Is this Mtn bike worth modifying? Ozark Trail Ridge 29

After the first trip out on the Ozark Trail Ridge 29er I headed straight to the bike shop for some new ODI Vans grips and Deity pedals. Then I got on Amazon and continued to buy more parts. So, might as well throw all that on and go for a ride. It's all going well till I get to the Jumps... hope you enjoy it.
grips:
www.odigrips.c...
pedals:
www.deitycompo...
Bars:
www.amazon.com...
Stem:
www.amazon.com...
Bike:
www.walmart.co...
keywords
mountain bike
cheap bike
inexpensive mountain bike
rollback deal
rollback price
sr suntour fork
bike review
bike upgrade
inland northwest biking
sunset ride

[@ViceGripGarage]

Best intro award

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks Derek!

[@googleuser2170]

I know the bike content doesn't get the views, but I appreciate it and find value in it. One of the best things about your channel is that it is not "one note." You have mini trucks, cars, 4x4s, bikes, etc.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks for the support. They definitely don’t get a ton of views. But that’s ok. We can make up for it in other ways

[@JeffJeffTM]

Keep posting these. They're enjoyable to watch even with the technical problems.

[@stevelewis9677]

Love that you’re looking at bikes! It’s one of my other hobbies aswell.

[@thedirtheadshed]

It’s fun and way less complicated than cars!

[@dadstoygarage1878]

Sweet! I’m excited that you are doing some mtb stuff! I’ve been into building cars and trucks and vintage bicycles for a long time. but over the last 4 years I’ve grown a love for mountain biking.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Right on. I enjoy riding. Trying to keep them from being a project

[@chriszwick6117]

Stoked to see some bike content on here. Nice mix of two of my favorite things, mountain bikes and car/truck mods. This is what I’m here for!

[@thedirtheadshed]

I appreciate it! Seems like a lot of us out there

[@stevesansenbach3175]

I came here for car stuff as I have been a fan since dirt everyday. But really excited and have enjoyed the bike stuff. I started in biking with bmx as a kid in the 80's and now really enjoy mountain biking. Keep up the great content.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Ride on dude!

[@AdventureAwaits4u]

Please get a chest mount for the GoPro. It’s a game changer for MTB content. Need to run the wide angle settings or add the max lens mod. Hopefully you can find a cheap used fox 34 or 36 for this thing. 👍🏼

[@itsm00t]

I second this assessment.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Yeah. I’m in need of some better gear

[@MarkRayCalvin]

I just picked up a new mountain bike from Cabela's tonight! Thanks for the motivation Dave!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Right on!! Have a good weekend on it

[@peterpalmer1439]

Thanks for sharing your other hobbies too dude. Great to see what else you get up too.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Always staying busy!

[@flubber8396]

Love the biking vids. I'm a 1992 ish old of mini trucker before airbags. I was one of the first in my city of grand prairie (between Dallas and Fort Worth) to have air bags on my 83 ranger. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@thedirtheadshed]

That’s awesome. Those were good days!

[@flubber8396]

@@thedirtheadshed yes sir, they certainly were....

[@dream_living96]

Hey, at least you're working out the details of how to make good videos of mountain biking. You're inspiring us old timers to get out and relive our youth. Keep the videos coming, Dave!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks ! Go get after it!

[@sawyerchristianson]

Love seeing more 4x4/mtb crossover stuff! Keep 'em coming! Sweet looking trail too.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks. I’m enjoying the mix as well

[@sawyerchristianson]

@@thedirtheadshed I’m buds with Tate M, let’s get his ass on a bike too, make him climb hills for waking you up on his podcast lol…

[@jonathantanner9517]

Little did those guys know they were talking and biking with a legend. Great video, Dave! I’ve been eyeing mountain biking myself, these videos are perfect timing because I’ve been looking at options that are more “budget friendly” and this is really helpful video to see how the bike performs!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Glad it’s hitting the mark! I kinda feel like buying this and some upgrades are not a bad idea

[@JamesMcNamara-j1g]

Something I learned in the Army was the value of old bike innertubes. Cut a popped inner tube into 1/2”-3/4” sections to make “Ranger Bands”. They are super rugged rubber bands that secure junk to things like shoulder straps.

