Ozark Trail Ridge: Initial Impressions | Positives | Negatives | Who It's For

We got the all new Walmart Ozark Trail Ridge 29er mtb for $398 and this could be a contender
*When we first got this bike, we could find no name but apparently Walmart has named it, Ridge.
0:00 Late Start Diva
0:50 Intro
1:04 On This Episode
2:20 Let's Take A Look
2:40 Magnet Test
4:05 Wheel-set
4:40 Tires
6:18 Group-set
8:34 Crank-set
9:21 Brakes
9:37 Internal Routing
10:10 Seat-post
10:45 Frame Size
11:12 Full Disclosure
12:07 The Fork
13:13 Head-set
15:48 Handlebars
17:17 Shift Test
18:26 Weight
18:40 Stand Over
19:37 Wolfman Dyno
20:09 Positives and Negatives
22:36 Who Is This For
23:20 Outro
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#wolfticknation #ozarktrail #walmart
4-14-23

[@cunvericht]

It's an Integrated Headset, no removable cup like Zero Stack.

[@joshuaworth243]

What does that mean

[@cunvericht]

@@joshuaworth243 with an integrated headset, the head tube is machined to seat the sealed bearing, no cup installation is needed. Zero stack still uses cups but they are recessed into the head tube, so no additional stack height like external cups.

[@bikdav]

@@cunverichtMy Diamondback Overdrive is like that. It was a very cheap yard sale buy. It uses what looks like sealed cartridge bearings.

[@gf3_joe955]

​@cunvericht is this a good or bad thing, can I upgrade the fork if I were to buy this bike?

[@danemoreno88]

The new updated version doesn’t have anything in the head tube it’s clear open inside so they listened again

[@tylerkelly9258]

Just an FYI, if this helps anyone, the Ridge is only offered in medium and large. I am 5'11" and I originally bought the large because I was in between the two sizes. The large is HUGE; it is as big if not bigger than most companies XL bikes. The only large bikes that are similar in size large are the Rocky Mountain Fusion series, Marlin Gen 3 series, and Kona Lava Dome. Part of the issue with the large frame is the stack...it is 662mm!! I have ridden the Fusion, Marlin Gen 3, and Lava Dome and they didn't feel as big. Long story short, I went with the medium and I think that was a good choice. The Ridge medium is almost identical in size to the Trek Marlin Gen 2 series large or the Gen 3 series M/L (which is my recommended size). The geometry is sooooo close to the Marlin Gen 3, if you like that feel. So, I feel like I got Marlin 6 Gen 2 for half the price or Gen 3 for $500 less, and ready for upgrades! If I put that extra $400-$500 into this bike, it will dominate similar priced bikes spec-wise. I hope this helps!

[@19BADGER-F250]

So your saying the large would be great for a guy my size? I'm 6' 6"

[@trevor50ify]

Found a small in my local walmart

[@nightfighter7452]

​@@trevor50ify Me too! So lucky

[@EBikeBuilder_]

Thanks for the timestamps, those are really useful! I wanted to come back and watch the SHIFT TEST, and it was easy to find it! Banger vid guys, as always 💥👍👍👍

[@michaellowery928]

You two are always good for a laugh. Keep 'em coming!

[@danboyes7477]

I'm really impressed with that, it's got all the little features that you'd want on a bike. Couple of upgrades, fork, pedals dropper, tyres and maybe those mechanical discs brakes you tested and that'd be a very capable bike. I hope the realtime goes well because that a very promising machine. I get the impression that someone's really thought about the spec of it. Take care guys 😎🍻👍

[@medicPerm]

Stared watching you when I got my GT aggressor pro and you were the only one at the time with upgrade videos that I could find!! "Knobage" Yo pops be killing me! Love the content man, its something I can fall in line with...not like some of these channels that are like "Check out our 3,500 budget MTB" like what? Your content is for the average Joe, and I appreciate all the content and work you all put out!

[@Biking-Viking]

Great video! Can't wait to see the real-time review. Would love to see where this stacks up against others in its price range.

[@davidntonia]

Nicely equipped for the price point! My 16 GT Force has an integrated headset like that one. Great video…..y’all just keep upping your game!

