UPDATED Ozark Trail Vibe 27.5 Seen in Walmart Stores! Dropper Ready Small Frames & More!

[@JaredUnashamed]

Yes. Very nice. Replaceable derailleur hanger is a must. Perfect platform to ride and uprade as you see fit.

[@louissharpe6236]

I found an updated version today, next to the previous version. It was a large size frame, which is exactly what I wanted for my son. I changed the pedals, adjusted the brakes, checked all the fasteners, and put air in the tires. Went for a test ride and was very pleased, it's pretty smooth for such an inexpensive bike. My son and I went for a short 5 mile ride on beginner- level trails and gravel roads today. He likes the bike, so we're both happy.

[@No_ReGretzky99]

This is going to be more of a light trail in commuter to work as I have seizures and can't drive I got the same updated version and I really like this bike as this is going to hold me over until I get the diamondback hatch or hook new one😂😂 but I would like to keep it as a second backup the back brakes are a little bit tight rubbing a little tiny bit taking some coasting speed away nothing's bent what can I do to loosen them up??? ❤❤❤❤

[@louissharpe6236]

@@No_ReGretzky99 You could try adjusting the lateral position of the brake caliper by loosening the bolts that hold the brake caliper onto the frame. You could also adjust the amount of space between the brake pad and disk by changing the amount of cable that is pulled through the pinch bolt on the brake caliper. I think the manual has info on these adjustments.

[@No_ReGretzky99]

@@louissharpe6236 yes sir I think that's what it was the people that assembled at Walmart obviously don't know what they're doing and they screwed it all the way in complete tight so it was squeezing the pads against the road or no matter what so I just loosened it to where now it's not rubbing I went for a 5-hour bike ride after tightening everything except for that part I didn't figure that out until I got home but I put it through the wringer and it held up great I'm getting a diamondback hatch 3 here when my federal taxes dropped but I'm using this as a backup 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@No_ReGretzky99]

@@louissharpe6236 destiny better pedals that would be the first thing I do and then dropper post set up

[@AK-oz4ew]

Great review, Ken, please continue Walmart bikes line, we all love it, you are the best source of info

[@daniellarson3068]

As Walmart increases the quality of the bikes it sells, the big bike manufacturers should get increasingly worried. There seems to be huge price differences between Walmart & other big box bikes and those sold in bike shops. Will the public continue to choose to pay this big money difference for perhaps small differences in some bikes? Please keep telling us about these bikes.

[@isaacsgarage7951]

Glad to see they finally updated the frame to have a replacement hanger , Now it’s worth doing some work too before it wasn’t

[@GaryInSoCal]

Bought this bike (with 17" frame) a few weeks ago. I'm 71 and not a trailblazer (bought it to get my lazybut in shape). I've already rode it on a few 'blue runs'. Will NOT be attacking the rock gardens and diamond runs with this. It handles the small jumps and sweeper turns nicely. It could use a slightly smaller front sprocket for the serious up-hills... but that's just outta-shape me sniveling... LOL!

[@rodjack1378]

I'm 64. I hear ya bud. It would be nice to have that. I agree. At least it's a 1x

[@bulletproof4716]

I got the Vibe about 4 months ago and it has some of the newer stuff on it like the extra port and the stem even got the wider handle bars and the shifter

[@keithkuder7879]

The problem is I regret dropping $1250 on a trek stache. Wish I bought 1 of these and had fun upgrading it with custom picked parts. I'm keeping my eye open for a damaged/ clearance model. I definitely want the 27.5.

[@KevCentral]

Stache is an entirely different league, IMO. Nice bike 👍🏻

[@virginiascurti5036]

Not remotely in the same class and they dropped the Stache although they still sell the frames. The Marlin 5 Gen I just bought that another story could have spent half the money.

[@keithkuder7879]

@@virginiascurti5036 yeah, I realize that. It's really the 29" plus wheel set I'm not thrilled with. Should have been more patient after I decided I was gonna buy a nice mtb. I was really looking for a 27.5 but this stache was loaded and a good price. At least it has a short wheel base.

[@RichardVanMeter-j5x]

Thanks!

[@KevCentral]

Thanks 🙏. You are awesome 🤩

[@No_ReGretzky99]

I just got the new version today it seems like maybe the back brakes are rubbing a little bit is there something I could do to loosen them up?? I went through and tightened everything but this is going to be just to hold me over bike until I buy the diamondback hatch or the hook I'm just waiting for my taxes to fall on this bike will do for some light trails and back and forth to work as I have seizures I can't drive yet but I've always had a mountain bike what can I do for the back brakes, nothing's bent otherwise a pretty good little bike and one more question would 29 inch tires fit on it thank you this is the first video I have seen of yours already I liked and subbed🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤

[@MultigrainKevinOs]

Pretty impressive at the price point absolutely looks like a capable bike for most light duty adventures around here. Now if Walmart Canada could just get the Ozark trail line up here that would be great.