[@thedirtheadshed]

I can see that being super useful

[@normp3273]

Must be a blessing to be talking to these guys that probably don't know who you are. Definitely a level of peace with that.

[@thedirtheadshed]

I’m surprised when people known me

[@4xhoser]

Enjoying whatever you post Dave n enjoy hearing about Freiburger n any stories along the way 👌🤘🇨🇦

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks! He got some great insight on things

[@hedrives]

Enjoying the bike content. Looking forward to seeing you back on the cars, though. Great channel.

[@j1m3by]

I'm guessing you're close to the age that I I got serious about my health program. I quit alcohol, quit caffeine, quit junk and processed foods and stepped up my jogging/biking miles. I'm 70 and glad I did. Stay on your program and you'll be thanking yourself in another 30-40 years.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Great advice!

[@joefoster259]

Glad to see you riding. Good job on the fitness/weight loss to.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you

[@andrewforrest8346]

One of the best things i've seen to improve the ozark trail ridge is some shimano mt200, dropper, and a better fork! SR Suntour offers a trade in program for their forks so you can also save on a decent air fork if you trade in the coil fork from the ridge. Glad to see some car/truck guys out there enjoying mountain bikes.

[@thedirtheadshed]

That’s all on my radar. Hopefully I can find a used fork

[@danjones1365]

As a lifelong mtb our version is: light, cheap, strong pick 2. Expensive parts are usually higher quality, light, strong and durable. Cheap parts can be durable but heavy or light but not durable. Really cheap parts can be heavy and really poor quality. Glad to see you rediscovering the fun of riding bikes in nature/trail riding

[@thedirtheadshed]

Yeah. Same goes for automotive stuff as well. Got to be careful with what you buy. I’m not sure i would trust these wake parts for much more abuse than I put them through

[@fatherandsonrc]

Keep ripping Dave! Love the 2 wheeled content. We're here supporting you regardless of how many wheels. Add some RC crawlers and you've got an even more epic channel! 🚴‍♀️🛻

[@thedirtheadshed]

I’ve thought about it for sure

[@fatherandsonrc]

@thedirtheadshed Less expensive than full size when you roll one! 😉

[@robertsilva5041]

That either a rider issue and / or tires. That's what happened to me 😂😂😂 as soon as I changed the tires. It's a great ride and bike. Good luck

[@mikepoint4717]

I’m a gear head through be it with boats and cars , but I am really enjoying these mtn bike uploads as I got back into the hobby , amazing views at the 3 min mark . Cheers 🇨🇦

[@marshallbailey95]

You’re shredding Dave! Love to see it. Also id highly recommend mounting your gopro on the helmet below your visor or get a chest mount. The head mounts are really smooth and less shaky.

[@thedirtheadshed]

I need to try that. Also thinking maybe full face helmet with mount on the front

[@davidanderson2393]

Keep up the good bike action, staying out there riding holds off the advancing years, and that was not a poke at your age. And yes I am old but still ride off road single track on dirt bikes to keep things moving and help stay in shape.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Yep! I’m hoping I can stick with it a while!

[@JeepnJeff]

I rebuilt my '90 Specialized Rockhopper Hardtail a few years back. Nothing too fancy since a lot of new parts don't work on such an old bike. Couldn't even get a Rockshok. Went with Mavic wheels, Avid Speed Dial 7s all the best stuff that would work with it which was super cheap since they were old already. Rode it for the first time in 10 years and found out how out of shape I was. Was fun fixing the old bike up though. Got a lot of comments from other riders.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Keep it around if you enjoy it. But a new bike line the trek Roscoe will blow your mind

[@Tactical_Pterodactyl_Knives]

Really enjoying the Walmart bike series! And thanks for linking the products. I'm not trying to copy and paste but I'm looking at options! The stock grips are not the best so I'm looking at the teal vans grips!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Right on. Got to have cool grips

[@atomicpunk6460]

Love the mountain bike content

[@mh-qq2hj]

Those go pro’s and microphones must be tough! Reminds me of those old commercials where the chimps were wailing on the suitcases and they didn’t break! Lol

[@thedirtheadshed]

They are! Hahaha

[@cordybrassfield4844]

