Trek Navigator Comfort Bike Refurbished and Turned to Gold!

A classic BikeFarmer comfort bike cleanup for resale! This one had some ugly stuff going on, but after running it through my magic finger machine, it turned out to be a real stunner! Sold within a week!
BECOME A MONTHLY SUSTAINER OF THIS CHANNEL!
/ @bkefrmr
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STILL TRUE by Maggie Ginsberg - amzn.to/3uSBGbn
Get started DIY at home!
Feedback Sports Ultralight Repair Stand - amzn.to/3vDbgLu
Park Tool AK-5 Advanced Mechanic Tool Kit - amzn.to/3S0oeLZ
My favorite TOOLS and JUICES and stuff!
Hozan JIS Drivers - amzn.to/3TqIqYj
Hozan BB Pliers - amzn.to/3REHMFb
Hozan Cable Cutter - amzn.to/3tc2zH1
Pledge Furniture Polish - amzn.to/3TiI0TV
Dawn PowerWash - amzn.to/4ak8KJS
Tri Flow Bottle - amzn.to/41lHxST
Tri Flow Can - amzn.to/3REsJvc
Finish Line One-Step - amzn.to/3uWkWjH
Finish Line Speed Degreaser - amzn.to/3GDNxga
Bondhus Allen Keys - amzn.to/41jd9Zo
Park Tool Grease - amzn.to/4afWbz7
Hozan Spoke Threader - amzn.to/3TF3s5R

[@bremingtonMTB]

Bike Farmer Bingo Card Idea! - Wheel of Pokey-ness (new one maybe?) - OPE! - Don't forget to lube your noodle - Somewhat clean rag - Lemony fresh - Good enough for who it is for - Woody Chairalson - I forgot to put on my gloves (helmet for ride videos) - Spoke protectors are important (dies on that hill, but doesn't use them himself) - This part is fine (ends up replacing it anyways)

[@christianb.1028]

- Way-more-better-hey! - Per the ushé (?)

[@peggz223]

-slicker than snot on a doorknob

[@MumfordJim]

Why did you take off the rear rack? It would seem like the buyer would want the rack. I know I would.

[@MrBPDude]

Good to see the pros struggle with the same thingies as us amateur diy mechanics (gloves, noticing wrong tire direction when finished remounting wheels,...) 😅

[@mattgies]

I played this video all the way through, twice! (Because I fell asleep last night, the first time I tried watching it.)

[@bkefrmr]

So good

[@MultigrainKevinOs]

A new spoke protector looks totally fine, they just look like trash after the UV gets to them. And let's all be real these are bikes for sale not personal project bikes. They need to be reliable or poor Mr. Bike farmer will hear about it later. Navigators are great fixed one up for my mom and it was a solid comfy bike she was happy with.

[@spyrosg3172]

The first thing I ever used to toe brake pads was an old wide rubber band, tied to a loose noose. I've never seen a reason to look for something better! Also, saying "loose noose" makes me chuckle, for some reason.

[@christianb.1028]

Damn it! This idea is so good! I was thinking in my head for a while to build some kind of "device" to put over the break pads that doesn't fall off, so you don't need three hands to toe them. Now I feel like an idiot. Thank you for making my life just a little bit easier! May you live long and prosper!

[@xmateinc]

I’m personally a fan of Pedro’s bike lust. Use it on all our full tune ups, and on my personal bikes.

[@andersonre1946]

Thanks!

[@ericsande5345]

In regard to cable stretching, I've started arguments online over it. I lived at sea for 16 years and saw plenty of mooring lines wind up tight while docking and wring a ton of water out of them after being dragged to the dock through the water. When I replace a cable in a well-used housing, it still changes after a few hard squeezes.

[@mitmon_8538]

What I like doing to install new v-brake pads: - undo the springs so the brake arms are free - loosely install new pads - put brake cable noodle back in - as I pull on the brake lever, move the brake pads to the right location as they meet the rim - pulling brake lever helps keep them in place - hold the brake lever tight, then tighten the brake pads down. Hook the springs back up and adjust tension accordingly.

