I suggested a $200 REPAIR and the CUSTOMER said YES! 28 year old Giant Hybrid CLEANED and TUNED!

Some folks REALLY love their bikes. And sometimes, I REALLY love their bikes too. And when our love comes together, great things happen. This Giant Cypress hybrid comes back to life in spectacular fashion after receiving replacement tires, tubes, break pads and a full BIKEFARMER bicycle tuneup service!
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[@H457ur]

Just this last weekend, I met a new rider riding an entry-level (ish) carbon Specialized Roubaix that he had purchased secondhand (probably 5 to 8 years old, running mechanical SRAM Rival and hydraulic discs). He was young and strong with good bike handling skills for someone who hadn’t been riding for very long, and could’ve easily benefited from a much more expensive bike, but when he asked me if he should get something better, I told him no and that the bike would serve him well. I pointed him at this channel because he wanted to do some of his own maintenance. You are providing a great service to the Internet.

[@caveman_rock]

I know you say this isn't a "how to" but a "this is just how I do it" channel, but I've definitely picked up some great tips here. "Good enough for who it's for" is my new favorite motto

[@jabaniz]

I like the old bikes, and it’s great watching the videos of a person fixing up these old bikes,and even better that other people value and buy these bikes instead of buying new

[@sempi8159]

1990-2000 giant bikes are the best value. Great quality and amazing paint.

[@jonjon9270]

Way more better than a new Walmart bike.

[@stephensaines7100]

It's not my kind of machine (I'm a distance tourer, rebuilt 531 frame), but for $200, that is exactly the bike I'd recommend to many people who ask me: "What should I buy"? Invariably, I tell people to buy used (unless they're stinkin' rich) because for one thing, they can be resold again, if taken care of, for essentially the same price. A new-buy means that you lose about half of your purchase price in most cases, even if taken care of. This bike and the one featured previously are 'really good finds' and for a $200 investment, perfect for many people. And proof that many more bikes are out there just waiting to be serviced and revitalized, for a very reasonable cost. Great videos!

[@JohnPilling25]

Yes, I agree, but try selling one these days on marketplace or similar and you will struggle to find a buyer at even $100. Speaking from experience here and I put a lot of work/time and parts into my rebuilds and they cost me way more than the $100 to $150 I've been asking for them. During the pandemic I could get 300+ just like that but today nobody has any money to spend. I did do a Giant Sedona step through frame with disks a year back, very nice bike that turned out well. It went to my wife's aunt for free!

[@vaquerosupreme3189]

This is one of the reasons why I enjoy watching your channel: your opinions and ideas on bike maintenance. Great insight on the derailleur hanger “philosophy.” The idea of tolerances is well implied in that discussion. Also, rant away, sieur!

[@fubar1764]

Not a comment about this bike. But I wanted to thank you for giving me the confidence to tune up two of my bikes. Cannondale criterium from the mid-1980s and a park pre from the '90s. Thank you!

[@FLUSHER822]

I'm amazed by the number of good bikes hanging around.

[@Carson-yx2ot]

I like good Zappa rant. Kudos!

[@noisepuppet]

Mr. Farmer, I enjoy how you express a few opinions, and this is your channel, and I think you choose your words and topics with care and thought. So I don't feel sorry for anyone who is pressuring you to stop talking about things they've labeled political and therefore forbidden. Keep being you.

[@joevanatta1587]

Loving these frequent uploads!

[@tonyjennison3199]

Fur the sake of being a wind up merchant on one of your excellent videos, I rate that derailleur guard above a dork disc.

[@roypennock8046]

Shots fired!🤣🤣

[@stephensaines7100]

Well you made a bad false equivalency, as a seasoned and avid cyclist on three continents, and having rebuilt many machines, I've decided to start using a 'dork disk' once again after foolishly letting a fake mechanic 'tune-up' my bike, and you guessed it, the chain overshot the innermost sprocket and jammed in my hand-built, DT Swiss DB spoked Mavic rim, Specialized hub (first gen, made by Sansin) and scored the spokes. Fortunately, I managed to straighten the rim (I'm a good mechanic, even in my mid Seventies, and doing up to 100km in a day) and installed a "Dork Disk'....albeit smarter mechanics have known for generations to 'cut them down' to a circumference equal to that of the largest sprocket. You can't see them, but for a couple of grams of weight, you have protection from Dork Mechanics. And it's not from just derailleur over-travel, sticks and other items (rags, bags, etc) can throw the chain off into the spokes. Tell me, do you wear sneakers in a metal shop just because boots are "dorky"?

