New BIKE for the holidays? FIX these 6 things NOW! Common BIG BOX bicycle SAFETY issues EXPOSED!

[@chrisbrecht3167]

Excellent PSA! Sometimes I'll detour through the bike section at Walmart just to see how many forks are backwards.

[@hutzman7664]

My wife’s fork has been on backwards for 15 years. Friggin Schwinn.

[@EBikeBuilder_]

they don't always grease the bottom bracket, headset, or loose ball bearing hubs. I've seen the bottom brackets come bone dry with metal shavings in them. I've had some with the crank arms seized on. The front wheel is often messed up from shipping and being zip tied to the frame. Anything that can go wrong is a possibility. But like you mentioned you can return these bikes to a Walmart , assembled or not, I've even had the option for Fedex to come pick the bike up at my house instead of returning it at a store. The Return policy is very accommodating

[@emilycs8823]

Totally. The labor to rebuild some of these bikes correctly exceeds the value of the bike. Every time I have checked out one of these bikes, the bottom bracket, and hubs are always loose. Another thing are cheap rear axels that bend when you hit a bump, or ride off a curb and seize up the freewheel. A lot of these also come with flat faced derailleurs, or at best tourney rear derailleurs that don't stay in adjustment very well and are notorious for ending up getting caught in the wheel spokes when they get bent, or the limits aren't adjusted right, or go out of adjustment. Wheel dishing is also often poor., combined with bad frame or fork alignment is going to result in a bike that never handles well.

[@ChrisKuwait]

I bought a Schwinn at the military base here in Kuwait. Had to pretty much tightened everything you did along with adjust the front and rear derailer.

[@newlifeforoldshtuff7810]

Very informative video I’m an old biker I love riding my 1962 Schwinn 26 inch bicycle. My children have grown up with old Schwinn bikes, but the all have older mountain bikes from the 90’s like Gary Fisher, GT and Cannondale. I do all the maintenance on them while teaching them about their bikes. Keep up the great work and stay safe out there.

[@FuchsHorst]

Just don't overtight. I once cracked a steel seat tube because of overclamping the seatpost (heavy rider…)

[@tonyalewis9053]

I need to thank my parents, only my first bike was a box store bike. It was a Sears Spyder bike with a banana seat and chopper bars. My second bike was purchased in a bike shop, a Schwinn 10-speed with a heavy steel frame but it rode over suburban gravel like a champ. It was stolen in College. 🤬 I bought a Stumpjumper used in the 1990’s. Recently, my Mother bought a Salsa Journeyer for me on my birthday. I’m in my 60’s and she’s in her 80’s! How cool is that? Thanks for doing this so kids can safely enjoy the bike they have! Happy Holidays!

[@_MrSnrub]

Once a mother, always a mother. Ride on, friend.

[@JMcLeodKC711]

Dude…..so glad you made this video

[@bkefrmr]

Glad you liked it!

[@jakobc1998]

As a former bike mechanic, I appreciate a cheap big box bike because they're a way for people on a very tight budget to get their foot in the door - but this is an extremely important PSA and exactly aligns with what I tell people considering buying one: They can get you going, but don't ride it before you've given it a safety check or had someone knowledgeable about wrenching on bikes do so! One of my favorite things I saw when I was at the bike shop was when people who bought bikes at the Target next door would wheel them right on over to us to check it out and correct the inevitable assembly mistakes.

[@bibasik7]

This is exactly what I did, I bought a mountain bike at Walmart and adjusted it myself. The model I got is the Kent Trouvaille, which has a Suntour fork and Microshift Advent drivetrain, so I don't have to worry about those components failing. The rest of the components seem to be decent, too. Everything besides the seat rails is aluminum. At the store, the handlebars were installed about 2 inches off center, so it's clear that they didn't put much care into assembling it.

[@robertmcfadyen9156]

Sorry to learn of this .

