RJ The Bike GuyI show how to make a really extra long hex socket tool. I was working on overhauling a Suntour XCC fork, and to remove the lowers, I needed to remove a 5mm hex bolt that is deeply recessed in a hole. I normally use on of my Tekton extra long hex sockets, but in this case, it wasn't long enough. The blade length was about 5 inches, and I needed a tool with maybe 6 1/2" to 7" blade length. I looked around online to see if I could find one. I couldn't. So I made an extra long hex socket tool. I bought a Klein 5mm T handle Hex Wrench on Amazon for about $7. I had some cheap 5mm sockets, but didn't like them as they didn't lock on well. So I bought a Craftsman 5mm socket for about $4 a the local hardware store. With these and a bit of JB Weld, I made my tool.
So if you need a tool and don't have it, and can't buy it, look at making the tool you need. Yeah, I spent around $11 to make the tool, but now I will be able to do my fork overhaul, and will still have the tool if I need it again.
No, using a longer extension would not have helped. The 5mm bolt was in a deeply recessed hole.
Yes, I could have left the shaft longer, but the longer the shaft, the more it will twist under torque. So I only made it a little longer than I knew I would need.
How To Make An Extra Long Hex Socket ToolRJ The Bike Guy2023-01-16 | I show how to make a really extra long hex socket tool. I was working on overhauling a Suntour XCC fork, and to remove the lowers, I needed to remove a 5mm hex bolt that is deeply recessed in a hole. I normally use on of my Tekton extra long hex sockets, but in this case, it wasn't long enough. The blade length was about 5 inches, and I needed a tool with maybe 6 1/2" to 7" blade length. I looked around online to see if I could find one. I couldn't. So I made an extra long hex socket tool. I bought a Klein 5mm T handle Hex Wrench on Amazon for about $7. I had some cheap 5mm sockets, but didn't like them as they didn't lock on well. So I bought a Craftsman 5mm socket for about $4 a the local hardware store. With these and a bit of JB Weld, I made my tool.
So if you need a tool and don't have it, and can't buy it, look at making the tool you need. Yeah, I spent around $11 to make the tool, but now I will be able to do my fork overhaul, and will still have the tool if I need it again.
No, using a longer extension would not have helped. The 5mm bolt was in a deeply recessed hole.
Yes, I could have left the shaft longer, but the longer the shaft, the more it will twist under torque. So I only made it a little longer than I knew I would need.
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.comSRAM Replaced My 30 Year Old Recalled RockShox Mag 20 ForksRJ The Bike Guy2023-02-26 | I was working on an old Bianchi mountain bike that had RockShox Mag 20 forks. The forks would bottom out without a lot of weight. They are air/oil forks, and I thought they would just need some more air, maybe oil. I started looking online for service docs, but found a recall notice for these forks from 1995. These forks were made in 1992. Apparently the fork crown was prone to cracking. I tried calling the number on the recall notice, but it wasn't any good. I found a recall number of SRAM's site. Keep in mind, RockShox wasn't even a part of SRAM until 2002. So I called SRAM to ask about the recall on these 30 year forks, not expecting much. They took my name and address, and said they were going to send me some new forks. And they did. I was amazed. FYI, I called them as a regular customer. I did not tell them I was RJ The Bike Guy, or mention anything about having a YouTube channel.
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.comHow To Keep Bike Handlebar Grip Ends From RippingRJ The Bike Guy2023-01-22 | A simple trick costing only 10 cents can help protect your handlebar grip ends from getting torn up. I show you the "nickel trick" that helps protect the rubber grip ends from being cut by the open end of the handlebars. What causes this tearing is usually something like the bike falling over and the end of the handlebar cutting into the rubber like a chisel. This helps cover up the sharp ends of the handlebars, and protect the rubber grip ends. It's a cheap trick, but if you replace your grips, don't be in a rush and forget to get your nickelback. I had never heard of this, but a viewer turned me onto it. After some research found it was a thing. So I tried it, and thought it was a great idea. Still learning new stuff after all these years.
