There Are Risks! The Walmart Gravel Bike - Ozark Trail G1 Explorer

[@805Dak]

At the end of the day its a $250 value bike, its a great bike stop overthinking it and get this bike if this is what you want

[@AlenAbdula]

Exactly what I did! Am coming from motorcycle world, and wanted to get something cheap as I don't need another expensive hobby.😅

[@BonafideToolJunkie]

That's my plan. And green being my favorite color, take my wallet

[@caliorange2021]

I'm 100 miles on mine in just 1 month I weight 210 Put a bigger seat so far this bike is the best I've owned in long time

[@reflitchilator]

When you get a large slash in a tire put a dollar bill between the tube and the slash in the tire wall. This will prevent the tube from squeezing through and popping and will allow you to inflate the tire enough to take a slow ride home.

[@MILTONATOR]

Great tip! Thank you #nowIknow

[@rickjones7133]

I carry duct tape on my air pump for that purpose after getting a cut like that. Hope I never have to use it.

[@Kelekona_808]

I was going to tell him the same thing! Not sure if it would have worked on a slash that big on the side of the tire, but it would have been better than nothing at all. Excitement like this is what you sign up for when you use an air cartridge. ;)

[@orlandogodoy3233]

Saved my life when I got a gash up in the Angeles Forest! Saved me from a 35 mile walk home.

[@123109100]

​@@Kelekona_808lol palm leaf 😂

[@jasonbennett9777]

The way that tire was cut, that would had happened even with tubeless tires.

[@caliorange2021]

Looks like you out to much psi air pressure into your tires lol

[@jordanjudice4504]

​@@caliorange2021to be fair, I just got one this weekend and it does say 50-80 psi and I thought that was a little high, went with 45 and got a pinch picture the moment I went off into the grass. I'm hovering at 55 rn and that seems to be a good balance. He must have caught the side of the asphalt from the angle he left the road AND had that set to max psi

[@dragonflygenetics420]

Walmart bike but the frame is built in Taiwan which stands for quality.

[@neongecko3065]

And even at $250 it leaves plenty of room to upgrade everything important

[@killjoy8914]

Build up/upgrade with that bike from tires ,seats and peddles to drive train . not only will it allow you to grow in the mechanics but it's easier on the wallet to take it slow and grow.

[@ericcartmansstrengthandpow5960]

Nah, brah. All at once. Go hard or go home.

[@pastelink6767]

It's a rather heavy frame and the wheel set uses freewheel instead of a cassette. Absolutely not worth putting a bunch of money into. Enjoy it as is or buy something better.

[@terrycruise-zd5tw]

@@pastelink6767 i heard the bottom bracket is junk too, along with the headset

[@helidude3502]

I’ve been enjoying my G1. It’s a budget bike but I’ve not found it lacking beyond adding a squishy seat. 👍😎

[@ericcartmansstrengthandpow5960]

If you eat Taco Bell pre-ride you may find your seat way too squishy.

[@david78212]

Upgrade that one, you are going to spend more money just for a name with the same parts that you can buy. I bought a Poseidon Redwood on “last call” clearance and haven’t looked back. The seat, the pedals and eventually the tires are what I’ve changed… eventually I want the Microshift Sword, but I’m not in a rush. Flat tires happen on every bike out there, Walmart bikes are no different.

[@Bigburt-]

vibey when you stopped at the baloons

[@MILTONATOR]

@@Bigburt- I see them every weekend and it’s a vibe every time

[@fenderbenderspecial]

Thanks for the review! This bike seems like a decent option to see if my fiancé enjoys gravel (I'm a mountain biker who started dabbling in gravel last year). Flats can happen to any bike. If I were in your position, I'd first try putting on better tires that are more durable. That should get you many happy miles. If you do end up wanting a nicer gravel bike without spending crazy amounts of money, I have a Marin X10. I picked it up around $1k and it's been very solid!

[@MILTONATOR]

At $250 this bike is a solid choice for trying out gravel. It’s definitely served the purpose for me.

[@marcdavidson3676]

That was a great video. Not the slashed tire, but getting out on some fun single track and seeing the balloons. That must have been a magical day for you. Plus, the bike as you said looked dialed in, tight, and fun. There is nothing like riding a bike that is well tuned on beautiful countryside

[@MILTONATOR]

@@marcdavidson3676 thank you! Really was a fun day (including the flat) 😀

[@chiparooo]

I haven’t bought one yet but I’ve been looking at them. Those tires do seem very soft to me and flats are going to happen. Would love to see you upgrade it to see what can be achieved. Thanks for the light links. I like the look of the tail light. Thanks for sharing!

