Raleigh M50 Comfort Bike Conversion tests my patience! But then SELLS IMMEDIATELY! 

Sometimes you make it look like you’ve been doing this awhile. I can’t believe I just sit here and watch the whole video. It’s strangely great.

I never quit drinking but I scaled back significantly for health reasons and now I have a beer every three months and usually won’t finish it. As I a side effect I never have to wonder what obnoxious shit I said the night before because I can more easily recall it now.

at the 24:20 mark, yes, yes and yes. One of the best things about being human is the ability to ride a bike. Spot on!

I like bikes. I like to ride bikes, I like to tinker with my bikes. Fun to see other people who just like bikes without all the shilling parts and tech.

sometimes, "timing is everything". Glenn is the luckiest bike buyer in the USA this week. excellent combo of bike mechanicing & worldly philosophizing on your part - sharing one's truth w/o preaching (much less, selling) is rare these days.

I do believe that going from 7-speed to 8-speed is an upgrade. If you are also increasing the gear range. I've noticed that at least in the free wheel realm, that the 7-speed free Wheels that have the 32 or 34 climbing gears are not evenly set apart, whereas if you are doing an 8-speed, then you get that nice even spacing so you're not going from just regular City gears. Gears oh my God a steep hill ! Cuz there's a lot of hills that are in between City and oh my God this is steep . Keep making awesome videos. Thanks!

Wow you literally described my existence, I was drinking alot and have been sober 8 months bar 1 day. I found walking then realised I can cover more ground cycling, now I want to fix bikes and have been obsessed about learning to do it. I've already bought my son, daughter and diabetic partner a bike and cleaning them and getting knowledge from watching you do your thing. I am so grateful man. If I were in the US I'd come visit. Thank you for sharing we all appreciate you for your efforts. And this was not a Trek bike lol ❤

One tip for the very beginner mechanics here, which can help when dealing with removing rusty fasteners (or parts) is, if you get any movement at all when loosening a fastener, but the part get tight from the rust, stop, then tighten the part, loosen, tighten, loosen, tighten, etc. It can help grind the rust into a finer powder that is inhibiting removal. Combined with any penetrating oil you use, often allows you to get the parts apart without damaging threads. Great video Andy. Especially the details like the spacers and conical washers on some brake pads. But most importantly, sharing your life story with such candor, quite the testament to the practice of self-compassion. Begin Again.

Any RU-vidr that loses audio and keeps going and installs an 8 speed. Bro you are #1. Thank you for giving me a glimpse of another part of earth.

When I’m not tinkering with my retro-bikes and the family bikes, I really enjoy watching you tinker with bikes. Not pushing the latest high-end stuff is refreshing content; matching to bike to the user….brilliant!

Congratulations on the sobriety. As an alcoholic, I understand the challenge. Find what you love and focus on it. Thanks bud! Enjoy your bicycle content!

Thanks Bike Farmer, another great video. You rang a loud bell with me when you spoke about your relationship with the booze.I've been dry about the same length of time and my bikes have been a great help in this. Keep it up all of it and very best wishes to you Philip

Not sure how many times you may have heard this but I’m going to say it anyway. As a kid in the 70s I lived on a bike. And from the time I got my first 10 speed and got a flat. Then had a derail. I learned to fix that stuff myself and from then on all I wanted to be was an “asshole” bike mechanic. I learned to drive when I was 17 the joined the Army at 18. All that stuff went by the wayside. Except that it’s always been in my mind and heart. Now that i have grandsons that are riding they and you have renewed my love for working on bikes. The grandson are amazed at how much I know. I’m amazed at how much I don’t anymore. So thanks and thanks for sharing your story.

After many, many years of road biking, I have been off the bike for over 10 years and have since gotten rid of almost all of my bike stuff. You are a true breath of fresh air in the cycling world with your unpretentious style and no BS philosophy. I have recently decided to get back on the bike and am currently getting a 2012 Giant TCX2 ready to roll - you have been a big inspiration for me to get excited about riding again and I want you to know how much I appreciate you! (BTW, I'm 7+ years sober myself, so just another reason I really connect with you!)

re bicycle/rocknroll saved my life. there's the literal meaning and many poetic meanings. it doesn't have to mean it stopped an imminent death, it could mean it stopped someone from living a long life of misery. (well actually)

One of your best videos so far, in my opinion😊

You would think after being a Bike mechanic myself for 29 years (in the UK and Australia) , I would have had enough of this kind of thing, but you bring a new creative angle to all of it.

