Bob Ross Style Gravel Bike Conversion & Restoration on a Budget

From an old hybrid dad-bike to and awesome gravel bike on a budget with a Bob Ross inspired custom paint job.
Get all your parts for your next bike restoration from Jenson USA and help support more content like this by using this affiliate link:
Jenson USA - bit.ly/JensonUSA_os
Also check out my other partners:
Club Ride - Great Riding apparel that you can wear every day - even in the shop. bit.ly/ClubRide_os Use the discount code oldshovel20 to get 20% off your order at checkout.
Park Tool - Check out and subscribe to their channel at bit.ly/ParkTool-YT-OSL
Spray.Bike - If you are considering repainting a bike you will not regret using Spray.Bike. bit.ly/SprayBike-OSL
New Parts List for this Build:
Wolf Tooth Chainring Bolts Green - bit.ly/3kXNfp8
Avid 20R Brake Shoe Pads Black, Symetrical - bit.ly/3kXNfp8
Shimano XT Cn-Hg95 10 Speed Chain - bit.ly/3DLu62l
Surly Knard 700 x 41 Tire 700 x 41 - bit.ly/2Yid5MT
Foundation Shockproof Bar Tape Black - bit.ly/3BItyZo
Race Face 4 Bolt 12 Speed Shimano Chainring Black, 34 Tooth, 104 BCD - bit.ly/3kOoPhG
Ritchey Comp Butano Drop Handlebar Black, 46cm - bit.ly/3kTFEbk
Cane Creek Drop V Levers Black - bit.ly/2WW7tHV
Microshift 10-Speed MTN Thumb Shifter - bit.ly/3zNWhv1
microSHIFT ADVENT X Rear Derailleur - bit.ly/3DMmKLX
microSHIFT ADVENT X Cassette ED Black, 10 Speed, 11-48T - bit.ly/38DLwjc
Shimano XT BB-MT800 Bottom Bracket - bit.ly/38HD0Qk
Foundation Road Presta Bike Tubes - bit.ly/3BIuVau
Used Parts List for this Build:
2005 Trek 7200 FX - Used from a thrift store
Microshift Bar End Mount - Left over from my Ritchey Ascent Rebuild
Fizik Arione VS Saddle - Used from local bike shop
Truvativ Hussefelt Seatpost 27.2mm - Used from thrifted bike
Cycling King 110mm stem - Used from thrifted bike
Shimano Deore Creankset - Used from SLC Bicycle Collective
Ritchey Pedals - Used from TRUVATIV HUSSEFELT SEATPOST
For more content on my builds follow Oldshovel on Instagram and Facebook.
bit.ly/oldshovelofficialFacebook
http:/Cycling/bit.ly/OldshovelInstagram
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Music from Epidemic Sound bit.ly/30pwbOZ
Footprints in the Sand - by Roots and Recognition
#oldshovel
#Gravelbike
#BikeRestoration

[@thiagootaviosidoleonardo2714]

This painting became a work of art. Congratulations for the work this fantastic

[@oldshovel]

Thanks

[@francesconatale4241]

how much did you spend?

[@DanielCruz-tp9og]

This is like a meditation video for me.. man this is so relaxing

[@oldshovel]

Awesome

[@kadaverf]

I was literally thinking the same thing :)

[@davidclayton1803]

Yep. Also I nearly cried! A bit of a John Muir moment for me. The mountains are calling and I must go.

[@ninochemtaro5076]

A@@@

[@sisaktamas]

Exactly the same for me. I just watched it simply to relax and unwind. I also LOVE that he barely speaks.

[@jonathandougherty3677]

Yea when the red trek letters showed against the happy trees, and that bike name too, my eyes bugged out! This is the coolest bike restoration I’ve ever seen. It’s also gorgeous. You really are talented. 👍🏻

[@gavinbritt1349]

I’m usually not a huge fan of your paint jobs but I respect the time and effort put into them, but this.... this is amazing Love the channel too!

