James May visits Richard Hammond's workshop to get help!

Back in January, James May sought out The Smallest Cog to help with a special project of his - the restoration of a road bicycle. Mike follows the happenings of the day, including Richard, James, Neil and lots of filing of bike frames. If only James still had a classic car to restore...
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[@petew.1418]

It's so nice to see James has finally grown to the age he has always been.

[@Megadriver]

James May was born a middle-aged man. Congratulations Mrs. May! It's a middle-aged man!

[@senna2]

disagree, he still doesn't look anywhere near 250

[@staceyfunk9689]

Very generous to call these gentleman ‘middle-aged’.

[@kabelotshita4510]

A little old lady 😂

[@rimmersbryggeri]

@@kabelotshita4510 Thats Ian Hunter, Elton John and Pete Way from UFO.

[@kurisu313]

James May is a millionaire. The fact that he'd rather tinker around than simply buy a new frame is so true to his personality

[@VihangaDeshan]

That's how you stay a millionaire..

[@STho205]

That's how you stay sane. The Thurston Howell III life is maddening...thus he and Lovey longed for the island after their rescue.

[@ReclusiveEagle]

You can't buy a new 1960s frame

[@samteks125]

@@ReclusiveEagle Maybe you could, but it'd cost you millions 😉

[@RK-zf1jm]

To be honest James Hammond and Clarkson are all multi millionaires and Hammond owns the production company that produces Drivetribe

[@DaveSimkus]

May is the dad or uncle we all wish we had. Such a sincere and charming dude.

[@englishatheart]

Wish he were my dad.

[@jachu1433]

Exactly. My dad liked building, creating and tinkering. Unfortunately he’s passed on, my dad would have loved watching these two (three)

[@theenlightenedone1283]

Well we have him as an uncle luckily on DT

[@littlewigglemonster7691]

He is legit exactly my grandfather just a lot shorter 😂

[@littlewigglemonster7691]

​@@jachu1433 rip

[@maxmattt]

This was filmed in January but James is still there, naming all the spanners.

[@chhavimanichoubey9437]

absolute funny hahhahahah

[@oprose2000]

If the guys had been working with the tools for as long as suggested, all of them have names already, and nearly none of them are able to be broadcast

[@sheerluckholmes5468]

Can't name the 10mm till he finds it.

[@tr1ppy86]

this is Steven , this is Jeffrey....

[@jackmerrick7419]

JAMES! STOP FILING!

[@jima1135]

Their charisma together is unmatched. It is always a real treat to be able to see them interacting.

[@mrade5321]

Just watch them playing chess and getting bladdered 😂

[@bonafidesmooth]

It just warms my heart. The 2 of them are magic

[@madyogi6164]

@@bonafidesmooth Clarksooooooon!

[@RB-ob2nz]

Why am I not surprised at all that James would be able to give a lengthy summary and history as to why a thumbnail is called a thumbnail 😂

[@moogle68]

that was actually very neat to know.

[@YouTube_username.]

fun to see May's automatic professional oldschool tv reaction to thumbnail being too much technical jargon for us in the audience and starts to be flippant then walks that back and waffles on for as long as he wants because its youtube

[@Scott-nu9yw]

i`ll introduce you to my friend & colleage Colin Edley A.K.A Captain Chaos , Tonto , Carling , id say he could give our Captain Slow a run for his money .....

[@raphaellauf7786]

i could listen to james may just talk about random facts and their history

[@Steve-rv1ql]

Hammond, May (and Clarkson) will never be matched let alone bettered. Natural, hilariously funny, unforced and unscripted. Friends with different, complimentary characters. Magic happens when any of them are together.

[@richardmorris7063]

They were quite entertaining.

[@pauliewalnuts240]

Think about this..they're popularity has lasted decades, with most of their fans half of their age, or less. Name another older gentleman that is watched by 15-30+ year olds, all over the world.

[@ripvanwinkle2002]

quite a lot of it is scripted, they've said it more times than i can count.. but the charisma and chemistry IS real and unscripted..