[@MichaelRei99]

Very nice value for less than $300! I wish these were around when I couldn’t afford a top tier bike!

[@clone_enolc]

If someone was willing to spend the extra $100 for the 29" Ridge MTB is that a better buy than this updated 27.5 version 2? Cheers!

[@Papa_Shorty]

Im glad I caught this video. I was about get a Schwinn Axum 29 and the Ozrark Trail Ridge. At 5'3 a 29 bike is ludicrous. My plan was to get the Axum/Ridge and size down the wheels. The Vibe seems to have all the features I'm looking for at a great price. I'm a tinkerer at heart, so this is the perfect bike to learn on. Thanks a million.

[@Wykyd450]

@KevCental in your opinion, which is better..The updated Schwinn AL Comp or the updated Vibe? I’m new to this but want the best bang for the buck I guess.

[@cliftongardner4367]

300 bucks for something that’s probably superior in every way to my 19-year-old Specialized Rockhopper… call me impressed. I’ve been wanting to get a new bike to do some low-key trail riding with my son, looks like it may be time to pull the trigger!

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

If you never broke the derailleur hanger on your 19 yrs old Rockhopper I'd say go for it! It's a serious consideration tho, aluminium can't be bent back infinitely 😅

[@noahtkach1415]

besides the fact it lasted 19 years then ye it probably better

[@isaacsgarage7951]

Your specialized is 5x better than the 27.5 version trust me it’s cheap , The 29er version is literally a completely different bike

[@mattmboa]

Found one if these updated versions on clearance for $170 missing seat and seat post. Upon further inspection one of the crank arms arrived tweaked and contacted the chain stay. Was able to get it for $99. When replacing the crank arms/sprocket I found 32t on the front. $150 all in so far on a $300 bike. Wish there were some reviews of the updated version out there. Or a head-to-head with the ridge

[@KevCentral]

Congrats on the bike. This wouldn’t be able to match the ridge in a head-to-head

[@JudeStradtner]

Awesome. I just got one yesterday that had a missing seat and seatpost that was 50% off

[@RichardVanMeter-r5p]

It's a lot of fun I like to ship around town on it I put some really decent flat pedals on it a really big difference I'm planning on trying those Ozark trail aluminum flat pedals on a few bikes

[@lancecryor]

Just tested this one out in Walmart today and km getting one soon. Im a 5'5 male so I'll need the 17 inch frame. In the store it felt good to ride. And they had all new models.

[@helidude3502]

I like the updates. Kinda liked the orange calipers myself, but the black ones make better sense overall. Probably easier for the manufacture to source also. I wonder if mediums will also have the updates. It’s on my Xmas list. At that price, it’s likely I’ll get one. I’ve been happy with my new OZ Ridge, so the vibe could be a winner also.

[@Tux_Appreciator]

Walmart is listening! Nice to see.

[@No_ReGretzky99]

Where can I get the rear derailleur hanger at on this exact same bike except it's the updated version of course??? I want to keep a few on hand this is my commuter / backup bike😅😅❤❤🎉🎉 Subbed and liked also love your channel

[@1016ajm]

Hello!! I'm trying to buy a new bike but don't know which one.. I like the vibe shown here but I'm also a little under 5'7 and was seeing the Ozark glide. What would you say is a better buy?

[@jlmercado76]

Wow! Ask and you receive!!! Get them to build a full squish

[@cbass377]

I thought about this one, upgrading with some sweet 650B tires to grind some gravel. Maybe some of those new adventure/bikepacking style handlebars. Around here, we have lots of gravel, and roads that are rough enough to feel like gravel.

[@fattmonz2705]

Adding info because I didn’t see it mentioned…new version of small frame has 15” seat tube vs 17” on the old small frame I saw in a local store. Also, it appears the chainring is smaller on the new version based off of pictures on Walmarts website.

[@RichardVanMeter-j5x]

Well I'm definitely excited I've got another range to pick up one tomorrow I'm definitely enjoying the ridge into the old Mongoose excursion has become highly unreliable it broke down twice yesterday now it's right a little till I get to it the KHS I will be putting some new and much lighter crank arms and pedals 10 new bolts as well where should be a pretty exciting day tomorrow if it's not at that store there's one not far away another Walmart

[@RichardVanMeter-j5x]

I went to pick one up and bought the ridge M2 first next I'm thinking about this model or if I can get the hyper explorer hardtail on sale for $198 right now been thinking about the full suspension but it's a whole 4 lb heavier then the hardtail

[@moodyloon6420]

I just got the 27.5 vibe and It has been updated I have the bigger bars the removable derailer it's a awesome bike for 300$. I got the med. Frame I'm 5'11" 210 shock is a little light but. It's awesome for the price

[@ITS_SAMUEL101]

You also missed the cassette. The old one was just open, but now they have something blue in between each gear. You can see this when you watch the part about the derailer

[@HeavyHydrogen]

Where would I get a new derailleur hanger for this specific model ? Kent? Walmart has one discounted/returned, but it's bent in. I suppose I could try hammering it back

[@CinnaBohn85]

I’m think about this updated version or the Schwinn Al Comp. What are your thoughts?