[@LoneWanderer905]

Common Berm Peak W

[@bibasik7]

@@LoneWanderer905 Seth is the GOAT

[@ERICMANN71]

So you think Suntour and Microshift are good components. Tell us you're new to riding without telling us that you're new to riding. Lol.

[@rosomak8244]

@@ERICMANN71 They actually are. In esp. Microshift provides good and durable products. They just don't fancy a gazillion of gears or other silly stuff like that.

[@stevengagnon4777]

As a well experienced mechanic , I personally do like to work on these big box store bicycles. It's a good exercise in pacing oneself and not missing any essentials . Along with some quick extras that can make a big difference. Like getting the front hub( rear to if it's obvious) adjusted and bringing up the usually softly tensioned wheels. Disk brakes makes that faster the tension is more important than perfectly round and staight.. 45 minutes could make a big difference and a hour and a half some of the lack of grease problems can br adressed like the hubs fork and cables. Sooner is better than later. Nice work , figured out why you look familiar as you probably know who I am too.

[@elvisoost630]

Add to that, that Schwinn's aren't Schwinn's any longer. Schwinn was bought by Huffy and what people are getting are Huffy's with the Schwinn name on them. Add to that the fact that they are being unboxed and generally thrown together by someone under underqualified and you have an accident ready to happen. Not to mention that often people often buy bikes unknowingly, that are too small or too large for them from big box stores.

[@mmaster8954]

Also, beware bikes from REI, the quality of their bike mechanics very wildly from excellent too not good

[@rosomak8244]

Feature number 1 of new bikes: not a single thread will be treated with anti-seise or corrosion prevention. This is independent from the price tag on it.

[@rosomak8244]

You don't have to deal with this kind of crooked wheel when it is due to misaligned fork. You can file off the groove a bit ro bring the wheel to the center.

[@robertmcfadyen9156]

It is boxing day yet I have had 16 requests for bicycle calibrations , budget / department store models , eg : KMART , BIG W , TARGET .

[@No_ReGretzky99]

I think it depends on where you come from I'm down here in the South 10 minutes from Memphis Olive Branch Mississippi and I bought the Ozark trail vibe from Walmart cuz it's 27 and a half inches but I know what I'm doing with bikes but the whole thing needed to tighten the brakes needed adjusted and everything and they're disc brakes

[@PoserBallin]

Big box junk :/ edit: gawd, I cant imagine having to adjust a big box bike disc brake, kill me now.

[@ewxlt]

Front wheel dish is likely off rather than the fork alignment. 😊

[@emilycs8823]

Another thing to check is that the valve stems for inflating the tires, are straight, and pulled all the way through the rim. If its at an angle, it will rub against the valve hole in the rim and fail prematurely. Deflating the tire, and re inflating can help make sure the inner tube is seated well in the tire and not twisted and prevent a lot of pinch flats from hasty installation. Its pretty common with these bikes that you ride them and get flats right away and this is why, and how you can try to prevent it as much as you can.

[@jamesjenkins8373]

These bikes are what I’ll be fixing tomorrow 😢

[@friendbubble8415]

Happy New Mr Bike Framer 7:43 Also manny Pedals have a allen key access at the End of the axes(spindel)

[@daniellarson3068]

I kind of feel sorry for that kid stacking the Cheerios. He has to work so hard being a multi tasker. He cannot improve his work experience. If he even whispers the word "union" Walmart will send him out the door never to return. He did the best he could with that Schwinn. When I was a kid, I could only aspire to a Schwinn. Both my brother and I spent our childhoods on used Sears and "Monkey" Wards single speed coaster bikes. Time plays some odd tricks. Now the "premium" Schwinn brand is often denigrated. Thanks for the video. I think I'll go for a bike ride on this unusually warm Christmas day.😊

[@77gmcnut]

About 35 years ago I was hired by Shopko to assemble bicycles for Christmas layaways. Unlike the kid stocking the cereal I brought about 20 years of actual bicycle shop experience to the job. I didn't stay with Shopko and they're all gone from our area here with the exception of a few Shopko optical shops. But for a while Shopko customers got a bicycle which had been properly assembled.

