Can You Build A Cross Bike For Less Than $300: Part 1 | GCN Tech's Bike Builds

[@brentallar7355]

This is going to be a killer series. A budget build that is actually on a realistic budget. Keep up the good work.

[@charlificity]

Great stuff! Whilst I love GCN, it’s so refreshing to see tinkering going on and to not hear about aero and disc brakes for a while :)

[@AdamNigelDark]

Ha, true that, if it is not carbon fibre or pure Unobtainium and costs $20,000 an inch they don't care lol.

[@justgoingoutside5243]

adam dark I feel they do have a range of videos (they’re making this video along with the old basic bike from the trek a while ago). I think realistically it’s more interesting seeing more of the cutting edge of the sport rather than just old 2nd hand stuff- and advertising wise probably need to do that stuff to give them the scope for this stuff :) Must say i love this make your own stuff videos though- they’re a great addition :)

[@BrunodeSouzaLino]

@@justgoingoutside5243 Eventually you hit a wall where the target audience already has it or don't see the need to spend more or will tune off because they're tired of seeing only stuff they can't afford. Top Gear wouldn't be much popular if they only did stuff on hypercars and things like that. That creates a disconnect, as the vast majority of people will most likely never see that stuff in person. Otherwise, you might remove "Global" from the title.

[@justgoingoutside5243]

@@BrunodeSouzaLino fair enough

[@edbrowne8106]

Love seeing an old bike come back to life.

[@Pratalax]

4:58 talk about a sync clap, that was like a friggin' gunshot!!

[@GreySectoid]

I could watch content like this for hours.

[@staff0flag]

I love these budget-build videos. I can't justify spending $5k each on several bikes, but I can enjoy a hobby that builds bikes and then has some fun. If I finish a course in 30 minutes or 40 minutes, I'm still having fun.

[@familyhill6425]

I just bought myself a GT series 3 road bike for £160 in the UK. Mint condition, Shimano Tiagra throughout and spent an additional £30 on new bits. Thing is a beast for £190 total. Good winter bike that is actually lighter, stiffer and quicker than my summer Specialized. Inspired by videos like yours and Ollie’s!!

[@hiro111]

I knew JD growing up, he's a good dude and has great taste in music and bikes. Real Western Mass stuff here.

[@andrewh7345]

This is much better format than the past GCN tech style budget-build series stuff. Seeing the watch-outs and selection process he’s thinking through is definitely helpful.

[@cutback747]

Awesome idea for a vid. JP is a super nice guy too. I met him at the Phil Gamon ride last year and he is just as nice in person. Props.

[@edwardscott9958]

Oh man. Decided to watch a J-Pow video before bed. Now I’m amped and really tempted to do a bit of eBay bike part shopping. Love it!

[@levihamilton8817]

As a broke college student who races cross I can definitely say you can build a cross bike for 300. 100 if you are really broke!

[@andyheilmann1656]

I do triathlon, and I'm college I've helped lots of friends get bikes for under $200 as well

[@panzerveps]

defiantly /dɪˈfʌɪəntli/ adverb in a manner that shows open resistance or bold disobedience. "he defiantly refused to accept any government money" definitely /ˈdɛfɪnətli/ adverb without doubt (used for emphasis). "I shall definitely be at the airport to meet you"

[@stoatystoat174]

@@panzerveps He defiantly comented without fear of the spelling polise 😱🤗

[@-jurien]

What are good places to find the bikes

[@panzerveps]

@@stoatystoat174 Police ;)

[@MrThewetsheep]

Imagine watching this as a college student and being like “hey that’s my bike!”

[@gamby16a]

The Paul Curley reference is as NECX as it gets!!! I live that these references are on a global platform!

[@kidShibuya]

Man that cleaned up well.

[@raneksi]

Great video. Fresh change from all the product placement.

[@2409markus]

great project! i think a budget CX bike is definitly possible. One of my proudest bikebuilding achievements is a 500€ discbrake crosser with 105 groupset.

[@prestachuck2867]

Remove that left shifter, take the hood off it, then soak it overnight in a jar full of Park chainbright degreaser. Next day work the shifter, blow it out with your air hose, then lube it heavily with a product called PB Blaster. You can get it at Ace/TruValue hardware stores. That shifter will work. Good luck! I’ve tried every spray lube available over the past 35 years, and blaster always does the trick. We use it at our local bike shop now.

