Things I wish I knew before I started working on my bike

Support the channel with a new pair of gloves, hat or a sweatshirt: shop.bkxc.bike/
* That little piece of plastic is a valve core remover.
* Presta is the besta, Schrader is for your Chevy.
* Which direction does the tire go? Blank side of the tire faces the brake rotor. If you’re looking at your drivetrain the text of the tire faces you.
* Best tire levers bit.ly/2Yg5dtm (Affiliate link)
* The better your tire sits in the center channel of your rim the easier it will be to work with.
* Take the time to check your sealant levels.
* Line up the text on your tire with your valve stem.
* Get a decent bike pump: bit.ly/3bQy7UK (Affiliate link)
* Go up to 40 psi when first seating your tubeless tires. Make sure you can see the bead all the way around the rim. Slosh the sealant around a bit to make sure it gets evenly spread.
* Use a digital tire gauge to make sure you have the right PSI no matter what funky bike pump you are using.
* Use a TyreWiz if you want to check your pressure with an app and have it always tell you if you’re in the right range: bit.ly/3f1P9Bm (Affiliate link)
* Air compressor inflator with digital gauge: amzn.to/35hq3tL (Affiliate link)
* BACK OFF your pedals. When you take off your pedals the wrench goes towards the back of your bike. When you put them on your wrench goes towards the front of the bike. Make sure the wrench is pointed in the air.
* Grease for your pedals: bit.ly/2VMFs24 (Affiliate link)
* Don’t put your pedals on mega tight, get them snug.
* Start at the master link when you lube your chain.
* Needle tip chain lube applicator: amzn.to/2yTM3Pq (Affiliate link) I just ordered these from Amazon, so I haven’t actually used these ones yet.
* Tool for torquing your stem bolts: bit.ly/3bKOMcm (Affiliate link)
* Keep your stem, handlebars and headset bolts torqued down regularly.
* Keep your brake levers and shifters snug, but not mega tight so they can move if you crash. If they are moving while you ride you need to tighten them up more.
* Mark your touchpoints with a thin piece of tape or a marker: amzn.to/2WbYVrT (Affiliate link)
* Turn your bike upside down after you wash it.
* Don’t ignore it when your bike feels weird.
* Get a good bike rack: www.1up-usa.com/product-categ...

[@yvmalnt4761]

Not a hack but if you simply let the air out BEFORE you undo the valve core, it will not shoot up like that ;)

[@jensondartnall4716]

YvMa Lnt yeah but sometimes it’s easier to let the air out all in one go

[@bkxc]

Haha most definitely the right way to do it!

[@andrewstephenson8243]

Jenson Dartnall two for one really you also have 50% less eyes to worry about.

[@jensondartnall4716]

I find if I use valve core remover it stays in there instead of shooting out but that could be different for different valve core removers

[@fredihle1468]

honestly just get a Tire plug repair kit that has a core remover molded into the body of the container. much easier to use than the tiny piece that went flying.

[@biggaywizard]

Former race mechanic here, these are my thoughts. 1. For tires I ALWAYS recommend simply looking for the arrow, if you can't find the arrow look at the tread. Most treads are a V type formation, the bottom of the V is the direction of the tire. The labeling isn't always true, some companies have identical labeling on both sides of the tire. Not all rims have a valley, especially the new carbon fiber rims which are flat across the entire rim. I would strongly recommend investing in an aluminum valve core tool, the plastic ones round out extremely easily. 2. Always check your tire pressure before every ride and write it down with the ambient temperature. This will help you fine tune your preferred riding pressure and helps to prevent crashes (see tire roll and pinch flats). 3. I prefer anti-seize on pedals, but I've had to work on bikes that have been raced through salt water and freezing temps. 3. You only need to lube the rollers, I just look for the wet spot (that's what she said) and stop when I get to it. Then wipe the chain down. 4. Torque wrenches are good to a point but they should never be considered fool proof. Just because your torque wrench says it's tightening the bolt to X newton meters doesn't mean your stem and bars are tight. You should make sure all of your bolts have either loctite or grease on them first, then after you check it with a torque wrench make sure that whatever part you're working on doesn't move. You'll find that certain materials and clamping mechanisms don't always want to tighten the way sit says in the instructions. Engineers are famous for designing something to work a certain way on paper but it doesn't translate to a real world result. 5. I prefer a paint pen for touch points, tape comes off far too easily in the sun at 100 degrees such as the Cactus Cup and races like that. 6.Any self respecting mechanic should actually RIDE your bike when you say you have a problem, they should also be more than happy to pull your wheels to inspect hubs, brake pads, rotors, etc. The simple reality is that some mechanical problems cannot be found until parts are pulled apart. Broken axles are a perfect example of this. Any mechanic who puts a bike on a stand runs through the gears then announces "Dude, you're bike seems cool *shrug*" should immediately have his burrito rights taken away from him and banned from the trails for a month. *cringe* I hate that shit. On a side note, you need to stain your bench to protect it from oil and you need an aluminum or soft metal plate in case you have to pound stuff on it. That way you don't dent your bench. Fun video, your love of the bike shows.