[@sergiorivaslamas]

What a joyful experience. Thanks to your videos I managed to unassembly my old TREK 7500 just a few weeks ago. I cleaned it, and did some upgrades. Of course They were not as good as yours. there is a huge gap!!!!! Watching this restoration is just amazing, The quiet yard, the tools and the expertise showed. As a Bolivian I can only dream with that peace. In recent days a news came out about the URU URU Lake environment disaster. .. It was called a DYSTOPIA. and it really is. I live in the city that CAUSED that (Oruro, Bolivia). A place where there is not a single bike path, few greeen areas, there is no kids on bycicles. The streets are ruled by noisy motorcycles and cars. Traffic law is broken daily due to an endemic corruption of this country. Cycling in my city is not as beautiful as It should be. Thanks for this minutes of PEACE!!!.

[@UltimateWedgieParachuteCo]

Your vids transcend bike building the same way Bob Ross transcended painting. The whole of your content is greater than the sum of its parts. Thanks again for sharing your work.

[@oldshovel]

Thanks my friend

[@robertferguson3223]

This is got to be one of my top 10 favorite KZbin videos of all time. I never made the Connection between your channel and Bob Ross, but yeah I have to say it fits. My differently abled brother is a big Bob Ross fan and we recently visited his Final resting place. I’ve got a watch this video with him.👏👏👏👏👏

[@oldshovel]

Awesome thanks for sharing your story

[@MarioLorenzo]

"We don't make mistakes, we have happy accidents." -- Bob Ross Darn it, some other commenter beat me to it.

[@duanevigue1603]

No idea how I got to this vid, but as a huge Bob Ross fan, an artist and cyclist, kudos on a job well done.

[@davidlynch8509]

Same!

[@austincanty780]

Drop bars, v brakes, and bar end shifter. I love it

[@williamganshirt7312]

Are you sure that wasn’t a little ‘Van Dyke Brown & Titanium White’ Nice tribute to a great man

[@oldshovel]

Lol 😂

[@dimimtb]

That is a beautiful bike! Bob Ross would be proud of the art you created out of an old and tired bike. IMO this is a high point of all of the bikes you've brought back to life.

[@Modrunnermusic]

The most peaceful part is the build :) Love the sound of putting a bike together.

[@BikeItUK]

Striking colour scheme and great to see it out being enjoyed. Fantastic work as always, all the best Andy

[@oldshovel]

Thanks Andy!

[@theadventurefamily761]

I’m a father and just bought a used mountain bike to get back into riding again with my son. I’ve been hesitant in painting my bike and after your video I’m more confident now to do it. Thanks for posting this video. You’ve gained a new sub, cheers!

[@423gtrman]

Now that we have lost the gentle soul this video takes on a whole different feelings. Excellent job my man!

[@yazzmatazz86]

Wonderful build, one of my favourites so far! I don't know if this was intentional, but I thought it was funny when the music stopped and you started spray painting the inside of the cup. Then I saw the paint brush and understood. Blown away by how well you painted those trees. Happy trees indeed.

[@oldshovel]

Lol thanks

[@keithdunderdale8027]

Built a Gravel bike years ago never found any advantage over a MTB it's just a MTB with road bars It's so Road riders can go off road and not be seen on a MTB 🚴😂😂 because they don't like us MTB riders they never wave at you if you pass on the road

[@GarryQuinn]

I wonder how much that bike would make at by auction? It is a work of art after all.

[@huskerfan3352]

I would say somewhere in between 2000 and 3000 at the right auction it’s such a good paint job

[@Foster_B]

azmtbbeast definitely not. The specs are way to low for 2000-3000.

[@ProfessorGalileu]

I watched all your videos and this one right here is your best paint job ever. Congratulations!

[@hai-hotranphotography1169]

@@Foster_B Who care about the specs when it's a piece of art.

[@huskerfan3352]

@@Foster_B it’s not about the specs

[@gamby16a]

Bob Ross and Dario Pergoretti are smiling down on this bike. Super creative. Beautifully done.

[@trevlyndeklerk6266]

I subscribed without watching any of your videos... Video titles were enough to convince me that I would like this channel... Instinct was correct. Respect from South Africa 🇿🇦 👍

[@desmondleung7750]

you usually put your own logo "oldshovel "on bike. I believe It will be famous brand in future. I love your technical and paint job very much.

[@neilgoedhuis5606]

Great video. Totally identify with your final sentiment - “I’m an old man “ - but I’m out on my bike! Keep up the good work. Very inspiring. :).

[@kjohns1413]

That escalated quickly. Nothing better than pulling off old rusty components. Great work. That 1x cleaned it up nicely.

[@wdevisser6854]

Oh, you did magic! now my children want their next bike like tis one....and you know what....i think i would give it a chanche!