[@fastbicyclerider7300]

Presta chuck did u try brunox penetrateing spray

[@Avioto]

Asking more than 300 bucks for that thing seemed a little crazy.

[@kidShibuya]

Yeah, go to a big box store and get a whole new bike for that

[@steviejojo3448]

for real... i laughed when i heard him say that

[@Foster_B]

Never ask what you think the bike is actually worth. Always ask above, and if no one offers, then lower the price. You never know, someone might just buy it high.

[@riderdoolittle3469]

Market is Dry Dry Dry in that part of the state- not that out of line

[@stockton350]

And that bike came from a school auction meaning it was abandoned for 6 months or more probably outside, maybe over a winter. Probably cost the dude $50. Rip off.

[@JakeOlsonTheSnake]

JD: "yeah I'd like to keep the rack for this other bike" Jeremy: **ends up with the rack anyways** :P

[@managramx]

I love this kind of series... just basic stuff, not too much non affordable high tech. Great ...more ! ;)

[@RoaldAnsano]

True temper, time tested, rim-brake gravel/cx frame - you found yourself a unicorn workhorse. Very much looking forward to seeing how this plays out.

[@sapiens7821]

This has gave me some inspiration to find an old bike and breathe some new life it. Look forward to seeing the next video. I can do half the mechanical stuff on here. Wish I was a bike mechanic. I’ll be looking on you tube for hints and vids

[@mariamueller1946]

RJ the Bike Guy is a fantastic channel for that kind of stuff

[@stephensthebomb]

Man! Definitely should've gone "Tracklocross" with the Mercier!

[@M.asa.]

Yeah I agree, the kilo TT as tracklocross would be a fun project

[@kalilebron007]

Super video! Don't forget to take out the BB and re-grease.

[@BdeRWest]

I’m loving all the GCN J-Pow videos! More Powers!

[@theoriginaltylerdurden]

This type of video is so much fun to watch. Love the contend Jeremy comes up with.

[@machohogan]

What a cool looking bike. Great job cleaning. Can not wait to see the finished article.

[@Nik__._.]

Uuuuh! I love this! Perfect series for the autumn. Might As well do the same for a fun cross bike for winter. Mhhh. 🧐

[@beanz6745]

Excellent video, Jeremy. Bring on part 2

[@Murgoh]

Interesting, I have an old Nishiki road bike from the 80:s i think and I'm thinking of maybe building a gravel/cyclocross-type bike for winter commuting out of it. I currently use a 90:s mountain bike I've put drop bars, STI-shifters and a road chainset on and it's ok but a little on the heavy side.

[@walshman70]

Excellent! So much fun to see you working with the limitations...

[@AdamNigelDark]

Lol great fun. That bike looked like a neglected rescue dog at the start to a beloved pampered pooch at the end :)

[@vsaucenou323]

Can’t wait for the next episodes! Looks like it’ll be a great series.

[@drethekiller]

Loved this idea! This is like that picker show on the history channel.

[@diederik7645]

5:45 so true, deal is done and dusted and then the realisation. I think (hope) it is the right size.

[@chuckgliderable]

I love CX and rescuing bikes. So this video is right up my street - I keep checking for part 2. How does it ride? Will shifters survive? Cliffhanger: will the torn saddle ruin JPow's bibshorts on a remount!!?

[@erich8258]

It's interesting to see the combination of a quill stem and STI. There couldn't have been many years of overlap.

[@daynaga]

Very cool series! Can't wait for the next episode.

[@dndlab1]

Amazing, can't wait to see how it turns out 🚴‍♂️🚴‍♂️

[@samheller5813]

Is no one else wondering how he got that bike home on his moped??

[@voiceofreason9780]

The GCN van following him around with a cameraman probably had a little space.

[@FlatSpinMan]

Shhh!

[@SendingStache]

What a fun series! Stoked for this one!

[@BiciShorts]

Great work. I wouldn’t cut new cables till bad change. Wider bars or stem change can stretch the cables.

[@FlatSpinMan]

Not into cyclocross at all, nor old bikes, nor refurbishing old bikes, but I am hooked and love the whole concept.

[@gcntech]

Glad you still enjoyed watching!

[@keithmccallum1054]

I can not wait for the next video....good stuff Jeremy!!

[@v0lkai]

So cool. Can’t wait to see the next vid

[@ianrice1778]

350$ what? More like 20$ some friend that guy is.

