45 year pro bike mechanic here. Your video and advice are spot on. A wealth of knowledge. 👍

@jojojo8835

Жыл бұрын

Wow thanks, great to have your reassurance they know what they’re talking about!

@gautam4697

9 ай бұрын

Why not stepthrough frame bikes for long tour

This video is such a breath of fresh air. I love this kind of bike mechanic philosophy. Not going for the latest stuff, but just using what works, what's abundant, what's serviceable. Additionally, focusing on budget is just so nice to see. I hate getting into a new hobby and having people tell me it's only for people who can afford it. This video is an absolute gem!

It´s so nice to see that people emphasize a lower budget way in this world of shiny carbon and titanium ;-)

@NomadsTrails

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you 😁 It doesn't need to be shiny or expensive to take you around the world 🚲 🌍

@matto9734

4 жыл бұрын

@@NomadsTrails Sooo true and have fun with your expeditions

@ravenone6255

3 жыл бұрын

But steel is still the strongest 💪

@thisisyol

3 жыл бұрын

money can't buy what they got

@thisisyol

3 жыл бұрын

@Alien On a Bike Everything that has a beginning, has also an end, Neo. Her youth, our narcicism, and us treating money like a religion. They live in paradise - we watch.

There is huge cycling wisdom in this video. So nice to see and hear, when most young folk seem obsessed with "tech" must be "best thinking". The aim of cycling anywhere is to HAVE FUN, not to have pricey possessions!

Love that you guys accounted for bike mechanic services in the total cost! Very realistic and helpful

One thing that might be well worth the weight of carrying is a cassette spacer or three (of varying sizes). Then you can use any cassette you find that has less gears than what you normally use. They are usually aluminum, but they even make plastic ones which are probably a bit lighter. The shifter indexing has the same interval between the gears for 6, 7, & 8 speed. I can't recall if 9-speed is compatible, but even if it's not, it will work to get you to the next city or town with a supply of bicycle parts. ...actually, as I write this, I realize that you could use a cog off your bad cassette as a spacer for a new cassette with less gears. Use an appropriate width cog, or spacer from in-between your old cogs to act as a spacer. There's almost always a few individual cogs, although often times the larger ones are a single piece. I would recommend volunteering, or working part-time at a bikeshop for a period of time before starting a long tour. You can learn so much and ask an experienced mechanic for guidance as you work on bikes and think of potential failures and see many yourself. Plus + you might get cheaper parts and accessories if you are employed by a bicycle shop!!! The knowledge you can attain working in a shop is priceless. Okay, I feel like I'm rambling. Search "Sheldon Brown" and read and learn as much as you can from there. He wrote 'the bible' on bicycle maintenance. Unfortunately he has passed on...but his knowledge has been catalogued and is still being maintained. His website has THE BEST information I've ever found in one place regarding bicycle maintenance. Edit: One last thing. Every bolt (every part) needs grease or thread-lock! And bring some thread-locking product on your tour. For your wheel nipples you can use boiled linseed oil. It acts as a grease and a thread-locker. If I ever go on a long tour I would probably carry a small container holding about 1/2 ounce of boiled linseed oil to use on any threads I undo and retighten. Boiled linseed oil is also used as a metal preservative for shovels and axes, so I trust it. I LOVE YOU TWO!!! You're such lovely people. If you come to Texas I hope to meet you and ride with you. I will feed you and check your bikes for maintenance issues if you allow me to. You could even make a video of me describing what I check on a bicycle tourists bike. Headset, bottom bracket, hub, and pedal free-play is what I start with. Then checking all bolts for torque (by hand). Then derailleur limits. And finally spoke tension and wheel trueness. Sometimes it's difficult for the rider of the bicycle to recognize minor problems. Any shop I've ever worked at will give a tourist a free bike exam and do a quick adjustment for free. With luck and regular maintenance, that's all that is needed. And sometimes with luck a good mechanic will recognize a problem and be able to fix it before a failure. Any good shop in the U.S. will also troubleshoot problems and relay the information to another shop down the road so that you can have a part waiting for you when you arrive. No good shop wants you to have to postpone your tour and will happily trade loss of revenue for free word-of-mouth (or internet) advertising. And if you ever do have to wait for a part, the shop will probably be able to take care of tour accommodations (free camping or a bed sometimes) if you have to wait for a part that the mechanic doesn't want you to travel with before being replaced. The first bikeshop that I was employed at was on a very popular U.S. bike-touring route that didn't have another shop for 180 miles in any direction. We often had tourists spend a few days with us. One tourist never finished his trip and stayed at the shop for over a decade (by choice). ...rambling again...