[@davidgarza2267]

This is a solid entry level deal. Also, Ltwoo is making waves in the groupset world. First Chinese hydraulic drop bar shifters (on my gravel bike) and just released electronic road groupset as well!!!! The gravel derailleur has a nice clutch. I'm hoping they bring that design to their mtb groups. Cool to see them make it on entry level bikes.

[@jimastovall]

I did the same exact thing y'all did. I bought the Vibe and brought it home and I was looking at it thinking it was too tall and not long enough. I saw an Ozark Trail 29er Large and traded my Vibe in for this bike. I work at Walmart so got the 10% off. I've been out on it and it's smooth, just the right size, I'm kind of a big guy. Good review, enjoyed and subbed.

[@chrisbradbury9474]

Have been looking at these for a little while, might not even wait for the real time review! also, its an integrated headset. Keep up the good work guys!

[@PTurbo86]

ETA: Name: Project Niner I got the medium frame, just like in the video here, just this past week. Couldn't find an Ardor. Glad you guys did this video. Much happier with this, anyway. I weighed it, and 33.2 is what I got. Few basic rides, but I've been impressed with what this bike brings to the table. I actually commented just a couple days ago asking you guys to get this bike, and here it is! :) Can't wait to see the real time review. Great stuff!

[@ryanrhees9551]

I bough the vibe then took it back the nex day after riding it for a day. Got the ridge. What a difference between them. It’s well worth the extra hundred dollars. I am just getting into my biking. Thanks for the video men.

[@alienschmaliens]

Nice!! Looks like a good bike. Thanks for the review!~

[@adriancarranza9179]

I'm curious if anyone has told you about the newest version of the Ozark Trail Ridge. I bought two after watching your videos and one was just like the one that you made the video using and the other one... well, wasn't. I bought one for my wife and one for me, online. One of them shipped assembled from my local walmart while the other one shipped from out of state in a box. I was pleasantly surprised to find quite a few differences from the videos of yours. I'm going to list some differences I spotted below. - 180mm Front brakes (instead of the 160mm) - JAK Front and Rear brakes (previous was Radius) - Acolyte Derailleur (as oppose to the L-TWOO used before) - Rear Derailleur has a clutch - Microshift Advent shifter (previous was L-TWOO) - No display window showing current gear on shifter - 30T Narrow Wide chainring (previous was round) - No plastic ring around the chainring - Thicker crank arms - Tires look overall the same but now have Yellow "Kenda" lettering on one side - Smaller/sleeker dork disc - Comes with a kickstand (for those that wish to install it) Also, the owners manual has information for a Small Frame. I'm hoping that means we are pretty close to them releasing the small frame. I'm going to be returning the now outdated model that I received.

[@Gamerhog2022]

My small frame has everything you just listed straight from the store, walked out and rode her home.

[@jackanddan]

Good old Walmart coming through we took a huge ride during spring break. Will be posting a video about Pamela used her Walmart bike and it worked out awesome. We hope you guys had an awesome spring break

[@rando5673]

Nice to see entry level bikes stepping up their game! I got something similar from Diamondback with Tektro hydraulic brakes and a Shimano 3x8 on sale for $300USD. No tapered head though :(

[@jordanjudice4504]

I seen this one and kinda want it so I'm excited to see y'all review it

[@gregnowak2492]

Integrated headset, as others have mentioned. My Niner has one. It’s pretty cool actually. And you guys know my stance on this… LTWOO ftw!!! Haha! Great first look. As always, can’t wait for the RTR!

[@r80rt88]

Really looking forward to a review of the small frame!

[@tman6800]

I just bought it and so far so good.

[@mitchellblair8888]

You guys are the best!

[@kevinl3235]

Name drop. Ozark Trail "Exchange". Great review!

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

😂

[@nascarisawesome5018]

I first saw this one a few weeks ago at a random Walmart and was impressed just by looking at it. I did a little ride test and was surprised to see Ltwoo as the chosen drivetrain. Seems really good for 398 and definitely a good competitor to the Trouvaille.

[@PghMtbRides]

Same company really, but its essentially a lighter trouvaille with more reach

[@yayuspp]

Different company. This Ozarktrail is made in TW, not Kent

[@187JuanWick]

Which one do y’all think it’s better this one or the trouvaille ?

