Over $3000 Spent Upgrading a Walmart Mongoose Ledge X1 - Project Ledge X1 Stage 3

I spent over $3000 upgrading a Mongoose Ledge X1 Full Suspension Mountain Bike from Walmart. Was it worth it? The end result is certainly a capable bike with carbon wheels, RockShox suspension and many other quality components. However, the price when compared to what was accomplished with the Stage 2 build leaves me wondering if it was worth it.
Comment below with your thoughts and opinions.
Parts used in this build:
Fork - amzn.to/3j1gzeR
Rear Shock 165mm - amzn.to/37RV9KK
Stem - amzn.to/37YT3sx
Grips - amzn.to/3iUVJh4
Rear Shock Mount 1/2x1/2 41.5x8mm - amzn.to/3xXhNvB
Rear Shock Mount 1/2x1/2 23.0x8mm - amzn.to/3AWqc4G
180mm Rotor - amzn.to/3CXl4yN
Orange Rotor Bolts - amzn.to/3k13b9I
Funn Orange Handlebars - amzn.to/37YTm6F
All Mtn Frame Guards - amzn.to/3iZABGt
Mountain King 2.6 Tires - amzn.to/3su9UwI
Hydraulic Brakes - amzn.to/2UAmLB6
Dropper Post - amzn.to/3k6zV1h
Seat Clamp 31.8mm - amzn.to/3ghDAbo
Lower Headset ZS56/40 - amzn.to/2VYdH9T
Upper Headset ZS44/28.6 - amzn.to/3CZdgwp
Pedals - amzn.to/3y42wt4
Chainring 30t - amzn.to/37SPsvR
Saddle - amzn.to/3gyjoCz
Advent X Cassette - amzn.to/3yZbZ6o
Advent X Derailleur - amzn.to/37VItm2
Advent X Shifter - amzn.to/3sshyrw
Ledge X1 at Walmart - goto.walmart.com/c/2241907/56...
✅ Stickers - www.ebay.com/usr/kevcentralmerch
Check out the links below for KevCentral Merch and great bike parts:
✅ Buy a Shirt - kevcentral.store
✅ Stickers - www.ebay.com/usr/kevcentralmerch
✅ Bike Parts - www.amazon.com/shop/kevcentral
☑️ Patreon - / kevcentral
☑️ Twitter - / kevcentral
note: this channel may earn a small commission from purchases made through the links above. For example: as an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
This video is NOT sponsored. The content is my own opinions based on my experience with the product(s.) I do not allow pre-approval or scripting of my reviews.
#mongoose #ledgex1 #kevcentral
---------------------------------------------------------
Music credits:
Rock Intro 4 by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Artist: audionautix.com/

[@Tentenszx]

Think about this guys. Imagine having your birthday and your dad bought you a cheap bike. A Walmart bike or lets say this bike stock. Not everyone have a rich family. And then you finished studying and can afford upgrades now. Since the bike is valuable to you, you don't want to buy a new one because it is from the hard worl of your dad. So basically you do this. Upgrade the bike as you can. Nothing wrong with it. It's the personal value that matters sometimes not just the brand.

[@jakejansen16]

ok that’s fine, but why do you need carbon wheels on a walmart mongoose bike with terrible frame geometry, qr skewer in the rear, and pivot points that have worse bearings then fidget spinners

[@hard2600]

I’d actually still save money and just wait and buy a better bike. New bike will be still cheaper and with better components

[@666puggsy]

@@hard2600 maybe. But once you're fully upgraded the are equivalent of the team bikes sorta.

[@thiccfrogg1380]

@@jakejansen16 DUDE ITS 300 BUCKS IF YOU WNATED ALL OF THOSE GET A $2000 BACK

[@shoeonhead]

@@jakejansen16 explain how the geometry is terrible. Because it’s not, it’s not insanely progressive but it’s far from terrible.

[@ericp.]

You sacrificed your wallet for science. And we appreciate that!

