Are Walmart Bikes Getting Better? - Ozark Trail Ridge Test

[@SuiteCaseLaw]

This is a very upgradeable bike. At this price you're buying a solid 6061 aluminum frame with a good to better geometry. You can add better tires, hydraulic brakes and even a tapered air fork. Change the group set and the bottom bracket, and you can have a Local Bike Store bike at a very competitive price with the upgrades.

[@DoyleShadduck]

I agree and I work as a full time bike mechanic. It’s a decent frame to start with and upgrade.

[@bmoney599]

Absolutely love mine only upgrade iv done was new wheels and brakes the old wheels didn't have any problems i just had a spare set in the shop and put them on

[@waynenewberry1032]

The new version of this bike has a microshift 9 speed with a clutched derailleur, 180mm front brake rotor with better brakes, and bosses for easily adding hydro brakes. Look for the new version if you are considering purchasing.

[@Tactical_Pterodactyl_Knives]

I recently discovered that unfortunately these upgrades are only for the Midsize and small frames. I need the large and they aren't options on the large. At least in my area. I tried several Walmarts

[@BroadcastBuddy]

I just bought a large in Arizona and it has these upgrades. This bike is an amazing value, just keep checking around.

[@Tactical_Pterodactyl_Knives]

@@BroadcastBuddy good to hear. I've been checking for a few weeks now and they aren't getting them back on stock

[@mgposten]

Is there a link to the new version? I only see one version available on Walmart’s website and want to make sure it is the updated model.

[@mnfishing4194]

Even on 5 feet drops I have not seen no flex in the rear triangle, like he mentions without doing any major jumps. This bike has a really solid frame if you have parts laying around to build yourself a bike.

[@AdventureswDucky]

This seems like its the best alternative to shopping for a quality used bike. You cant get much more entry level than 400 bones while you pick up some groceries. Accessibility is a major factor for many people. An in store sit test is far less troublesome than wondering if that cool bike on the internet fits me comfortably since no one local has it in stock

[@helidude3502]

There can be debate why one bike may better than another. But ultimately, isn’t the “best bike” one that allows you to actually get out and enjoy cycling 🤷‍♂️

[@BroadcastBuddy]

The new Ozark Trail Ridge has a clutch derailleur. They also dropped the chain ring guard.

[@antwanowens4013]

I just bought a ozark trail 24 inch from Walmart 7 speed and it’s very light and I only plans on riding it on flat pavement so it Chex all my boxes for under $240 bucks

[@SunsyloSouvannaraj-rh6zm]

Yep I got a cheap bike from Walmart all the time for under 200 bucks it alright for me cause I’m just doing the local park trails ✌🏽

[@reubenjones3813]

I'm looking at getting this bike, haven't mtb biked in 20 years. though they have an updated version 2 of this bike now which added a clutch and got rid of the chain guard and 180 rotors from 160s and they are no longer LT-woo to microshift acolyte? I think it was and possibly a few other tweaks I didn't notice.

[@drexq_477]

This bicycle offers excellent value for its price, especially considering the extensive upgrade options it provides. It stands out favorably among numerous other bicycles, and I have developed a strong preference for it. I intend to purchase it in the future. My friends own the same bicycle, and their positive experiences with upgrades have convinced me of its exceptional quality. Additionally, its affordability is a significant advantage, as not everyone has the financial means to spend thousands of dollars on a trail bike with all the desired features.

[@anthroxu]

Found the robot.

[@drexq_477]

​@@anthroxuRobot what robot

[@funkmonkeyfun]

I bought this and the ozark trail 700c gravel bike, the gravel bike was nice but the gears broke down completely after 1 day of riding so it’s trash, THIS BIKE HOWEVER OMG is the most AMAZING bike I have road and my god it’s fast, if you want a mountain bike do not hesistate, buy this!