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.comHow To Straighten/Align A Bent Derailleur HangerRJ The Bike Guy2023-01-20 | I noticed the derailleur seemed to be sitting at different angle than the cogs on the cassette. Looking closer, it looked like the derailleur hanger was bent. So I used my Park Tool DAG 2.2 Derailleur Hanger Alignment Gauge to straighten the hanger. I show the process.
The Park Tool DAG 2.2 is a really nice tool, but it is kind of expensive. So I have a video shwoing how to make a cheaper home made version of of the tool here - How To Make A Derailleur Hanger Alignment Gauge Tool: youtube.com/watch?v=sWdO4dnu18g
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.comSuntour XCC Fork Service - Disassemble/Clean/Lube/Re-assembleRJ The Bike Guy2023-01-18 | I show how to tear down, clean, lubricate and rebuild SR Suntour XCC forks/shocks. Periodic maintenance will help prolong the life of the fork and maintain performance. Basic service to keep your suspension working and from becoming stiff or frozen.
* Use grease made for forks. I use Slickoleum which is also sold under the name Slick Honey. You can also use SRAM Butter or Judy Butter. If the fork uses oil, use the proper fork oil. Use of a grease/oil not made specifically for forks can damage the plastic/polyurethane parts, or otherwise leave the fork not working properly.
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.comFixing/Overhauling Free Fuji Nevada Mountain BikeRJ The Bike Guy2023-01-10 | I got this 2002 Fuji Nevada for free from a friend. He used to ride it around his college campus. He stripped the bike, and uglified so it wouldn't be stolen. Then it spent several years living outside in the New York weather. It was in rough shape. I needed A LOT of work. I replaced the rear derailleur, bottom bracket, chain, cables/housings, shifters, and grips. I cleaned up the parts for rust. The rear wheel was a mess, and I spent some time truing that. I also overhauled the rear hub.
About the only new parts that went into the bike were the chain, cables, and housings. The other parts were used that I had in my parts boxes.
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.comOverhaul/Rebuild Bottom Bracket With Sealed Cartridge BearingsRJ The Bike Guy2023-01-04 | I show how to overhaul a bottom bracket with new sealed cartridge bearings. The bottom bracket was rough moving, and a little stiff. So I disassembled the bottom bracket, and replaced the old worn bearings with new bearings. The sealed cartridge bearings are part number 163110-2RS or (16mm ID, 31mm OD, 10mm width, and the 2RS stands for two rubber seals). The sockets I used were 5/8, and 7/8, but you can use what you have that fits. The grease I used was marine grease.
The replacement bearings cost $6.69 + tax for a total of $7.23 for a four pack on Amazon. They are probably Chinese made, but most of the bearings I was seeing seemed to be made in China. I would have liked to have gotten some nice made in Japan bearings, but I was not finding any in this size. I am sure they are out there.
Not all bottom brackets have sealed cartridge bearings. Here is a rebuild of a bottom bracket that has ball bearings: youtube.com/watch?v=lar7mIMmTRE
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.comReplace Shift Cable In Shimano EF-50 Trigger ShiftersRJ The Bike Guy2023-01-03 | I show how to replace the shift cable in Shimano ST EF50 shifters. I install a new cable into the left shifter in the video, but the right shifter is done pretty much the same way. The cable head sits in the hole slightly different on the right shifter.
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.comBike Disc Brake Caliper Disassembly/Assembly (Avid BB7)RJ The Bike Guy2022-12-27 | I show how to disassemble and re-assemble an Avid BB7 mechanical disc brake caliper. I also show how the mechanism works. I just thought it would be fun to see what was inside, and see how it works. I cleaned and lube the parts. I replaced the three ball bearings, but I really didn't need to. If they show wear or damage, they should be replaced. The ball bearings were 5/32" balls. I lubed the parts with marine grease. I considered using Sil-Glyde which I have used for disc brakes on cars. But I decided marine grease might be more available to people watching this video than Sil-Glyde.