[@LordHolley]

100%

[@XianEricXPROD]

It’s not having a nice, capable and trail worthy bike. It’s building and customizing it yourself that gives it value. Truly making it your own and certainly not buying a higher end bike that everyone else in that tax bracket has. Nice work Kev

[@michaelsprinzeles4022]

Fun to see some top end upgrades, once in a while. I still prefer the bang for buck upgrades, overall. Whatever you do is still worth watching just to learn what's possible.

[@shoeonhead]

Wow we must truly be indoctrinated by snobbery in my shop, because a revelation and a monarch are not high end to any of us lol. They’re very meh components IMO. The wheelset is meh too. Very overpriced, trek makes some good wheelsets. But not for 1500 they don’t.

[@michaelsprinzeles4022]

@@shoeonhead No. Not at all. Just because you spend more on parts than most people do on entire bikes doesn't make it snobbery. That high level quality of parts is absolutely necessary...if you are a professional rider.

[@BigTruckBigRV]

Very nice build, but it tends to enforce the point that a high end Polygon or even a lower end Santa Cruz would be a better value at around the same price or less

[@KevCentral]

Thanks. Of course, assuming someone had all the money up front. The bigger point I was trying to make here is that upping the amount of money thrown into upgrades doesn’t always equal that much more performance

[@charlesdudash9756]

Really would be impossible to find a Santa Cruz in that range. Or find one at all. But there are bikes in that range that would be better. Vitus or polygon come to mind. The carbon wheels are a big part of what was spent. Santa Cruz carbon rims are like $2500.

[@BigTruckBigRV]

@@charlesdudash9756 Santa Cruz also makes a Aluminum version of their bike which has a price around $3700

[@BigTruckBigRV]

@@KevCentral very true. Shock and fork instantly place it into the $1300 range though.

[@user-op1tq9ur3t]

Yea but a custom build is ONE of a kind! That to me is priceless. I love custom builds. Everyone has those stock santa cruzs and polygons on the trail. No ones got "THIS BUILD" on the trail! Plus when you out shred the riders with more expensive bikes on your "cheaper custom build" its truly Priceless😊🤙🍻

[@blueskiestrevor5200]

Hey Kev, so I recently started using the Advent X on my bikes and discovered a trick with them. I can't take credit for this since I read about it online but if you use an 11 speed chain on the 10 speed Advent X it still shifts perfectly but it allows more room for error since it's a slightly narrower chain when you're adjusting it and as the chain wears in/hanger getting bent. I thought it was crazy till I tried it and it works awesome

[@330_Crew]

Perfect example of diminishing returns. Lack of rear boost spacing thru axle will always limit full potential of options. When ever you see a frame with outdated standards it’s a clear sign to be reasonable on how much you spend upgrading the bike.

[@NickyNicest]

Ya the wheels were the thing I questioned why you’d throw that much money into simply for the fact the spacing is outdated. I like to upgrade parts that I know can be carried over to another bike. Tho, knowing the bike industry they’re probably gonna shove new standards down our throats by the time you’re ready to upgrade…

[@bafare25]

I wish the upgrades you did in stage two were not that expensive but I cant deny that it feels satisfying to see a build like stage 3. Personally I would buy a bike in the $2,500 range and avoid the frustration of the parts that didn't match as plan.

[@Zimpo79]

Yeah, ultimately I will end up somewhere between Stage 1 and Stage 2 in price for my Ledge X1. Hoping to wait on a bunch of it until prices drop, but had to at least swap fork/shock to start. If I was going to spend $2500+, I'd definitely at that point just buy a bike in that range with warranty, etc.

[@YT_RANDOM55]

That’s exactly what I said read my comment. ⬆️ There are great bikes out there for $2500+ Even $1000+ can get you a great bike

[@slowburn678]

I just bought a Ledge x2. Be here Monday. Looking forward to any mods or upgrades by KC for that model.

[@Max-ek6nn]

Its cool that you did an "all out" build to see what it could perform like, but at 3600, that's enough for entey-mid level trail bikes and enduro bikes, which makes it a lot harder to justify when your getting a 140/80mm mismatched trsvel bike, along with wack geo and a qr. Which yeah makes sense, its diminishing returns. But it seems like big box bikes make a bit of sense up to about the ~1300 mark. After that it looks like you can find bikes from budget brands that have more progressive geo and better parts specs. Somthing that I keep in mind is that a sisku d5 costs 1050 and a sisku t7 costs 2000. I still love these vids and love seeing the progression of what the platforms can do. Can't wait for more! Also in this price I think it would be interesting to see you build up somthing lake a ragely big al or nukeproof on a budget. Somthing like how to get boost through axel for under $1500.