[@jj78rcclub]

Are you referring to this bike? Ozark Trail 700C G.1 Explorer Gravel Bike

[@patrici509]

I like your assessment. My first mountain bike was a Gary Fisher hardtail aluminum with a 60mm fork. Took it to Maryland and raced a technical course, steep climb and a wiked descent with 5 jumps on the downhill run. One girl who was faster than me got launched off her bike and apparently broke her arm. She got back on and rode back to the finish line with a race Marshall. I placed 4th. What a great time I had for $275.00.

[@Libertà_sulla_vita]

Do you remember where the trail was in MD?

[@peterbedford2610]

$440 with tax where I live. Decent deal...But, if you're diligent about searching for a used bike, you can find people selling nice used mtbs for this price that were $800+ when new.

[@hgperformance]

It’s a good bike for the price but 100% upgrade the derailleur hanger. I was out on what might have been the 4th road ride with my kids and it shattered sending the derailleur into my wheel and spinning through the frame. It only managed to scratch up the frame slightly. The stock hanger is aluminum but I’d compare it to more like a plastic it’s so cheap. $50 later and I have a decent hanger from Wheels Manufacturing. It’s definitely screaming for some upgrades lol.

[@Albert-q6u7z]

I bought this bike and I really like it. I changed the pedals, brakes, handlebars , grips. This bike is Great.

[@DoyleShadduck]

As a professional bike mechanic it’s nice to see Walmart putting out a decent bike for the price point. I could definitely recommend it as a great starting point for anyone looking to get into the sport.

[@OmsrPA]

Solid bike to begin the sport with and capable of many upgrades. Still riding mine and it’s seen pisgah DuPont berm park allegrippis manassas. Oh and it’s on a boost through axle setup”qr adapter on the rear” don’t let the elitist deter you snag it and ride it. Note the bike is 36lbs give or take stock change the fork and your close to 32 “same as a marlin 5”

[@bikdav]

I almost bought this bike until I came across a better deal on a use bike. Yes, I was impressed.

[@BrickedHonor]

It’s a solid bike. Haters will hate but whatever.

[@helidude3502]

I recommend this bike. I also recommend looking it over well before and after purchase if it was already assembled. It would seem all the big box stores have contracts with assembly crews that have never assembled bicycles 🤦🏻 I am very happy with mine. I immediately upgraded the seat to a Schwinn Commute from Target. (The Commute seat at Walmart is an entirely different seat 🤷‍♂️) I do plan an upgrade to an air fork. I originally purchased mine as a companion bike to my Co-op drt 1.3 so a buddy could ride with me if they didn’t have a bike. I’ve found that I really enjoy this one and it fits my size and style of riding well. I’ve also ridden it more often than my pricier bike. It’s not truly comparable to a $5k or $10k bike. But it’s a nice bike that will allow you to go enjoy riding at an affordable price instead of just drooling over the brochure of something that you cannot afford. Beyond the fork upgrade, this one will only get upgraded if something breaks or wears out. The quick release wheels make it convenient to keep in my Corolla to ride any day. Bicycle fit is subjective for many reasons. This one fit me very well from the first ride.

[@stanknugget]

Do you have to take off both wheels to fit it into your car?

[@Prosecute-fauci]

The brakes have no brake pads. It’s not a true disk brake setup. There is a piston in the middle that does the gripping, but no actual brake pads touching the rotor.

[@willpeakes6000]

Wait... What?

[@Prosecute-fauci]

@@willpeakes6000 the radius brakes that come on the Ozark trail ridge do not have removable brake pads. Instead they have a round piston inside the caliper that presses against the brake rotor. It’s not a true disk setup like you would imagine with the brake pads being rectangular and serviceable. They are part of the assembly and are very much so permanent. It’s better to replace them with shimano MT200 hydraulic units and call it a day,

[@OSOMACKN706]

Anyone else has this 29in Ozark trail ridge and no the bottom bracket length?