My favorite change to this bike was going to be the handlebars with sweep. Because it is substantially more comfortable. And then the drill out to Schrader valve happened. First time I ever drilled out a rim was stressful. I wondered if I was compromising the strength of the rim and creating a safety hazard. I watched the sparse amount of videos on RU-vid and finally went for it. Glad I did. Fiddling with Presta valves is irritating. Thank you BikeFarmer for addressing this procedure. Provides some validation of a mod that increased my bike satisfaction.

Just throwing this out there …. As a 50+ life long commuter you get it. I wish you were my local shop. High five buddy🇨🇦

Have really enjoyed watching the videos and the candor! Congrats on 12 years of sobriety.

I'm still using an stx rear derailleur on my 96 Rockhopper and works great!

Respect to you for opening up about the past. Talking about it helps people in more ways than you can imagine. So happy to hear you made it to the other side. 12 years is a long time! Appreciate it, brother!

I agree with you about going from 7s to 8 or more speed is necessarily an upgrade. The chains+cassettes are cheaper, the derailleurs are cheaper, and they are less likely to go out of whack on shifting. This is important when you consider that it's an "everyday-guy rider," not a competition bike. People may not ride it as often, might let dust get on the cables, might bang it around in storage, might let it lay on the grass on the derailleur-side, lots of things. All of which affects shifting. Unless you replace your gear cables and housing and hanger every 6 months and your shifter every year, then you will start seeing the shifting degrade on a 12-speed. A 7-8 speed will shift reliably far longer with far more neglect, and is easier to keep in-tune, and cheaper to get parts for when the time comes. All in all, that is more convenient for the customer. Customer convenience makes for happier customers. Happier customers are more likely to see bikes as something more than just a money-pit with no utility. They're less afraid to ride it. 6-8 speed is the sweet spot for practicality, I find. The chains still can come with bushings and be fairly lightweight, with z-link available and ramp-ups on the cogs. Even old 5-speed cogs can go from 13-32t, which is plenty of range for even a 1x in most settings. (Seriously, try it sometime!) If you adjust your expectations for reliability and service windows to be "longer", then you can get more casual riders enthusiastic about their bikes and riding. I can't begin to tell you the # of times customers came through the door SAD that their bike they'd only ridden a handful of times wasn't shifting anymore, and they'd have to drop almost $150 to get it shifting and riding right again (new cables, new derailleur hanger, new chain, plus shop time). They'd just give up and think: "Anyone who rides a bike is an Elitist Snob." Anyone who says that to you and is aggressive to riders is probably someone who had this experience with a Trek Shop or something.

I don't want to make the same comment as someone else, but you are amazing to watch. I love bike stuff, and you make it relaxing. The Bob Ross of the bicycle world. I will be a long time watcher

I'd add a caveat to your upgrade rant. I absolutely agree that the difference between 3x8 and 3x10 is nothing for most people. However, going from 8 speed to 10 speed makes 1x drivetrains viable, and for >90% of people who ride bikes, 1x is the way to go. I'm also upgrading my bike from 3x8 to 2x11 cause I'm tired of managing a triple crankset/derailleur. But I also bike 70mi a week and ride centuries every now and then (doing my first 200k in a couple weeks). Needless to say, I'm far from average

Hey buddy I’m an alcoholic few weeks into recovery bought my first adult mountain bike two weeks ago and already know it will save me from destroying my life been loving going out on it getting my fitness and health into better shape bit more each day. 2 stone to lose so long journey ahead. That personal comment of yours really resonated with me. Love your videos they relax me after a long day, even know the wife laughs at me 😅 keep em coming Tom 🇬🇧

Nice work on pre-stretching those new cables :) Never would have made it past RC check.

So many issues! But Glenn is clearly happy.

Really nice work, Andy! Great result! I’d really recommend popping off those v-brake calipers from their pivots when you have the bike broken down to the frame. That’s the best time to burnish the pivots and grease them instead of using tri-flow. It gives much longer lasting and smoother articulation! While watching this video, I’ve decided to do the same in my shop, reclaiming older bikes like that Raleigh and giving them a second life.

Inspired me to finally go and fix a couple of minor issues on my commuter that have been annoying me for months. Thanks!

Another satisfied customer, that's awesome! I also like to go the extra mile on the build-up: it may seem like you're losing your butt on this one or that one, but the customer gets a bike they can ride and enjoy, and a dealer and service techs they can trust. Those satisfied customers will recommend you to all their friends who see them riding and smiling on a bike you went the extra mile to build years of extra service into. I'll spare you the "I'd ha'done it different" comments, save for this tip: at about 22:30, there's an opportunity to set the limit screws on the rear derailleur, when there's no chain or cable in the way. With Woody Chairellson at the rear of the driveline, you can swing the derailleur with one hand, turn screws with the other, while eyeballing how the guide pulleys line up with the cassette's high and low gears. I find it simplifies the rest of the set up, your mileage may vary. As always, you're awesome! Keep doing what you do, the benefits from tinkerers like you and I. Happy Trails! 😁

Really enjoyable to watch. I'm a 3x7-9 speed guy. So i'm with you.