[@larrybasinski8596]

They are known by bike mechanics as BSO,s Bike shaped objects.

[@markfletcher4605]

Fantastic video. I volunteer at a free bike fix program and I often see situations where someone brings in a brand new bike that was purchased at a big box store wondering bolts are loose and the brakes do not work well.

[@kenlang6672]

For real, there is a box store assembler with a youtube vid, showing how to assemble a beach crusier. At one point he takes the quill stem, just barely inserts it, then beats it into the headtube with a rubber mallet. No grease whatsoever on quill, wedge or in headtube. This is very bad.

[@QoraxAudio]

6:30 Crooked fork? Are you sure? As far as I can see the hub isn't centered. There are two spacer nuts at the left side of the hub causing an offset. I think you need to remove on of those and put it on the other side. Loosen the bolts of the brake caliper, put the wheel back in and adjust the brake caliper before tightening those bolts again.

[@randywelsh4225]

As far as the kick stand goes you should remove it off the bottom of the frame and installed it on the side of the handlebar because all kids bikes are laying on their side anyway😂

[@irenecraggs6123]

you have to check the crank bolts to i had a crank fall apart on me on a daymak ebike

[@bkefrmr]

There’s a hundred other things to do. These are the 6 most common. Don’t even get me started with cheap ebikes.

[@ClintDowd]

Merry Christmas!!!

[@stevebarnes9345]

Merry Christmas all bike farmers! What an important tutorial this is!!!!.... and from this point on .... all those locals/ in the Gibs bike shop area--- bring in your new rides for further upkeep. I would but I'm in Texas .

[@STB_Bike_troubleshooting]

never been this early to a video

[@user-ki9gd2bk5q]

Merry Christmas!!!

[@rondvivre3636]

Check for axle nuts that are way over-tightened else good luck fixing a road/trail side flat. I suspect they're slammed on, tightest possible, with impact wrenches during manufacture. Pedal threads deserve anti-seize.

[@Pesmog]

Although you didn't do it, I would have also checked the tension on the stem top cap star nut, as the last thing you want is play in your headset. If there is significant play the brakes will grab and throw an inexperienced rider over the bars. I just took delivery of a brand new Canyon $6k bike and the stem cap tension was set all wrong at the factory and it had a shocking amount of play in the headset to the extent that I had to remove the fork and reseat the bearings. If a quality manufacturer can get it wrong, a big box store can sure to do the same.

[@jhstockman]

What advice can you give to a budding bike farmer about warranties, liability and insurance? I have been flipping good quality used bikes for a year now. If I make it an official side hustle (LLC) do I need to have buyers sign a release when selling them a bike or performing repairs/upgrades? What type of insurance should I have?

[@bkefrmr]

Talk to your agent

[@traviseller3770]

as a bike mechanic with over 20 years experience, this is a wonderful video and if you do not feel comfortable doing any of this yourself, I know not everyone can afford a bike shop level bike take the bike into your local bike shop and have them go over the bike for youI do this all the time for people and I definitely glad they’re riding something safe now

[@u1y55e]

First! Merry Christmas Andy!

[@raymonddaviau4502]

Canadian Tire stores here in Canada sell crap bikes! Go to a bike shop to buy!

[@scottersandman6408]

I have the Al Comp ladies edition you have. I went to a 180mm rotor out front. I have a zoom dual piston caliper in front. The rear wheel was replaced so I can have a AdvantX cassette. I went one by. Avid brake levers. IFX crank with 34 tooth wide narrow chain ring. Deore rear derailure....yea the fork sucks....i will get to that. went road tires. roll better. I had FUN changing over the parts. Except the oem crank had to be cut out....

[@Brother_Pugz]

Very timely video. I am working on a Kent Trouvaille that I picked up as a Wally Mart reject for a 100 bucks due to a damaged box. LOL. They had the chain incorrectly routed through the RD from the factory. Grease robot must have been broken as well. LOL🤣I think I'll jump it off the back deck.