[@stevaone]

You definitely out did yourself with this one, what a great build, and from such great inspiration, even the song flowed so well with the theme of this build. Left in aww, great job!

[@oldshovel]

Thanks

[@northeternia]

Holy smokes, that's nice. There's going to be a lot of people pining for that bike.

[@markgrenier6787]

Wooden you agree

[@markgrenier6787]

I couldn't leaf it alone

[@northeternia]

@@markgrenier6787 That's it. I'm logging off. ;-)

[@Korina42]

It does look better all spruced up, doesn't it?

[@northeternia]

@@Korina42 This build is going to make the Old Shovel channel more poplar than it already is. (OK, I'll stop now.)

[@TheEaglehaslanded733]

It's like watching 'American Restoration' my favorite TV show. Excellent job!! 🚴‍♀️

[@johnnydoe66]

This bike is a piece of rolling art and a nice tribute to the "other" Bob Ross.....It fits what a bike is supposed to be all about, Happiness, Freedom, Fresh Air, and getting out into Nature.

[@jimgourgoutis]

I think that shifter is mounted upside down.

[@ericsande5345]

I'm a bar con fan and have never seen one mounted like that. It sort of mimics a down tube shifter in that position, though.

[@paultaylorbikes]

Ok, I’ve had this 1960s Raleigh 3 speed sitting around waiting for inspiration. I am going to do a 4th of July theme on it!

[@oldshovel]

Sounds like an awesome idea

[@PareKo82]

Being a huge Bob Ross Fan… when you finished the bike and started riding it and that music started… my emotions overtook me. Gave me butterflies in my stomach. Bob Ross would be so proud to have ridden this bike. Outstanding job! Miss Bob Ross and you my friend have another Sub! Can’t wait for future vids. 🍻 cheers!

[@Werkaholik261]

I've been doing this for years. It's lots of fun and awe-inspiring when you see someone riding your project. 😁

[@Cuahutemoc-RJ]

This painting was a work of art. If Trek's CEO watches this video, he'll want to hire you to paint the frames and forks at the assembly plant of the iconic mountain bike brand. Greetings from Niterói, Brazil.

[@MrFredroberts66]

Love the result - I didn’t think I’d like it but I think it’s one of your better builds. Thanks for sharing.

[@oldshovel]

Thanks

[@simonbartram9231]

I think I've now watched all your work on KZbin. The seamless way you blend new parts to an old bike. Keeping what still has use while updating the drive train in the main. They work every single time! Some of these bikes actually becoming another style love it. Hats off to you sir.

[@JohnnyNowhere]

Dude, you tricked that bike out like a BOSS. A Ross Boss. Yeah. Kudos.

[@Basement_CNC]

glad you have so many bikes so this one isnt alone😂

[@oldshovel]

Lol 😂

[@riddlydiddlyimawantedmanin4442]

this was a really special video and you clearly put a lot of thought into making this so special, Im only 5 mins in but I'm really enjoying this and had to say

[@oldshovel]

Thanks

[@marcianodemidof7135]

Wow 😳 That paintjob on the frame is appsolutely beautiful. Great bike-build 👏👏👏

[@nowayout8773]

I'm thinking on a budget but the time you took getting the paint job completed with all the logos can not be calculated in price. This is a labor of love. I am amazed at your dedication.

[@nickkent7164]

Your finest yet Sir! A wonderful conversion and some great artistic application.

[@oldshovel]

Thanks

[@nikolaibohachevsky2301]

Another great build....thanks so much 🙏. I can’t praise MicroShift enough...they have really opened the door to properly equipping normal bikes for normal riders with high quality drive trains for a good value. I’ve been running the Advent 9 spd since it came out on my dedicated mtb trail bashing bikes. I have a loaner that gets used a lot by less experienced riders who crunch gears, bend derailleurs etc., and the drive train just keeps ticking. Circumstances in which the higher end gear you’d be walking home with instead of riding.

[@oldshovel]

Microshift is awesome

[@scottahner7006]

Your video has inspired me to re-do my 1993 Trek 930, of which I have owned since my senior year of high school. I knew I was never going to get rid of it. I now have the parts, time to paint and build! I thank you for this channel, I continue to learn a bunch from it.