Just had my Raleigh red bike stolen, funny thing is , right next to it were unlocked nasty looking bikes. I just put on better white wall tires, had used white nail polish to cover rust, so cool what yea did, thanks again for vid. I like how you talk through stuff; explaining things.

Honestly one of your best videos you are such a true person thank you for that. We need more like you in the industry!!

I agree with your 'setup a bike school' statement. That way those who want more can sign up. I size up my customers based on the questions they ask, but like you, I don't work for free; so I point to our bike classes. Some sign up and some don't, but both return as future customers, since we didn't push them away and just sold them the bike they chose. Bikes did save my life from Bi-polar depression without having to constantly be on medication.

You have created a Monster! I have a "comfort bike" from the era you like. I've got new tires and a seat you used on the way and realized my brakes dont "snap back". I have lots of "tuning" to do. Glad I found your channel, with the information, insights and rants!

Hey Andy. Just wanted to say a couple of things. First, on your use of Tri-Flow as a lubricant, I cannot recommend it enough. Whether on my own bikes, or bikes I'm refurbishing, Tri-Flow makes a world of difference where grease isn't used, like cables and derailleurs. In point of fact, I lubed all of the cables, levers, and shifters on my 29 Hardtail, and my back brakes have never felt better. That said, right now I'm getting ready to finish up a late 1990s Magna MTB for my brother, so he can get back and forth to work. A taller geometry frame, this Magna when I got it was absolutely abused and wrecked. I'm waiting on our only local bike shop to open up tomorrow, so I can get replacement derailleurs and derailleur cables to finish up this Magna for my brother. Literally, this bike took about 20 hours of cleaning, as whoever had it before had globbed grease all over the place, and ridden it through sand and gravel. The drive side was coated in the combination of sheer shite I had to clean. Thankfully, the bearings weren't destroyed, and despite replacing two spokes and four nipples between the wheels, the truing process and cleaning process came out great. And when I recommend tires, I'm going to recommend a fatter tire than the 26"x1.75" tires currently on it, as they have a bit of life left on the tread. And thanks to you, I was able to learn how the cantilever brakes on this Magna work quite easily, having never worked on a set before.

I watch your tubes for the ethos. I enjoy the Midwest ethic. I absolutely adore the the repair old bikes thing! I love the practical mechanic/ fit your lifestyle thing. I don't necessarily learn many new tricks as I do get reinforced in seeing someone else do it the same way....including dropping the wrenches.

I had a project to fix up and old steel MTB into a city rider that was standing around for yours. Thanks to your channel I finally fully fixed it up nicely, and I love it so much. Everyday I find myself finding excuses to go ride an errand. :)

UPGRADE: I would consider anything done to a bike that makes it Better For Who It's For is an upgrade. If I wanted a softer seat, taller bars, grippier breaks, adding one of those rubber ducks with the propeller helmets, it's an upgrade for me. A light that isn't any brighter but has longer life or don't crap on in the rain is an upgrade. ...stuff like that.

recently found your channel, I have gotten back into riding since the late 80s, purchased a used Trek 4500. Your videos have helped me tune it... I still need to get some more work done on it.. but wanted to comment on the drinking.. congrats to you and your family.. I am sober 17 years... Lost many family members to drugs and alcohol...

I loved this video very much. Your voice, the music and your work just hit the spot.

Just stumbled across this channel and it brought a smile to my face. I spent some time as a bicycle mechanic 20 years ago in Delafield and did it for a bit in a La Crosse a couple years later. It was probably my most enjoyable job with the absolute worst pay. Taking a bike in rough shape and making it run like new was almost meditative for me. Keep up the good work!!!

Nice work on quittin the Piss. Best thing I ever did was quit alcohol. For my health,family,finances and freedom. Now in the arvo after work ,Im either on my bike or at the golf course. (or playin ham radio if the weather sux)There is a lot more to life than where the next drink is comin from.

Well gears depend on how hilly area are you riding. I am ok with 3x6 on these kind of bikes.

Awesomeness on stilts, you make the most engaging films that are always educational and humorismo. Big thumbs 👍🏾 from Maf in Portugal

Great seeing the bike head off with its new owner! I love the swept back bars too-wish I’d known that was an option back when I had my first nicer hybrid bike!