[@25rsti15]

I was thinking the same thing, definitely cool to see a full out build especially on a Walmart bike but I paid $3,200 total for my fuel ex8 last year.

[@willlanier4319]

Spot on. I was planning on buying a Trek Marlin 8 but availability in my area is months out. So I bought the X2 and gonna add a higher end fork and maybe a new drivetrain with the difference.

[@Kook___]

another budget bike would be the vitus mythique vrx which comes in at 2k... with really good parts

[@pringle8237]

chromo enthusiast, ew

[@jakefeeman4019]

Yeah you could get a bike that makes this look like garbage for hundreds or even thousands less

[@Vitusvonatzinger]

Builders have a hard time dealing with temptations; no need to apologize. It’s a sick bike now.

[@marcelgaillard7559]

Best series EVER!

[@jnb756]

I don't mind seeing the higher end builds, especially when they are made in stages. Stepping the build up allows you to provide us the information you acquire through the upgrade process and personally I appreciate that!

[@grimaceg1253]

I think my take-away on this is that you can start low budget and over time end up with a very comparable bike, if your skills dictate that, without having to start over with a more expensive bike.

[@Zimpo79]

Agreed, ultimately what matters is if the frame is capable enough. This seems to be a pretty good frame, especially given the price.

[@magnate2372]

Agreed. This is a great series to showcase what a beginner bike can provide in the long run for someone just starting out and doesn’t want to invest $3k up front. There’s still other costs involved with the sport such as PPE gear, repair/maintenance tools, bike rack for transportation, etc.

[@dustinryan8680]

And the things you learn from tinkering on your mountain bike is the best part. I have a bike I built with half used part from pink bike and budget online mountain bike parts I’m about $2000 in and it works for everything. Used it in a downhill race at my local park!

[@willlanier4319]

Love that you did this and showed what worked and what didn't. I have an X2 on the way that I am planning to upgrade with higher quality parts. I have a coworker who is wanting to get in better shape and I sent him a link to your video and the X2. He was so impressed he also ordered one. I'm surprised they are still in stock!

[@seannatorske4298]

I enjoy seeing both of the budget builds and sky’s-the-limit builds, although I probably get more out of the budget builds since that’s usually what I’m working with and I want to get the most bang for my buck. Keep up the great content!

[@fernando-ci8lj]

Awesome build! I spent about $1,500 on my al comp so far so don’t feel bad. I think you pretty much maxed out the potential of this bike. I’d like to see more ride footage.

[@WalkerBikes]

A very worthwhile project, even it it's deemed to not be the best course of action. Someone has to do it, so I'm glad to get to see the result and the pros/cons, it's a really cool bike!

[@williangeme8353]

Love the advent drivetrain, definitelly the bast bang for tour Buck Wirth the clutch and the really "mechanically feeling" shifter action; plus the durability and quality construction

[@64Spokes]

Like you said skip the carbon wheels and you got a winner. Only thing I’d have done differently is save an extra couple hundred on a 140mm rockshox recon instead, availability permitting

[@chumrob100]

Perfect example of the principle of diminishing returns. Great video!

[@marvingaldamez8112]

It looks beautiful 😍 well done!

[@phillipcowen4]

I love this build. I did a similar thing to my Schwinn Aluminum Comp with carbon Enve wheels and Fox fork. But I had already had those parts from another build that fell through. I think people should build and ride what makes them happy, but I am glad that you pointed out that the extra parts didn't give much more bang for the buck as you put it. Still though, it is cool to see you really go for it once in a while. I think it keeps the channel fun.