[@connicrow9463]

Do you toe in the pads ? Do you use a thin credit card inserted at the 25% length mark of the pad rear part of the bike?

[@mitmon_8538]

@@connicrow9463 not usually, unless it squeals really bad. And even when I do that, sometimes the squeal still happens.

[@inconspicuous-nobody]

My current commuter is a rescued freebie Navigator 600, super cool comfort bike!

[@xmateinc]

Navigators are great bikes. Even if you store it in a garage and don’t ride it for a decade it will come back and ride like new with just a little maintenance. Never had a navigator give me problems at the shop.

[@Caspar_old_skool]

Love the videos. One point of clarification on brake pad "toe-in" -- toe the pads with the front of the pad touching last rather than how you attempted to do it. Also, a business card thickness, or at most, 2 business cards it all it takes to help set toe placed on the front side of the brake pad.

[@connicrow9463]

In the video he attempted to shim the brake pad at the bike's rear side, which is correct

[@wolfgangweber9924]

Excellent result!- I once had a Navigator 100, rigid fork, no wheels. I put wheels with Kenda Quest motorcycle inspired tires on it. I sold it to a neighbor who really loved it. Both the neighbor and I are getting up in the years and the upright Holland Bike position of this bike helps us a lot.

[@peterago1082]

what about taking a look at the dork fork

[@samueljennings6380]

Love listening to the videos while I work on my own bikes!

[@aquilonianace4791]

Not replacing cables is smart. New cables stretch. Sometimes a lot. Used cables don't stretch. If you adjust everything right, it stays right. An undamaged cable is made of steel and should last 100 years easy. Heck our bridges are held up by cables

[@peggz223]

Provided the cable is properly lubed and no water or dirt finds its way into housing to introduce rusting or increase friction against said cable, that’s probably true.

[@Lolwutfordawin]

I like to replace the housings and keep the cables, tends to feel as good as all new and stays where it needs to be :)

[@Teguvas]

Coming back to bikes after my second 20 year break. Had to buy a bike workshop stand to revitalize my early 90's hardframe mountain bike. Also bought an electric folder just to get me back into it, nice as I can ride to the pub and put it in the back of an uber for the journey home.

[@jmilton5842]

The rack and fenders would make it much more versatile as a commuter or for running errands.

[@steveyoung9951]

I wish had your bike shop in my town !

[@Moostery]

I bought a couple used kids bike and build up a pretty sick BMX bike for my gfs son and the only extra parts I had to buy were brake cable and grips.

[@terry_hutt]

Bent a rear hanger 200 km into a 400km ride and wrecked the rear wheel and derailleur 100 km later because I was too "cool" to have a spoke protector. $600 to fix and I'm less cool now.

[@ThomasMTube]

Good to see the pliers getting good use!

[@kenlang6672]

For real! Write the book, "Tips, Tricks, and Hacks", I'll buy one!

[@dsonyay]

Those were great bikes, indeed. I have to admit, I did kind of like the luggage rack.. I have a similar bike as well and install some mudguards.. Makes such an improvement when commuting in wet weather

[@TomP-nw4wu]

You need a Park Tool sponsorship with no strings attached.

[@BirdieSueA]

I wish I lived in your state. I would buy all of my bikes there. The effort you put into what you do is amazing. At 71, with health issues, I couldn’t ride most of the Treks you’re refurbishing. These days, I need to find a good women’s bike with a low step-through and a comfy saddle.

[@josepha8759]

An ebike might help keep you riding.

[@BirdieSueA]

@@josepha8759 yes

[@josepha8759]

@@BirdieSueA I recently completed a 36 volt, 500 watt ebike conversion of a 15" step-thru frame mountain bike for my s.o. The whole project came in around $350.

[@ClintDowd]

Always enjoy these. Thanks.

[@kevinp2891]

I just found you channel, I am enjoying them, thanks.