I recently got a 1997 Raleigh M40 for $50 on marketplace. Been adding comfort and commuter bits & riding the hell out of it. These are nice/underrated bikes.

40:11 "Feels really, really good to get it off my chest, and off the chests of my inferiors." - C.M. Burns, no but seriously, I enjoy your rants AND the technical explanations.

Well done Andy, here in Australia most bike shops just try to sell you something new and say get rid of the old one, even though it could only be a few years old.

Pulled my 20+ year old mtb out of the garage with the intention of bringing it back to life, cobwebs cleaned away, flat tires and gummy cables made me come to terms with my skills and tools, it’s in the local bike shop now, hopefully they watch your videos. Great stuff, thanks for the inspiration to save what I have vs buying again, at least for now.

Enjoyed your inspirational story, thanks. Maybe comment on the matching of shifter/brakes with v- and cantilever brakes. Also please stop making triples look so easy!

I loose all track of time when working on a bike, in my garage with the door up. But if I use Lemon pledge for the frame waxing, sure enough a bee or three will come in the garage looking for a flowering tree. I throughly enjoy your videos !

u just gained a sub. thanks for the bedtime stories. cycling is great! and working on bikes is even greater!

I have only recently properly delved into your videos and I think you've got something really special going on. You have combined all the necessary ingredients to make really excellent relatable content. You are the Jurgen Klopp of fixing bikes! If anyone is unfamiliar with the name, he is the hugely likeable really cool guy who was the manager of Liverpool FC until very recently. He's always smiling and has a great sense of humour with an amazing way of relating to people. Not only do you look a bit like him but you share similar characteristics, you could be a long lost relative!

It’s amazing how the right, quality tire can make a big difference. With any improvement to your bike start with the tires.

From renovation through to happy customer - excellent!

This one reminded me of my old red Fuji bike. Thank you for the great content!

4 of us work in a bike ministry and do what you do. We are not pros but like bikes and learning about them. Your videos have helped us become better and we like your style!!

I enjoy bike builds and to know that I am not alone in building vintage.

My first decent bike was a Raleigh M40 that I bought with my 11th birthday money in 1992. I rode that sucker into the ground, I think it might still be in my boneyard. It served me well.

Thanks for sharing your story brother it meant a lot! Bikes and riding have the same meaning in my life. Keep up the great videos.

I'm sure you're right about "upgrade" gears except for those of us with a lower power to weight ratio, sometimes a lower set help. ❤

I love your videos, even though I'm mostly into BMX your videos are relaxing, and I enjoy them while I do cardio. Keep up the fantastic work!

Cool! I have a trashy old 2002 M50 been waiting to do something with, rusty wheels, crappy old shifters etc. Got a 700C commuter ebike with a toasted motor - not worth repairing - stripped the parts. Already confirmed 700c should fit in here with cyclocross tires - so wheels: check. - shimano hydraulic disc brakes & mounts on frame: check - front 80mm suntour suspension: check. Should turn out to be a fast rolling hybrid bike and a superb upgrade to turn this old MTB into a great commuter/hybrid/gravel bike

I agree that someone has to want to learn to be taught! I’m a retired Physics teacher. The trick of teaching science is to ignite curiosity, I tried to do it for 30 years. 😂 I enjoy your channel, thanks.

Once upon a time I thought 2 X 5 was all anybody ever needed but over the years (decades) I've changed my mind. More gear choices with the ratios closer together is really nice to have when you get older if you ride in hilly terrain.

this channel shows me that it's actually possible to end up with rideable bikes. I recently acquired 3 more bikes and they were all picked up as project bikes. I had a vision for them when i saw them, I even have most of the major parts but things came to a stop for no reason. for example, I found an old german made chromoly road bike. I got as far as the teardown, gave away the wheels, seatpost, brakes, shifter/derailleurs and other parts to a local community bike place. ..and now that frame sits with track wheels in the dropouts to hold it upright on the floor.

i’ve put a lot of my free time into biking and working on bikes, so i can totally see how it would be very satisfying to do what you do. it’s satisfying for me to watch! especially enjoyed seeing the bike go home at the end!

I am a biker that is only slightly above your target market. I have two bikes - a 1987 Schwinn Voyager and an early 90's Trek mountain bike that I have converted to a comfort, ride to work bike. I differ slightly on your 7/9 speed "upgrade" comments. Last year I "upgraded" the rear cluster from a 6 speed to a 7 speed cluster. The small cog went from 14t to 13t, extending the range by about half a gear. That made all of the difference in the world when riding with friends - I went from spinning above my normal cadence to a comfortable ride. Perhaps 8-9 is marketing but 6-7 was definitely worth it.