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

I'd take any 1960's beat up Schwinn as a commuter before this blue stunner. Keep your kids safe 😂

[@georose33]

Pacific Cycle seems to have purchased every iconic bicycle brand from my youth and turn them into Walmart specials. About 7 years ago I wanted a fat bike, I saw one on the beach and thought it was cool looking. So of course I'm not spending a fortune on a high end bike just to try it out (like you've said in other videos) I bought one online from Academy Sports for $199. Being in the auto repair business for a lifetime and knowing a decent amount about bike repair, I decide to check it out before assembly. Pretty much every bearing was damn near dry, the crappy bottom bracket was dry and loose, wheel bearing where dry and tight. I rode it for a while, they're heavy and it is a steel bike, so it was kicking my old ass. I converted it to an ebike with a BBSHD, ape hangers and removed the fat tires and went with 27.5X2.8 street tires. Turned out nice. Pretty much the only original component is the frame, which I had powder coated.

[@layol692k7]

i have the mens version that bike and slowly over time i turned into a trail beast. the only original parts on the bike is the frame and wheels, The wheels will be replaced soon . I think these are great project bikes and a perfect platform to build on

[@markmartello]

Thanks Andy. I've preached the same sermon many times myself.

[@ksgriffiths1]

Don’t ask me how this works but if you flip the quick release to non drive side the wheel usually centers. I’ve even experienced this on quality bikes. Worth a try.

[@petrosspetrosgali]

This reminds me of my first mountain bike. My dad got it from target in 1988 at the very end of my 7th grade year and over that summer, I literally rode the bearings out of the freewheel. I remember hearing the bearings tiniking on the pavement, then my back wheel got all wobbly. The neat part was that I was pedaling BALLS TO THE WALL in top gear.😎. I did manage not to crash.

[@karoltakisobie6638]

Headset, bottom bracket and wheel hubs should be disassembled, inspected and reassembled will proper grease. I found so many bikes either with wrongly assembled components or with zero lubrication in them . Replacing bottom bracket with sealed one is a good idea,even used bb is better than factory one.

[@rodneyhanson9884]

You see a fair few bikes with the forks backwards I suspect they are packed that way in the box and the kid in the shop didn’t put the wheel the right way round when fitting the bars and the purchaser assumed the bike was correct as they bought it

[@bkefrmr]

I ran a bike charity that processed thousands of these bikes. One season we kept track and it was ~3% of them with forks on backwards.

[@madtownangler]

I don't know if we still have it here in our town but they used to spray paint bikes red and give you a U-Lock I think for $20 Madison, WI

[@dashofawesome64]

I know there cheap but do know a too tight quick release will shorten the life of the cup and cone bearings.

[@stevengagnon4777]

No...the quick release needs to be to be tightened properly ...that's fairly tight...the front wheel falling out is very serious. That being said the hub needs to be adjusted properly and that ware will be normal. The wheel should spin freely if that isn't happening then the hub is most likely adjusted to tight. Most of these have a 9mm front axle assembly and it compresses alot with the quick release secured properly. So with an axle like this the front hub should have a very small amount of play ( just a tick side to side) . They are usually to tight from the factory it's a quick and easy adjustment that many mechanics don't address and is a problem with all lower end bicycles not just big box stores. Usually poor quality grease and not enough either.

[@dashofawesome64]

@@stevengagnon4777 some time ago i opened one of my new front feel hubs. there was only enough grease for the balls to turn. kinda sad that this happens. personally i adjust the cones with play then use spacers and use the quick release cause the mass of the wheel will not tell precisely enough how tight they are. i like the feel the axle with all its lightness.

[@orpheusstephens3096]

It looks like the front rim needs to be dished (to the right when sitting facing forward) which might center it in the fork.

[@romanmentor9238]

Why is it that the same rim brake pads wear much faster on one rim than another(both rear).Could it be because rim alloys are different?

[@wolfgangweber9924]

I hope a whole lot of parents find this video and make their kids twice as happy!

