Everything I Learned Building Retro Bikes In 2023

In todays video we look back and my wins and fails of the year through my bike builds and restorations.
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[@MLRomo]

I found this channel this past summer and I really enjoy how personable and authentic you are. You genuinely seem like a good person...keep doing you!! Cheers 🍻

[@SteelyDad911]

Best channel I found in ‘23 for sure.

[@whitneyb.8185]

90s Stumpjumper, Rockhoppers, and hard rocks have crazy long reach and fairly steep angles. They do not thrive off road. They’re perfect for slow riders who want to feel like they’re going fast in an urban environment. And for people with hella long torsos. I’m a slow person who rides in the city and I have an extremely long torso relative to my stubby legs. So it’s for me. Fair warning, Surly Cross Checks are the same way. They make slow riding feel fun and they’re heckin’ long boys.

[@husky0877]

I have a Stumpjumper, and I can't get comfortable on it, I agree it's too long. I've tried different stems, different bars, different height, it just isn't comfortable.

[@whitneyb.8185]

@@husky0877 Aye, Rivendell style swooped back comfy bars tend to be the last ditch effort before people give up. The trend of 90s Specialized being the cool retro bike kinda bums me out. It made it that much harder for me to find affordable bikes that fit me!

[@thefranconian6087]

Great video, love the recap, and can’t wait to see what you bring in 2024. We call those “bar ends” here in the states, btw. Also very much looking forward to the Diamondback build, I’ve 2 1990s Ascents in my “fleet” (including one I’ve had for over 30 years). And my first BMX was a Viper back in ‘83. Happy New Year! 🎉🎉

[@cyclerevive]

I do agree with you on the Specialized bike. I tried one when I first got into MTB but really didn’t like it so I went for a KHS and loved it.

[@durden.tyler537]

Happy new year, Craig. Appreciate your candor and looking forward to upcoming videos.

[@CradleOfBikes]

All the best for the new year mate, thank you for great 2023! You are a bloody legend! Really enjoy your videos and I'm looking forward to 2024. cheers🥂

[@Riley-ee3ii]

Love your content. Has helped me out so much with my own projects. It would be super cool if you mentioned some of the frame sizes, I’m always curious.

[@captainjacobkeyes6733]

Happy new year! I’d love to watch a vintage MTB commuter bike build. I’m wondering if I can combine a commuter bike build with a hard rail or rigid mtb build

[@Dave_Bike]

You should rebuild the dynamix to look like a big standard supermarket bike. I'm talking black riser quill stem, black handlebars with bar ends, keep the drive train the same but maybe swap out the crankset for something less fancy looking, just make it look dull but put together reeeeally well 😂

[@2NDLIFEBIKES]

I actually really like this 😂 I might see if I can find some photos of it stock

[@ArnoldQMudskipper]

I remember them as "bull bars" 🐂

[@EMTBAFV]

Look up some older DH mountain bikes we used get Disc break mounts for the rear it was a strut post that bolted in the old V break adapter that is welded on the frames at the rim and a bold on adapter to fit on the drop out to fit disc breaks I had my set of Magura race done this way years ago it's a proper adapter V to disc conversion kit! It also look cool believe it or not they were a good looking adapter! Just when you said you'll need to get a mount welded on for it all nah you can get a nice adapter kit and have it fitted in half hr all working and straight! Hope this helps if you haven't heard of such a thing?

[@MozOnBikes]

Early Happy New Year to you mate! I was just watching your ride London vid this morning as I’m considering it challenge to work towards in 2024 (either Ride London or the Devon Coast 2 Coast 🧐) Just wanted to say keep up the good work, great builds and storytelling. All the best for 2024!

[@aoe76]

Love my Old GT 26 inch wheelset bike from 1995. Beatifull and fun… only thing the bike weighs 15kg.

[@svennoppe]

Happy new year and place make more fun bikes 🚲🚲

[@adrianherrell661]

I was wondering about the Kona that you " failed to build" . Love your channel , happy new year.

[@seancbrophy]

Happy New Year Craig!

[@tommygrowls7894]

I really enjoy your videos, have a good one mate!

[@nbatsakis]

I’m rocking that exact race face crank. From my old 2008ish build.

[@andypicken7848]

No value to you in the trendy offerings from Specialised or your want of an on one yet you were able to get enjoyment from the Emelle which was the cheapest of the cheap from new and still viewed as undesirable now. Brings to mind an often quoted sayin in the investing world, "The price is what you pay but the value is what you get" Happy new year to you mister and thanks for posting

[@tangiblespace]

Hey! Great video! My son's name is Eli too!

[@thevirtualeconomy]

I am a self confessed Specialized fanboy but even i will admit their geometry is sub optimal as it tends to be low and long (Allez sprint is a great example in the road category). In practice, this means they never stay stock as whilst i can handle the drop the excess reach is too much for me.

[@Bikeops2021]

A Rockhopper would be perfect for your next 100 mile ride... 😉

[@jered2177]

Nice builds

[@glennpettersson9002]

The Dynamax with SPD peddles and 1.5 slicks i can see as your 100 mile machine

[@glennpettersson9002]

PS I forgot to mention a Scott aero bar as well 👍

[@ClintDowd]

Thanks!

[@2NDLIFEBIKES]

Thank you! Very much appreciated!! 🙌🏼

[@gizzystrype5042]

On that 2 seater job, how do you step down from the saddle without rupturing yourself on the saddle in front of your meat and 2 veg?

[@dukepierre730]

I’m looking into buying a GT MTB bike. I have been watching these videos and wanted something to comute to my coffee shop. I love the build that you recommended being one of the best for comutee. Any recommendations? I’ve seen a 1993 GT Pantera for $130. Looking for some recommendations as I’d love to turn one of those GT bikes into your commuter looking bike.

[@S62Uce]

I just picked up a trek 950 it popped up on marketplace a city over from me and I had to pull the trigger. It came with the original handlebar do you have any recommendations on what will fit? I really wanna throw a bmx handlebar on it but not sure if it will fit. Purchased the bike for $300 it’s in cherry condition the last owner said it has the original chains

[@elliotthopkins8174]

Bar ends. :-)

[@joelfuentes5148]

I bought a retro GT mtb that I thought I was going to rebuild. I have 0 knowledge about bikes. It’s sitting in my garage. 😢

[@ilikesnow]

I reckon you don't like the Specialized's because they have no soul. lol

[@EMTBAFV]

MUQZI Disc Brake Adapter Converter Road Bicycle Frame V Brake Conversion Disc Brake Bike No Disc Brake Modification Accessories

[@EMTBAFV]

WEILAILANTIAN Bicycle Disc Brake Conversion, Bicycle Brake Aluminum Alloy Fixed Seat Adapter Converter for Bicycle Frames Without Disc Brake Seats for Mountain Bike Road Bike Folding Bicycle

[@MrAdz91]

Don't like rock hoppers wow that's going to annoy some people, get a new retro GT I'm waiting for the day you upload with a title with GT in it

[@phililpb]

save old bikes should be renamed to take pictures of old bikes then take them apart