You brought her back to life. Nice.

Great looking bike. Love the yapping.

I worked briefly in the oldest bike shop on the Jersey Shore. It was great.

1:45 I put Maxxis DTH tires on my 2002 Trek 4500 that is now my pub bike. They're great! I also swapped out the heavy suspension forks for rigid Surly forks and added a 24 pack rack to it. 6:00 I don't understand how people can be baffled by presta valves. It's not rocket science. And adapters are cheap! I just keep one in all our bike bags. I could see drilling it out so both rims have the same type of valves though.

Dawn Power Wash came in super handy yesterday. Got home from a ride to find that my tire had thrown some turd up onto the underside of my saddle. Wiped it off, then went over the traumatized area a few times with a generous dose of the DPW & 90% rubbing alcohol. Think I’ll give it one more wash + furniture polish before I ride next! Thanks again for the tip on this combo!!!

I like your yapping especially the personal stuff you talked about in this episode. I relate to that. I feel that it's quite meditative to work on them. When I'm not at work I spend a day a week at a charity bike shop then work on my own bikes. The busier I am the less time do other bad stuff. I love these tyres. I've recently put a pair of tan walled versions on an old GT though I swapped the suspension fork to a solid one

Great advice and information in this video! Thanks! I sincerely appreciate your videos of practical tasks paired with empirical philosophy. Even though the video was a comedy of errors (bike, audio, and SD video card memory), you walked us through what was happening and your persistence through failures is inspiring! 😀👍❤

I like the tip with the hairspray and grips.Simple,cheap and it works.Thanks💪

Great video Andy! I love all the yapping!!! Keep it up!

Didn't expect it at all but i think this was my favorite video yet. Couldn't stop watching! Fellow Wisconsinite here, Stevens Point.

Ride it like you stole it, Glenn! Great video!

congrats! I am in to my 5 yr sober! I think bikes saved me from myself, I have three !

I always like a test ride at the end!

Greg said he saved your life. He put it all into perspective for you😺

Looks like a nice ride now!

Thank you for being authentic! Love from Berlin!

I have a Raleigh M50 from the early 90's (1993'ish) with no suspension fork and converted it to an x-bike with drop bars and an older 3x8 SORA brifter set. Damn fun bike to ride on just 26" wheels and floats over ruts & potholes in the city or on the trail. Simple, convenient and rock solid. Had to replace the freehub from the older 3x7 size to newer 8, 9, 10. One of my fav rides.

Idk how to explain it...., but the videos are therapeutic after a long day at work.

When I was around 13 my dad figured it was time for a new bike for me as I had outgrown the old Schwinn American. My father grew up in London and used a bike as daily transport in the 1930's. There was a new bike shop in town and they sold English and other European bikes and I ended up with a Raleigh Record. 10 speed and much lighter than the Schwinn Varsity and its brakes were center pull. We are talking around 1971-72. His first bike was a Raleigh and later he went with a Dawes. I know Raleigh is still around but do you know it Dawes still exist?

"You know how dreams corner!" love it

Great vids bro, totally going to convert my gt aggressor into an atv, great channel!

I work in a bike shop, I fully agree on your “more gears is not an upgrade” on bikes like this. Once you get to enthusiast stuff sure, but maybe 1/25 of my customers is an enthusiast. Love your content. Btw, where do you get your spoke protectors? I can’t seem to find them in bulk.

There's something SO satisfying about getting a 3x indexed all perfect and smooth 🤤

I love the way this one turned out!

4:50 You could throw that crank (or at least chain rings away). Teeth of the big one are long gone, sharp as a saw. Mentioning since you decided to scrap the cassette as well.

I'm glad that you finally found yourself in a good place, surrounded by the things you love most: bikes! Besides the problems that always come, the peace is gonna be there, no matter what. It's a fantastic feeling. Very nice bike, by the way, haha

Derailleur limit screws mean nothing after the bike falls on the Derailleur side

Among the best you've done. Wide ranging, honest, takes some stones to tell the world your life hasn't always been perfect. Maybe some won't care, but you're right about the "just" a bike mechanic snobbery. If people really understood how marvelously efficient the bicycle is as a functional tool for everyday living, we would be a lot better off. Yes, I suck wind when you talk about a bike shop hourly rate of $90-$100 an hour, but you do stuff in five minutes that would take me an hour. Good stuff - and I was not in Grandma's basement as I wrote this.🤪

Soon as you said Mars Red I was like this guy has owned VWs. Lol

i think is great, i can imagine most bikes are still on their first set of tires it will be a shame to throw them away because they are old