You know what would be super cool in relation to these bike videos? You should totally build your own bike. Weld up a frame maybe zombie a bike together with parts from multiple bikes and just do a custom deal. Idk 🤷🏻‍♂️ it would keep the fabrication aspect of things and morph it into the bike side of things then you get to go test it out

[@thedirtheadshed]

It would be fun. I have ideas floating around

[@jdrods1519]

Awesome vid Dave!!! That bike seems to rip really good actually!!! The only thing I would add to mine if I had it is a thud buster seat or a drop post. Keep the vids rollin in! 🇺🇸💪🏼

[@thedirtheadshed]

I actually kind of like stopping and dropping the seat. Keeps things simple

[@jdrods1519]

@@thedirtheadshed that’s very true!

[@danieleljoundi6364]

Sucks about the technical difficulties but great appreciate the video and details i finally decided tp pull the trigger on one

[@thedirtheadshed]

That’s cool. Hope you dig it. I think the version2 of them is a little better than this one

[@rediron44]

Keep us updated on the Ozark trail. I was curious about the quality of the front fork. Thanks for the video. Fun one. Bike would probably still work for me. At 55 with bad back problems, the jumps are probably over for me.

[@brvt1000]

I like what Seth with Berm Peak did with his Ozark. Curious what you end up doing with yours!

[@thedirtheadshed]

I’ll keep it pretty simple and cheap. It doesn’t have to be the best bike ever

[@brvt1000]

@@thedirtheadshed agreed, those cheapo air forks seem to do pretty good on this bike.

[@12345.......]

Some megavalanche videos have started being recommended after your bike videos. Those races are NUTS!

[@jeffreygreenwood8159]

I’ve got a old giant boulder I bought when I was 14 always over did it in a bike lol still have it even those it’s been trough it.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Right on

[@tomshigoka4386]

If you ever need to replace that stem with another affordable one as an upgrade… I suggest the Hussefelt which is made by SRAM. They run around $35ish bucks and mine has survived some gnarly stuff. Solid unit for drops, jumps, and bike park.

[@thedirtheadshed]

I’ll check it out. Thanks

[@MarksYoutube1]

Love watching these videos. Hopefully you get some bike sponsors for some builds

[@jimboramen80]

Those wide shots at the end were sick! That stem's gotta feel way better, but yeah, fork has overstayed its welcome on the jump line.

[@thedirtheadshed]

It was absolutely out of it’s element

[@ctwolfgang433]

Love to mtb. Wish I lived near a good park. That one looks like it has riding for all levels.

[@jonnybbf6752]

Great vid! I scored this bike from my local wally for 225$. I agree on it needs a fork. Maybe a future vid on fork up grade? Air maybe? Did a seat and bar change on mine so far. Ozark offers different spring rates for it but I feel air is the way to go?

[@thedirtheadshed]

Air fork would be my next mod. Brakes and derailer are working well enough still

[@d0ubledown_]

came for your wheeling builds and vids...stayed for bike stuffs. even if it is a walmart special!

[@thedirtheadshed]

I appreciate that! More Jeep stuff on Friday!

[@theshedMTB]

I use a chest mount for my GoPro and I really like it. I’m really still liking these bike videos though. I hope you keep doing them!

[@thedirtheadshed]

I will. They do terrible as far as view go… but it’s fun

[@chrisherrmann9627]

Good video, I love me some deity pedals. Been running them for years

[@MrStacy1974]

I like the bike content . When I get project burnout I'll do a full frame up bike build as a morale boost After playing with the bike my confidence is restored and I can get back to the automotive project.

[@number1yota]

I think its time to update the Intro, need to add some low riders and bikes in there. Great video as always. If you pull the bolts out for the bottle holder, could you drop your seat post without cutting it off?

[@thedirtheadshed]

I totally agree

[@theIronmerchant]

Hey Dave! Look up the nukeproof scout! I built myself one with 27+ and 150mm fox 34 fork. It’s a rowdy hardtail and a absolute blast

[@thedirtheadshed]

I was looking the other day. Would be a good frame swap for all of my Haro parts

[@theIronmerchant]

@@thedirtheadshedI freaking love mine. I went all out on the build too. Sram x01 drivetrain sram guide RS brakes i9 101 wheels and hubs fox factory 34 for and fox factory dropper. I wish I could share a picture of it on here. I think you’d enjoy building a bike from the frame up. It’s a lot different then building 4x4’s i really enjoy the details of it.