[@No_ReGretzkys99]

​@@stephensaines7100actually yeah I wear sandals in a metal shop and only missing 1 toe

[@examinethose]

nice, good old bikefarmer special

[@rdhcreations]

I watch all these videos until the end. Very entertaining.

[@jayknibbs8413]

It’s essential

[@daniellarson3068]

Fixin Bikes: God grant me the serenity to: Fix what needs fixin' Leave alone what don't and have the smarts to know the difference.

[@elu9780]

I recently bought an old Japanese city bicycle (made probably in the 80s, certainly no newer than early 2000s) and it's still so damn nice. Rides like a charm, has a three-speed internal gear hub that works pretty damn well. I only need to straighten the wheels a bit and replace the bottom bracket with something modern. Other than that, it's still compatible with modern, if older and now less-used, standards, so sourcing parts for maintenance is not difficult at all. I hope to use it for a long, long time.

[@takocat9618]

Here in mexico I do a full service for 300 pesos which is like 15 dollars lol sometimes I get this kind of bikes from Americans who come to live here and when they pass away or move back they give it away to their employees and it's pretty easy to service them I never thought about making videos of the restorations 🤔 but its so satisfying because the old technology works so smooth 😊

[@Kelekona_808]

I think your response to "comments/feedback" was really productive in this episode. The "rant stand" was also relatable as you never know when you might push someone's political buttons.

[@ericsande5345]

I love "snappy brakes" - I have some old single-pivot Shimano 105 on one road bike that make a great sound when the pads hit the rims.

[@schrodingerthecat]

That bike turned out great!

[@robquinlan1472]

Great vid brother! New drinking game. Take a shot every time Bike Farmer says “Ope!” Or “Triflow” lol.

[@kevinrayburn3686]

What’s up buddy! I love your videos man. Been watching a couple months now and have binge watched your older uploads. I no your tired of hearing about this but stop letting the comments get to you man. That crap brings you down if you go to far down the rabbit hole. Just keep doing you man. I think you awesome!!! Have a good day brotha!

[@jasonbusch3624]

I always do my wheels and tires first, then the brakes. Then the derailluer alignment,limits, and cables last.

[@jonmeek3879]

Always watch these all the way through Great information

[@samblenkharn8099]

Tidy. Good technique for freeing that sticky chain link. Also for cooling your feet 🤣

[@holdorf333]

parts prices are very reasonable, as is the tune charge. im impressed!

[@HunterAtheist]

Agreed. I'm in a city of 300,000 and we have a large bike shop and a smaller one which is in the process of going out of business. Last time I went to either one for tubes was years ago and they were probably $9-13 or so depending on size. And that's just out the door. He's installing them, which I have seen some shops charge for through Facebook cycling groups.

[@albertoalvarez8366]

200$ after 20 years of negligence are 10$ a year. Cheap as hell.

[@schrodingerthecat]

Need to remind myself of your "good enough for who it's for" mantra when you do the work! I'm a fancy boy with my bikes (like you) and I like nigh-perfection, but your point on the derailleur hanger is well taken. 👍🌮

[@JustMikeH]

You know, I haven't even watched the video yet, and I'm cheering you on from the title. Now I need to watch it. That $200 repair probably results in a better bike than more than $200 would buy new.

[@HunterAtheist]

Everyone is losing their minds for the Walmart Ozark Trail bikes but I can't help but laugh and also cry because there are thousands of bikes being thrown away or forgotten in attics, and people go out and buy a new bike which never had to be manufactured in the first place. There are probably 20 bikes for every person on Earth. We don't need to make any new bikes for at least a decade. Haha

[@Kelekona_808]

@@HunterAtheist The G.1 is for the people that don't even know that you need to repair a bike yet. It's pretty much good enough for who it's for right out of the gate. But yes, for those with a little more insight into bike maintenance, used options can provide as much or more value than many new purchases.

[@brent4425]

Frank Zappa... the BikeFarmer rules!

[@davidcrowson4745]

Frank Zappa and Jim Morrison's dad's they were both high-ranking officials in the military...

[@jimihendrix731]

Your labor rates and parts prices are very reasonable and fair.

[@HunterAtheist]

14:00 You sum it up perfectly. You don't preach for people to do one thing or another. You make your opinion and your reasoning for your opinion known, whether that be bike related or politics related, or literally anything else. You address criticisms in a great way. More people should have this mentality. Instead, people are offended by opinions or lifestyle choices or even a person's literal identity.