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.comAnswer Manitou Three (Manitou 3) Fork Rebuild/OverhaulRJ The Bike Guy2022-12-23 | I show the process of how to rebuild an Answer Manitou 3 suspension fork. I bought this Diamondback Axis TR mountain bike a few years ago at an auction. The forks were dead. The elastomers were toast, and the forks easily bottomed out. I finally got around to overhauling it, and rebuilding it with new elastomers. I believe the process of rebuilding an Answer Manitou 4 fork is very similar.
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.comDisc Brake Conversion/Upgrade On Mountain BikeRJ The Bike Guy2022-12-06 | I show the process of converting from V-Brakes to Disc Brakes on a mountain bike. I bought this Specialized Rockhopper Comp a few years ago. It was in rough shape, but it had promise. What I liked about it was the frame & forks and had disc brake mounts, and the wheels were set up to mount disc brake rotors. It was screaming for this upgrade. I finally got around to doing it. The disc brake calipers I installed were Avid BB5's. The rotors were 160mm.
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.comReplacing Broken Derailleur HangerRJ The Bike Guy2022-11-27 | I show the process of replacing a broken derailleur hanger, including how I identified the replacement part. I bought this Specialized Rockhopper Comp a few years ago. I got a good price on it, but it was in rough shape. It had a broken derailleur hanger. The chain was also twisted a bit. Not sure how it happened. But it looked like something catastrophic happened.
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.comAnswer Manitou 1 Fork Rebuild/OverhaulRJ The Bike Guy2022-11-23 | I show how to tear down and rebuild a Answer Manitou 1 fork. I picked up this Marin mountain bike cheap because the fork was dead (bottomed out). The elastomers were toast. I ordered a rebuild kit for about $60. As I disassembled the fork, I found the old elastomers had turned to goo, and solidified inside. I warmed up the fork to turn them back to goo, and was able to pull them apart. I used heat to remove a lot of the elastomer goo, and cleaned up the rest of it with acetone. Once I got the elastomer goo cleaned up, then rest was pretty easy.
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.comManitou Fork Elastomers Turned To GooRJ The Bike Guy2022-11-17 | I was tearing down some Manitou Answer 1 forks, and the elastomers had turned to disgusting goo!
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.comThrift Store Find - TWO Recumbent Bikes - $75 EachRJ The Bike Guy2022-07-14 | I had a little time, so I hit a couple thrift stores. At the Goodwill, I found a BikeE recumbent bike for $75. A real bargain. And I rarely see recumbent bikes in thrift stores. So I bought it. After a brief struggle to get it into the back of my Honda Civic, I got it home. It was in good shape. But after researching the bike, I thought it should have a seat back. So I headed back to Goodwill to see if I could find a seat back that maybe got separated from the bike. I didn't find one. But, I found a second BikeE recumbent that hadn't been there before. This one had suspension even. Also $75. So I bought it too. I never did find a seat back for the one bike. But looking at the seat, I don't even see a way for a seat back to mount to it. So maybe that is the way it's supposed to be?
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.comThrift Stores - A Source For Cheap Bike PartsRJ The Bike Guy2022-05-18 | I was working on a Terry Susan B bike, and thought I was about done. I pumped up the tires and found a bunch of cracks from dry rot. I found some similar tires on Amazon, but they were $25-30. So I checked my stash of parts. I have tires I have taken off other bikes, or found other places like flea markets, garage sales, and thrift stores. I found a pair of Kenda Kwest tires I bought at Goodwill for $4.99. The tires were like new. I had bought them a couple months earlier with no specific plans. I figured I might find a use for them. And I did. I find lots of bike parts in thrift store. Tires, wheels, seats, pedals, etc. But also stuff like indoor trainers, and bike racks.