[@PHFishingBiking]

This looks sharp! And light too! I think you can make a super light bike with this one!

[@MUTP-zq1oc]

Dude! I like that the frame can accomodate two water bottles! And the headtube design is like that of my sandugo brusko machete V2 frame. For the price of the bike you spend less for upgrades. Internal dropper post routing. If you swap in a 120-130mm fork its gonna get more slack but is still safe. A good starter bike for those who wanna enjoy descends and climbs off road. 🤟😊

[@Jason-rn4jk]

I don’t think it’s meant for 2 water bottles, just one placement individually.

[@sabrinalovesbikes]

Integrated headset. Interesting. Many gravel and road bikes have these too, especially high end ones. Less to worry about. Just keep it clean and lubricated and all will be well. 😊

[@19BADGER-F250]

Hey guys really like yalls channel, im 46yrs old and just getting back into biking again, im a big guy at 6'6" tall and was looking at getting this bike. Probably gonna pull the trigger on it since its a good starter and has potential for eventually upgrading. I think its funny though that back in the day when i was a kid i use to do all the biking, trail riding, jumping hills and stunts and tricks on basic bmx bikes and mongoose and diamondbacks, with one gear drive. Now they have all this mountain bike stuff. Back in the day mountain bikes were really just street bikes with multiple gears to select from and i wanna say it started out with 8 speed then went to 10, 12, 14 and so on. Lol what i called a hybrid on my bikes was when i took the best parts off my bmx, mongoose and diamondback bikes and combine them into one to create the ultimate racer. Anyways sorry for the long drawn out comment but now im wanting to get back in it and watching yalls videos helped, thank you. Subscribed

[@user-yc6wx4sn5n]

Look into the poseidon Norton Boost/ thru axle on both ends Giordano intrepid is nice too, but 135mm rear spacing

[@viper26ja79]

I just bought this bike and I wanted to watch your review, I did used to do a lot of long-distance trail riding with a lot of kit on, and looking at this bike and riding the bike like I have been I really think that this would be a good hunting bike or long-distance trail bike the way it is. I bought it specifically to have a bike so that I can teach my son how to ride his bike. But I'm definitely going to be painting it for sure.

[@dougbrown7150]

Its the first big box bike ive seen with a derailleur hanger seperate. Huge plus

[@777Bviews]

I just bought a Mongoose Malus because of your informative video done years ago and I must say that bike is neat. Fat Tires for life.

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

Thanks man! Fat Tire bikes are definitely a blast.

[@777Bviews]

@@WOLFTICKVIDEOS 🙌🏽🤙🏽

[@keosoutdooradventures]

This bike looks promising, may have to get one!

[@tmwei396]

The head tube uses an integrated headset. It is very common with mainstream mountain bikes you'd find in bike shops.

[@keosoutdooradventures]

I love the integrated headset, most Santa Cruz run it and a lot of higher end also.

[@jamesalxl3636]

Im getting this bike cuz of your review thanks

[@davebrydon9954]

Saw this yesterday at a local Walmart. Took some pics to send to you. Guess you beat me to it! Haha

[@tdebiasio1011]

I was super happy to pick one of these up for $150 last week off of Facebook marketplace

[@ucdcrush]

I picked one up this morning from the Florin Rd store in Sacramento. There are 2 more on the rack now. I just bought the Northrock XC27 a few days ago from Costco, so will be able to compare the two side by side, then I'll return one (I'm thinking the Northrock will be going back). I jumped on a scale with each, and the Northrock (27.5) with the factory kickstand is about .4 lbs lighter than this Ozark trail 29. The OT is a few inches longer total. If they both had a kickstand I imagine the actual weight difference would be about 1 lb heavier for the Ozark Trail.

[@garthspringberg.9471]

I have the same bike but have customized it with a 27.5 wheelset and air fork,the crown race can be used on other straight steer tube forks and works perfectly,I also put spank spoon 785mm riser bars on it,2.40 vittoria tire on the rear and a 2.5 vittoria on the front end and have room for bigger on both front and rear

[@rickywoods3101]

Good video ! Looks like a decent bike ! I have a high end bike but I been think of getting a cheaper hard tail to do some under biking when I ride with my daughter for fun, this may be the bike paired with a cheap air fork ..