[@elishmittywerminghanjensen1264]

Appreciate that you didn't call out any torque specs, but still said not to strip 'em / just snug. Can't wait for next season to check out your shop!

[@77gmcnut]

It's easy "quarter turn before they break" 😏

[@BricelynTowne]

This is a great PSA/tutorial!!

[@robertmcfadyen9156]

These bicycles can be money makers or teaching articles for their new owners .

[@martindirkzimmer]

How about a video series _New Bike Day_: "So, you got a new Gravel/Road/Downhill/Dirt/Commuter bike - What's next?"

[@tomskid27]

Classy video to help people out. The best advice would be to take it to a bike shop and pay that little extra to go over the entire bike. Then when one picks it up, just ask the mechanic to spend a few minutes going over what they can do at home.

[@bkefrmr]

Many shops won’t work on them, mine included

[@robertmcfadyen9156]

I published a paper about this topic in 1998 .

[@madtownangler]

My first bike I bought was at a discount store. I took it out on some golf course trails where I was working and the handlebars went one way and the forks went another way After the nurse picked all the gravel out.of my shredded arms I took the bike back and they gave me my money back plus a hundred bucks to shut up about it I then went to a real bike shop and got myself a Diamond Back Traverse for like $300. My first real bike that wasn't BMX.

[@robertlewis3712]

Excellent points. I have learned a lot from your videos. Please keep producing them.

[@brianscott1986]

Just finished a new gravel -style frankembuild. 96 Peugeot X-Country frame with factory flared dropbars in a narrow 36 cm width. Paired with Ultegra 6600 10 speed shifters, new GRX derailleur in the rear, Campagnolo record 9 speed front derailleur, 3x STX crank reduced to a 2X @34/24. Rolling on a set of 700 x 45 Continental Terra Speed gravel tire. Learned so much and can climb walls with the 11-34 cassette in the rear for a max low gear of 1 crank revolution equals .70 revolutions of the wheel. Hills beware.

[@mikem3695]

Usually these bikes aren't assembled by store employees. There are companies that the big box stores subcontract their assembly who bring in their own crews for all kinds of products. That doesn't mean they are assembled properly as the employees are not well paid and are pressured to maintain productivity.

[@timetravelfilms727]

Great video, none of these torque wrenches and wearing gloves for everything videos. This is everyday fixing for everyday cycling.

[@percivalgooglyeyes6178]

Came across a guy on a multi-use trail and I noticed he had his front rotor on the right side, and the fork lower tube brace behind the fort tubes. The bike rode a little higher in the front end and steeper than average fork rake. I said; "Wow, you've got quite the unique bike there, how does it ride?" Turns out is was a brand new bike he assembled himself. I fixed him up with my multi-tool.

[@godfellas483]

I love how the right-side crank is labeled (R) with a sticker.(7:05)..Just in case the mouth breather who stocks the Cheerios doesn't get it...Thanks for this informative PSA Bike farmer!

[@ChrisinOSMS]

5:40 Isn’t the quick release lever supposed to be on the non-drive side? Maybe it’s a disc brake thing, I’ve only had rim brake bikes.

[@petrosspetrosgali]

I was thinking the same thing

[@raymonddaviau4502]

Some of Big Department store bike has Manufactures defects.

[@garryruggiero3559]

Walmart at wake forest NC subcontract all there work out I used to build all their bikes did all the adjustment and aligned the wheels I learn alot on build junk

[@bushnut8305]

I remember a few years ago the Canadian Tire department store nation wide summer catalogue had a cover image of a family with mountain bikes. All the suspension forks were on backwards. No they were not Manitou.

[@minnesotasteve]

Fox new suspension forks are going to have the arch on the rear. They did that to totally confuse everyone.

[@madtownangler]

They did that in the 1990's can't remember what brand it was though.

[@killervacuum]

video idea: find a "kid from the back of the big box store" and bring them in for a lesson

[@russianbear0027]

Even if the person knows how to do it, from the testimonials I've read, management doesn't give them the time to do a good job.