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.comBargain Bike/Parts Finds At Bike Co Op Garage Sale 2022RJ The Bike Guy2022-05-14 | Bargains! I bought these bikes and parts for $155! A Marin Pine Mountain mountain bike with a Manitou Answer 1 fork. Gary Fisher Tarpon mountain bike. Handle bars with Ultegra St-6600 shifters and Ultegra brakes. 2 pairs Shimano Deore 3x9 trigger shifters. Bag of downtube cable stops. Stainless steel brake cables. Suntour 3 pulley rear derailleur. Shimano Deore rear derailleur. And got to meet and talk with neat people. A great day and bargain bikes/parts at the local bike co-op sale!
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.comHow To Find The Right Size Seat Post For A BikeRJ The Bike Guy2022-01-10 | I bought this bike at a thrift store, but it was missing the seatpost and seat. I show the steps I go through to determine what diameter of seat post is needed to fit the frame.
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.comWhat Is Chain Stretch? What causes it?RJ The Bike Guy2022-01-06 | I explain what "chain stretch" is, or rather what it isn't, and show what causes it.
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.comFixing Seized Suntour Fork On Trek MT220 BikeRJ The Bike Guy2022-01-04 | I bought this Trek MT220 24" kid's moutain bike last summer. It was in good shape, other than a seized fork. The fork had no visible rust, so I was not sure why it was frozen. I lubed it with silicone spray to help free it up. Seems the reason it was stuck, was mostly just a lot of dried grit and old grease. Probably the dirt got in there due to the torn fork boots. I got the fork freed up, and disassembled it, cleaned it, lubed it, and put it all back together. The fork model is a SR Suntour M2015.
The fork cap tool I mad was very similar to this, except it had 12 teeth, and was a larger diameter: youtube.com/watch?v=tABGvESjL4o
* Use grease made for forks. I use Slickoleum which is also sold under the name Slick Honey. You can also use SRAM Butter or Judy Butter. If the fork uses oil, use the proper fork oil. Use of a grease/oil not made specifically for forks can damage the plastic/polyurethane parts, or otherwise leave the fork not working properly.
If you have a different brand model fork, check out some of my other fork overhaul videos here http://bit.ly/ForkOverhauls
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.comI Bought A Mystery Vintage Race Bike? (see description for answer)RJ The Bike Guy2021-12-31 | I bought this vintage race (?) bike today off of Facebook Marketplace. And I am trying to find out what the heck it is. It has a lot of interesting points. The bike is a 10 speed. The 63cm frame is lugless steel. I believe the bike is from the early to mid 70s. The bottom bracket seems to be sealed bearings. The derailleurs are a Shimano Crane in the rear, and a Shimano Titlist on the front. The wheels at 27" with Campagnolo high flange hubs, and Rigida clincher rims. The leather saddle is an Ideale Speciale Competition 90. The seatpost measures 26.8mm. The stem quill is 22.2mm, so not French. The bike as is weighs about 25.2lbs. The tires (maybe not original) are a Schwinn 250 Super Record, and a Schwinn HP Le Tour.
ANSWER: It is apparently a Viscount Aerospace. It originally came with a cast aluminum "death fork" that was know to fail. THIS BIKE HAS A STEEL FORK, so apparently the original fork was replaced. The "V" logo on the components is for Viscount.
And I think it IS the original paint. The blue on the seat tube normally has decals over the ends of the blue paint.
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.comHow To Remove Duct Tape Residue Fast And EasyRJ The Bike Guy2021-12-29 | I was cleaning up this bike frame that had a big patch of old dried duct tape glue residue. I don't know how long the tape was on the bike, but it appears have been on there for a long time. I tried naphtha (lighter fluid), alcohol, WD-40, and warm water. But these things did almost nothing. Maybe if the duct tape adhesive had been fresher, maybe these would have worked. My main concern was not wanting to damage the paint, so I didn't want to try anything like acetone. I read a suggestion online about gasoline, so I tested it on a small patch, and it removed the residue fast and easy. So I show removing the duct tape residue with gasoline. While this is a bike frame, it should work to remove duct tape residue from a car body as well. As a safety precaution, I used gloves, and had my garage door open for ventilation. Also be careful around open flame as gasoline is flammable.