[@purplegarage05]

Its amazing to see how far out can push a budget Walmart bike at this point I'd be confident riding something like that on nearly any trail. Super stoked to see what other bikes come in the future

[@kuro3864]

Looks awesome Kev! I think it's awesome and I think alot of people miss the point and that is that not everyone has alot of money to drop at once. With this bike you can upgrade it slowly and if you feel like it's to much already you can simply stop upgrading or continue upgrading when you can and want. It's also satisfying building your own bike so in my opinion do what you can ! If it's worth it for you then it's worth it don't let bike snobs tell you otherwise !

[@n8_vel868]

Upgrading the upgrades 🔥 That's how you know a bike is worth keeping🤟

[@kielthalin9888]

What I gathered and applied to from this channel is that I had an old and I mean old Schwinn Ranger 2.6 FS mountain bike I bought for $70 second hand over 10 years ago and made little changes to it just to ride with my son on some light trails (he is 10). I switched it to a 1x with an IXF style crankset/ring combo /w some new pedals and the bike is enough to keep up with the kid on his base Rockhopper we bought him. Is the old Schwinn god awful, yes, but it allows me to use what I had laying around to spend time with my family. Keep up the great work! If we ever get to the point of serious trails, I might have to part with that Schwinn. 😂

[@michaellowery928]

Great exercise in what can be done but probably shouldn't. Thanks Kev for bringing us along the ride. It does show that a Wally World Special frame, at least, is worthy and capable to be a top tier transformer. Although must wouldn't go that far and would probably upgrade the bike as a whole, it shows you can take your time and develop the platform as money allows.

[@3Jesse33]

This is really awsome!

[@rubendevereaux6086]

0 that looks like an awesome build! I've always wondered if it was worth it to put all of that good stuff on a half-decent frame. I have no idea you need to show us some rides. Good job

[@marcianodemidof7135]

Great build and also a cool looking bike. 👌🏾✌🏾

[@mjsmjs7905]

Just food for thought but how about a head-to-head comparison video against your Cannondale?

[@tonya9614]

I think it continue to be fun!

[@Marc28031984]

This is almost a proper MTB now. I like it 🤙🏼 Great job that you’ve done

[@25gmeza]

Thank you for not forgetting what we want from your channel? Keep up the good work.

[@MrLmao37]

Its a nice looking bike. I upgraded my rear shock from a dnm to a rockshox monarch rt3 earlier this year and I have never looked back its an awesome shock.

[@samcarter2653]

Hey what adapters did you use? The sizes Kev posted don’t match what is available on his Amazon link

[@reidmitchell1980]

I think doing within a reasonable budget and sky's the limit both makes for great content. It also helps us realize what is worth the expense and what is not. And you can usually recycle the parts to future builds so it's not like you have to buy every part for every build if you don't want to.

[@joshbenson8039]

I love that you did this, the bike really looks fantastic! But I had toyed around with the idea of buying a cheaper full suspension and then upgrading the parts because finding the bike I want right now is crazy… but I figured it would cost to much to just not wait a few extra months. Thanks for doing the experiment!!

[@chriswf]

LOL "and me parting with lots of my money" hahaha great video.

[@BFBMTb]

Thanks for the video Kev, just placed an order for one and can't wait to build it out to stage 2 type specs then take it down the same trails the guys on top shelf bikes do. Always amusing to see the look of the bike snobs as they see a Walmart bike blasting down chunk and drops. 😆

[@KevCentral]

Ha! 😁

[@EJ-V8Bikes]

Wow what an amazing build! I like the idea of keeping all bike builds to be budget because I think that appeals to the majority of people who may not be able or willing to spend big money to upgrade. I think what would also be a cool idea is to sometimes spend big money on upgrades while also buying the same upgrades but in budget form. And then install the budget upgrades on the bike and do a video review. Then remove those budget upgrades and install the big money upgrades on the same bike and do a comparison video review of whether the big money upgrades are that much better than the budget upgrades, and how both types of grades actually affect the riding experience. Kev thanks for awesome videos!! ❤️

[@skunkdenmtb]

Nice man! Not anything I will be able to end up with lol, but very nice! I’m still dreaming of a suspension upgrade to begin with. My rear coil already done an “S” curve and catches when it flexes, and my forks are starting to stick, even with fork boost lube. Definitely going to attack my suspension as soon as I get my wife a Ledge x1 or x2. Now we need a good trail ride video of the new setup!