[@bkxc]

Really good insights, dude!! Thanks for sharing.

[@biggaywizard]

@@bkxc My mentors taught me that rising tides floats all boats and that your weakest mechanic was your weakest link. If our racers lose because of a mechanical issue it's on us. So my whole thing ever since then is to share as much knowledge as possible then we all will.

[@jsniderhan]

Some great advice.

[@biggaywizard]

@@jsniderhan thank you!

[@frits8986]

Pro tip: the direction of rotation is mentioned on the tyre 😂

[@piciu256]

And the markings thing only really works for Maxxis.

[@diamondbracelette]

But looking for that little arrow on many tires can be a PITA. I'll gladly rely on stronger visual cues if they exist on any given tire

[@conman1395]

@@diamondbracelette a stronger visual cue than an arrow that says, "Hey! I turn this way!"?

[@piciu256]

@@diamondbracelette just look at which way the thread is slanted, you only need to see the arrow once per every tire, or, Of argue that they're all the same- slanted for less rolling resistance.

[@markianross]

@@conman1395 I can never find it - especially on WTB tyres. Its normally small black writing (on a black tyre!)

[@AdamJStoryDC]

I thought I was the only one trying to pump up the canister and used my entire body weight to push enough PSI into it. That was funny. Seriously though, this was a really great video and I've been working on bikes for 40 years. Kudos!

[@hwmtb5678]

Legend has it Brian is still oiling his chain

[@ras.imartin4981]

😂😂😂

[@mrnobody9821]

It's refreshing to see you high in spirits despite the situation, I hope you're the same off camera. Nice video, got some new tires and a tubeless kit coming so will be sure to test your method.

[@abe3567]

dressed for wine tasting while doing bike maintenance :D

[@chaseanderson5545]

I really appreciate that you mentioned getting the tire in the center channel of the rim. I watched 20+ tubeless tire videos and not one mentioned getting the tire into the center channel. It really helps beginner bikers when everything is explained.

[@giuliom8520]

Great video! I appreciate the additional synopsis write-up as well!

[@jimothyMTB]

Hey, great list of items. Most of these I already know, but some were just great reminders or tips/tricks. Bringing some great value in this video. Brian, thank you! Worth the watch, I will be sharing to my local FB trail group.

[@ktm125xc6]

Live your channel, you are like the nicest person ever

[@morganjones133]

Sadly the decal tip only works on Maxxis as most tyres have decals both sides, much better to simply find the rotational arrow on the tyre.

[@bigounce4108]

Morgan Jones just look at the tread

[@OwenHeh]

Not all have arrows lol, but yes this and tread direction

[@rimmerd]

true, schwalbe has both sides the same

[@erraldstyler]

another reason to not run maxxis, haha

[@andrec.136]

Some Kendas, if not all, have it only on one side too

[@vedvijayneog1862]

I love the fact that you're a tad bit goofy while working on your bike and yet you've managed to build up such an amazing platform ❤️

[@pedrovespermann4599]

You are so right about the bike rack and when you feel something is wrong with your bike. Good work

[@armandojuan64]

Thank you , B . Your riding style rocks . You are my role model when it comes to riding singletracks .

[@sorenkligge2418]

"This thing" - Brian Kennedy

[@joeornelas1455]

From all your trips in USA and europe you tried different eateries. Maybe now's the time to do video on foods you like especially in Europe.

[@kitten-inside]

He really knows what he's talking about.

[@sorenkligge2418]

@@kitten-inside yup

[@behb3425]

"and bang"

[@crazykai6713]

Thank you for helping with most things us beginners will mainly overlook! Huge fan! Thank you for the content you make!

[@breydenslater1002]

Hey man love the videos. Thanks for making the videos

[@slappdaddy8]

Dude - You nailed this! Hit so many points it would have been cool to know, before I started dyi-ing my bike!

[@breakandrun70]

Great informative video, I've been riding for 60 years, but over time you forget these little tricks. Thanks for the video, I enjoyed watching it. Be careful, but have fun.