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.comI Bought A Bike For A DollarRJ The Bike Guy2021-12-27 | I visited my local Goodwill thrift store today. I bought a Park Tool PCS-1 bike repair stand for $50. That was cool. But I also bought a Fuji Thrill bike for $1. It had a green tag, and every Sunday everything with a certain color tag will be for sale for $1. This bike had been priced at $49.99, but with a green tag, today the price was $1. I really couldn't believe it. I was surprised no one else snagged it. I was kind of expecting to get to the checkout register and have them tell me that this was excluded. But no. I got the bike for $1. It's not a high end bike. But for $1, it was a bargain!
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.comChain Goes Slack When Coasting/Backpedaling - How To FixRJ The Bike Guy2021-12-25 | I show how to fix a sticky freehub which can cause the chain to go slack when coasting (freewheeling), or when you backpedal. The old grease get thick, and also dirt can get inside. This can usually be fixed by flushing out the old grease/dirt, and relubing the freehub with an oil like Phil Tenacious Oil. The bike is a 2000 Trek 6000. The hub is a Shimano FH-C201.
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.comHow To Install/Remove Backing Pad On Harbor Freight 2 Orbital SanderRJ The Bike Guy2021-09-11 | This is how to install & remove the hook & loop backing pad on a Central Pneumatic 2 Inch Orbital Sander from Harbor Freight. It probably applies to other similar small orbital sanders as well. The instructions that came with tool are terrible, and don't even tell you how to do this that I could find. The backing pad screws on, but you need to use the tool that came with the sander, to hold the chuck in place, so you can actually screw the backing pad on. And also to remove the backing pad.
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.comFixing SRAM Grip Shift Shifter That Wont Click/Stay In GearRJ The Bike Guy2021-04-13 | I show how to repair a SRAM Grip Shift shifter that does not click, won't catch, and won't stay in gear. When you twist the shifter, the derailleur shifters, but when you release the shifter, it slips right back to the smallest cog, or chain ring. The problem is generally the indexing spring inside the shifter.
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.comManitou Magnum Fork Service - Disassemble/Clean/Lube/Re-assembleRJ The Bike Guy2021-03-27 | I show how to tear down, clean, lubricate and rebuild Manitou Magnum forks/shocks (I think 2000 model year). Periodic maintenance will help prolong the life of the fork and maintain performance. Basic service to keep your suspension working and from becoming stiff or frozen. This fork is on a 2000 Trek 6000.
* Use grease made for forks. I use Slickoleum which is also sold under the name Slick Honey. You can also use SRAM Butter or Judy Butter. If the fork uses oil, use the proper fork oil. Use of a grease/oil not made specifically for forks can damage the plastic/polyurethane parts, or otherwise leave the fork not working properly.
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.comRockShox Jett Fork Service - Disassemble/Clean/Lube/Re-assembleRJ The Bike Guy2021-03-15 | I show how to overhaul, tear down, clean, lubricate and rebuild RockShox Jett forks/shocks. Periodic maintenance will help prolong the life of the fork and maintain performance. Basic service to keep your suspension working and from becoming stiff or frozen.
* Use grease made for forks. I use Slickoleum which is also sold under the name Slick Honey. You can also use SRAM Butter or Judy Butter. If the fork uses oil, use the proper fork oil. Use of a grease/oil not made specifically for forks can damage the plastic/polyurethane parts, or otherwise leave the fork not working properly.
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.comHow To Adjust Shimano Nexus 3 Speed Hub Shifter CableRJ The Bike Guy2020-11-06 | I show how to adjust the shift cable on a Shimano Nexus Inter 3 three speed internal geared hub. It's a fast and easy adjustment. And you pretty much just need a 10mm wrench.