[@roywallace5916]

First, I am loving the videos. Y’all keep up the GREAT work ! So I am a truck driver. I bought the Ridge. I carry the bike with me on the truck. I’ve got a couple questions. I know I’m doing it all wrong but I want to tinker a little bit. I love the frame. That is what sold me on this bike. But I want to convert it to a hybrid bike. And I think I may want to start with the gear set. What would y’all recommend changing it to? Crank and cassette along with the derailleurs. And then I’ll either change out the tires or the forks.

[@ManicTrailBanter]

I was just thinking earlier today I might pick one of these up and ride the crap out of it as is just to see how it holds up. I plan to pick up or build a “hardcore” hardtail at some point, it would be really funny to end up with an Ozark Trail instead of a Marin or similar. Thanks for the in depth look guys, good stuff!

[@blazingtrails7497]

I just scooped a 2014 29er yellie screamy canfield hard tail I'm doing up

[@ManicTrailBanter]

@@blazingtrails7497 Dope man! I just built a Trek Scratch 26ER, and next I am building a budget Specialized dirt jumper next as well as a Specialized Rockhopper for my lady 🤘

[@PTurbo86]

I just purchased the exact Ozark 29er medium frame in the video, here, a week ago. So far, not too bad. I'm not as experienced as you, but I'm interested to see how she does in their real time review. I mean, this thing has a LOT going for it for the $398 price point. I did contact Kent asking about the rear derailleur hanger, and they're inquiring about the model number. Not sure who made it if they reply tomorrow saying it's not theirs. They did mention that they'll see if they have one in stock once they have my model number.

[@clivengauge]

Not a bad looking bike lots of good bits on it hope it rides well 👍

[@jackalden9527]

Btw its 15kg not 5.31kg 😅. Not a bad bike for the money. I'm unlikely to ever buy a walmart bike, but love the production from you guys, especially like the budget part reviews. You seem to be testing the stuff most youtubers won't touch. Keep it up, greetings from the UK 🇬🇧.

[@patchesthejaybird8431]

Wow, that bike would be a great starting point for so many riders! Its so unlike most bikes Wal-Mart sells. Bike shops better beware!

[@derekneumann]

Schwinn introduced this type of headset style back in the late 90s-early 2000s and called it the ICBM headset. Internal Cup Bearing Module. That was back when Schwinn made for real race bikes like the Homegrown. They were the first (as far as I know) manufactured to do an ICBM set up.

[@theshedMTB]

Looks like a good bike, i would really like you to mension geometry, easy stuff to measure. I think Wolfman said it had short chainstays, but that would be real easy to measure. How about head tube angle, the final shot had a angle finder on the bench behind the bike! Jusf a thought, i enjoyed your initial impressions, as always!

[@matttiggerward6147]

Now that looks like a real MTB is this the next Ardor? I always find the sizing interesting, I’m 6 foot tall , manufactures will always say I need a large, but I always ride a medium as I like a small frame with loads of stand over height, it’s also much easier to move the bike around and control it. That’s headset is a really unique feature on a bike at this level, it is an huge upgrade!

[@Inubis9]

This bike looks quite similar to the Mongoose Ardor, just with a grey frame and perhaps not that slacked out in the front. Seems like the price to performance is very good. Would love to see a side-by-side comparison of the frames.

[@andi1831]

You've got an full intergrated headset. cups worked completly in the frame. Kind of surprising that the bike has it.😮

[@christeschke9844]

Just put the New L-twoo groupset on my brothers new road bike. It was 300 poutine dollars for the hydraulic brakes and driveline. Seems like a really cool bike, makes me want to retire my 2007 bike soon :) Integrated headset, semi-integrated has cups that you press in. A lot of the road bikes have integrated and integrated crown race on the carbon forks.

[@matthewsolomon9117]

Call the Ozark Trail bike "Hillbilly".🤣 Love you channel, keep the great work.

[@k0k0w]

I'd call this a unicorn! The specs of it is quite a unique for a built big box bike!

[@k0k0w]

Specifically, that integrated headtube, 31.6 seat post sizing and that included freehub wheelset! Hopefully you'll find a small size for yourselves!