[@devinvagt7914]

This is what I do this time of year, get cheap disc brakes to stop department store bikes.

[@spencerrobinson2719]

I had a grandma come to me with a big box bike she bought for her grandson and while I was trying to get the fork turned around, her grandson jumped on a scratched up old Giant that I had saved from the dumpster. The kid flew by and said, grandma, I like This bike! I looked at grandma and asked…you still have the receipt? Take this one back, I can sell you the old giant for less than what you paid.

[@bkefrmr]

That’s what’s up!

[@pascalbruyere7108]

You got everything right as far as safety is concerned. Maybe checking the shifters’ range and tuning is a good idea because derailing at speed can also be dangerous.

[@MickeyDunaway]

I have a big box store bike but the only thing that is original is the frame over time things have changed I like your show very informative

[@LebronPhoto1]

Back in the day when I ran big box stores, I used to hire a company to come in and assemble our bikes. Some of the mechanics they sent were great, others not so much. They were usually hired for the day and were under pressure to assemble as many bikes as possible during that period. I also have to say that at least in the mountain bike category, I find may of the higher end big box bikes to be superior (and less expensive) than the lower end bike shop bikes.

[@jasonbusch3624]

Not to mention upside-down handlebars!

[@ellerybice3787]

Do you also find the bicycle did not come with a rider as well?

[@markb3954]

Love the channel. Have you ever done a vid on beach cruisers lol. Have a great xmas

[@martindirkzimmer]

Great video idea! You go, Brian!

[@MarcKroetch]

Great view, thanks

[@MHH3180]

Please use a proper tool or an adjustable wrench to straighten rotors. I realize most make too much of contaminating pads with skin oil, but most people don't wear gloves for repair and get actual grease on their rotors which will ruin pads.

[@MHH3180]

Also, loosen those fixing bolts on those brakes. Tie back the brake levers, then retighten the mounting bolts so it won't squeal. Remer too to adjust the inside pad for wear, not just the barrel adjuster

[@dashofawesome64]

@@MHH3180 I hope we get more hydraulic brake systems on cheap bikes. The wired disc brakes are so shit to adjust and need to be adjusted all the time. Even the mt200 is self adjusting.

[@redrep13]

Well done, without making people feel stupid for buying a big box bike.

[@bkefrmr]

Doesn’t mean it’s not a stupid thing to do though!

[@lawrenceokane1678]

Well said.

[@SignorNessuno65]

I appreciate how you weren't too hard on the cheap bike.

[@bkefrmr]

Holiday Spirit

[@robertmcfadyen9156]

Andrew needs to talk about the white card with light falling on it technique to aid disc brake rotor truing , visibility .

[@WitchesPuzzle]

I'm new to disc brakes (😮) and can't wait to see a video about pad replacement and just the general shenanigans behind them. This was a great intro to them and look forward to more.

[@ClintDowd]

Thanks!

[@bkefrmr]

Awesome! Thank you!!

[@martindirkzimmer]

Danke!

[@gepiphany8904]

I would have the kid in front of me and a glass of Jack... and make him fetch each tool and name every part, nut and bolt on the bike.. Marlboro Southern Cuts are 13.00 bucks out here... so after we torque and dial your new Schweinn iron cemetery bench to spec, go out to Chevron and pick me up a cherry coke, and a pack of matches... ...

[@minnesotasteve]

Ok boomer

[@miguela.8929]

More often than not, most people don't have a repair stand but doing these checks with the bike upside down may actually be easier, especially for checking if the wheels are seated all the way in the dropouts :)

[@EBikeBuilder_]

yup , especially for seating wheels, upside down works great. Otherwise its easy to bend the brake rotor by tilting the wheel while fastening the QR skewer

[@ltabla13]

I see it’s a schwinn? Is that not a good bike? I just bought a used 1967 schwinn I know nothing about bikes but wanted something to ride around with my kids. I hope I didn’t make a huge mistake 🤦🏻‍♀️