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.comRockShox Metro Forks Service - Disassembly/Clean/Lube/AssemblyRJ The Bike Guy2020-11-02 | I show how to disassemble, clean, lubricate, and re-assemble Rock Shox Metro forks. I believe these are RockShox Metro forks from 2003, not the 2001 model that were recalled.
* Use grease made for forks. I use Slickoleum which is also sold under the name Slick Honey. You can also use SRAM Butter or Judy Butter. If the fork uses oil, use the proper fork oil. Use of a grease/oil not made specifically for forks can damage the plastic/polyurethane parts, or otherwise leave the fork not working properly.
If you have a different brand model fork, check out some of my other fork overhaul videos here http://bit.ly/ForkOverhauls
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.comHow To Remove Spray Paint From A Bike FrameRJ The Bike Guy2020-10-20 | I show how to remove spray paint from a bike frame without damaging the original factory paint. This is one of the methods car detailers use to remove spray paint from cars. I used a liquid Carnuba wax which will break down the spray paint, but not harm the original paint underneath. Don't ask me why it effects the one, but not the other. I am assuming different paint formulation. It's possible there are some original paints that it might not play nice with. Maybe hand painted frames. It doesn't break down all spray paints. But it's worth a shot. If the Carnuba wax doesn't work, then you will have to move to more aggressive methods which are more likely to damage the original paint.
And no, leaving the wax on to "soak" into the paint does not work. The Carnuba wax only effects the surface of the paint.
Things like gasoline, acetone, carburetor cleaner, or other solvents, can damage the factory paint.
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.comClean Rust/Corrosion/Light Scratches From Aluminum SeatpostRJ The Bike Guy2020-10-15 | I show how I clean/refinish aluminum seatposts. This seatpost is coated with a rusty crust from galvanic corrosion. It was semi-seized in the steel frame, but I got it out with some effort. I spent about 5 minutes or so cleaning this seatpost. But it was pretty bad. Most seatposts don't take that long. This can also help remove light scratches from the aluminum seatpost as well. I bought the hand cleaner I used at Walmart. But similar products are available under different names. Just look for orange hand cleaner with pumice.
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.comMore Auction Fun! Bought LOTS Of Bike Parts!RJ The Bike Guy2020-10-12 | I did another auction. This was an online auction and it was all bikes and bike parts. I bought 11 lots with hubs, shock parts, skewers, pedals, cables, brake levers, handle bars, etc, etc, etc.
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.comAuction Fun! I Bought 4 Bikes!RJ The Bike Guy2020-09-29 | I went to an auction this last weekend. This was the first live auction I have been to in years. Among all the other stuff they had for sale (tools, cars, nicknacks, etc, etc), they had 40-50 bikes there. A bunch of them were kids bikes. They also had bikes too difficult for me to transport considering I came in a Honda Civic. My goal was to get bikes that I could use to make videos.
The bikes I bought were: 2004 Trek 1500 road bike. 2001 Cannondale F600 mountain bike. 2000 Specialized Hardrock mountain bike. 1994 Diamondback Axis TR mountain bike.
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.comSuntour XCT V2 Fork Service - Disassemble/Clean/Lube/Re-assembleRJ The Bike Guy2020-09-03 | I show how to tear down, clean, lubricate and rebuild Suntour XCT (SF10-XCT-V2) forks/shocks. Periodic maintenance will help prolong the life of the fork and maintain performance. Basic service to keep your suspension working and from becoming stiff or frozen. I bought this fork on craigslist for $20. The XCT fork models have varied over the years. This fork is a SF10-XCT-V2-P-26-80. The bike is a 2010 Specialized Hardrock.
There are different versions of XCT forks. This is an SF10. If yours has a lockout, you have a different version. You might check out my video overhauling an XCR fork that has a lockout: youtube.com/watch?v=BUgt96qfV68
The part number for the plastic sleeve is FEE460-10.