[@derekdrolet5852]

Brian, fantastic informative video. They are small items to check regularly and this reminds us all of the importance to not ignore

[@zonty2362]

Thanks for the video Brian lots of helpful tips

[@jedr.3494]

Felt like I was watching a live stream. Which is good, because I love your livestreams. You always stay attentive and keep things flowing so well!

[@JFTM_]

Update: CushCore is now on, and only in 3 hours!

[@bkxc]

Hahaha awesome

[@breadunslicer8580]

a new world record, beating me by a full hour

[@acer6435]

Love your vids keep up the good work

[@leebridgwater]

Great show 👌

[@springstern]

Brian, this video was awesome, it taught me a few things. Now I can impress my cycling buddies.

[@mullerszable]

The dust cap on Peaty's Tubeless Valves doubles up as a valve core removal tool 👌

[@lagwall]

Syd and Macky did a great video on how to install tubeless with a floor pump. There is a trick in there that is awesome wither you are using a floor pump or compressor.

[@peterderuiter2937]

the tape tip is awesome. struggled a lot the exact same problem

[@beyekedoc4987]

I liked the tip of listening to your bike even if the bike shop can't figure it out. Lived that one by experience. You should do a top 10 or top 5 video of your favorite rides/trails that you have done!

[@braullotolentino27]

Yeah great tips Brian! Liked and Shared as always. Keep safe hope to see you shred the trails again.

[@bkxc]

Thanks dude!!

[@paulhope7298]

Thanks Bryan! Enjoyed that vid. Kinda at an early stage myself. A year and a half in and still learning but nervous. Valve core tool! Had no clue...

[@diegao83]

Loved that last tip. So , so true. At the bike shop where I moonlight people always have those issues starting up. Broken parts scratches on the paint , stock pads. Lol

[@tykel3738]

Love ur vids man u inspire my small channel so much!!! Keep it up!!! Ima bout to hit 300

[@hollenbeck2nowhere]

HELL YEA!

[@fraserheard6796]

For pedals, the threds tighten as if you are pedaling forward

[@geopietro]

Very useful. Thank you very much!

[@negakega8764]

Dude, I needed this video haha thank you man!

[@noejuliansaavedra]

Grazie Dr. Houses de las Bicicleta, il tuo consiglio risolve sempre tutti i miei dubbi.👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@leusink28]

Brian this is one of you’re best video’s 😁, i’ve laughed a lot! That bikeshop thing @18:00 is very recognizable 😂😂

[@bacaluiry929]

Nice job!

[@FlorinCroitoriu]

Good info. Thanks. Very nice video.

[@HR-ws1rj]

Bike looks awesome Brian, what a colour that is! Also the grips! Nice

[@gguthinger]

Nice work stand

[@HeretiCflow]

To fasten pedals, turn in the same direction your tires spin when you ride. To loosen, do the opposite. That's how I remember. (this rule does not apply to Danny McAskill, as rides in all different directions ;)

[@bkxc]

That’s a good one!

[@JasperSteve]

Right is right

[@schism8286]

Love these videos

[@mcman3914]

Cool video!! Thanks

[@samyakprajapati1014]

Easiet explanation for the direction of the tire. Others video are mainly like "u see this small thing in the tyre u never knew u had and probably can't see either. Well that faces this way"

[@NMiller406]

When putting a new tire on, I like to put the psi recommendations on the sidewall right next to valve, that way you don't have to look for it.

[@frankthetankricard]

Sacrilege! Everyone knows you line up the valve with the tire manufacturer logo so you find the valve easier. Also I don't think manufacturers recommend pressure values, they print the range that's safe to use. To find a good pressure value you must consider terrain, temperature, rider weight and even the suspension setup of the bike. The best a manufacturer can do is a chart with good starting values for certain conditions and I haven't seen one yet printed on a sidewall.

[@scottibass]

Ouch, nobody goes by the psi marked on the sidewall, on my maxxis DHR II, that would mean using a pressure of 60psi. Can you imagine the ride?

[@richardradcliffe6047]

It’s fine to line it up that way but please learn about tire pressure.

[@cheezdoodle1949]

Wow, a camera being held by another person! congratulations

[@philjones4903]

Great lesson.

[@scottibass]

I draw on the inside of the brake clamps and stem with silver permanent sharpie to get precise touch points set points. Got that tip from GMBN I think

[@nickmanser8661]

There are presta caps with valve stem removal tool built in to the cap.

[@jamietaylor1552]

Very good video enjoyed it alot 👌🏼✌🏼

[@4partmedia]

12:06 why we love ya, dude.. THE DETAILS lol great vid

[@xavierburjachs7961]

Brian, all the tyres have on both or at least on one side, one or more arrows with the Word "rotation"

[@dr05guitar]

Haha that outro! thanks for the tips. Looking to get out and ride soon after I get the bike tuned up!