[@GeekonaBike]

W/ bike shop unable to get new stock, used bikes are a sellers market in the USA these days.

[@tibiolah]

I was thinking the same. I got a steel bike for 20 British pounds last week. And everything works after about 15 hours of cleaning and re-greasing.

[@newttella1043]

For a barely functional bike, $350 is a rip off. That's only worth between $75 - $100 tops.

[@sbusiello]

i was going to say $75 tops...

[@jeskli11]

In my country or at the very least in my hometown you can get similarly looking bike or frame for free or very low fee (let's say $10) from scarpyard. $350 is real overkill.

[@stuartroberts6272]

looking forward to seeing the end result, buying the frame right is the key!

[@cottontop99]

Great video JPows ! Looking forward to the rest of the series 😃

[@andrewbray2924]

Awesome. I woudn't mind seeing other price points as well. Keep it up Jeremy!

[@carlgribben5922]

Vice grips, a true mechanics tool right there, bravo

[@woozertoo]

Aww...I would’ve loved to see how you were going to stow that frame on your Vespa, J-Pow...

[@JackATAK11]

Looking forward to the next videos! (And scouring Craigslist and eBay to build a budget single speed cross bike!)

[@garymmx]

Love this. Looking forward to #2

[@estevaodealmeidasilveira3822]

this is almost same as my commute bike! i loved this!

[@billmaulding4042]

Great build! Love to see more like this!

[@gcntech]

Glad you liked it! We'd love to do more for sure!

[@urobos1]

In my experience... rsx, 105 and any shifter erhat hace that similar aluminum construction all have the same problem. Before doing anything flood then with some wd40. The issue is the grease they used back then. They have two bikes one of the front that holds the spring and shield. The spring will be a pain but be patient when reinstalling. The other bolt is behind the brake lever, you’ll have to move the shifting lever to get to it, careful not to strip it. That’ll release the brake lever and you can clean everything. You’ll see the grease stopping the pawls and the tiny little springs that make it work. I use brake cleaner to clean all of the grease off. Take the rubber hoods off. So you don’t damage them.. then when it’s all clean I use a latex lubricant and spray everything. Clean all the excess and put a dab of grease to around everything. Then put it all back together. Don’t tighten the front bolt too much. It’ll stop the levers from returning when shifting.

[@RichardMaguire110]

I would set that bike up for touring and have a great time. I am looking forward to the rest of this series.

[@loreljacq5744]

Great bike now. 90s 🔙 it's got a lot personality. Looks great.

[@bunkerman99]

Nice idea. I would like to see you do that with a gravel bike as well. Good Job.

[@angelcacereslicona9924]

On 16:18 when he said "this is sick" i really felt that.

[@oblivion5683]

I have a modern Fuji Touring! It was a very good cheaper alternative to like a surly LHT or something higher end, I might come to regret it yet but so far she's served me beautifully.

[@bentara0]

Love this. Keep it up.

[@angelo747]

We definitely crave this kind of content

[@GQ08]

J-Pow finding the best use for those Oakley Sutro’s, as Vespa goggles! 😂

[@NeonGrayEdits]

Very fun, excited to see the next video!

[@ricky7396]

That J Pow scootaeeeeeeeeee is dope love it lol

[@oldguyonabike36]

Nice to see a budget bike feature, as people are looking to cycling in the age of COVID, without the disparaging snark of some recent productions. Not hearing “aero”, even once, was an an added bonus.

[@NorthSeaWisdom]

“Paul Curley’s basement” !!... good one..Paul was my neighbor once

[@dlee5312]

I just remember Curley’s rear view mirror!

[@NorthSeaWisdom]

@@dlee5312 do you remember his rear disc wheel at cross races?

[@sgriff4590]

The Legend

[@dlee5312]

@@NorthSeaWisdom I actually never saw that one. Doesn’t surprise me.

[@NorthSeaWisdom]

@@dlee5312 in his Masters era..he was a great cross racer..not taking anything away from him

[@eloyanzola]

Awesome, look forward to more!

[@Kobe404]

Suddenly found myself trawling eBay and Gumtree looking for an old do-er-upper! Damn you Mr Powers!!!

[@bk83082]

$100 tops for the Fuji in that condition.