@NomadsTrails

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your comment and many good points! 🙌🏾 Great tip about volunteering in a bike shop, and sounds like you have been amazing support for many cyclists. Hope we can meet one day! ✌🏽

@nathansharp3193

4 жыл бұрын

Nomad's Trails : If your trip bring you through Texas I would LOVE to meet you two. I would be honored to ride a few [hundred] miles with you as well. Your videos make me so happy. I binge-watched every one of them as soon as I discovered you online. Thanks for sharing your love of cycling with the world. Happy trails and much love my friends!!

@pizzapie4me

3 жыл бұрын

6 speed freewheels are not spaced the same as 7 and 8 speed. If you use friction shifters, this is not a problem, but 7 and 8 speed shifters are not compatible with 6 speed. You're correct about 7&8.

The way you presented this build made it look so simple yet so rugged and ready to take on the world. Loving this build guys! 😎👍

I've been stuck at home for 4 months now and watching you travel is very therapeutic to me! Stay healthy and stay strong, looking forward to you guys getting on the road again!

@NomadsTrails

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you, happy to hear you are enjoying our videos!

So refreshing to see that you are making common sense recommendations based on durability, serviceability, availability, compatibility, and budget. Yeah, you can find a square taper BB practically anywhere; try doing that with a Hollowtech or whatever. May I share a story? My friend's grandfather was pretty big in the cycling scene in Chile (certainly this was the early days). He was on a long ride through Patagonia when he encountered a flat. Having no spare tube or patch kit, he was faced with a very long walk back to anywhere he could properly service his bike. But he came up with an idea. He cut a small hole in his tube and began stuffing dry grass, which he had rubbed into very small pieces, into the tube. Next he found a water source and put the water in the tube as well. He tied off the area so that it wouldn't bulge, and put it all back together. The water caused the dry grass to swell and fill out the tube/tire, and he was able to ride back with his clever fix! Moral of the story? Common sense and cleverness are the best tools to have along on a ride.... well, and good preparation! Thanks for sharing all three with us in spades. :)

In 1993 me and my girl friend bought new but cheap steel Marin mountain bikes. In 96 We up graded some worn components and had extra bosses for front rack and down tube bottle then a respray. New hand built wheels and in 97 we set off around the world on converted £250 mtbs. 3 years on the road and the only major issue was racks failing so we had new steel ones made in Nepal. We still have the bikes and there still usable. To be honest they've faired better than me. You don't need or want a flashy bike to tour or travel. This is a brilliant video

Great video as always guys! a lot of information in here. My current expedition bike is also built from an old styled mtb frame, suspension was substituted by a nice steel rigid fork for simplicity. It's amazing the sense of freedom it gives, knowing that you can go everywhere with it, roads... mountains... trails...

I love this. Building a bike with fancy, expensive parts is easy. You just write a big check. But being frugal takes a bit more creativity. I recently built a budget bike for riding in the rain and in the winter. It lacks the sophistication of my expensive stuff; but it works very well and is more durable. Good bikes do not have to be expensive.

Hello you two - my huge compliments to your journey. I am now an avid follower and am in awe of your great spirit and devotion to the adventure. I cycled along the Iberian coastline this 2020 year - had a blast while discovering a passion and love for bike touring. COVID-19 had nothing on me !! What I did was pretty raw. With a 650€ budget I went to good old decathlon and purchased their budget Riverside Btwin bike (260€). From there, i equipped it with similar budget decathlon products - saddles, rack, lights, camping gear - not changing anything on the bike. It was scary but it worked. Nothing broke, I cycled on terrains no one should ever even following the hiking trail of Compostela de Santiago. I got to France on the expected date to start working on the vineyards. All this to say is that I know nothing about bikes and their components and am very grateful for decathlon cheap products. With you two in sight my project is to build a bike as you did. It would be fantastic ! My question is this : do you think that the Btwin riverside 500 bike - link here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/qn2oybqFd5e-qLg.html Labeled as a hybrid or gravel bike could be a frame you would recommend ? Again thanks for showing up and being an inspiration ! Greetings from South Africa - I’d be happy to host you ! @cam_acacia

Working in a shop in Vienna... 26 and rim brakes rule... this video is just too good! anytime welcome, if you cross by.