[@emilycs8823]

I use a rubber band to set toe. It won't obstruct view, or fall out, and compresses to the right thickness. I have refurbished one of those old Navigators and they are perfectly good bikes for cruising around town, or the neighborhood, and would make a great campus bike.

[@32-thirtytwo]

Great tune up!

[@superrremi5508]

Greetings from Germany

[@matztertaler2777]

Man denkt ja immer, man schaut als einziger solche Kanäle, aber es ist immer schön zu sehen, daß es Gleichgesinnte gibt. Durch die Videos vom Bikefarmer inspiriert habe ich mit letzte Woche ein 90er Bianchi Pholcus , das aus der Serie mit der abgefahrenen Rahmengeometrie gekauft . ( Spinnenserie, lila Schwarz, 21 Gang LSX und Shimano biopace Ovalkettenblatt vorne. Gibt jetzt mein Retro Eisdielenrad 😊

[@christianb.1028]

@@matztertaler2777 Dieser Kanal ist international, hehe.^^ Ich schaue immer gerne bei Kleinanzeigen nach billigen Rädern die es wert sind gerettet zu werden, richte sie für so wenig Geld wie möglich wieder her und verkaufe sie dann wieder. Es macht Spaß, man lernt was und tut noch was Gutes für die Umwelt und andere Leute, die einfach nur ein brauchbares Rad suchen. Der "Stundenlohn" ist allerdings überschaubar...

[@garyseckel295]

I would silicone spray the front fork chrome and also leave the luggage rack on.

[@jasonbusch3624]

Use Goo Gone or WD40 instead of Goof Off it won't dull the paint and ruin the clear coat.

[@Gordie_Howe_Hat_Trick]

Thanks for the Navigator history lesson!

[@wilkokajko1]

You are. . .! You know who you are? I have to say. . . You are The Bob Ross of bike mechanics! Very good. Thanks for your videos.

[@reishvedaur]

In my experience, towing in the pads is only necessary when the brakes are loud and, usually, the better solution is different pads (not just new, but also different). I'm a fan of the Avid 20R pads for most non-road rim brakes. Had a dual-20" recumbent that I put non-symmetric Jagwire pads on, and they sang like a violin. Fought it for over an hour, including taking steel wool to the rims, and nothing worked. Swapped for Avid 20R pads and instantly worked.

[@andyansley357]

I just bought back my early 2000’s Trek 820. I kept it inside and clean. I felt sorry for the abuse the old 820 has suffered, but hopefully I can bring it back to life.

[@addisonfrench8950]

It helps to put a little more air in the tubes before re-installing them. Just enough to give them shape. It reduces the chance of pinching the tube with the tire or tire lever when fitting the tire on. Love the videos! Keep'em coming 🥳

[@habershamjim]

I really appreciate your videos. Are those 26 in or 29 in wheels?

[@user-yz9cr4gu9n]

Nice bike thanks for the tips and tricks. Keep up the great work and stay safe out there.

[@jimp.7286]

Not a question - a distantly related comment. Saw my first gravel bike race today, (sea otter classic on the west coast and first year for gravel there ),. I wandered into the race course area far outside the event itself on my 35 year old schwinn mtb. I knew there was scheduled activity but figured most of the action was over for the day that late in the afternoon. Rode to just below a hilltop and a small group came charging down the road after a short but steep climb that usually sends me putt-putting along for awhile. Then another and another and another spread out over about twenty mins. Humbling but I'm old so that's my excuse. I was the lone spectator off to the side cheering them on miles in the middle of nowhere. They probably thought it was weird or even spooky to see some old guy out there on an old bike and watching them, LOL. Surreal but I won't forget it. Another good one here. Cheers. 👍

[@dolittle6781]

What a neat video! Liked the workman like approach to this bike refurbishment job. Turned out great. Bike reminds me of my Specialized Crossroads similarly equipped and around the same vintage. Doesn’t have a crank set chain guard though and can’t seem to find one anywhere. Other than that it’s a great ride- wondering what kind of psi you’re running. Most of all I enjoyed watching and learning from the beginning to the end of such a project, unhurried. And the calming music fit perfectly. Nice thing too is that there weren’t any customers “interrupting” you so you could stay focused.