[@jacquesmartin9741]

Beatles of the automotive world! Yes?

[@Neil2022]

Not scripted? Really🤣

[@shaneoz4006]

I know James, Clarkson and Hammond are multi millionaires and have their own lives outside the Grand Tour but I would love an episode of drivetribe with the 3 of them. Their chemistry is out of this world, I could gobble up their content for days on end. Such a remarkable and special trio. I love them all

[@Urothewarrior]

I think they just did this

[@JimboJohnsy]

Wait till you hear about Top Gear

[@arrans1987]

Makes me feel warm inside seeing them together again 🥰

[@unicorntomboy9736]

The pair were/are childhood heros of mine

[@GoldFoilThonk]

I’m surprised May didn’t completely reorganize the spanners

[@DeatGaming]

I think May is enough of a workman to understand that Neil is likeminded and not to mess with another mans organisation.

[@lupislune]

There was probably plenty of B roll where he attempted to or was discouraged from doing so.

[@bbb462cid]

He apparently did bring the Smallest Dog

[@gunnarelisigurjonsson2587]

😂😂😂😂🤣🤣😂😂

[@DroneStrike1776]

Don't touch another man's tools.

[@VanIsleNuckFan]

The exchange about paying and refusing to charge except for a drink was authentic and I think the most touching moment of the show.

[@cleverusername9369]

8:15 this is a really genuinely sweet moment, May complimenting Hammond and something he's done well for once and Hammond just reveling in it like he's receiving praise from his cooler older brother for the first time. Gotta love these guys.

[@moogle68]

Hammond is doing something new that is very risky and was seeking validation and reassurance from one of his closest friends in the world. James gave him what he wanted very eloquently and so yeah, you can see on Hammonds face that it meant the world to him to have James' approval and reassurance that this didn't seem like an entirely terrible idea. It needs some smoothing out on the profitability side, but it seems like it'll work for now.

[@MsAliciaRL]

It's always nice when they drop the banter and genuinely compliment each other. It's such a rare treat.

[@cupidstunt22]

These two have great banter between them. They should do a show together or something..

[@insertgenericusernamehere2402]

16th of September.. Amazon prime. You might want to check that out.

[@DaveSimkus]

Agreed. I'd like to see them play chess and drink again for hours.

[@terryhayward7905]

Maybe they could do a car show together, maybe add one more person to the team 🤪

[@Lamster66]

@@terryhayward7905 LOL beat me to it!

[@Fortunes.Fool.]

I laughed

[@karremania]

No bad word to Clarkson, but May and Hammond together feels so more ... 'pure'. The odd banter, the odd jokes, but both in their zone of what they really wanting to do. Love to see more from those 2 together, visiting old cars they shared or both like.

[@Toothily]

I was thinking exactly this. Much more calming and warm. No disrespect to Jez, but May & Hammond is the content I'm here for.

[@danielclarke7975]

Jeremy is entertaining with his actions, these are entertaining for their passion into the nerdier stuff

[@radford_0731]

I’m pretty sure the three of them are exactly like this when off camera or just casual like the video. No script and acting. Remember Hammond and May left top gear for Jeremy so there’s obviously plenty of affection between the 3.

[@HarryFromTheNorthSide]

80s ,90s,2000s babies know that these 2 are legends in the automotive world

[@pervenchemusic]

I think you can say that the three of them together are the best trio, but James and Richard are Best friends

[@Train_Tok_Man]

*”Welcome to ‘Middle aged men in glasses!’”* That no joke sounds like a show both Hammond and May will host.

[@derricks237]

I’ve miss these guys I wish we can get all 3 of them back together again. For me top gear wasn’t about cars it was about 3 friends having fun while going on adventures together And being hilarious while doing it . I could watch them do anything still be entertaining lol

[@Ryan_Thompson_Guitarist]

New Grand Tour special coming very soon

[@richardmorris7063]

They were a little pompess at times but a fun time.