[@TheBrickFactor]

I just purchased a 1 Up rack last week. It is being delivered Monday. So excited. The Saris rack worked but it was pretty cheap and the bikes move.

[@kenkorthauer8747]

Had a friend told me he just could not get that left pedal off. He put it in a vise he got a long extension on his wrench and hit it with a hammer and the left pedal would not come off. I asked him if he realize that the left pedal was reverse threaded and he went oh no wonder. If it wouldn’t be reverse threaded it would come loose when you were riding

[@geemail369]

Be aware: they *DO* come lose the way you're riding! If you're axle somehow happens to build enough drag _(or it's lose anyway)_ inside the pedal body it will unscrew itself as you pedal. Go check your bike and watch your eyes pop in disbelief!

[@aaronfairchild923]

For the pedals, I always think of the "R"ight pedal threads on the "R"egular way.

[@mfa81]

Nice video, good tips! One note is that pedals tend to go loose as you pedal, otherwise you would never be able to remove if they get tighter. That's the reason the threads are the way they are with reverse thread on the non-drive side. Think that you can hold the pedal and turn your cranks back you are tightening the pedal, if you have your bike in the stand and break lose and turn your cranks forward holding the pedal you are loosening the pedal, this works on both sides, so the pedals don't get extremely tight as you ride your bike.

[@AntoineThisdale]

Brian got a CameraWoman ;P

[@catg9196]

The brake disc also have an arrow. Just match up the tire with it. Although some tires show the arrow only one side. But thats also a good tip with the writing 👍

[@dllscowboy]

Love your videos they’re so good

[@rhysdaley7670]

Ur bike is soooo dope!!!

[@jbriggs1639]

Really hope you are able to get back and continue the 50 state shred!!

[@hoodeddragon]

Great topic! I wish I would have also known more about mountain bikes in general before I bought one. Things change and you start to enjoy different aspects of biking, so you might end up wishing you had a bike with longer travel because you’ve gotten more aggressive. Bottom line is that you learn as you grow and progress in this sport, and sometimes you just need to experience it to learn.

[@morpheus6d9]

I feel like im getting trolled for 20 mins

[@asa05middlebro0ks3]

you should do a video series for new mtbers on how to fix up your bike or like maintenance things you should do like after a ride or something. Like what your routine is after a dirty ride. Love the Vids Keep em coming

[@steelytail]

Brian, what about some info on how you got to know where all the trails are on your 50 states ride,? Also how you go about planning the rides, what riding distance they are, what to take, how long will they take to ride etc.

[@63centbandit]

1. One thing that helps me setup tubeless on a fat bike is to wrap an inner tube to the outside of the middle of the tire and pull the sidewalls to the rim. It allows me to set a bead on a fat bike without using a compressor. I have one but it is loud and I often work on my bike when my kid is sleeping. 2. If you get a park tools valve core removal tool it fits around the valve. When it is unscrewed it will not fly off since the air just pushes it into the tool. :) Love the Presta is Besta tip. I always get the two confused.

[@shinerider]

Use one of these: Park VC-1 instead of the "little plastic thingy" to remove valve core to keep it from flying. And, it can be used if you do have schrader on other bikes (like cruisers) and your wheelbarrow and chevy! Also available cheaper on Amazon.

[@jfkusa123]

shinerider yes

[@humpy125]

And your shock and fork valves

[@alexfreeborn5901]

Stan's valve core remover works really well. Does schraeder and presta.

[@mtbgo7860]

Your digital tire gauge is awesome. It has a function that makes the read out blink. In that setting, you can release air and it will read the pressure as you release it.

[@dalethomas4024]

Look up the stans or park tool valve core removal tools, they support presta and scraeder and stops the valve core flying out, you will still get the sudden rush of air. There are also syringes that allow you to inspect the fluid without unseating the tyre

[@Steve-nu9op]

couple hacks i do.. i carry a master link inside my bars. i wrap it with blue painters tape (so its doenst make a bunch of noise) always with me, cant lose it. i also wrap my post with a bunch of electrical tape, so if a cable breaks, i can secure it and keep riding

[@freerangemtb]

I think your analogy of "backing off" and "going forward" is perfect! Thank you! As for the torque wrench, I have that particular tool and love it. Only trouble is it only goes from 4 to 6 newton meters (about). You need a bigger and more versatile torque wrench with a larger range for some of the larger parts. I still haven't gotten a tool that's small enough to be useful on a big but big enough to have more of a range. Okay, I have to admit, that green screen bit at the end made me laugh. That was great. haha! Stay upright and keep the rubber side down! -Brian

[@patrickmccormack1427]

I love my PNW Loam grips. Orange would look good on your rig as well.