[@roypennock8046]

As a home bike mechanic on my own bikes... A crescent wrench and the ol' eye-crometer has always worked for me on derailleur hangers...

[@sylvainguidi]

thanks for the transparence on pricing. It's fair, decent price. edit: I was expecting you use "BAR" as a air pressure unit

[@stephensaines7100]

It would be a false economy to try and do it any cheaper.

[@peterago1082]

Andrew a man of mystery, "leisure and comfort"

[@hammer313]

i like your philosophy and the catch phrase good enough for who it's for, but also, spinning the wheel isn't a burden even if it makes no difference to the end result. spin or don't spin, at least it gives us something to talk about which is good for the algorithm.

[@alfredklek]

Love the cantilevers

[@pascalbruyere7108]

I love the rant stand.

[@kennethduckworth7111]

Makes me want to come to Wisconsin just to visit. :)

[@joaopedrodefreitaslima2936]

I would love to see you showing some bikes you have for sale. You could pick some and talk about cool details and curiosities, maybe. Please, think about it!

[@RK-kn1ud]

In reference to DAG use and rotating the rim: Using the same point on the rim matters MUCH more when using a 9+ speed drivetrain in the back. There is far less room for error.

[@jayknibbs8413]

Always a full viewing…

[@H457ur]

Attention earned 😁. For those who don’t want to do sustaining memberships but still wouldn’t mind helping out occasionally - what I do is tip if I ask a question (I tend to do this on channels that offer advice and I have found that, unless the channel is huge, a tip will often get you answer). Mr. BikeFarmer answers questions if you’re nice but I figure that an answer from someone who does this for a living is worth a couple of bucks. Also, commenting increases the engagement score, so comment if you have something interesting or even not interesting to say, it supposedly increases the advertising revenue. Just don’t be a jackass.

[@jrother]

6 and 7 speed cassettes have so much built in play that truing the hanger that well won't really make any difference anyway. 12 speed might be different, but those are a world apart in terms of tolerance.

[@jstar1000]

While I'm not arguing the $349 price, if you can get it, good on you. I have to almost give a bike like that away to get rid of it in my area, its sad. I'm not joking. I could list that thing on CL or FB market place for $80 and no one would respond. And that is after doing a full blown tune and clean up like you did. Its so bad here I recently bought a 2015 Norco Cabot which is pretty much a Surly long haul trucker just Norco's version, disc brake bike with super fat tires and it was in brand new un ridden condition and kept indoors, was super clean looked brand freaking new. I snagged it for $200 cash, that was his asking price. I didn't even argue. Handed him the money and burned rubber out of there.

[@arden0]

I think what some commenters are forgetting is that for a "non-cyclist" there's a big difference between buying a used bike from a shop vs. some guy on facebook

[@jstar1000]

@@arden0 I agree 100% .

[@vitinhokd]

Always an amazing video. Congratulations!!!

[@Hendry-f8g]

Me: Wake up Fix bikes Sell bikes Fix some more bikes Watch some videos of a guy fixing bikes Rinse n repeat

[@TheWillRogers]

Reflector strips on tires are better than fragile plastic reflectors that are just gonna end up in the gutter anway.

[@stephensaines7100]

Or at best, rattle, and at worst, fracture and fall into the spokes and/or derailleur.

[@peterbedford2610]

I've found really decent bikes on CL for $250 and under

[@pascalbruyere7108]

I was thinking the same about truing before but now I agree with you that it does not matter unless the wheel is so twisted that you first have a problem there, with the brakes in particular. With disk brakes it might be more difficult to notice the wheels are off. It’d be nice to know of some hack in order to not have to use such an expensive tool.

[@jpsalis]

DAG3 looks really nice, looks a lot easier to use than the DAG 2.2. Definitely a pro shop price and a tool for professionals but it looks really well-manufactured.

[@rainerunsinn4808]

Measuring the firmness of your wheels seems to be changing every few years anyway. My father still measures in "atmospheres", I do in "bar" and my son in PSI.

[@james-p]

"I'm also a man of leisure." Amen lol.

[@james-p]

PS: Rideable, Right, or Optimized.

[@drsamjohn]

First, I am watching to learn (and doing so, so much appreciated). Having some older (and properly thrashed) bikes myself, I do tend to make sure I have (a) good reference point(s) to work from when doing my maintenance. Only reason I raised the order of operations is that you have the wheels in the truing stand for pretty much every bike, before you do the brake and derailleur adjustments anyway … 😅. Hence would have made more sense in my particular word to true up DH once wheel has been fully inspected and received any needed/desired truing itself.