[@MILTONATOR]

Thanks! Head on over to Facebook there’s a group called “Ozark Trail G1 Explorer Gravel Grinders” Bunch of people sharing their upgrades

[@KawikaLee408]

Seeing this bike gives me the itch for a build but that's the last thing I need right now. Personally I got myself an aluminum Cannondale topstone 3 during the pandemic. Just above the base base model. Serves me great and I absolutely love it. You may be able to find something comparable to it for a bit cheaper but I had a cannondale track bike in high school so I got it for the nostalgia

[@MILTONATOR]

This bike makes for a fun project. I’ve been watching tons of reviews on different gravel bikes, to include the topstone. Tons of options good options out there. Regardless, my plan is to hold on to the Ozark. She’s a keeper

[@71hernandez]

I never thought I would consider a gravel/road bike , but just turning 53 my knees are making me think otherwise . Especially for the price point this bike comes in at. As far as your bike goes I would upgrade the parts as they fail with parts you want and then when the frame is the weak link make the final upgrade.

[@MILTONATOR]

I was right there with you not long ago thinking road? Gravel? Nah! But man, it’s turned out to be such fun (and the fitness that’ll come with) This bike makes is somewhat painless to try gravel at only $250

[@jmdrstv]

Long time MTB rider. Started riding gravel a few years ago to mix it up and love it. Hard to find a better deal than the Ari Schafer if you upgrade.

[@123109100]

I have the same bike i need more air in my tires rock hard hit felt it hit the rim opps lucky tires been great 😮

[@rhodeislandhiker4745]

I think the bike has really good bones and watching other entry level gravel bikes video that typically start at least $599 they have to make the same upgrades. Tires , saddle, pedals . Great video and keep us posted on what you decide to do

[@MILTONATOR]

I agree, this bike is impressive and as you say, has really good bones. I’m keeping this bike, even if I end up buying another one. Thanks

[@sethcycle4591]

Have seen several G1 tires cut. Id def upgrade the tires if you plan on taking it on gravel or trails. Easy and cheap upgrade!

[@MILTONATOR]

Yep! Should’ve done that from the beginning

[@BonafideToolJunkie]

The first thing I observe is the welding. On this particular bike, it gets an A+

[@MILTONATOR]

@@BonafideToolJunkie it’s a good looking frame for sure

[@richardtoepfer9326]

They are kenda tires though. They actually sell them at my local bike shop as well

[@Michael-xl5hc]

I popped both my tires on my g.1 very quickly. I installed thorn proof tubes to help prevent that in the future. If it happens again I’ll go with gator skin tires

[@travelthenarrowtrail8660]

We're always upgrading some way... How can I make this bike better... Love this sport.

[@MILTONATOR]

Ain’t that the truth 🤙

[@VladimirKorsun]

Thanks for share your experience.

[@joshuabuilds3051]

F the bike, what was the cageless water bottle cage??

[@heath6015]

A lot of companies are having summer sales right now, Obed, Niner, Specialized, Canyon, Trek, YT, Priority, Ari, GT, Alchemy, Lynsky and Lite speed. I probably missed a few, lol. This is not normal, maybe due to low sales and too much inventory. Maybe we will see sales again around black friday. Some of these bikes are 2k and upwards of 4k for a nice build. Some cheaper options might be going with a Chinese brand like Winspace or searching used - if you can get them to a price the bike is valued at. It's a buyers market right now. I was a bit concerned about those tires on that Ozark bike and after watching your video, I think they are worse than I thought. Good gravel tires are 60 - 80 / piece

[@MILTONATOR]

It’s a buyers market for sure. I’m already shopping around for a used one, but I’m still keeping the Ozark. Already replaced the tires as well with Maxxis Ramblers with better protection.

[@Maldonado13]

How much tire pressure do you put on this bike

[@jimmyhart3191]

Great video Might have to start a morning ride

[@MILTONATOR]

@@jimmyhart3191 thanks!

[@madmax2069]

You should be wary of the front wheel retention setup, I've seen a few videos of the front wheel popping off when you apply the front brakes. The QR can pull right out of the indentation isn't deep enough and the slot where the QR fits through is too big, so the QR doesn't really get held into place by the indentation

[@MILTONATOR]

@@madmax2069 thanks for pointing it out.

[@madmax2069]

@@MILTONATOR search for "travis anderson g1 explorer" you'll find a short with a thumbnail of a G1 wheel hanging on the air. The person that posted that had the wheel come off while they was going down hill.

[@madmax2069]

@@MILTONATOR the way the fork looks to be built for the thicker older style of axle that uses a nut instead of a QR.

[@infinimetrical]

I'm looking at one of these for basic transportation. Compared to other options in the store, this bike looks to be of the better quality. Crank, gears, handlebars, brakes. The one next to it is a "Hyper" as a 21 speed instead of a 14. However, the Hyper has an inferior crank, and brake system despite having a Schrader valve instead of a Presta. I lean a little more towards this bike.