Great video. I purchased 2 Steel bikes for my kids, just before lock down 1990s mtbs/hybrids. I fixed them up and they are great. Just showed them the video - "see! You can go around the world in these bikes if you want!!"

@NomadsTrails

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Love this story, please say our greetings to the kids! ❤️❤️

Great video, so useful for many people! I started touring this way, really helps reduce the friction of going on a tour when your bike doesn't cost too much.

@NomadsTrails

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Samuel ❤️

I wish to travel around the world love your travel

@NomadsTrails

4 жыл бұрын

❤️

I have to thank you for the informative video. It’s wonderful how you’re living your lives, something that a lot of us only seem to dream about 👍

This was already my plan to use a full sized mountain bike that folds and upgrade all the components. Folding for worldwide travel. Your previous video was very helpful for me and I wrote down all your components. But this video is even better. Thank you for your hard work at putting this together. Ride safe.

@NomadsTrails

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you, and good luck for your build and on your tour!

Thank you for explanation on how to build a touring bicycle that people can afford! Reusing older steel frames is awesome!! Also so many pragmatic componets. Love it!

@NomadsTrails

2 жыл бұрын

Our pleasure!

Today i bought a 30 yr old steel mtb Giant Gsr400 and hope to turn it into a decent travelbike. Your video’s where the inspiration to start the project. Thanks !

An education in a single video. Thank you 🙏

I was very pleased that your video popped up, especially as you encourage people to build their own bicycles and to learn how to maintain, service and repair the bicycle and it's component parts. Although I still have my 1989 Specialized Hard Rock I will be touring and camping using a tiny folding bicycle made by Brompton. That way I can benefit from multi modal travel, using trains, underground networks and buses, coaches and boats where applicable. On trains, underground networks and buses I can use my pass so travel is free and I will be bringing one of my Alpacka Raft Packrafts to take myself and the Brompton paddling. By building one's own bicycle you can have everything you prefer and be fully confident that you know exactly how your bicycle and it's components operate and are able to maintain and repair them without worrying about the quality or cost of having a stranger work on your bicycle. Subscribed.

@NomadsTrails

4 жыл бұрын

Bromptons are interesting bikes for touring for sure, enables a different way of touring! On a long tour, tire and rim wear might become a problem tho 😅 Will be interesting to hear all the places you will go with such a versatile kit. Welcome to our channel! 🙌🏽

I'm only a few minutes in, and already applauding the know-how. :D Your choices are so schewd and logical. Sheldon-Brown type wisdom here. This is great advice for commuter bicycles too.

The world needs more of this 🙂

I was looking eveyday for your video. Nice to have you back and keep safe 🤗

Knowledgeable and very entertaining to watch. Excellent video, thank you! My first touring bike (also self-built) was a little more expensive but it stayed under 1000 €, which I thought was very good for the components I used (used, older models, cheap but good no-name components where applicable) Well done, keep it up!

Yep! You give me the spark to reignite my passion for bicycle.i am nearly to finish built my Hercules squadra bicycle steel frame and 26inch wheels, just need 1pair of tyres chambers, front brake pads and brakes cables or wires.Then the bicycle will be ready for trip.Your video is both inspirationaly and motivationaly mean mental issues Which can be useful in difficult situations. I don't like easy life know as"comfort zone " let difficulty be my teacher in this merciless world and face the toughest times like a warrior. Good trip and thank you for your video, God bless you both!

super ! well-done guys !

While I was searching for Cycle touring Channel....I found you... And all your videos are looks very naturally ......Loved Your Videos...Still waiting more Videos......Love From INDIA...

You guy's are great, God Bless and be safe.

I have never seen such a brilliant video explaining a budget build. Great job

@NomadsTrails

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much, happy you liked it! 🙌🏾

This is a excellent video, old mountain bikes are the perfect touting bikes, also make good gravel bikes. your component list is very comprehensive. very well thought out. thankyou

@NomadsTrails

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you 🙌🏾

@leradicideglialberi

3 жыл бұрын

True, I use one 1990 mtb (updated many times) for my daily commuters, perfect

I love that I found your channel, keep up the good authentic work. Your joy shines through every video! Love it!