[@rascal1234]

Great looking bike. Hopefully, it rides as good as it looks.

[@jasonjavelin]

Easy- I see a KevCentral upload, I like. Thanks for the awesome series! Edit: I’ll always love budget minded stuff and youve given great insight into parts for me to refurb a 96 Gary Fisher Big Sur I was given amd will use it as a loaner. I’ll be hitting those local trails very soon on it though to test it out

[@ronaldquint]

Was it worth it? YES it was worth it ! Nice job on your custom build !

[@CheeZyNutZ]

Got my mongoose ledge just under 2 months ago after watching these videos and have the exact setup after using this video for a guide , only difference is i went with the funn crossfire stem and have an old set of amazon rims that have done me good for the past few years on my hardtail so i just swapped em over and used MRP boost adapter end caps to fit the revelations fork that i got for an absolute steal with a fresh full rebuild and the motion plus control upgrade. Im still running the stock walmart rear suspension😂 but its not so bad for my weight it just makes alot of noise Absolutley love this bike, and i Absolutley send it. Look up "lynn woods jump trail" theres plenty of videos of just how crazy my local trails are just outside of boston. Thanks kev, always wanted a full squish but never really had full squish money😂 Plus i love building my own bikes so it was great being able to find this video🙏🏼🤙🏼

[@gamby16a]

I'm still a big fan of the wretched excess and lack of practicality in this build. It looks fantastic and now it performs like something high end. Great build.

[@e2U]

Question: what about this bike, as my ledge x2 is delayed??? Mongoose Salvo Trail Mountain Bike, 9-Speed, 29-inch Wheel Men's Small, Black (M22250M10SM-PC) Mongoose $2,249. thx.

[@user-op1tq9ur3t]

I spent a G on my schwinn al comp so far. Its my baby, and I do not regret it! Rides like a dream, is one of a kind. Plus lifetime frame insurance? I get a free frame upgrade in the future if she does break.😄 Nice custom bike build brotha!🍻✌️

[@wigzzborz6759]

come on Kev . . .I'm dying here for a new video of the ledge x2 lol

[@kylebarnette2560]

I just want this bike...full on aesthetic and functional.

[@rubenvasquez9686]

Awesome bike

[@Hangiinjohnny]

That colour scheme is really nice

[@thomasbro16racing14]

Wanting to do something like this to my mongoose the only thing I'm scared of is the frame bending. Have you had any issues of the frame bending on the swing arm or at all ?

[@learninwithluke6825]

I've wanted to see something like this forever. Great sacrifice of your hard earned cash.

[@stephenbutkovich1014]

Sometimes, it's fun to go a bit over the top to determine - does the extra cost give you extra performance? I think you've found that at the 'budget' end of the spectrum - or, your target audience - it does not. Especially with stuff like carbon wheels - $1,500 just for wheels is something a top-tier rider might notice, but probably not your average-joe-rider. As always, great video, I wouldn't change a thing. Although you are bit bit lighter it the wallet, I'm sure it was a lot of fun to make, and you definitely got your point across!

[@Gglsucksbigballz]

Love that you kept the Mongoose badging. Back in “The Day” Mongoose, Diamondback, Redline we’re the super shizNit! Call it a tribute bike. Very tasteful

[@BikeDrFrankenstein]

Great video Kev and Super Sick X1! Valid point with the upgrades, some upgrades are nice to have, but do they really give you worthy riding improvements?! Thanks for the video appreciate the bang for your buck facts.

[@kyleelliott8364]

Love your videos brother👍🏼 quick question the fork I purchased where the crown race rides 30.9mm (it’s not tapered) I also purchased the funn headset from you affiliate links for my ledge x1 and it’s too large could you possibly help determine the correct headset? any help would be much appreciated thanks in advance

[@vulpixgrant]

Would this bike be capable of a newby learning Black Diamond trails with just upgrading the front fork and rear suspension? I want a Giant but way out of my budget for a toy to play on from time to time. I already tried some easier trails on a old Giant with no suspension, it's a hoot but brutal without any kind of shocks.

