to earn some money on old designs :D

[@thepassionofthegoose5472]

They're basically early 90's cross/touring bikes rebranded for a new generation. In 1998 my Surly Crosscheck had 44's, an XT groupo and was ridden most place I took my Bontrager Race Lite. 2020 needs to go home because it's drunk. Stay well.

[@jb-il3vh]

They still weigh em out close to 20+ lbs, so looks like they are going forward moving back.

[@NaniJapaneseForWhat]

Hey Oldshovel This might sound weird, but can you do bed time stories You're voice is so calm and relaxing.

[@TheSmartCat1]

Not so weird... :)

[@reapanomin899]

Actually,your statement sounds more realistic than it is weird.And then,we have to add the ambient BGM.That's the perfect setup.

[@oldshovel]

You guys all crack me up. 😂 when my kids were small I did do bedtime stories often.

[@bmi1965]

Truth...

[@rsimps14]

So I guess I'm the only one watching this before bed 😂😂

[@abhiseksaha3221]

What a great build. Really surprised to see the end result!!

[@oldshovel]

Awesome thanks

[@kevinjfeeney77]

I did a drop bar conversion on an old mtb... 1993 Nishiki Pueblo. I kept it 26er, swapped FD for a roadie..and went with MicroNEW 3x7 brifters. Installed Shimano PD-M520s. It's purple like yours!

[@oldshovel]

Awesome 👏

[@kevinjfeeney77]

@@oldshovel thanks! I'd still like to compare to a 700x40 tire equipped bike...I get tired quite fast on the purple monster, not sure if it's lack of saddle time or something else. I ride 2 other bikes more...both 700c.

[@Sooperhans3636]

A man after my own heart. Just like that, you have a Crust bike at a fraction of the cost 😁

[@sethheijermans3605]

Dude, your bikes/builds/videos just keep getting better and better! Awesome bike, great OE paint/color, very nice job! 👍

[@oldshovel]

Thanks

[@jhomarjosemondana435]

This would be the best reference for my gravel bike build next year 😊 thanks old shovel for sharing your builds 😊

[@БЕШЕНЫЙКАЧ]

I like that the stem is pointing up, the handlebars are down, and the duals are at 45'! Are you a giant crab man?)))

[@samcurtis8206]

Inspirational build and beautiful scenery to ride in. What more do you need.

[@londonpickering8675]

So engrossed with the build I neglected my coffee. I guess its iced coffee time now. Thanks for posting.

[@davidwhocares3293]

Wow, what a sharp looking steed and a gorgeous top notch restoration ! I Really liked this one !!

[@davec6087]

Nice way to reinvigorate an old school steel MTB frame. I recently picked up a 94 Fisher Hoo Hoo E Koo and am considering drop bars. That was cool thing to do back in the 80's. Though "Brifters" were not around yet and we used Suntour Bar Cons. Those old steel 26ers still have a place in bicycling. Thank you for your excellent productions, both in terms of bikes and video quality.

[@carravagio16]

when i was a teen in the mid 90's my neighbor had a red Panasonic and he would do these jumps and drops that made my teen jaw drop, its funny now to think of Panasonic as a bike company or brand, how so much has changed. thanks for walk down memory lane and a nice build.

[@mattkavanaugh5623]

Nice build! 100% agree about the dropper post. I put one on my Cannondale Slate; a huge upgrade :)

[@SLbushwacker66]

YESS!!! I’ve been waiting for this video!!! I have a single-speed rigid ‘89 Panasonic MC that I painted and built from the ground up, it’s now the bike I grab every time I ride 🤘🏼

[@joelepley9718]

I just picked up a '88 Panasonic MC4500 - love the smooth ride so good

[@greengohm]

What an awesome color!

[@oldshovel]

Agreed.

[@andrewb3920]

Love your channel man. Making the old new again.

[@oldshovel]

Thanks 🙏

[@northernairmtb4183]

Can't wait to see the riding I've been waiting for that, maybe show us some of your mountain bike riding sometime.

[@oldshovel]

Planning on it. I’m trying to figure out how to film, edit and story tell in a way that is on the same level as my build videos. I’m still really new to the filming world and it’s a different skill to record rides; but I am working on it.