[@sveablu]

You made 50k subs!!!!!

[@bkefrmr]

I totally did! Thanks so much!!!

[@Aussie_stu]

80psi in 38mm tyres. Wow. And I thought you advocated for a comfortable ride.

[@ebikescrapper3925]

If using the same point on the rum, put a piece of masking tape on the rum and line the edge of the tool arm point with the edge of the tape.

[@rainerunsinn4808]

Hmm rum, I want to get drunk now ;)

[@garyfleischman7555]

@@rainerunsinn4808 100 proof read🍸

[@jstar1000]

Hey bikefarmer, I'm helping you out with the algorithm. Be happy lol.

[@jacobatherton8339]

I do like the flippy DAG-3. Me Gusta

[@bkefrmr]

Same

[@charlcoetzee93]

Jagwire brake pads are cheap and work great. I put some long mtb pads on a 80s road bike with centre pull brakes

[@K-sp]

Whats the background music you used at 32:00 onwards?

[@SianaGearz]

There is some flexibility in the brake mechanism, so getting like a paper thickness amount of toe-in might be just right, and they'll wear themselves to the rim rather quickly and it should be good. At least when the brake pads are fresh. When they pads are used... well, there's no bliss, only struggle.

[@markfrisbie1587]

It’s YOUR channel, rant away! RIP Zappa.

[@jamescollins5697]

Bob Ross has his way of doing things, right or wrong and so do Bikefarmer! No probs, don't sweat da boneheads Warren. Yea and F reflectors day be stupit. thanks for another great vid.

[@jameslarson6555]

Even after the dialogue, I’d still true the wheel first, just makes sense

[@nicolasleblanc7306]

On m'a toujours enseigné qu'un bon dévoilage de jante c'était avec roue dégonflé, qu'en pensez-vous ?

[@matphilips3288]

What is a hybrid bike? We haven't such a category in Germany... 😮

[@philipphoessl9754]

Great video. Now i do infact have a simmilar old Mountainbike at home which i want to upgrade with a Suspension fork but i am not sure what i need to watch out for when looking for a fork. I do know that i need a fork with v-brake mount as well as a screw on crown. Here i come to ask you for help you know any forks that fit my criteria

[@tharpeaddy]

People think any mode of transportation should be cheap or free for some reason I have two e-bikes and I want my e-bikes running as best as they can and I don’t mind paying for it It just makes my bike run smoothly and speedy which saves me time and money anyway

[@skylerlovell1780]

As far as politics go, I know you and I disagree on things, but why is that bad? People disagree on a lot of things and that's why we should be conversing and hearing each other out rather than just being mad all the time. Keep ranting buddy, thank you for the vids.

[@bkefrmr]

We likely agree on many things politically, but I'm voting the fuck out of Harris/Walz anyway!

[@H457ur]

Agreed. And it’s your damn channel so rant away. Bikes will still be fixed and that’s good enough for me.

[@rastislavstanik]

@@bkefrmr fuck what a relief 👍

[@ihatedjmani]

Yes, Your Lisp and Feminine demeanor added with your constant whining about comments about you = a Harris voter

[@franzfenzl5909]

maybe i skipped too much of the video, but why you dont use koolstop eagle 2 brakepads for cantilever brakes, when you change the pads. as we know labor is more expensive on the brakes than the material, its a more benefiting thing since the koolstop eagle 2 are the best, easy to adjust and not too expensive (and made in america). its the only reason i still use cantis on my touring bike, because koolstops make it rideable. love the channel :)

[@peterhansen8216]

These expert commenters on the prices you charge hav no idea the costsin running a business.

[@ryancraig2795]

$9 tubes? You're using the good ones. What are you using as a spray detailer? That not a can of lemon Pledge by any chance is it?

[@RoyBramlowe]

congrats on 50k

[@bkefrmr]

Thanks hey!!

[@spitt0110]

anytime i can upgrade a Canti brake to a Linear pull I do it.