* Use grease made for forks. I use Slickoleum which is also sold under the name Slick Honey. You can also use SRAM Butter or Judy Butter. If the fork uses oil, use the proper fork oil. Use of a grease/oil not made specifically for forks can damage the plastic/polyurethane parts, or otherwise leave the fork not working properly.
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.comHow To Fix Loose Wobbly Wheel HubRJ The Bike Guy2020-08-29 | I show how to repair a bike wheel with a loose hub that wobbles. I disassemble, the hub, clean, lubricate, and reassemble the bub with new bearings. After the overhaul, the wheel spun smooth with no wobble in the hub. The bike is a 2010 Specialized Hardrock.
Most front hubs use ten 3/16" balls on each side; Most rear hubs use nine 1/4" on each side.
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.com$50 Specialized Allez - Lets Count The Problems! Sad Face...RJ The Bike Guy2020-08-27 | I saw this Specialized Allez Sport listed on Craigslist for $100. I was excited as I have wanted a Specialized Allez. Even if this is the entry level one. It was even my size. I went to check it out, and found one problem after another. The frame was toast! I ended up buying it for $50 for the parts.
* NO!!! The chain stay cannot just be easily welded. The whole tube was expanded and deformed. The split is just the most visible part of the damage! The frame would be unsafe. An experienced frame builder could probably replace the stay, but it would cost more than the bike is worth.
* I don't care that I didn't pronounce Allez the correct French way. If I pronounced it correctly, I would still get flack from people. Pronouncing French names is a no win situation. So frankly, I don't care!
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.comReplace Shift Cable In SRAM X3 Trigger ShiftersRJ The Bike Guy2020-08-11 | I show how to install new shift cables into SRAM X3 shifters. I show installing a new cable into the right shifter. The left shifter is done the same way. Other SRAM shifters such as the X4 are similar except they may have a plastic plug covering the cable access hole. Just unscrew the plastic plug with a screwdriver. The bike is a 2010 Specialized Hardrock.
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.comMake A DIY Fork Alignment Gauge - Cheap & Easy!RJ The Bike Guy2020-07-11 | I show how to make a cheap, easy fork alignment gauge. I made this one for about $5. For my 1" fork, I used steel flat bar 1/2" wide x 36" long x 1/8" thick. Aluminum flat bar will work also. For a 1 1/8" fork, I suggest using 3/4" wide x 36" long x 1/8" thick.
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.comDeWalt 1/2 Impact Wrench for only $30! Craigslist FindRJ The Bike Guy2020-07-05 | I bought this DeWalt DW292 1/2" corded impact wrench for $30 via a Craigslist add. It's rated for 345 ft.-lbs, which is way more powerful than the 1/2" Kawasaki impact wrench that I have used in some of my videos. The Kawasaki is rated for 220 ft.-lbs and many people suggest that is overrated. I think this wrench is going to be a lot of fun. It's a bit dirty, but I will clean it up. I test the tool in the video by removing a fixed cup. And the tool even came with the case.
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.comHow To Remove 15mm/16mm Crank Bolt When Socket Doesnt FitRJ The Bike Guy2020-06-28 | I show several options of how to remove 15mm/16mm crank bolts when the socket is too fat to fit into threaded crank arm opening. The crankset in the video is a Sugino Mighty Competition crankset. Some older Campy cranksets that might have 15mm bolts also. Zeus and Stronglight can have 16mm bolts. TA also. The tool I used in the video was a Park Tool CCW-2. The Park Tool CCW-15 will work also. And there were similar tools made by other companies as well.
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.comConvert From Nutted To Recessed Mounted Brakes On Older Bike FrameRJ The Bike Guy2020-06-21 | I show how to drill a bike frame to accommodate modern recessed mounted caliper brakes. I was doing a light retromod on an vintage Cannondale road bike, and wanted to update the brakes from the old nutted single pivot brakes to newer style recessed mounted dual pivot brakes.