[@fredsigu6684]

@@richardmorris7063 the word you're looking for i believe is pompous

[@AaronShenghao]

Look up Car Throttle

[@richardbacon9595]

@@AaronShenghao Try Throttle House. Only 2 guys, but they are hugely entertaining.

[@nimamojtahedzadeh1568]

Let us see more of these middle aged men together ❤️

[@ThunderChunky101]

"middle aged" I'm going to call myself that when I'm 80.

[@Blackhawk211]

They're far past middle aged at this point

[@obadiahpear]

In glasses!

[@StockportJambo]

@@Blackhawk211 They're in their 50s. That's middle-aged boyo.

[@BrawndoQC]

@@StockportJambo Richard is 52, still middle aged. James May is 59, past middle age but who cares about the term. It's all about your state of mind.

[@lavachemist]

I love that Mike throws out a random question about thumbnails and James May not only knows the origin of the term but is able articulate it clearly. Moments like that are what make me immediately click anytime there is a video featuring him.

[@pacificostudios]

The affection between James and Richard is genuine and heart-warming. They have been through so much together for so long.

[@rustyrelicsfarm2406]

Is it me or is James starting to look like Benjamin Franklin?

[@svpracer98]

What's cool about the trio is they all interact with each other in such a unique way. As an entire unit, you have the loud Clarkson, sensible May and in-between Hammond. But then as they pair up as duos, they have a completely different personality, interaction and friendship not always seen on camera. I.e. Hammond and May are both able to bond over mechanical things where as May and Clarkson bond more over food (and drink).

[@BobC59]

And what do Hammond and Clarkson bond over -How much they annoy each other, maybe?

[@svpracer98]

@@BobC59 pranks on James May? They also are more competitive behind the wheel I think

[@saraokta1524]

@@BobC59 farming

[@BobC59]

@@svpracer98 Excellent point! 😂

[@TheMasterOfNone]

@@BobC59 Hammond and Clarkson are clearly the most enthusiastic about "fast and dangerous" vehicles out of the 3, which is often evident during their tours. So I would guess their bond comes from a great love for exceptionally fast, macho and raw automobiles.

[@ThePeca1988]

I was waiting for James' "oh, COG" moment the whole time 😄

[@varunreddy9359]

Just watching Richard and James outside of top gear or grand tour gives me immense joy. I almost cried watching them after all they are my childhood.

[@mikemahoneygaming5754]

I too have watched top gear all my life. Started with what is now known as series 1 and never missed an episode… the greatest trio ever

[@da-hotroderr7982]

I worked at a hot rod shop for ten plus years building classics and new rides. In the last year I’ve branched off to start my own business and I will definitely say that with Richards Hammonds reputation he should have no issue with keeping his business going. It took me all of 1-2 weeks till I realized how busy this field can get with so little car builders left in the world.

[@TacComControl]

There's something loving about how Hammond talks about May's chattiness. It's not out of annoyance like it was on top gear or some of GT or anything, it's more just "That's exactly how he is, the loveable old spaniel".

[@plamenstefanov275]

A tour of James May’s bicycle collection would be a great video, we’ve seen he has a few in other videos.

[@minicooper2572]

Great seeing them interacting with smallest cog team long live the trio🥳

[@minicooper2572]

@mllop aeet could be worse Clarkson goes in to fix his Lamborghini

[@shashankshekhar5876]

Jeremy is a farmer , James a pub owner and Richard a classic car restorer .. well these guys are spending their old age in most splendid way

[@pattiboychannel311]

James May has so much knowledge it amazes me. Such a lovely bloke

[@SasquatchMelee]

Honestly, I'm glad to see the old dog is still around (at least it was in January).

[@cleverusername9369]

Sweet little old dog

[@stephensaines7100]

@@cleverusername9369 Love him! What a bunch of saps we are...

[@2760ade]

Who? James May?😂😂

[@timbre7999]

To see Richard and James together, talking and genuinely having fun with what's going on is wonderful to watch. That is the place and atmosphere in which any car/bike lover would like her/his treasure restored in.