[@nealart]

Watching this while I take a break from giving nearly the same bike the “Bike Farmer Treatment”. BFT

[@bassistadisinistra]

The first 12 seconds looking promising already🤣🤣🤣 Thank you for all the content sir! You're an inspiration!

[@joelweinberger3695]

Enjoyed today’s video and commentary. I learn something new on each video and sometimes it’s about bike maintenance. Not going to ask you about those comfortable looking old clogs. I’m Googling it. 😂

[@bubblesezblonde]

just found your channel thanks

[@alanberkeley6573]

Promo link suggestions - The electric screwdriver and the screw pliers you like. They're probably mostly the same from company to company but you should get a couple of nickles if I buy them. 😊

[@Tarmaccyclocross]

Thanks

[@yourlocaldoomer]

When your dork disk turns yellow, you can always just paint it a cool color... Come to think of it, a red dork disk would look pretty cool on my mountain bike...

[@dijevanja5039]

I love the video man. But those rims are close to dead. The groove on the braking surface is long gone and the curve is huge. I would just mention that to the future owner and maybe offer a rim replacement in a service plan.

[@dsp4392]

29:16 Interesting hypothesis. I've heard the opposite: Setting the pad as high as possible (without touching the tire ofc). The logic being that the arm rotates, doesn't translate. So as the pad wears down, it migrates down on the rim.

[@hugejackedman1951]

i think rocking a spoke protector makes it look like you don't wrench on your own bike. being self sufficient and knowing how to fix basic mechanical issues is a big part of cycling culture. the same reason bike farmer has viewers is probably the same reason there's a stigma surrounding the "dork disc"

[@matztertaler2777]

Greetings also from Germany, number two 😊

[@martindirkzimmer]

Jeder bringt einen Freund mit. Wir müssen dem Mann 30K Abos besorgen.

[@scottrok13]

The Ryobi electric screwdriver for little jobs!

[@eduardosalas2640]

I learned not long ago that you can use aluminum foil on the light rust areas and bingo! It’s gone and nicely polished!!

[@oreocarlton3343]

not many recessionmobile parts on this one aside from gripshifts and brake levers, some 3x7 integrated levers would make it very solid

[@Thezuule1]

Serious cyclist here. My hybrid bike has a spoke protector on it and I'm keeping it there. I wouldn't put one on my road or TT bike but it's fine on the hybrid bike imo.

[@philiprayner]

take your time I like your videos I can learn allot

[@jonathongebhardt3015]

I love your videos, keep it up!

[@georgemartinezjr]

Like that Apron

[@TheGameBoy56]

So exited can’t wait to watch while eating lunch

[@Wheelhouseprojects]

where can I find a DORK DISC/Spoke Protector for a Shimano CUES 45T sprocket upgrade(current 32T is largest) for my hybrid?

[@davidrobertson3673]

Please add a link to the engineer screw pliers. I have tried to Google it and have had poor luck. Yours appear to be a slip joint type. A lot of them are box joint and I would like to get what you have. Thank you, Dave.

[@MNpicker]

Sweet bike👍🏻

[@user-tv8tf6mz2p]

Suggestion for rusty bolt heads: Testor's metallic silver hobby paint applied with a cue tip. Eliminates that ugly look of rusty bolts, especially those that clamp your handlebar. Those are the ones you immediately see when you look down from your seated position. And since you are selling the bikes and have a reputation to uphold, you tell your customer what you did and why, just so they don't think you are trying to mask a problem.

[@user-ul5sb3ku9k]

Gave the BikeFarmer a shout out on JohnnyNurdOuts channel. He deals with95% ebike stuff but not a lot of non electric stuff. You may find his interesting for e bike stuff and his people may find BikeFarner interesting for general bike issues. Trying to help both

[@nickylazer]

what size rubber gloves do you use?