[@jamesbailey8449]

Had an integrated headset on my fat bike for years with no issues, makes for hassle free maintenance and makes the headsets cheaper.

[@zethjugos1250]

Its got modern features for a budget frame. Integrated headset and internal routing made for hydraulic brakes. Its meant to be upgraded. that a5 version can accommodate a larger cassette...its bang for the buck...

[@aaronbehindbars]

I have multi thousand dollar full suspension bikes and want to pick one of these up!

[@bobk381]

Great looking bike! Maybe call it the Ozark Trail “Wolf Pup” because it can grow with you. Start with the 3 contact points using your favorites and go ride!! I think these Ozark Trail bikes are manufactured by Kent Bicycles.

[@JohnGlen502]

The Mongoose Ardor remains a good option at $349. It has a 17.5 frame with 2.6 inch wide tires. Cheaper than the Schwinn Axum both made by Pacific Bicycles.

[@MissingLinkMTB]

Love mine. Been logging some miles on it and zero problems. Wish I could get the decals off. I wonder if acetone would dissolve them like rim decals as they don't seem clear coated in, but definitely not something you can peel off.

[@husky0877]

Pretty good looking bike.

[@lukem7203]

That bike with the limited rear tire clearance would be a great candidate for a mullet bike. 27.5 @ 2.4" might be a great fit.

[@PghMtbRides]

Yep or a 26x2.4 on a 25-30mm ID wheel I got one on my Intrepid and its fun

[@Mountain-Viking]

Yea integrated headset. It's for cost savings. They dont have to press in a cup, thus reducing the amount of parts needed and operations while assembling. If any problems arise you can potentially machine the headset and press in a zero stack headset down the road. Most carbon frames are made like that too, but for other reasons.

[@mtbboy1993]

14:19 It's called integrated headset. As the bearings sit directly in the frame. An issue with this is if you abuse it and you can screw up the head tube, but with a press fit headset you can swap the headset instead of the frame. It's very common, but the main advantage is lower weight and easier service.

[@patchesthejaybird8431]

Who is the King, and who is the Jester? LoL! You guys are great. Don't forget your a team, and better together. Wow the frame is made in Taiwan, not mainland China.

[@paulbilliet967]

Just bought this bike. Did Nine miles right off the shelf in Boggy Draw Delores Colorado. Bike totally killed it. Can't believe it is a 400$ bike.

[@EJ-V8Bikes]

You guys are simply awesome! I tell you there's no better mountain bike duo than you 2 gentlemen! Now that's an impressive bike from Ozark! Their Ozark Vibe was horrible if you ask me. I checked it out at Walmart. This new ride looks promising! What do you think of this Ozark Trail bike versus Kent Trouvaille?

[@Jason-rn4jk]

$398!? The Walmart near me had it for $298 actual sticker price here in Pa, just saw it last week.

[@aCoreyJ]

Thanks for the great video, been looking for new Bike's for my wife and I and this helps (although still a lot over my head). Do you think my Wife at 5'6" would be comfortable with the Medium (seems the small was indeed a phantom)

[@grimaceg1253]

The headset is very interesting. Will be good to see what happens with a different fork.

[@estebanf707]

Great review. Any chance you guys can take a look at Hiland bikes. They have a 27.5” medium frame Mnt bike for under $400 that looks like it can compete.

[@oldmansadventures4627]

I'd call it a machined head tube. The only downside to that is that if the bearing seat ever wears there's no (good) way to easily repair it.

[@TuckerC1]

hey wolf and tick, that headset is called an integrated headset and they have downsides and upsides such as good cost and looks clean, but also it will wear out and you cant replace the cups so the frame would need to be rewelded which is very pricey just to keep it alive. They are most common on bmx bikes

[@claremontinteriorsmw]

I would have thought wearing out may be a long time then if those cups are for just seating the sealed bearing

[@fryloc359]

​@claremontinteriorsmw yeah if it's got a sealed bearing then I dont think that neck will wear out.

[@nobrakes7247]

The guy that owns Walmart is a mountain biker. Maybe he's having a little input into what he's putting on his floors

[@williampage5033]

Man, put the dork disc on a record player and see if it has a some songs on it! It can also double as a Frisbee! But overall thats a good looking bike.