@NomadsTrails

3 жыл бұрын

Happy to have you with us in our channel! ❤️

Probably the best and most honest video on bicycle components on KZread. Just great! I've been going with Shimano Altus, Acera or Alivio for years, riding a lot and have never had any issues. There are cheap non-friction shifters also from Sun-Race. I prefer 7-speed cassettes up to 34 teeth. They last longer than 9-speed, but they are hard to get with 34 teeth. 7-speed one can also get flywheels up to 34 teeth. For flywheel it's another hub. But: No worries, of course 8- and 9-speed are also existing. With a Shadow rear derailleur like for example the Shimano Altus it goes up to 36 teeth on a 9-speed cassette. Chain: The KMC 7-speed, not the very basic one, 9-speed Shimano XT = CN-HG93 or a KMC. I like the Shimano MT-300 crankset, which is a Hollowtech II one. 44/32/22 teeth, steel chainrings. Hollowtech II is stiffer than the squared one, but the bottom bracket must be from Hope or Chris King to be long-lasting and not having any issues. Shimano has many very great parts, but the Hollowtech II bottom brackets do not last very long. For squared Shimano bottom brackets I have made better experiences with the BB-UN26 than the 55. The best was the old XT 72, but they no longer produce it. Hubs: Shimano Acera are also not bad. V-Brakes: Shimano Alivio or Deore with cartridge brake pads are good. Everybody knows that Shimano XT is a good riding experience and has cult status for a relatively high price, but Shimano Altus is even better, because it works good and lasts long for a low price.

You 2 are a true blessing I hope some day my family and I will meet your path Tell then Blessed Be an peace and protection be with both of you

This video helped me so much in building up my 90s mtb! Thanks so much!

you guys are the best!

Amazing advice! I appreciate how thorough and clear you both are 👌

@NomadsTrails

3 жыл бұрын

❤❤

Watching you guys is inspiring. Am taking a 6 day course on how to care and maintain your bike offered by my local bike store. Love from Washington

@NomadsTrails

4 жыл бұрын

That is awesome! 🙌🏾

@pedronalesso1464

4 жыл бұрын

There are great videos in Park Tool page, well worth a visit

@danielburner

3 жыл бұрын

@@pedronalesso1464 Thanks for the info

@danielburner

3 жыл бұрын

You're not in Spokane, by chance?

finally Component Suggestions that work!

Two of you are really amazing and great thanks to your all kind efforts and sharing!

Excellent advice. I love your touring bike philosophy. It’s the best way to travel !

PERFECT EXPLANATION FRIENDS, just real info, Good and blessed travels in the world to you forever!!

So much useful info! Thanks!

Wow what a refreshing terrific video, I spent my teens and twenties cycle camping all over the UK and Europe with the Cyclists Touring Club and its great to hear some good sensible advice about super strong utility machines from people that use them, I cant believe what expensive rubbish is for sale now, electronic gears, new fangled bottom brackets, all sorts of things that you will struggle to get replaced in many parts of the world loved your advice, you are my kind of cyclists and I will probably build a bike based on an old MTB now as I hadnt thought of doing it before....THANKS and happy travelling :-)

Lots of great advice here. Thanks for making this video.

It's good watching you guys after so long. Hope you are safe and healthy!!!

@NomadsTrails

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! We are happy and well 🙌

I appreciate your approach to traveling, and useful content. You are wonderful people )

Brilliant ,thank you

Nice to hear from you again! All this technical bike stuff went over my head. But very useful for someone who wants to build a durable bicycle. Stay safe and hope you can change scenery very soon❣️🤗

@NomadsTrails

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you ❤️, next video is Vlog 🙌

Thank you for the new content, glad you guys are doing good thru all this . Can't wait for more travels. Take care and safe travels, maybe by the time you guys hit the states I will have my setup ready.

@NomadsTrails

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! We are eager to continue too 😁✌🏽

Love from India ❤️. Stay safe and healthy.

@NomadsTrails

4 жыл бұрын

❤️❤️

@hrithikmishra3562

4 жыл бұрын

@@NomadsTrails come to India someday 🤘

@masseno8906

3 жыл бұрын

@Block Chain why? Explain please 🙏

Excellent recommendations. You guys know what you are doing.

This was very good, informative and enjoyable, kudos, thanx.

Thanks for posting this

Very informative and well produced video for someone just getting into this! Thanks 👍

A very positive and cheerful girl. Your couple awakens a taste for life. All the best to you, Good luck in everything and mutual love for each other!

What a lovely video 👍

I used one of those bikes up good ones like the green gt all terras are quickly disappearing. Good bike. I gave it to my friend. Still ran great. You know your stuff. Bri

Great video, very informative proving a good touring bike need not to be expensive but more on practicality and serves rhe purpose well, thank you very much and ride safe.