[@30bones]

Berm Peak YT did a lot of content on this bike. Now you are making me want to find one used. And I live in Iowa! 😂

[@thedirtheadshed]

Oh, I’ve watched them repeatedly

[@plokmko0]

Get one used for $200 and add a $200 air fork and LET'R RIP !!!

[@30bones]

@@plokmko0 I look around occasionally, no luck yet

[@RyTrapp0]

I can't stand that channel - I almost always have to watch at least an hour worth of videos at a time when I end up there LOL

[@thedirtheadshed]

Hahahh

[@GrandmaRob]

I need to find some trails like this in the midwest. Fun video and the walmart bike works well!

[@thedirtheadshed]

It does! Not bad for the money

[@kevbev1524]

I raced MTN bikes from 95' til 05' ish Started off cross country, Got sick of seeing spots and puking, And after the first year MTN biking started building and catering to DH and DS couses and specifically built equipment, so i did that for awhile, Hung out with alot of cool people and friends. I raced from Sugarloaf, ME to seven springs, PA For 7 years i did up to 15 NORBA sanctioned races a year, what a great time, i even raced with Gary Fisher in RI on Yagoo Valley MTN. Now i can barely get to the bathroom and shower twice a week. My old body didn't like my younger shanagins

[@thedirtheadshed]

I’m sure they are great memories! But yeah I’m sure the toll it took is making you question it

[@mylesc1]

Love the bike videos, keep em coming!

[@thedirtheadshed]

I’ll keep mixing them in. Thanks!

[@tomshigoka4386]

Ripping Dave!! Love the MTB videos 🤙

[@thedirtheadshed]

Glad you’re digging!

[@Mtb9r]

Definitely, if hardtails are your thing. Bling Bling. 🎉

[@rickrutkowski5056]

I imagine that is not a lite bike, good job getting it up the climbs!

[@thedirtheadshed]

It climbs better then it descends

[@samuelcookphippen]

Hey Dave, just watched the Grind Hard podcast and wanted to suggest a Patreon. Like, for the dirt every day commentary videos, or whatever, a patreon would be a good way to put rad content that is out of the norm, see what kind of interest it gets without having to fight the KZbin algorithms, or upset the snowflakes. Plus, then we could help financially support your bad habit of buying junk LS engines.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Haha. All good ideas

[@Kingsoupturbo]

The Ozark mostly fine as is! but used bike prices are so good right now, I wouldn't spend much on upgrading that, just buy an entire new bike (new to you). For a hardtail I'd look for something like a Rocky mountain growler, fits a long dropper post, good fork right away, new geometry (long wheelbase, straight up seatpost, slack head tube, good for downhills and climbs, a lot more then older bikes!). Used, such good value out there, like a 2017 giant Reign, Kona Process, something with a top end fork, shock, nice drivetrain, good dropper, wheels, hubs that won't explode, probably the only thing after covid that is a better price then before. Hee hee Camera blues!

[@thedirtheadshed]

I’m with you. Some great deals used

[@Kingsoupturbo]

@@thedirtheadshed The Ozark trail is a great value for a brand new bike though, a long way have those department store bikes have gone, as long as you're getting out, it doesn't really matter what you have. (Same as 4x4 right? king of the hammers rig or nearly stock Cherokee, as long as you're getting out and having fun! the fitness really helps longevity for us guys in our 40's too)

[@ianthompson6268]

Not a 4x4 guy, but am a cyclist, so... subscribed.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Welcome aboard

[@tico78742]

I think I bought that same handlebar. It's a little wider and has more rise. I'm in the process of installing some Shimano MT200 brakes. I added bigger rotors which was a cheap upgrade. Be careful with the stock brake levers. They are pretty bad. I'll probably add a Rockshox air fork. You can mountain bike on almost anything if you take is slow. I just enjoy being outdoors. I wish we had trails like those. We tend to have more rocks and roots. Not very flowy.