[@oldkicker8958]

Bike looks great! Bet it handles as well. I understand why you did this....,so we didn’t have to. Thx!

[@toxicmale1744]

Competent and fun ride you created there. Bet it's quite comfortable, too. I also did likewise but, with a 26" wheel GT. The Rockshox Revelation 26er 150mm travel is only 1710 grams and is burly. I decided to stick with the DNM AOY 36RC rear shocker (190mm), because it feels plush and suits the type of ride I want from this GT. If replacing the shocker I'll go for the Cane Creek Double Barrel I.L. with a Vault spring.

[@HanSolo__]

I would see similar specs Mongoose MTBs assembled from ready-made elements right in the US or EU, for that matter. Decathlon went even beyond, and they make all higher and highest quality lineups frames in the EU. They also sell in Poland Polish brand Romet (100 years old), which assembly sites are located in Poland. Kross brand made a step further as their carbon frames for top-notch rigs are all made in Poland. Yet, they still deliver nearly half of the hypermarket bikes all over Europe under many different brands.

[@southernmtbtrails6382]

Thanks for keeping it fun. Great bike! I wish I could do the same. Don’t have the money or skills.

[@danielvalverdeortiz2216]

Do you know if this frame can fit a trunnion mount?

[@rupertgumban9251]

Hey man base on your experience & reviews which is better suntour radian xc-loc 29 or manitou markhor 29

[@Megashovelman]

Good you got a creative logo.

[@ARmYofSixxTH]

Beautiful

[@Not_Sure_]

@6:45 50 hour service kit ? What's the average time that people ride there bike on the days they ride ? 2, or 3 hours ? So . . .if you ride your bike every day for 2 hour you have to service it every 25 days of riding ?

[@peterbaskind9872]

Yes. As one spends more money on a bike, one gets diminishing returns. Interestingly, I just bought a wheel set for one of my bikes (which I won’t have for another month). I went allow this time. I have a couple of very nice carbon wheel sets; but in this case, the cost/benefit analysis led to me spend $750, rather than 2x that amount. If I am going to spend the money you did (and I have), I’ll build ground-up. I did a Ti gravel build a year ago. It was expen$ive. But it’s awesome. No compromises. I had to change nothing once it was done. And no paint chips, of course. ‘Cause Ti.

[@pkvillager]

This was a really good series! Like you said the only thing I wouldn't have done is the carbon wheels.

[@TheOlafmetal]

Hopefully the market will get back to being a place where you can find actual deals eventually. Pre pandemic I was able to get a Carbon framed Cube Stereo 120 with fox shocks and GX/XT parts for $2700. I also built up a Cannondale Trigger frame I got as a frame replacement for a Raven where nearly every part was ~50% off including a DVO Fork for $550. Even now there are better wheel deals that what you found though. Ican or Btlos sell solid Carbon wheel sets for around $600 or a pair of rims for $300. I think your definitely getting into an area where upgrading the frame to a RSD Wildcat or Sonder Cortex for ~$1300 would give you substantially better performance gains than putting higher end parts on the Mongoose.

[@10xChris]

Hey, I really appreciate your video! I have the same bike and I am trying to do similar upgrades. I'm looking to purchase the Rear Shock 165mm. Could you provide a link or name for the $32 kit you used to adapt the shock? You mentioned it but I can't find it ):

[@Graeleaf]

I am a big fan of RockShox suspensions! I have yet to find a carbon wheel set, though, that is not destroyed by my riding style .Bike looks great!

[@25rsti15]

It's definitely interesting to see what buying a bike from Walmart and upgrading it costs vs that same price spent on a bike already at or above level. For example my fuel ex8 set me back $3,200, weight wise it's just under 31lbs with nothing carbon fiber. However sometimes being able to drop that much on a bike all at once isn't doable. Glad to see someone posting videos though showing that upgrading a walmart is more than practical although you'll start getting diminishing returns just like higher end models, the same version of my bike in carbon costs $1,600 more and your only saving 1.62lbs.