[@georgemartinezjr]

What do you do with thd Bike Racks

[@VickiKech]

Nice!

[@gideonvaneeden2681]

Apparently the solvent in the Triflow will degrade the plastic liner in the shift cable housing. What are your thoughts/experiences on that?

[@xmateinc]

Nothing last forever, and your liner is gonna get toasted one way or another. I say tri flow is less destructive then calcium build up or rust. If you need tri flow then your housing is probably already on the fritz.

[@gideonvaneeden2681]

@@xmateinc agreed that if it needs Triflow then likely the housing needs replacing anyway. That's why I only use it on cables that are in poor shape. I am just wondering whether it will be a bad idea to use it on cables and housings that are in good shape as preventative maintenance?

[@xmateinc]

@@gideonvaneeden2681 I bet one little drop can’t hurt. Some people use too much not realizing that one drop is usually all it takes because it creeps. I personally use Kroil at the shop.

[@thewintersteiner]

24:22 your glove had a hot spot

[@davidcrowson4745]

Hope you get to enjoy some golf.

[@hugejackedman1951]

happy bicycle day!

[@peterdeb580]

I like to use a dime to toe the brake pads 🙂

[@MumfordJim]

Good idea when you do not have a business card. But a little hard to hold onto.

[@FLUSHER822]

Dollar stores have furniture polish in a yellow can. Works well

[@hugomatado2260]

Hi BF, what cordless driver did you use to remove the 4mm bolts from the rack? Thank you for the great content.

[@TheGameBoy56]

Yo u got to do Mountain Dew real sugar moment

[@QoraxAudio]

Okay dude relax, it's okay, you're a fan of that dorky disc 🤓

[@rainerunsinn4808]

Might as well join in. Greetings from Germany!

[@Wheelhouseprojects]

I prefer WD40 or PBblaster for decal/paint transfer on bikes or painted surfaces to reduce the removal of clear coat.

[@mitmon_8538]

@14:44 doesn't everyone lick their bike dry? WHAT HAVE I BEEN DOING?!? 😆😆

[@maakz]

the rear wheel needed to be replaced as it was too worn seen later in video. why wouldn't you do that for customer as he/she is going to get complete blow out on that rim

[@AmazinFireMan]

If I learnt anything is, I don’t have to know anything just get a spoke protector. Oh, and I have lived most of my life under a rock & didn’t know who Bob Ross is. Now I know, sorta.

[@graemetunbridge1738]

'take the rack off' no way !!!!!!

[@PaulR-lk9ry]

Bike for the average Joe!

[@JogieGlenMait16]

The fatter tires really transformed the bike.

[@martindirkzimmer]

More Greetings from Germany

[@moosehand8721]

Just switch the button on another aerosol can in the trash and you can use up the rest of that hair spray can.

[@user-nl4nu9qp3m]

Bikes, bikes, bikes 🚴‍♂️🤪

[@matthewjones3307]

Dawn Powerwash needs to endorse you. Please keep ranting, Bob Ross of Biking videos😊

[@bkefrmr]

Thanks hey!

[@schrodingerthecat]

Comment for the algorithm.

[@bkefrmr]

Sick

[@lithium8813]

God I probably built 500 of these alone

[@lithium8813]

The 300 was FANCY!

[@allenherinckx4474]

Dork

[@Jeromeeb]

We can't post links for ya sadly, the KZbin god doesn't like it

[@xmateinc]

Goof off also smells really good! 😂

[@matztertaler2777]

4:20min it is " verchmutzt" 😂

[@peterago1082]

def. worth 400 usd

[@lovemycountry6702]

Spoke protectors are ugly, same as bike stands or schrader tubes. But is ok, we don’t hate you, you’re good. 😂😂😂

[@Dickmanthetard]

I use Goof-off for paint splatters but for general adhesive removal sometimes it it takes multiple applications to soften up the goo. That's why I keep a bottle of Ronsonol (Zippo lighter fluid) around. It works better in certain cases.

[@wolfram759]

Thanks!