[@jackiegammon2065]

I can't say that I would ever suggest that you use this bike for even entry level racing, truthfully how long do you think that fork will last? So in addition to that, the frame, and wheels flex and then of course the lack of brakes... sounds to me like it could scare some folks "AWAY" from cycling. If you're trying to stay in that price range, then a good "used" bike from a bike shop would be a better choice for someone. This bike is not something that I think is wise to upgrade, as you could be at the cost or above the cost of an entry level bike at a shop. A department store bike is are the bikes that we find at landfills, sadly.

[@bryankennedy1019]

The frames are getting better! Need change out parts. Grease .lots of grease!

[@stormlight1553]

How is the size treating everyone? 5 9'- 6 1" riders get a medium?

[@MrWes1991]

I just bought this bike on clearance at Walmart for $65 very happy with it still have to Go over it and get everything set properly.

[@AdamThygerson-lm1gt]

65?!?!?! thats a steal, if you put a couple upgrades on it (IE: rockshox recon, shimano mt 200 hydraulic disk brakes, microshift advent x groupset and a narrow wide chainring) it can be a extremely capable bike for less then 600$.

[@carterallen6189]

I rode one today and it’s solid

[@mrfunkybassist]

Its a solid bike. I bought a trek back in 2007 for $450 in 2007 money (dont wanna even know what that is now) that wasnt as good as the trouvaille. I now have the trouvaille and have added hydraulic brakes, 180 rotors, dropper post, ghetto tubeless with the original tires, and a different crank with a proper narrow wide. So far its been pretty awesome for the price. No complaints for sure. 2 biggest things i would do for sure are the hydraulic brakes and ghetto tubeless. I have had that tubeless set up on the bike for over 6 months and its still holding air and not a single flat.

[@joemastro4695]

bike looks good in person, and i was suprised my local Walmart had in stock being that store is always low on bikes, it didn't fit me well with my height (6"2) i ended up with with Eastern Alpaka 29 xl @$349 on sale.

[@willpeakes6000]

Hey Joe, is the Alpaka any different from the Ozark? I thought it was just rebranded.

[@joemastro4695]

@willpeakes6000 alpaka has hydrolic disc bracks,Ozark is cable, alpaka has rst 100 mm lock out forks straight, Ozark has sr suntour basic forks tapered, both have internal cables ,alpaka is cheaper

[@az9913]

I just upgraded one of these so I could have another hardtail..... it's quieter and smoother riding bike than much more expensive bike... I took my time shopping and thebbike is specd out nicely for under 900$.... got rockshox recon fork, fox dropper, box9 derailleur, mt200 brakes, ixf crankset, wake 780 bars and headset, and running tubeless maxxis tires..

[@kilo3255]

32T, 36T or 38T for the crankset?

[@az9913]

@@kilo3255 I did a 32t

[@DavidJohnston-v3s]

❤ i thought it be better cause i told walmart to get betterccat itvthey did notvwhy

[@sinabahmani134]

Similar to my experience with it.

[@bagera3005]

i almost got one but wint for a GT Men's Avalanche 29'' Mountain Bike at dicks

[@Jude0422]

Love the video... Keep up the Amazing work🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@mandylanier3406]

I like this bike mine rides really smooth but my chan popped but it rides good

[@sunset8961]

Same here! Very smooth but chain can easily pop if you mess with gears too much.

[@Tactical_Pterodactyl_Knives]

Adjustable the high screw on the derailleur. Mine did the same and it's just the derailleur that's going too far. I adjusted mine out and it's perfect. No more popping off and getting tangled in the hub

[@MichaelRobibaro]

Yes, they're def getting good trail bikes Ozark trail ridge Kent trouvellie Kent Enclave Giordano Valore Giordano Intrepid

[@manolos8230]

I heard of that last and top 2

[@MichaelRobibaro]

@@manolos8230 yeah, the Kent Enclave in is new and is a Target exclusive Kent Trouvellie seems to be discontinued

[@manolos8230]

@@MichaelRobibaro I heard it’s not that like that trouvellie

[@topherheath3843]

The nice thing about Walmart is they have trash cans at the exit so you can toss whatever shit you bought and save room in your own trash can.