[@MILTONATOR]

I didn’t look at any other bikes at Walmart because I had already made up my mind on the Ozark G1. Just over 100 miles on it… bike is solid. Specially as a daily commuter

[@DjangoPorter]

What size of tire.v is that called a. 700c ....40c? you order to replace it

[@MILTONATOR]

Here you go! I bought the 700x40 exo www.jensonusa.com/Maxxis-Rambler-700C-Tire

[@timothy7768]

Can i ask the question do higher end bikes have issues? If yes who would we blame if the issue happen. I think regardless of who makes the bikes or where you buy them from all have problems. Buy some new tires for the bike and keep enjoying your rides..

[@MILTONATOR]

In the space of higher end performance bikes, the frame and the components all come with warranty and if/when an issue arises, one can easily file a claim. Not so with bikes like this one from Walmart. I don’t “blame” Walmart necessarily because I expect issues to happen because they’re producing bikes that are affordable for casual riding, not performance based. Hope that helps clear things up for you

[@trailpimp6369]

Will this bike work on Party Wave? Would you consider taking a run at summit with this?

[@MILTONATOR]

Absolutely not 😂

[@MissingLinkMTB]

I'm curious on the sizing. I'm 6'3". I noticed they don't list them in s, m, l sizing like the mountain bike. I have my mountain bikes and road bike, but a gravel bike is something I've been wanting for awhile now. At $250 I can definitely swing that and see if it'll fit in my riding schedule.

[@31IVI3jZ]

I have this bro and it says medium. I’m 6 feet and honestly I feel like I barely fit.

[@pwk879]

What they call a Med/"50 cm" size in this bike is more like a bike store 56 size frame. I'm around your size and ride a 58 frame road bike. At $250, I couldn't resist trying this, and bought the Med size. I can tell it's smaller than my road bike, but it's definitely rideable; I may eventually put a longer stem on it, depending on how it feels after a long ride.

[@31IVI3jZ]

@@pwk879 spot on! Yeah I ride a 58 but 56 is fine since I have short legs

[@MissingLinkMTB]

@@pwk879 Ahhh! I might have to try and find one in medium at the store.

[@offshorebear]

I am 6'0" I love the bike but I feel like I am at the maximum size. There is more to just height to a bike fit but I kind of doubt you will do well on this one.

[@stuartwalker6409]

hahah what a good video, wondering if it would be good for my girlfriend to get into biking. I have a decent gravel bike that is a few years old that I want to upgrade that I could swap the components too. Good video again

[@MILTONATOR]

@@stuartwalker6409 thanks! Hey, you do what needs to be done to try and get her into riding. If in the end she doesn’t, be at peace, you did your part. And you go right ahead and enjoy the components/new bike. 🤷🏻‍♂️ 😉

[@JohnMFlores]

Sorry that your ride ended prematurely. Glad you're ok. I just got the same bike What tire pressures were you running? BTW, I think I got the same helmet!

[@MILTONATOR]

Congrats on the bike man. It’s a fun one for sure. Did a 27miler this morning. I run 35psi front and 38-40psi rear

[@yungmayanprinceymp6113]

im 5’5 and with wide build what size should i get

[@MILTONATOR]

@@yungmayanprinceymp6113 I would say Small

[@markhay1664]

I’ve been on the journey of upgrading my budget hybrid / gravel bike for two years now. Like your self I’ve owned MTB hard tails, full suspension and my last bike before going back to basics was a full sus Ebike. I’ve learned more about bikes in the last 2 years through upgrading (on a budget) than I ever new. I also started with tyres, one of the best cost effective upgrades you can do to any bike 👍.

[@MILTONATOR]

Good stuff! Taking on this Ozark as a project bike will surely teach me new things… patience being one them 😅

[@gabehunt2000]

Don’t see the links for the lights?

[@MILTONATOR]

My bad. They’re there now 🙃

[@Mr2fiveone]

Lol, I was wondering when you were gonna ditch it.....smart move!

[@MILTONATOR]

Getting another one for sure but keeping this one as well 😅

[@Thereservist45]

Upgrade the tires and brakes and seat

[@jimmyhart3191]

Why the brakes?

[@cmatrickshots6364]

Where do you live? Is that Temecula Murrieta area?

[@MILTONATOR]

Yessir! Murrieta/Temcula, near the wineries

[@Mr2fiveone]

Poseidon Redwood, the absolute best bang for the buck....