[@linustakee7547]

Top video jajajajaj now feel motivated to get on the trail mzself, what gest me going the longest while bike is *delta parole* or other rokk music!

[@denismacfarlane255]

I run Schwalbe and writing is identical on both sides...another way to tell direction, is the tread is designed to push water in mud out of the center to the sides and out of the tire all together.

[@Mbabz91]

That tire direction tip will definitely be helpful.

[@rosspaton5983]

The disc usually has the rotation direction stamped on it. Let the air out of the tire before removing the core. That way it does not blow off and sealant does not spray out

[@wendiadr583]

that is very basic, how on earth he doesnt know it!

[@danplanteqcca]

Center channel for installing the tire is elementary, but something that makes a impossible tire changing by an almost easy experience (even without tools AND with a tire insert)

[@toddv3430]

Good camera work!

[@Jaredcouture12676]

At 44 years old I’ve been working on my own bikes since the age of 8 and never noticed the different writing on the drive side of a tire 🤣 Still have a 50/50 chance of remembering which way to spin my pedals. Usually work from the drive side and use the left loose concept but I don’t change pedals that often and forget sometimes.

[@jeremiah-lo-mein]

How about a video on how you set up your suspension? Or any tips you’ve learned on how to set Sag, dial compression, rebound etc.

[@nickcummins3084]

tubless tyre installation hack...Make some 'slip'. Mix some washing up liquid with a bit of water and make a frothy goo with nice small bubbles (lots of soap, little bit of water) wipe/smear that around the rim of tyre before inflation...makes the bead sit more easily (and creates a bit of air seal) as you inflate. Plus makes wiping the excess sealant easier as well. Great video !

[@YellowBoltTC]

Sure glad I got a budget hardtail and upgraded it myself. Now I can completely build a bike myself.

[@pstolee]

I have a bike rack I love. Having said that, I put my bikes in my Toyota Celica for years! The problem is the brakes and making sure you put something between the disk brakes cause you don't want them to close. But I put them in like they were my babies. The problem with bike racks is (and I learned this from a seasoned technician) is that if you drive a lot (he went from Montreal to Whistler), it dries out your bike. It is not a pro-con tip, but actually a reason to remember to grease the bike. When I say dry out, I am talking about the headset and wheel bearings and the obvious, like the chain etc. (If bearings are sealed, they still lead to be lubbed on the outside. Just something to think about. Thanks for the video.

[@persephoneecker6383]

definitely look for problems if something feels off. my stumpjumper was making odd noises over rough stuff on my last ride and when i got home i found that the bolt that attaches the shock to the frame had rattled loose. don't break your bikes and look for problems!

[@eejjjj82]

For video ideas you could try some time lapse/progression videos of learning some basics tricks and trials skills. Track standing, endo, wheelie, manual, Jeff Lenosky's "punch", etc.... (tricks that fit in your backyard or driveway)... I like seeing Phil's instructional videos on how to do these, but it'd be good to see the learning process as well, and i suspect you're closer to human than Phil when it comes to those skills. Watching the blunders is much more relatable for most of us, and inspirational when it ends in success. Good channe, I've been watching you for a while. Keep going

[@mojo3398]

usually, before i start work on my mountain bike i have never done before, i study like a madman until i exactly know what to do in every detail. this is caused by PTSD i got from botching on old street bikes with wrong tools and brutal force. i had so many experienced of failure this way so i had to get this straight when i bought a decent mountain bike :D

[@alpz6295]

Have you done a video about the tools you have. Maybe a quick video on how you set up your work station, it looks pretty good

[@BradRussellisAwesome]

Video ideas: building backyard features. Doesn’t have to be anything grand, but maybe your version of a kicker or ladder/skinny, teeter etc. DIYing things to improve or enjoy riding while stuck at home seem to be really hot right now, and are what a lot of us need not being able to hit the trails in some areas. They’re also super fun to watch, and you and your dad are awesome builders!

[@omichelini]

If there's Brian fighting mtb tires there's like button smashing! You've got better at it btw!

[@jeromedaniels3914]

Thanks 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@donzampa8230]

Good info

[@RunBikeMike]

Lol you have lost it. I can’t wait for you to get out and ride.

[@andysmallman7843]

Hi Brian - when undoing your pedals if with your bike on the floor with the pedal you are undoing in the forward most position you can then simply pull up on the allen key / hex wrench to undo. This is a lot less awkward and if on a double set up reduced your chances of slicing your arm on an exposed chainring.

[@mikestronach4762]

Nice vid.