[@Harey0407]

For the camera mount, get one that mounts to your helmet. Then it will point where ever you look and won't be so rough on the camera (since its on your helmet)

[@thedirtheadshed]

Yep! I will look into that

[@s14tat]

I don't know why people haven't mentioned this yet, but please get a chest mount or a chin mount for a full face. These angles are not good. If you are concerned with taking the camera on and off for other angles, get a dji action 3 or 4 with it's quick release mounts. Total game changer and you can actually do your riding justice. Bar mounted views are only good for road cycling since the horizon stays the same.

[@thedirtheadshed]

I’ll step it up as I can afford

[@cuemaker1]

Try a stem cap mount for the camera, they work much better and come in aluminum or carbon fiber

[@thedirtheadshed]

I definitely need to step up my game

[@glennlivermore9120]

Cool getting me keen to get out

[@thedirtheadshed]

Hope ya do!

[@sdiss98]

$14 no name stem is kind of scary. Stems failures do happen and when they do you could be injured badly. Race Face offers great cost to performance option. Truvativ as well.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Will look into that. No point it getting hurt cause of junk parts

[@renegadedumpster]

I've used the chest mount with the camera mounted upside down before, and it worked alright.

[@thedirtheadshed]

I need to get one soon

[@yjmechanic]

Have you tried riding with s chest mount? I think its the most stable problem free solution. And it gives a cool perspective beeing able to frame the bars in thr shot

[@thedirtheadshed]

Not yet. I need to buy one

[@yjmechanic]

@@thedirtheadshed they are pretty cheap as far as go pro stuff goes. my suggestion would be to mount the camera upside down hanging from the mount with a single small extension. then flip the settings in the camera to be upside down (or convert video later) with the camera mounted like it is supposed to be up against the mount, it looks too far down at the frame when you lean into the bars. mounted upside down and hanging it actually points up slightly, so when you lean in to the bars it levels out and shows a good perspective of the bars and trail in front of you.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Good advice, thanks

[@yjmechanic]

​@@thedirtheadshed no problem

[@4x4_mark]

Can’t believe you found your mic

[@thedirtheadshed]

It landed right in the trail: I lucked out

[@b-lopez394]

I know for sure that you perform better with properly fitted bike. I'm sure you are aware of this but the way they cut cost on inexpensive bike is installing an inexpensive parts like the fork, wheel assy (hubs and bearings), bottom bracket etc. It's like in off-roading. For the things I've seen you do with a mountain bike, you need, at least, an entry level competitive mountain bike for reliability. Maybe you can fine a good used with good price in Craigslist. There are few reasonably priced mountain bike hardtail on the CL listing here Las Vegas. Keep on biking and vlogging.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Will do! This is a fun build. But it’s not my go-to everyday bike

[@29errick21]

Hey Dave try a GUB 609 CNC GoPro mount Amazon $14.90 is the price today😂 Use Allen head bolt for the camera, good and snug is your friend it dose not move as much. If this is a repeat sorry I could not find my first comment.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Right on. Thanks for the heads up

[@MatthewHarrington72]

Loving the bike series! How did that unbelievable view come about? Was there a fire or something? Cause that bike highway has the best view!

[@kentsinclair]

That intro needs some MTB content!

[@thedirtheadshed]

I need to freshen it up

[@marcushopkins8119]

Intro made me laugh. I'm fine, appreciate you checking. Lol

[@thedirtheadshed]

You fell like 4 feet

[@marcushopkins8119]

I had my PPE, thank goodness. Lol

[@brandonbennett6708]

Nice little vid man.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks!

[@Udink]

Don't forget the COOKIES ANDERSON!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Didn’t have Cookies written on my hand again?

[@swimlilfizhy]

Dave have you ever been to a pro motocross outdoor national?

[@thedirtheadshed]

I have. Used to go to glen helen and watch. It was nuts

[@CasperRc81]

🤣 I literally just commented on I think you’ll like that stem in your hand that I run on my expensive bikes. Your video from like 8days ago you cut off the seat post or whatever. Ha ha funny great minds 😉

[@thedirtheadshed]

It’s got the correct dimensions and seems decent quality

[@LebronPhoto1]

I would replace the fork with an Air Fork. Even a budget fork will beat out that coil Suntour fork.

[@thedirtheadshed]

True

[@jonhill9564]

Support

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks!

[@jasonscharf97tj]

That walmart shock is probably just a spring and a couple of rubber stoppers that's what they used to be .not the best for big jumps .maybe next upgrade?