[@NewPolishScientist]

200 is a joke

[@eur0is]

i got an old 90s norco like that but with flat bars for 10$ almost perfect condition what a steal hey

[@andreemurray7039]

Great to see burget build good luck

[@larisonjohnson]

Love these “Everybody Accessible” activities. I’ve been “tweaking” my original Cannondale SM400 for years. Drop bars, 700s, 105 10 speed. Now trying to address 10 speed freewheel on original 26 inch wheels! 🤣🤣🤣 Everyone’s gotta have a hobby! Can’t wait to see how you progress on this. I was following some 420mm Ritchey drop bars that finally sold for $10. I originally saw them at $1. I would gladly have sold them to you for a few bucks if I had them. Soo many deals if your willing to wait. Throw a quill adapter on there and go for standard stem and bar options.

[@ryanburrey985]

I love content like this!!! Ballin on a budget!!!!

[@ronbyers9912]

Restoring an old bike for a young person to race in the mud. This is a great project for GCN to tackle. If I had a teen who wanted to start Cyclocross it is exactly where I would start. As a matter of fact this is probably a way for a young adult to learn how to acquire a campus bike. If it gets nicked while you are in class not much has been lost.

[@gcntech]

It's a great project for sure!

[@clintnieves]

Love the build

[@DaveCM]

I work at a university. A lot of people just leave the bikes when they are done at the college. It is shocking how many bikes just get abandoned every year. The bike came back to life great!!

[@chrisko6439]

Had the Shimano RSX 3 x 7 on my first road bike. Of course the STI levers have stopped working. I installed downtube shifters. Later I had to install a "new" old frame, the original Peugeot/Columbus steel frame became a victim to rust. Still riding the bike even though not much is left from the original bike ;-)

[@rickayyy3787]

woohoo keep the cross content coming!

[@Carausius92]

You can basically read the Shimano manual's for disassembling those stuffs, it really helps. Anyway, love both of those shifters!

[@linusscheitinger1322]

I can't wait for the next episode. Hope it doesn't take so long.

[@bobbagley4680]

Best presenter on GCN.

[@brianmerryman6743]

Good recycle job for that bike. Budget minded for sure.

[@robertfarnsworth3706]

Nice bike. I still yearn for my 90s Nine Speed Campag' Veloce. It was outstanding. New 12 stuff from both Campag' and Shimano is just not as good. Designed to be replaced all the time. I'm starting to devote myself to have bikes like this. I genuinely think they are better. Finally, steel is the one!!

[@LegSpinna]

JD needs to paint his garage before the winter weather sets in.

[@Soraviel]

I love CX bikes, I still own one after five years and 8 months ( I use it for road and off-road daily commute).

[@bscjake]

My first CX bike was a Salsa Chili con Crosso i got for 500 bucks. 10sp 105, tubeless wheels etc good deals are def out there for a modern bike. I'm not sure Hopper would approve to taking a drill to your shifters haha

[@nadgeemark]

That was awesome Jeremy 👍🏼👍🏼

[@RyansuBike]

In the PNW old steel tourers do fetch a premium and while you can find better deals if you look but it wasn't horrible for a bike with 7 speed STI that he had to spend zero time looking for. My question is did you lube anything? this was an outside campus bike I would be lubing the seat post, stem, rebuilding the hubs BB and headset etc - and frame saver in that lovely chromo frame, maybe part II?

[@yusufhaekal8859]

Finally, things some of us would mind, other than things we dreamt of 🙂

[@richardf.8412]

“Paul Curley’s basement”! Classic NECX reference.

[@MrBoggins1234]

Good job 👍

[@dfunk6824]

Very Kool!!😉✔

[@The2014engineer]

Thoroughly enjoyed the Fuji being restored, seeing her shift smoothly (rear derailleur) gave me hope.

[@gcntech]

We enjoyed restoring it!

[@endianAphones]

Never imagined Jeremy to ride a Vespa :D

[@RoncoGarage]

It's so damn cool! Well done!

[@galootlovestools]

Those RSX shifters are known for the grease solidifying and gumming up the pawls, etc.. PBlaster, WD40, or other thin spray lube is needed. Flood the shifter and keep working it to get the grease moving. You may need several treatments so don’t wrap the bars until you’re positive that the shifters are working.

[@uwetriceps3036]

in many cases thats just not enough. you actually need to take off the plastic cover and help the parts to get losen again and slightly losen the front bolt can help too.

[@richardhorton4813]

Love it!!!!

[@jarifauti4586]

the steel frame will be pretty comfy. In this frame should be planty space for wide rubbers. It might be a little bit on the heavy side, but you are quiet fit. I think you'll be ok