Just amazing

Very detailed and informative. Thank you so much for taking the time and effort in making and sharing this video. Best wishes on your future travels.

Love the channel and all the great advice. I'm currently building my own budget touring bike :)

Thank goodness your back.. miss you guys! Thanks for sharing a good tip. keep safe guys as always, looking forward for more vlogs. All the love from Philippines.🥰

Hello, I hope you guys are safe where ever you guys are. You guys are really motivating :).

Nice video,, salute both of you guys.....

Very cool! Excellent recommendations,. Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge and enthousiasm.

Such a positive video, I loved it and can't wait to see more.

@NomadsTrails

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you ❤️

Passion! Well done.

Excellent video Matilda & Peyman, thank you very much!

Thanks for sharing another excellent video. Your zeal to share information and positive attitude is commendable!

Loved your attitude and perspectives. Thanks for your details all around and Why!!

@Samthemancharles

2 жыл бұрын

And more, i really prefer the disc brakes because if I do get a broken spoke or slightly out of true the brakes still function great, but I would get a cable one not hydraulic, lower maintenance. Loved your kickstand idea, I did a similar thing while touring Africa in 1995, I used a Masai stick which was really strong 💪.

Excellent. And the materials list in the notes section is awesome.

You guys are amazing, more power to your journey nd have a amazing life... 🙏🏼 Love from India

@NomadsTrails

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Anand! ❤️

The bamboo stand was just what I wanted to hear about and the small amount of weight gain was a plus for me.

Utmost respect to all who do this. At 63 I don't have the time left needed to find and figure out the needed skills. Good Luck to all.

The info on hubs, freewheels and cassettes was awesome.

Excellent video, thanks.

Very good video! 100% support the idea of 9 speed, more durable, affordable and easier to find!

Great video. Basing your build on a retro steel frame mountain bike is spot on. Just change a few things and for a few hundred bucks you have a great bike. Good tyres, new bearing, a quality bottom bracket and dont forget the toe clips.

Finally your back. Waiting for your videos.

From Morocco. We love you.

I would be tempted to go for the smallest crankset cogs you can get away with. You will likely need to drag up some long slow hills with a heavy bike on tour so try to fit a 22 tooth smalest front cog if you can.rather than a 26. Many cheap mountain bike cranksets have a 22 tooth smallest cog. I never worry about the size of the largest crankset cog as you wont be wanting to pedal at 40 mph downhill with heavy panniers etc. On tour the lower gears are more important than the higher ones

Good to hear from you guys😊

Thanks for sharing your expertise and knowledge about building bikes and it’s important parts. Wish you always a good luck..

power to the people and the dumpsters they dive in. my first encounter with true compadres in humble living. where thank you, thank you!! is the highest currency. peace and love to you and those you encounter.

really spectacular presentation, thanks so much!

Lots of good advice there guys. Thanks!

@NomadsTrails

4 жыл бұрын

You are most welcome! 😊

Great video! Lots of clear concise information.

@NomadsTrails

2 жыл бұрын

Glad if you find it useful!

salute from Mexico, Thanks

Seems like some great suggestions based on some great research and very valuable experience!

Another option is to get a 90s steel mountain bike with a 1 1/8 fork (often hard tails) and replace it with a rigid Surly troll fork. I've done that with a 96 Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo. I then added a Jones bar.

@NomadsTrails

4 жыл бұрын

That's a good option!

Instant thumbs up for you being the first to say, build your own bike so you know what it is and how it works 👍

very inspiring - thanks!

sure a great and practical video.

I rebuild bicycles for a hobby.... usually fixing the abused Walmart models. .. I have one of these GTs and was debating how to rebuild it... this video inspired me. I'm not going all in with luggage mounts but can switch out some components.

GREAT video! Thank you! I was looking at purchasing something to commute on, and instead of purchasing a new bike, I took my 1998 Gary Fisher mountain bike, swapped out the worn crank for an Alivio crank, installed a Wolf Tooth Components 34 tooth narrow-wide chainring, and coupled that to an 11-40 cassette with a Wolf Road Link and a Shimano 9-speed derailleur and shifter. I bought new 26" rim brake/disc brake wheels with Deore hubs for about $150 USD online. New V-brakes, which are very inexpensive, finished up the bike. I now have a decent bike with a simple 1x9 drivetrain. This is not a build for touring, but for running around a city, it's fine.

Oh this is the answer, nice👍

You guys are real inspiration. Guess what during lockdown bought a new cycle watching your videos. Love from india