[@erzewnicki]

What would you say was the biggest weight savings on the bike? We’re the carbon wheels actually not that much lighter, or we’re the RockShocks fork and spring heavier and the wheels brought it back down. I want to put my X2 on a diet. immediately that fork has to go, too much fore/aft movement.

[@ftlbaby]

Thanks KevCentral for another great video! Definitely do it again in a year or two or three. I'm assuming you are doing a video where we actually see you riding it and you tell us how it compares to stage 2 and 1?

[@Bpierce13]

I’m curious to know how this would compete with my Marin Mount Vision C-XM9. sub $2000 for a 27.5 carbon enduro

[@timothy7768]

Kev, nice upgrades to the bike. I guess if you were to compare your upgrades to a Trek Xcaliber, Roscoe 6,or procaliber how does it compare to those bikes base on their standard out the door cost. I guess im asking could i get similar upgraded bike with trek for less then the $3000 upgrades to a big box bike?

[@JD-co4hx]

Awesome build. Quality video as usual. At $3k I'd seriously take a look at what my other prebuilt options are unless you really really like building bikes yourself.

[@travisespinoza2264]

Is the difference between qr front wheel to 15×110 worth the upgrade? I have a gt verb I was contemplating putting a better fork on, which I already have, but would need to spend around $150 to find a new front rim for.

[@KevCentral]

It’s worth note that standard QR has been around for decades. Thru axel and boost Not very long, so that should tell you something. Are they better/stronger, yes. My opinion is that QR is fine unless someone is really pushing the bike ultra hard.

[@luigiprovencher8888]

DO you have a play list of all of the bikes that you think are worth putting money into and upgrading?

[@cameronwells5648]

I have a MONGOOSE XR 29" full suspension its suprisingly awesome bike.

[@fadelabdurrahman3469]

I also have upgraded my 2015 Polygon full-suspension bike to the point where the whole setup only left the original frame (and spent about $1200 on parts). I could have bought a better Polygon fullbike (Siskiu D5 costs about $700 in my country) but since i didn't have the amount of money up front, i decided to upgrade it instead and came to the realization that i had spent more than the cost of a brand new full-bike. Do i regret it? Absolutely not. Every excitement i got each time the couriers knocked on my door to deliver the part i ordered, the satisfaction from setting up the part myself, and the hype i felt every time i tested out the said new part and acknowledged the difference is way beyond purchasing a new full-bike. The best part of it? Since i upgraded it one by one, i can feel and enjoy the hype multiple times. Does it worth the money? Personally, i am 50/50. It doesn't give me a great performance improvement since i could only afford the low-end parts and, yeah, maybe i could have had a better performance upgrade if i just bought a better bike instead. It does improve, but not that much. But in the other hand i am so satisfied by the fact that i could do all the upgrades myself, my bike looks way much cooler now and more enjoyable to ride on.

[@willlanier4319]

Who makes the frames for all these different bikes? Does Mongoose and Trek have their own factories in China or do a few factories make the all?

[@Jokester522]

Curious if you think 2.8" tires could fit

[@acousticavoiska9461]

Nice riding shoes Kev!!

[@KevCentral]

Ha! George by Walmart. I bought them in the luxury footwear isle

[@joshsansone5113]

Great to see what CAN be done. I don't think the price justifies the slight performance gain nor the minimal weight savings. Comparing the rear shocks if one goes bad I see a full replacement new part more ideal than a rebuild kit as I could potentially buy three new shocks. If I had that amount to spend I would buy a brand name from a bike store or online ready to go. IMO stick with Budget minded builds. I enjoy the content and seeing what else is out there but I subscribed mainly for the reviews and budget builds. (Personal preference only and I would consider myself newer to the sport only riding for about a year) I did have my eyes on the Axum DP and Women's Comp. Stocking issues! However I just got the Ledge X1 for the wife and Ledge X2 for myself. The smaller frame feels better and allowed for more stand over clearance for both of us. She upgraded from the '20 Schwinn Comp w/18" frame 27.5" wheels and myself from the '20 Schwinn Boundary 19" frame 29" wheels.