[@joeo7395]

Ozark Trail Blazer sounds like a cool name.

[@PeterAlfonso]

I might go pick one up before they are out of stock forever!

[@jonodiel6440]

Thanks for the infomative video. Do you happen to know what type of rear wheel hub it has?

[@marnig9185]

Its full Integration Headset like in cabon bikes,why not:)

[@philipmansfield9951]

great vlog need this bike in UK

[@Wannaridebikes]

I forgot to mention when ya changing the gears I notice the rear drop outs look kinda thin and maybe just a stress point I’ve have seen a budget bike rear wheel snap from the drop out

[@christopherbyrd5185]

How do you think this compares to a GT aggressor pro? That's the bike I'm currently running but have been wanting to try something different. But I don't want it to be a downgrade.

[@brianhill5526]

Its made with carbon from seat post n foxshock on the rear were it sets call it a frog nchain stay no cover on the chaincrankthe guy put a specialized Handel bar n grips that ok

[@BigBadJones]

Wish y'all would have measured the headset bearings OD . That way I could tell if there are options for replacement headsets.

[@brianhill5526]

Idea for that cabel is too prevent it getting caught on branches n rock or somebody

[@brandihodges9548]

Not a bad looking bike! HUGE dork disk. I know you can ride it but would say you'd do better on a small. Wouldn't trust those little forks on Hayes Creek. Maybe a good candidate to mullet???

[@allenm00]

I think the headset is ok that way as it isn't a bearing race since they have sealed bearings.

[@oscarbarrera3225]

I am new to bicycles and I have one of that brand and my question is if I can improve it with components from a different brand.

[@brianhill5526]

I like those stems on those

[@yinghamlyn-chen2]

My specialized stuntjumper has the same type of head tube

[@foxtrotdeltausn4757]

Do you have a video of tuning it? Just got one and the shifter needs tuned and I don't know how

[@Wannaridebikes]

I got them snafu grips I did not like them that much hard and the bar ends stick out. They are on one of my bikes but I plan to change them out and probably give them away

[@lstephenson247]

Why are their 2 holes on both sides for internal cable routing?

[@jlmercado76]

How does it compare to the vibe?

[@mikeaze423]

So if you replace the fork it can’t be a tapered fork?

[@greglhinson]

Hey guys, I need to replace my headset bearings on an Ozark Trail 29 Ridge. Two questions, 1) does anyone have the size/specs for the upper/lower sealed headset bearings they could provide me? and 2) can I purchase replacement headset bearings on Amazon or do I have to use bearings specifically from a Walmarts parts list?

[@nightfighter7452]

I got the only small at my local Walmart! I went to a few other stores and they were all medium

[@JohnGlen502]

The thing is, it's a great camping or multiuse bike. The little bit of protection for your pant leg makes sense so you can jump on without worry, so would be a kickstand, a nice durable on the rear in case you add bags. If you want a more true mountain bike get the Trouvaille or the Schwinn Axum. The Schwinn AL Comp is $298 and Boundary $348 both of those are worthy considerations.

[@chrisdavis837]

I agree that this is a good bike for camping, not to be confused with bikepacking. I can't help but think that his would also be a good commuter bike for someone who isn't sure that bike commuting is for them. Or, a POS/backup bike to use for commuting in the rain or snow. Plus, lock it up at the bike rack at the train station without fear since it isn't a life altering expense if it gets stolen.

[@sheepdogairsoft.]

Hey guys I got a question. I’m 6 foot and I was thinking about buying this ozark trail bike and doing a major upgrade to this bike, I looked at one today at wallie world and it was the one for people who are 5’6 to 5’11 the medium size bike as they don’t have a larger size available. The fit seems good for my size and I was just wondering what you thought. Will it be a good fit for me. Thanks.

[@leonjohnson2717]

Whats your take on the gravity HD27.5 TRAIL

[@antwanowens4013]

I bought the 24 inch it’s very light most of my travel will be on payment I believe it’s a 7 speed great disc brakes I’m 5’9 and it fits me well the 29 inch and 20 inch wasn’t my bag I bought mine’s from Walmart for under 220 bucks