[@aaronwalcott513]

"I'm not sure Hammond has quite grasped.... the impact of temperature on morale." I'm watching this a year after it was filmed and I can feel the fresh dew of cynicism and wit. Classic May!!

[@natashagilbert3]

Love these two buds

[@billybramfield5263]

It's nice to see these 2 outside of grand tour

[@mocskillshi8150]

Why is that so not surprising that James goes into a car workshop to get a bike fix

[@NICKatronMC]

That's hilariously in character

[@StockportJambo]

He doesn't do classic cars any more. Everything modern, for the man who otherwise behaves like it's 1973.

[@donnieboughton1730]

Well I've never heard of a bike painting shop. So it makes perfect sense.

[@zagonialpar9208]

Yess!!!

[@sianwarwick633]

it's a common step - a mechanic repair shop often has the facilities, to re-paint that a bike shop won't, for financial reasons

[@thtupid]

The genuine friendship is really what I love most.

[@yassindiab6144]

It's great to see the old friends together again 😊

[@tomicarr90]

Watching those two chat was absolutely amazing, really enjoyed that. More please 😅

[@CarCrazy24]

Mike thank you for being our eyes and ears, we are indebted. Such huge fan of the big 3 and hope to see more of them soon.

[@boeingav8tr525]

- Great to see a true friendship between May and Hammond - Wish I could just spend a day either of them (or both) just to catch the vibe - Thanks for keeping us entertained (and occasionally informed). Best to both of you

[@IvanProsper]

Lovely video. Touching to see the genuine friendship and respect they have for each other as compared to when they are just arsing about

[@acitizen5928]

I understand why you have Hammond and May on but Mike is an excellent presenter. He's getting better and better. I like his younger perspective too so keep at it!

[@seanjenkins2440]

It’s amazing to see at least two of the three back in the same video chatting in the way that they do 🤙🏼

[@debrastarke3996]

James and Richard are literally watching paint dry, and it’s more entertaining than what’s on cable

[@r.stephane9426]

"i can't possibly charge you the real price for that... i'ts going to be a drink" .... every tradesman ever that gives a hand to a friend knows.... take care you legends

[@abdulazizsaleh8650]

Happy to see both of them... I missed the Old Top gear ⚙️ 🥇

[@pamelah6431]

The real Top Gear.

[@QueenDerpy]

With the smallest cog being a proper workshop with many possibilities for restoration and car projects they could even have their very own "We went to Hammond's workshop.... AND CUE THE MUSIC!"

[@MBUncle]

It really shows how much Hammond respects May. This was genuine and very nice to witness

[@tommyr4939]

I need to see James May assemble the bike. I'd watch every second

[@hakimbelayachi5382]

Seeing these two together genuinely brings me joy

[@StockportJambo]

I feel like there was so much more of this that was cut out. Please release it. The audience (not the Algorithm) can surely decide if it's worth watching or not. 🤷‍♂

[@bmh.workwork428]

Honestly, I don't think there is much more. The beginning of "James May crashed his Tesla into my MG" and all of "James May roasts Richard Hammond's new Workshop" were filmed around the same time in January. Anything left were probably the guys hanging out without film crews on them.

[@tommyr4939]

I wanted to see the tour he gave May

[@sianwarwick633]

@@bmh.workwork428 i feel like May crashing his Tesla into the then Drivetribe production car is also classic James

[@HarryFromTheNorthSide]

80s ,90s,2000s babies know that these 2 are legends in the automotive world

[@scottielambert9312]

Truly one of the best I’ve seen. Old friends sharing new passions.

[@PrestonVenzant]

Some times people become a pillar. These two and Jeremy have become far greater than they think. It's been amazing watching them grow.

[@brelshar4968]

I'm not ashamed to say I will blubber like a baby when any of them eventually passes.

[@manaspie17]

Everything is perfect about this video - the music, the narrative, the people of course. Simple and beautiful. I miss this trio and hope they are happy where they are. Thank you, guys, for filming this video ❤️

[@EzraDair]

I looked up that jacket it’s $1500. I’m glad that James finally found the time to treat himself

[@lazysaviour]

get james working there. him and neil are unstoppable!