[@OneTwo-wt8qv]

Well Dave Im watching Sam Pilgrim vids now thanks to U .. Ah testing cheap bikes looks dangerous .. seeing Sam you may wanna a mouth piece ..lol !

[@thedirtheadshed]

I’ll have to give those a look!

[@OneTwo-wt8qv]

@@thedirtheadshed .. kzbin.info/www/bejne/en2tqX2cerGmhcU

[@allenperry9151]

Dope dude

[@thedirtheadshed]

Glad you like it

[@Kevin1980-k6g]

I’ve had problems with the derailer on my sons bike. It won’t stay adjusted . Any tips ?

[@thedirtheadshed]

Probably just loose or abnormal cable stretch. That should chill out soon

[@Kevin1980-k6g]

@@thedirtheadshed thank you!

[@DoomedMidwestern]

Oof, man. Be careful with the Wake stuff... When handlebars snap, it never ends well. You're ripping, though!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Yeah, I’m not super impressed. But. That’s expected from the super cheap cheap

[@freeridin12345]

to funny i bought same stem and bars off amazon to not long ago there pretty nice

[@thedirtheadshed]

Not bad! Really inexpensive

[@MTBPerspective]

I run a gopro chesty with media mod. Only issue is I had an older mount bracket piece give out on a high g landing and had the camera go rolling down the trail - no harm done but didn't have spare pieces to keep documenting those trails that were 6hrs away. I've got spares now... Example of media mod with no extra mic and narrating while riding with chesty: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKS1fISvjdVgqtEsi=96YRx1tTl3BVcb2u

[@thedirtheadshed]

I have had problems with my media mod mics.

[@MTBPerspective]

@@thedirtheadshed That is unexpected. Only issue I hit was the thumbscrews were hard to operate so I got some longer bolts and made my own.

[@jerryhitchcock6937]

Always be wary of the cheap derailleurs, etc., on these bikes - most are meant for easy cruising, not hardcore trail gear grinding - 😉

[@thedirtheadshed]

Oh I know! This one in particular is a bit of a step up. I definitely put this effort into a department store bike of yesteryear

[@jonhill9564]

😂 we've got a jumper!

[@thedirtheadshed]

It’s really fun

[@jonhill9564]

@@thedirtheadshed I bet, those trails look like a blast. I was laughing about the camera falls... hilarious recovery btw.

[@JonStein-mu5eb]

Help, we've fallen and we can't get up!

[@elisnyderr5568]

Just heard you were gonna be on runs good and they cancelled it I’m so fucking pissed

[@thedirtheadshed]

I wasn’t very stoked either

[@TroutNTrees]

Somehow I feel like we’re friends even though we’ve never met

[@thedirtheadshed]

We might be

[@petecrabtree6734]

🦅🇺🇸💪😎👍 heck yeah

[@thedirtheadshed]

Fun quickie

[@chrismarostica1177]

Yep.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Yeah buddy!

[@shanewright6958]

👍👍

[@plokmko0]

Fork this bike ... 😜 A good $200ish 120mm air fork ASAP !!!

[@br549200]

Obligatory comment cause I love you man

[@thedirtheadshed]

I appreciate it friend

[@ewxlt]

New fork please!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Needs it so bad

[@ewxlt]

Have you spotted the channel Berm Peak? He did a series on your bike where he slowly upgraded it.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Oh yeah. Seth knocked it outta the park

[@grantorresmo7609]

lol the technical difficulties are funny

[@johngreene920]

If it comes pre-assembled, it's NOT a bike. It's an accident waiting to happen. They can't be reliably fixed. Not saying they can't be fun for a bit

[@michael_onabike]

My experience with that fork isn't great. I have seen a measurable improvement replacing it with a Rock Shox Recon which is pretty affordable in mtb terms. Avoid the off-brand Amazon/ebay forks, older tech and lack of support and parts.

[@ChoobsX]

Seconding this, my Trek Marlin 5 Gen2 probably isn't all that different from the Ozark esp with the Suntour fork. Replacing it with a Rockshox Judy or Recon silver is a HUGE upgrade but not cheap. Drops almost 2lbs off the bike too. Keep an eye open for salez and discount codes....