[@MILTONATOR]

Spent some time last night looking at Poseidon… big maybe

[@peterbedford2610]

I'm thinking used ones will go for $150....great deal

[@WyattLewis-g2x]

the white cross has great down hill

[@MILTONATOR]

@@WyattLewis-g2x it sure does. I ride it once or twice a week on my mountain bike before work. One of these days I’ll try the gravel bike

[@sharpgirlsSerious]

Doesn't matter if it was a Trek. ! They come with garbage tires ! You must upgrade to high quality puncture resistance tires ! Maybe if you spend $5000k or more they may come with better tires, but I highly doubt it. !

[@ephektz]

I just got one of these delivered. It was supposed to come unassembled, but came, “put together” anyway. It’s awful. Not the bike, that seems fine, but the assembly. It’s an actual death trap. I am just imagining some poor soul getting one of these, not knowing what to check, and the first time they hit the front brakes hard their front wheel twists off the frame as the quick release skewer nut is reversed. I mean, before riding they’d have needed to tighten the handlebars (in every direction), filled the tires, adjusted the brakes, and rerouted the chain, but after that.

[@MILTONATOR]

Yikes! I’ve heard similar stories.

[@pwk879]

Yeah, I really wanted to get one fresh in the box for this exact reason. With it sold out online though, getting lucky finding one (pre built) in store is currently the only option. Mine also needed numerous adjustments, torquing, and lubrication to bring it to an acceptable riding state. I enjoy it, but people need to realize you're not going to ride a bike like this right out of the store.

[@jonlamontagne]

So what did cut in your tire have anything to do with it being a Walmart bike?

[@tmayberry7559]

That sounds like a knock against Walmarts to me 🤔

[@thatdude8114]

Im so confused.... does this guy think that only walmart bikes will get flats?

[@Dempsey222]

Milton did you watch the Skills with Phil video of him at bike park on Walmart bike? That is a great video on the topic. It is a classic.

[@MILTONATOR]

I haven’t yet, but I will now 🙃

[@Dempsey222]

@@MILTONATOR kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZywn56Vmqh3h7c

[@JohnRadford-iy7db]

Upgrade tryes

[@MILTONATOR]

💯 💯

[@Fyoutube40]

The last thing we should be supporting at this point.

[@carloswithac]

Pretty good for the price!

[@MILTONATOR]

100% Really good!

[@daniellarson3068]

One flat is a poor statistic. Change the tire and see if history repeats. All bikes get flats. It seems like one easy option is just to put better tires on the Walmart bike. I've been amazed at the good press this bike is getting.

[@MILTONATOR]

I know what type of riding I want to do now that I’m hooked on gravel and this bike’s components won’t be the most capable. That’s really what it comes down to. Not a knock on the bike, because it truly is super fun to ride and functions rather well

[@stevengagnon4777]

Better tires is a worthwhile upgrade you will get better flat protection and ride just doing this for the rear tire is a big difference. Upgrading the number of speeds will be costly rabbit whole due to number of not trivial changes. The gear range can go lower a bit with a 14 - 34 freewheel and the tool to remove it. And probably ( recommend) new chain and the tool to size it to length.

[@waktosha7378]

You really shouldn't blame the tires. They are proper tires.

[@Tinykiller138]

No offense but you just got some bad luck and got a flat unfortunately just upgrade the tires on it. My explorer has been abused since day 1 up and down hills and big jumps and I am not a light person. Why hate on the bike when it’s just a quality control issue on Kenda tires? With that being said, glad nothing happened to you man! I do enjoy the videos. Switch the freewheel to the Shimano 14-34 that’s what I did and it makes a big difference going up.

[@MILTONATOR]

Thanks! Yeah, definitely not hating on the bike- just being mindful of what I believe it was designed for (and not) I actually really like the bike and will keep it even if I end up buying another one

[@Poloturbo77]

Tried that kinda ride and almost died.

[@douglepong]

The roads this man goes on would wreck any bike lol! Try a mountain bike for what you ride!

[@frankhayes288]

I am jealous of those trails and beautiful views. Those bike lane/shoulders sure do get narrow at times though, I wish they would consider cyclists when they design these roads.

[@travisanderson4263]

kzbin.infoQGblMHyo9Gg?si=BqvpULJpyy1KowMg Bro, that bike is a lot more dangerous than you think!! I took a nasty digger over the bars because there is no front wheel retention on it. I can share more about my experience if you like.

[@inaheap7172]

better tires same bike

[@lakaumbucha]

I know this bike will get stolen. Nothing is safe here. My Fuji was snatched up quick.

[@Tarmaccyclocross]

Warning just get a mountain bike 🤣🤣

[@repo4]

He already has one, or more.

[@Fabian.001]

Gravel???? Noooooooo wyyyyyyyy😅😅

[@MILTONATOR]

@@Fabian.001 adding gravel to the mix. For the fitness 😅💪