[@CT-oe1ug]

Hey Richard, so sorry to hear about Dean. Absolutely tragic what happened. For those that don’t know, Dean the Bentley owner in Richard’s show was killed in a yachting accident this summer. He was a big personality and he will be missed.

[@RobG001]

thank you for the heads up.

[@Stettafire]

That is horrible, he seemed like such a nice down to Earth fellow!

[@insertgenericusernamehere2402]

The dynamic they have in this video is like younger brother and older brother in that Richard wants to show off his new toys and how cool they are to the older brother who is whilst impressed doesn't want to seem to excited because of the taunting he'd receive

[@thebrummierailenthusiasts5329]

It’s nice to see James may and Richard Hammond reunite again

[@si_h44]

i think the friendship between richard n james shines right through, even though they never really same anything nice to each other, you can see one of the best friendships around

[@ArindamKar]

Its so satisfying seeing them together. please have more content like this :)

[@alexanderconstantini6447]

James yellow jacket is just extraordinary

[@writinglife6244]

Not bad for almost £1000 :)

[@yarrowind9]

I LOVE those guys

[@krissklein]

Such a heartwarming video. :)

[@jfolklfd10946]

I love to watch him build it

[@corvaxincork]

Show us the bike! I want to see how it turned out

[@jonthedoors]

Seeing James take such diligent care of an old Dawes bike makes me happy

[@kkkkit]

Aww they look so cute all old n stuff ☺️

[@MisterSynonym]

I can't think of too many instances in life where, having specific human beings standing next to each other and aiming a camera at them, can virtually guarantee smiles. There's so much weight behind their chemistry. It's interesting to think back; There was a point in our history, where the exile of one member could have meant the death of all this. The three of them are a permanent reminder, that committing to the right people, despite differences, despite ups and downs, can lead to something so inarticulately rewarding.

[@RichardBradleyUk]

The smallest cog could become a holiday home for James

[@sianwarwick633]

there you have it. he could live in that jacket, couldn't he

[@alhakch.402]

I can watch James May adjust his glasses and still got entertained

[@MysteriMaan]

Always a pleasure to watch Slow and Hamster bloking about. Its like watching my favorite two uncles bicker.

[@FreddyBNL]

Very nice to see these two genuine nice guys together like this without.. what's his name 😁 Please keep it going.

[@joshualopes9754]

I'd love to see Jeremy in one of these with those two, just so they can talk it up!

[@ashwinkleinhans7859]

No matter how long ago this was shot, I still love watching these gentlemen.

[@ogbean82]

Hamster was so giddy inside when Capt Slow said he was impressed with the building!!

[@JRufu]

I love those guys so much. I hope I have such relationships in my life as I get older.

[@athargilani]

let's get a movement going of some sort to get Richard more work in his garage ... let's help the tiny old man who helped us laugh our butts off for the best part of two decades I think

[@davedeja]

What a great video. A tip of the hat to the entire Drivetribe crew for putting out so much great content. Thank you! So often you hear about co-hosts of a show who can't stand each other off camera. Clearly, Richard and James are friends in the true sense of the word. Who else but a true friend would take up so much of a businesses resources for an entire day and offer up 50 quid as payment and the owner doesn't even bat a eyelash.

[@sianwarwick633]

yup. the job is worth 5 times that amount - and it was 🎥 filmed, so now something in the region of 10 times the 5. real money talk

[@a11danny]

I've been watching KZbin for years, never would I have guessed James May would explain to me the origins of 'thumbnails'

[@user-neo71665]

James ever tear down and restored his own car it would take 50 + years. He would hand file every blemish off every nut and bolt with a fingernail file.

[@adrianpeters2413]

And that is how it should be ...

[@buggerlugz6753]

It'd end up being a project Binky all over again?

[@C.I...]

You saying that makes me wonder why when he did his show "our man in japan", he didn't visit the Mazda factory where they are restoring/re-building Mk1 MX-5s (okay, Eunos Roadsters, but same thing) to new condition.