[@HunterAtheist]

Ewww

[@romanmentor9238]

I didn't know tubes get worn out like tyres.I usually patch the tubes,because from my riding experience and understanding most often reason for the punctures are worn tyres

[@christopherharmon9336]

At first I thought your "Good enough for who it's for" comment was a bit condescending, but then I thought about context. If I bought mid-grade aluminum wheels for my gravel bike, I may notice a gain in performance and/or feel. But If I spent $2500-$3000 on carbon wheels, it's not like the carbon wheel set would cut an additional hour off a 100km/62 mile event ride. A few minutes? Sure. but the limiting factor is my training, not the bicycle. I'd be better off losing 10 lbs. For a pro racing Unbound, are carbon wheels optional? Probably not. The difference between 1st and 10th was only about 5 minutes.

[@bushnut8305]

a brand new Giant Cypress is $650..so $200 to fix is good value.

[@bubblesezblonde]

You are spot on per reflectors. I use 100 lumen or plus rechargeable flashing lights for day riding. I set one at 200 constant beam and a 100 flashing at night. Flashing tail lights at ALL times. Nice vid and good rant

[@originalchristianvogt]

The only people who say that someone shouldn't mention politics are those who can't stand hearing an opinion that conflicts with their own, while they themself talk about it nonstop. Politics effects everybody's life, so erybody is allowed to have an opinion.

[@bkefrmr]

Very true

[@gerardsaylor-personal8331]

El. Vis. Rock. Er.

[@brent4425]

Taco!

[@bkefrmr]

Thanks B!

[@brent4425]

@bkefrmr I greatly appreciate you and what you do.

[@ddrewable]

Delete the Giant and paint Stumpjumper on it Now it’s worth the 200 bucks

[@aq7705]

My bike is acting up. When I put some pressure on the pedals there's a crunching sound. Changed the rear derailleur, rear cassette and chain. Still happening, mostly in 4th and 5th gears. Weird.

[@rastislavstanik]

bottom bracket?

[@drsamjohn]

@@rastislavstanikor just pedal bearings/bushings shot?!

[@ryancraig2795]

If the crank arms are on tapered square mounts to the shaft, check that they're tight. If they're not right you can get creaking noises when pedaling or standing on the pedals. Easy to do if you've got a set of sockets.

[@Inzolity]

the bikerfarmer wins again

[@GeorgeSeth]

No spoke protector? 😂

[@komoonkh]

One famous psychiatrist here in czech said: Psychopaths that arent successfull are in jail. Psychopaths that are successfull are in politics. Pretty accurate I would say.

[@romemancer7905]

Did you lube all the moving parts and bearings and headtube bearings...remember this is an old bike and these old hybrids get dumped at the recycle yards all the time...there not worth anything anymore !

[@rctedford]

I don't know about anyone but I would rather clean my joint with Dawn power wash that emery paper. Ouch!

[@ethanswanson9209]

Trying to tell a Wisconsinite what they shouldn’t talk about 😅

[@billyjo1148]

now we all want to marry him lol

[@arden0]

here for the politics!

[@bkefrmr]

hahahaha said no one ever!!! I mean except for the extremely popular sensationalist extremist conspiratorial divisive political channels, podcasts and cable news networks and ....

[@jayknibbs8413]

😂😂

[@jayknibbs8413]

😂😂

[@haraldthi]

"Nobody rides in the night"? I agree those reflectors are stupid but get some proper lights man.

[@mitchypooK-6]

First 🤓

[@bkefrmr]

Time to get them BALLER plates!

[@peterago1082]

dont mind politics and opinion on guys with loud gas guzzling cars

[@jele5116]

I thought this was going to become a political channel

[@bkefrmr]

HARRIS/WALZ 2024

[@jele5116]

@@bkefrmr That’s a perfectly good selection.

[@jstar1000]

I buy my tubes on Amazon in bulk (6 pack) and pay less then $6 each delivered to my door, nine is a bit ridicules.

[@PoserBallin]

The man is running a business

[@CensorshipSucks-ng8cr]

I grow rubber trees and make my own for free

[@bkefrmr]

Hook, line and sinker! Thanks for your comment!

[@halhallmark5970]

Without a markup, there is no store, there is no income. Good value is not just about low price. If you replace your own tubes, as I do, then low price is a factor. If you have somebody else do that for you, why begrudge them making a living? That just doesn't make any sense.

[@christianb.1028]

Sorry, but you're an idiot. Example: Amazon makes profit on the tubes. Andy makes profit on tubes. Amazon probably buys 1 million tubes for 1 $ each and makes 4 $ margin after cost, Andy probably buys 100 tubes for 4 $ each and makes 2 $ margin after cost.

[@a1white]

5:55 exactly! And they are paying $100 labour not $200 if you were to charge more, they wouldn’t want to pay and the bike would be scrapped