[@ds1755]

Great video breakdown on parts & stages. IMO I think a person should build this bike according to the trails they ride most in their area. If they can get by with doing it budget style while being safe then go for it but if they have to step it up to like stage 2 level that should be more than enough bike, but remember they should do it with quality budget parts. Doesn’t make any sense to be riding & a air fork stanchion snaps when you could’ve spent an additional $75-$100 for better quality. In the long run it will pay for itself. I think stage 2 with the 15x100 setup was the sweet spot on budget build. Thanks again for an awesome comparison on stages.

[@willardbuchanan9122]

Good morning I like to set up it looks nice great job

[@dougfromsoanierana]

I always seek the best value. That might be a part or bike at any price point, but it’s a calculation about the cost, frequency of use, quality, and available funds. Frequency of use being the key variable.

[@Matrucos3]

Hey Kev, Can you please confirm the top mount size for the rear shock? I don't see 41.5x8mm listed and when I click the link it goes into the 16.0x6mm selection.

[@Matrucos3]

The closest I see is the 42x8mm Will I need to grind 0.25mm at each end?

[@DD-xx8wh]

how about value vs budget... least expensive that actually works. thanks for all the time you spend finding, testing and commenting on this stuff!

[@KevCentral]

Thanks. That’s why I mentioned that stage 2 was a better bang-per-buck, IMO

[@rupertgumban9251]

Hey man, I’m your new subscriber, I need your advice coz I just purchased giant talon4 mtb and I wanna upgrade the front suspension I narrow my choices to 3 budget brands 1. Suntour radian sr 29”, 2. Rockshox recon silver RL 29”,3.manitou mankor 29”, which of the 3 Are reliable and functional w/c worth the price, thanks

[@craigengelman4534]

me personally i got a 26 inch formerpro dirtjump frame unpainted . ct cheat code bars , fluted seat post , and had them power coated white . im painting all of them the same with flip flop gold,green , and blue then clear coat 4x . installing gt pro freestyle team tour decals then 1- 2 coats more clear over decals . i cant deside on what fork but when i do ill paint to match the rest of bike . i have arya 7x rims,ti spokes and hope pro4 hubs, 140mm back 180 front hope rotors, trp hybrid brakes ,odessey brake lines and gyro . tech 77 brake levers . gt power seris crank with 36 tooth hope chain ring 10 speed box deralier and chain . i just got old school odessey 26 inch barefoot tires ,cushcore set up and Kashimax FS Handler Saddle seat Yellow . it has taken me 5 years to get all that stuff so far .

[@lamonttucker2842]

Mr Kev when will we see your upgrades and field test on Taft comp 29er ready to ride

[@dannyv5317]

Thank you for the Stage 3 example. IMO, anything after Stage 2, is pretty much the stage of diminishing returns-and also pricey.

[@hamldna]

Question for all. Which is the better value (or purchase), the X1 or X2? Seeing that it's the same frame (except color and wheel size). Buy the X1 and use the extra $100 on parts or X2? Thanks. I have the Axum but looking for a FS and I could use the wheels from Axum. Thx.

[@ecienocarmona1608]

I had the X1 for two weeks but didn’t like the 7 speed it came with. When I was looking for new wheels, so I could use a cassette, all the options I saw were over $100, so it just made more sense for me to return it and get an X2 that comes with a cassette instead of a freewheel, making upgrading to a 10 speed easier. An unexpected bonus is I feel the X2 fits me better than the X1 with the slightly longer handlebar stem. I do miss the X1 color and removable stickers, and hate that the X2 was delivered with 2 chips in the paint, but the X2 still glad I decided to go for it instead of making the X1 work.

[@mjsmjs7905]

X2 way better

[@JaredUnashamed]

A budget is sort of a relative term. The market for just about everything is saturated with options on parts. My budget is different than others, it's all in what you want or need in the product and how much you can spend. You have blown my mind on the endless possibilities of options for a budget upgrade to a budget bike.

[@jamespeck276]

Anyone can get carried away. I think we can all relate, and hopefully learn.

[@johnbrowne3378]

How hard is it to remove the stock stickers and head tube logo? Did it take any paint off?

[@toesnose]

I used Goof Off to remove the headtube badge, took about 15 minutes with a sponge soaked in it with no residual damage to the paint.