[@Hannu_H]

You lads...are awesome. In hetero man way I ❤ you.

[@adr2567]

So these 3 between them have a farm, workshop and a pub. It’s perfect 😂

[@afisher0613]

I watched this with a smile on my face all the way through. Love it!

[@theopetrou]

Would love for Clarkson to bring 'The excellent" for resto with him helping...

[@votesaxon1]

That would be brilliant

[@Jinkstr227]

Do they ever mention why Jeremy isn’t on the channel anymore?

[@raphaellauf7786]

probably too busy with the farm, also theve been recording specials for the past time , think inbetween that jeremy has very little time.

[@enoz.j3506]

Jeremy is too busy extracting cow juice,and bee stickage.

[@hixyhicks]

These 2 together.Pure gold .We need more please .

[@martinhughes9769]

First time that I've seen anything of Richard Hammonds work shop , Enjoyed it ,

[@moosecat]

The interaction between James and Richard (and, to a lesser extent, Jeremy) reminds me of how the members of RUSH interacted with each other, and still do in the case of Geddy and Alex; there's more than a professional bond between the two. If I were having my own vehicle redone, I would want James to inspect it (and sign off on it) before paying the shop, and heading on my merry way.

[@sianwarwick633]

yeah, I looked at that vid. it's great - j wont put the flag up here, but nice to see or read another Canadian here

[@moosecat]

@@sianwarwick633 Stan, I'm going to start off in a very (stereotypically) Canadian manner by apologizing that I may have given anybody the impression that I'm Canadian. I'm actually NOT Canadian, I'm an American; more specifically, a New Yorker.

[@xIDarkSideIx]

May is slowing aging and morphing into Billy Connolly 🤣

[@unicorntomboy9736]

I thought I was the only one thinking that for a moment lol

[@goodrobot1]

It's been such a treat being able to watch our fav trio for all the years I have.. There all like wine, just get better with age!

[@voicetest6019]

The collective experiences of those two is incredible. Its always fantastic watching them.

[@Stantonv]

I would love to know the details of James's bike frame.

[@stephensaines7100]

Hard to tell, but the imprint on the rear stay shoulders *looked* to be "Dawes", but I could see no sign of it being a more desirable alloy. The lug-work was the give-away there, but who knows, perhaps the manufacturer had some custom lugs made...

[@Stantonv]

@@stephensaines7100 Thanks, I could see there was printing on the seat stay caps but with my small screen I couldn't read it. I wonder why, (and how it was possible to remove the lugs), without the removing the structural integrity. Maybe it was built like my old Lambert, brazed together and then a split set of lugs were added to imitate a quality build.

[@JeffYun]

Can you get Jeremy in the shop and have him make a mess of things? LOL

[@joshuacoomber48]

Neil is the main reason I watch this show, he's an absolute character.

[@neoanderson7]

Always a treat to see some of the legends together again.. genuine friends. 👍🏻

[@VXGaming]

Anyone notice the MOT tax disc in the car window, a relic at this point.

[@d1user]

No

[@stephensaines7100]

OK, excellent vid, now we've got to see James building the frame up, and the final result. I am a tad concerned as to how the chain-stays have been bent at their 'bridge' (the tie across the stays adjacent to the bottom bracket shell) as this indicates the frame was never intended as a performance machine, but to accept a wider tire ('tyre' if you must) so it would be apt as a gravel bike or a more relaxed road machine. The down-tube shifter boss which was ground off may have best been removed by debrazing, there never was a "hole" there to begin with! In the event, from what little could be gleaned as to make and metal of the frame, it was a nice one, but not a real classic (Reynolds, Columbus, Tange, etc) so the level of 'reno' appears apt. The tasting is in the pudding: Let's see an episode on the final product!

[@paultaylor9652]

A simple video, but simply a GREAT VIDEO.

[@foppo100]

Two great mates I wish Hammond all the success with his workshop.Love to see it once have a look around.You can't beat craftsmen who know what they are doing with a sense of humor.