[@johnsheetz6639]

This is one of those bikes if you're getting in the sport and want to make sure you like it this is your guy and if you don't like it you're not in that much money how to do the work that by the $3,000 bike and we went to the trails he did not want to do anything. And there was nothing like a real mountain bike park it was just in the trails

[@justandy7752]

Im looking to get the ozark trail glide or vibe. Is the vibe a better option than glide other than the wheel size difference?

[@MichaelRobibaro]

Glide is a 24in bike, it's made for a kid as reach is really short, also has a crap fork The Vibe is 27.5, it's more of a XC bike, has same fork as the Ozark trail ridge 29er Ridge being trail geo (but with XC travel fork)

[@coreyadams4646]

Its a great bike, I love mines. Just a great ez riding bike.

[@DEclipsey]

does this bike have the potential to upgrade components easily cause i want a good beginner bike that i could eventualy upgrade into a pretty good bike in the future

[@linkboy321]

It does. It's a perfect bike for it. I bought mine over the summer and since then, I've done the following: * Swapped the pedals for Chester RaceFace pedals. * Swapped the brakes for Shimano MT200 hydraulic brakes. * Swapped the drive train for a Microshift AdventX. * Swapped the stock crankset for an IXF from Amazon. I'm super happy with it. I mainly do light trail riding on it (no jumps or anything like that), and I also rode it to work a lot before it started getting too dark. It hasn't let me down at all. I'm really looking forward to this spring and summer when I can get to ride it in more places. Seth over on Berm Peak has a couple of great videos on the bike, as does KevCentral.

[@AdamThygerson-lm1gt]

@@linkboy321 if you get upgrade to a air fork it will make a massive difference to how it rides and handles

[@linkboy321]

@@AdamThygerson-lm1gt Definitely. It's more of a cost thing then anything right now. I just got a new car, so money's a bit tight. The fork upgrade will happen eventually, I just can't do it right now.

[@NELSONG12]

This is alot of bike for the money. Its not perfect but better than some $800 bikes.

[@trackrash]

Friends dont let friends ride Huffy

[@madtownangler]

Since Ozark Trail camping equipment is crappy it's gotta be a large amount of crappy. Once I got a Pacific from someone who wanted to borrow some money and I wanted to experiment. So I took a Pacific and tried to convert as much over as I could into a real bike. I put different cranks and bottom bracket on it, could change the rear derailer because of the way it attached, and changed the seat and bars over from spare parts. I also changed the front wheel and tires and tubes. I ended up cutting a good five pounds off of it and went from a P.O.S. bike to a piece of crap bike. This was like twenty-five years ago. I sold the bike to a pawn shop and made a little money off of it and got rid of the piece of garbage.and a bunch of takeoff parts that were kinda heavy and took up space.

[@madtownangler]

Couldn't change the rear derailer...

[@SuiteCaseLaw]

You can actually change the derailleur on this one. Heck it has a separate derailleur hanger. It even has HG freehub wheels, you can add a better cassette too. This isn't a crappy bike. This is a very upgradeable friendly bike with nice geometry. @@madtownangler

[@Swamprowdy]

You trash a 2024 product based on a crappy experience from 24 years ago. Yeah, that makes sense😅.

[@Aidenjovan-uu5bd]

when I ride this bike it wasn't that bad of quality

[@vertyisprobablydead]

Dude has wheels so fat you'd think it never left a city block.

[@RemedyRob69]

You forgot Heavy. I would recommend this bike to anyone looking to quit mountain biking. ..!

[@AAHdog]

Heavy? Lol

[@rey8102]

😂😂 Solid ❤👍