[@user-kb7ij6ye8u]

Dad bike! Love it. Perfect for hauling the kid around on a trailer!

[@sussuarana234]

Obra de arte amigo!!! Parabéns!!!! 👏

[@johnsonjay60]

Sweet!! It's that soothing talk and music in the background. Cooler artist if u ask me ! ;)

[@luisclaro3386]

I loved the painting! Those trees are perfect! Congratulations!

[@alimaleki217]

Whoever compared your videos to Bob Ross was spot on. Always very relaxing (except may when whacking out the headset!) and the result is always beautiful! I was thinking about Bob Ross just last week after discovering that all of his paintings are stored less than 2 miles from my house.

[@pokeypaul78]

I also didn’t initially see the Bob Ross parallels, but now I do. Thank you again for the great video. Great solution with the bar end shifter. Maybe you could explain a couple of your special parts that make the build work either while installing, or in the end review. What drop bar levers work with V-brakes? I thought there was a short-pull/long-pull issue.

[@oldshovel]

The levers I used were designed specifically to work with v brakes.

[@robbyfernandez5260]

@@oldshovel may i know the type of the drop lever that suitable for long full?

[@hanskristianjakobsen7367]

Why mount the barend-shifter upside down? That really screws up the ergonomics of the lever…

[@ChrisinOSMS]

If you keep it in Dad gear it’ll be horizontal either way, that’s why Dad rides with knee pads.

[@texarama]

Showing your old enough to remember bar-cons would be a dead giveaway to being a "dad biker".

[@samuelcordova5980]

Hi, I'm Brazilian and I've been watching your videos for some time. They are great! Thank you very much! A hug.

[@phillipcowan1444]

There are a lot of bike build videos on YT. This is the first one to impress me in a long time! Absolutely stellar "something from nothing" sort of build.

[@jordz2893]

As soon as i saw the name bob ross, i clicked.... Straight away

[@oldshovel]

Awesome awesome awesomeness

[@jordz2893]

@@oldshovel aha

[@DilbertMuc]

A happy little tree and there... his friend, another little tree. :D)))

[@jordz2893]

@@DilbertMuc yesssss😌😌

[@jaymesh1man]

You should do this to an 80s Ross. You could call it the "Bob Ross"

[@MeNtAlmil]

This paint job is incredible! You recently inspired me to spray.bike my hardtail frame and the results are amazing, it brought new stoke for the bike that I haven't had in years. Thank you!

[@oldshovel]

Awesome

[@MAUROSGARIA]

We have the same heart, the same passion but your golden hands are able to achieve what I can only dream of. Just great!

[@ketjuariittaa]

Only know shimano barend sifter. Sifter cable is in 11 ’clock. Was it ment to be that way?

[@KyleHenselthejumpingbean]

I've got a microsoft bar end. I think he put it on upside down lol

[@hamoodrm4726]

i was want to be the first person to see any of your restoration videos, but i think it's OK to be one of the first 100 thanks for letting us enjoy watching your work brother ❤️

[@oldshovel]

Awesome

[@osarmyguy0315]

Love this build, the paint job is one of my favorite I like the red on green and I never would’ve considered a gravel conversion like that.

[@roysammons2445]

Happy trees, love it! Great job on the paintwork and build. I used to work in a factory welding department making bikes. We made over a 1,000 bike frames a week and also imported frames. This would make an excellent tribute to the legendary Bob Ross 🙂👍🏻

[@mikolajkuzniecow359]

old shovel: "I am not a professional painter"...

[@shannonbene7220]

Ha! Yes, I was waiting for him to say that, again, in this video. I guess this means he now knows the truth?

[@tavscreations2670]

right...

[@thomashardbattle4287]

Where do you store all these bikes? There's hundreds of them. Surely they aren't all in your house

[@mikano2349]

Big WOW! That paint job is so beautiful!

[@raceface119]

The paint job turned out amazing! Love the little segments where we get to see you riding your creations too 👍🏼

[@TukangAmplas]

Josshh gandoozzz mister

[@raffy9582]

Mau dicat juga dong om sepeda saya 🤭🤣

[@heathenamerican8149]

"There are no mistakes here, Just Happy Little Accidents" - Bob Ross.

[@oldshovel]

Spot on my friend.

[@Adroit1911]

Probably my favorite build, only because it is a perfect dad bike. It's so hard to pick a favorite too.