[@northernairmtb4183]

@@oldshovel get a GoPro,

[@gradesixrapidsonly8453]

@@oldshovel Seth's Bike Hacks for filming ideas

[@dyslexiksteve2488]

I was just about to bin my old mountain bike but you have changed my mind

[@bobjoncas2814]

...great job of repurposing an old machine into a new concept, good job...keep safe..

[@oldshovel]

Thanks Bob

[@adiraja5939]

I found your channel really awesome and useful, greeting from Padang (Indonesia)🙏🙏🙏

[@chrro466]

Beautiful build and filming. You have motivated me to ressurect my KHS pro 1990 model. Good work thanks heaps 🤙🏼

[@oldshovel]

Awesome

[@AlexdaCunha]

This is my favorite build... by far.. Well done!!! Awesome result

[@ocelot2234]

Another excellent video OldShovel keep up the great work and amazing videos

[@oldshovel]

Thanks

[@NigelSequeira]

this is one of my dream frames, huge panasonic bike fan but here in NY you never see them come up for sale

[@chinosoto5116]

What a beautiful bike

[@oldshovel]

Thanks 🙏

[@MichelOrnek]

Great video again, love what you do with them golden oldies.

[@Codename-B]

An awesome video, as usual. Featuring two things that are not just rare but non-existent here in Argentina; a Panasonic frameset and a threaded to threadless headset adaptor. I would love to see your take on an old track steel bike. Cheers!

[@xavifernandeshhh3426]

I love all that you do, but the way that you talk on every video like it was a deep thought don't like me so much, but what you do with bikes it's fantastic 🙌

[@afiqrauff3769]

Finally a ride time included!!!

[@oldshovel]

😁

[@СергейКлимчук-м6п]

Поддерживаю!;)))

[@jasenhaynes8164]

That’s impressive if you rode that bike up those mountains. Good for you, I know those mountains very well,

[@cjones7854]

Nice, looking to do the same thing with my brothers old mountain bike in the basement. Everything on the forums says to not do it but I have most of the parts already.

[@nicoladigerlando23]

That’s awesome and inspirational!! I have an old mbt I will try to turn into a gravel too!! Ciao from Italy

[@freeelooot8975]

Most would argue that a true gravel build should have a 1x up front, but this is still an amazing build nonetheless. Looks like a blast to ride 👏

[@northernairmtb4183]

I agree.

[@northernairmtb4183]

But considering how often he has builds, on my drive trains are expensive.

[@oldshovel]

I agree. I almost did on this one, a 1x10 with a microshift drivetrain, Cane Creek levers and v-brakes, but I already had the 3x9 brifters and everything else I put on and just could not justify the cost. If I end up liking the ride enough though the change may be in the future.

[@Bikemaddad]

I love your guys videos. I definitely will do this next year

[@beaudanner]

such a good looking frame. Nive work! It's so nice having all what you need right there to get the job done 👍🏼

[@soberisfree9441]

Lovely bike

[@ryandirkse4374]

I loved watching this video. The end result looked amazing. Beautiful bike!!

[@oldshovel]

Thanks

[@sdolman79]

Never knew Panasonic made bikes, nice build, I would have fitted smaller tyres but I would probably be riding on less bumpy backroads.

[@stephenfernald2490]

Great video. I’d forgotten about Biopace chainrings!

[@jonnypiper5378]

Dude I love vids so soothing, relaxing, satisfying .. you deserve more subs

[@oldshovel]

Lol 😂 thanks.

[@robertsmithjr.5839]

What a great video! You are very knowledgeable about bike building and I dig the way it turned out!

[@dominichui8280]

Thank you for the video, a lovely rebuilt to a gravel, bravo!

[@Nexodon]

That purple frame is beautiful! I want one now.

[@selder03]

That BB spins ;better than the expensive ones I see on other "dream builds" Bike frames. They get 4 rotations and come to a dead stop.

[@bartezxc]

Great work! Funtastic project!

[@oldshovel]

Thanks 🙏

[@butlergl]

Very cool. That is a great color on that bike.

[@oldshovel]

Thanks 🙏 l quite like the black on purple also. Thanks for watching.