I have had people ask if the dual pivot brakes are better than the single pivot brakes. Yes they are. They have more mechanical advantage and will deliver stronger, controlled braking. They are also aesthetically more modern looking as well, so that is a bonus.
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.comHow To Fix Loose Suspension Seatpost That WigglesRJ The Bike Guy2020-06-15 | I show how to adjust the two most common types of suspension seatposts to reduce side to side play. I was working on this Cannondale and the seat was all wiggly. Very weird trying to ride it.
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.comRemoving Stuck Broken Shift Cable Head From Shifter - Improvise Adapt OvercomeRJ The Bike Guy2020-04-28 | I remove a the head end of a broken cable that was stuck inside a Shimano shift lever (brifter). The cable was broken and frayed. It was also installed wrong which made it harder to get out. It's not a standard problem, so there is not a standard solution for this, so you have to figure it out. Improvise. Adapt. Overcome. Invent a solution. FYI, I know the surgical clamp is called a hemostat.
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.comReplacing Grips In Under 9 Seconds! #SPEEDGRIPCHALLENGERJ The Bike Guy2020-04-10 | I thought it would be fun to see how fast I could replace a pair of bike grips! I did it in under 9 seconds. 8.875 seconds actually! I removed the worn grips with compressed air, and installed the new grips with isopropyl alcohol. How fast can you do it? Make a video and include #SPEEDGRIPCHALLENGE in the title. And include a link in the comments section below.
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.comDual Valve Pump Head - How Does It Work? Whats Inside?RJ The Bike Guy2020-03-22 | I disassemble a dual valve bike pump head, and explain how it works. Why doesn't it blow air out the open hole. I also give a tip of how to extend the life of a leaking dual valve pump head. Then I reassemble the pump head. The pump in the video is a Park Tool PFP-3.
On this pump head, the lever is pulled up to lock it onto the valve stem. On some other models, the lever is up when put on to the valve stem, and the lever is pushed down to lock it onto the stem.
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.comRyobi Cordless Inflator Vs Floor Pump For Bike TiresRJ The Bike Guy2020-03-15 | I bought a Ryobi P737D cordless inflator for pumping up bike tires. It was pretty cool, but I wanted to see how it compared to a regular floor pump, for speed, convenience, accuracy. Personally, I think the Ryobi cordless inflator is really cool and I will probably be using it over the floor pump.
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.comCraigslist Find - 70s Zeus Bike for $40 - Zeus Competition?RJ The Bike Guy2020-03-09 | I bought a mid-70s Zeus bicycle for $40 on Craigslist. I think it is a Zeus Competition. It was actually sold as parts, but it is almost a complete bike. Missing the saddle and shifters. The frame is very rough with rust. Inlcuded Super Alfa 71 brakes, Alfa brake levers, wheels with high flange Zeus hubs, Zeus crankset, Zeus seatpost, Zeus pedals, handlebars with Cenelli stem. I am not sure if the frame is restoreable. Maybe bead blast the rust and have it powder coated? Not sure if I can retain the chrome like that?
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.comHow To Replace Shifter Cable In SRAM MRX Plus 3.0 Grip Shift ShiftersRJ The Bike Guy2020-02-26 | I show how to replace the shift cable in a SRAM MRX Plus 3.0 Grip Shift shifter. It's not obvious, but is actually pretty easy. I show the process as I remove the old shift cable and install a new cable.
▶WEBPAGE http://www.RJTheBikeGuy.comHow To Replace Brake Lever HoodsRJ The Bike Guy2020-02-20 | I show how to replace the hoods on vintage aero brake levers. The levers in this video are Shimano BL-1051 brake levers. The hoods for those are not common, and expensive to get. So I used hoods made for Shimano BL-1055 brake levers which are much cheaper and easier to find.