[@JakebMiller]

OMG!! This was my first adult bike that I used for commuting to work and now I work at Trek!!! I might need this bike!!

[@garykidson]

I did a gravel bike rework of a 1999 Trek6700. The bike has been through so many iterations over the last 20yrs and I love that I can keep it going amongst my modern bikes

[@oldshovel]

Awesome

[@WheeliePete]

Hahaha.....I make the dad-noises too now when I get up off the ground. Awesome build!

[@oldshovel]

Lol 😂 yep that’s what happens when you’re our age.

[@kentcruse4969]

Just wait until the Grand Dad noises start! 😆

[@Joshuakoffmansculpture]

So impressed with your builds. I watched this video with a huge grin. Thank you for sharing!

[@martinmuller292]

I Think Bob would appreciate it. Good job. And yes, I watch your videos at night to help calm me down after a hectic day. Thank you for that!

[@mtbboy1993]

This is a masterpiece, lovely livery well painted. Great color combo. And defenitly unique. Even better at tension to detail than any of my past Trek bikes. ❤️🎄

[@DerDodi45]

Wow, this transformation is just quite simply AWESOME! ❤️

[@chrissmith2729]

Kids these days don't get to appreciate the great Bob Ross. I would always watch with my Grandma. Quiet afternoons. It was a calmness in a hectic world. Almost meditation. I hope his serving family understand the nostalgia he brings to people.

[@mango9087]

Bob ross is quite popular with the millennials and gen z, his entire series is available on netflix

[@TomPollardPhotography]

My favourite build yet. Beautiful.

[@DanielCooper1]

Dude, this is seriously, 100% the BEST. I love this bike.

[@CargoBikeCowboy]

Excellent work as always. I cannot think of anything as fun and relaxing as taking a used bicycle and giving it some personalization and character.

[@user-zt2mu9fo4x]

unbelievable work, very beautiful results!!!

[@bentara0]

Peeling off the decals just looks so satisfying.

[@juanbanos5750]

Every time I see a new restoration I say "that's my perfect bike" just INSANE 🔥🙌🏻

[@enriquenogal]

Fantastic painting job!!! Congratulations.

[@diq5386]

Thats definitely one unique happy little bike. Enjoyed this, thankyou for sharing it!!

[@thelifeofjessejames]

Wow that turned out insanely good!! I wish bike manufacturers would take the time to make more interesting colorways like this. Great work!!

[@guvenim]

This is a piece of art. Very well done. If I could build a bike like this one day, the pleasure of riding it will be priceless

[@GustavoLopez-uq6rs]

My favourite painting so far and what a great conversion

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Lovely build. Thanks for sharing your passion and talents!

[@rotemshrem9116]

Definitely the most gorgeous paint job I've ever seen on a bike, and a great idea to make it a gravel bike, no doubt it suits the mountains more than the streets..

[@oldshovel]

Spot on my friend

[@fabiopantel4742]

Every bike you touch turns to gold. I love these videos so much.

[@aimusoorii4484]

Easily one of my favorite bike restoration, that’s really beautiful

[@elrinconderoller1560]

A-MA-ZING... never before I see a paint job like that... Wow!

[@garyloosemore2690]

Okay, this is helpful! I have my 20 year old Cannondale road bike stripped to the aluminum waiting to be painted and also Covid had me inspired to learn to paint on canvas, I now might just combine the two! Thanks!

[@nealnewhof]

This bike might be my favorite of all your builds

[@jackbeattie1350]

This is my favourite build of yours for sure. It looks like such a comfortable ride. Inspiring. I could sit and watch you build bikes all day. In fact, I have done. Lol

[@Mgizler1]

Wow man. I'm blown away. This came out amazing.

[@darrenhooley8472]

Therapeutic indeed.....you have a great talent and I appreciate you sharing it with us!

[@Darchful]

Nice job. I have loved those handmade drawings of pines.

[@giancarlorivera8113]

KZbin suggested this and after watching that Gary Fisher restoration and now this with a handpainted trees and Bob Ross mentioned, I subscribed right away...I also love DIY restorations and handpainting my beater bike is inspired by Sheldon Brown's Robin Hood Bicycle.

[@drewguttormson9368]

You really transformed that frame/bike. Looks amazing now

[@MarkLee-my8er]

Watched nearly all your videos and this is the best paint job so far. Amazing work