[@waktosha7378]

I would buy this bike now! They lost the negatives and made this a decent bike I would be proud to own now. If I were in the market for a new mountain bike, I believe I would be buying this one! I prefer the 27.5 inch wheels over the 29ers. I only have one mountain bike, and it is the Ardor X1. At least my Ardor is better looking, at least to me any way. I have 7 bikes, not including 2 e-bikes, and 2 e-scooters, and I have no more room for another bike. That is mainly the reason I don't go out and buy one tbh.

[@BigBadJones]

I got the old gen off Facebook marketplace for $100 . What is the first thing i should upgrade?

[@mrjoel59]

Have you ever thought, Kevin, that they know of you and your location and they purposely bring bikes in to the stores that you shop at. I am almost sure that they are aware of you and your excellent channel on YT. BTW thanks for all the info and insight. I for one, appreciate your efforts. 👍👍👍

[@KevCentral]

Thanks, but my stores usually get the new stuff last, so I doubt that 😂

[@Jefe228]

Looks like a good thrasher. I'm pretty sure you can find a few five hunnies that probably doesn't ride as well.

[@maddawg_]

Is this better than the ozark ridge? Which one would you recommend?

[@NonLegitNation2]

if they had an XL sized frame in store I'd buy one tomorrow just to use the frame with all my parts from my GT Aggressor Pro, unfortunately it seems like Walmart bikes only ever go up to a size Large.

[@andrewhoward9455]

So this is my first mountain bike, I bought this and took it home to find out the derailleur was bent, I went back and exchanged it. I was confused because the one I was replacing had orange brakes and the new one didn't, I almost didn't exchange it because I thought it had been messed with. It is a different product number. I took it on the trails today and realized I have alot of work to do to be in good mountain biking shape but I like the bike alot and it was cheap so thats a plus, as a beginner having something thats new and inexpensive was great, just change the seat because this one kinda sucks

[@Joeyczhu]

for everyone wondering about the sizing, I got a small frame even though im 5'10. I know what you're thinking but the limiting factor really is how short the seatpost is. I couldve gotten a medium and i know that might have fit me a little better, but if you're as tall as me a small frame just feels so nimble. Get a longer seat post and you'll be all set.

[@markg3305]

I wish there was a comprehensive guide between this and the ridge 😢

[@spencerbrown1288]

Finally it's revealed, I thought I was going crazy!!!!

[@bleed_from_within_is_life9960]

Bruh I got mine 3 days ago 7 months after this video came out and I didn't know theres 2 versions so I went to see which one mine is and it's the old version I wanted the ridge but didn't get it bc of limited pocket depth but I been noticing my back break kinda sucks balls unless I squeeze as tight as I can I'll be in 1st just cruising down a hill tryna get to the trails and although I ain't going fast I'll hit the back break and it don't do nun so I keep squeezing Tighter and Tighter until either I find a tree or I lock the break But my front break is completely different I won't be going fast at all hit the front break and flip it So much more traction and the break works so much better but I can't use it bc I'll flip

[@travis3567]

Thoughts on the Axum DP for 398? If I want to spend less than 500 is there any other bike you’d recommend over the Axum DP? Just getting into the hobby but want the ability to upgrade if/when I get more serious

[@ekims_echoes]

$300 for a bike that's capable for trails without the need for upgrades? This is huge. I still think the Ridge is a better buy with a cassette and QR hub, but still. I love to see these bikes coming for so little money. It makes the sport way more accessible.

[@KevCentral]

IMO, there is still plenty of room for improvement, but I’m impressed with what’s here at this price considering what it used to be. The Ridge is a far better bike, also my opinion, and scales far higher given the $100 price difference

[@chriswilson7755]

Love the videos and insight. Keep up the great work. Looking to get my son a mtn bike for Christmas. Between the OT vibe 27.5 and gt aggressor being on sale right now which would you recommend? Medium frame. Thank you

[@KevCentral]

I don’t make recommendations, but I can give my opinion and what I would choose between the two, and that’s the Aggressor Pro if I could get it for the current $299.98 price

[@chriswilson7755]

@@KevCentral that's the way I was leaning. Thank you very much

[@JoshOutdoorsGR]

I wish that it had QR and the 40T in the front I think is going to make for some tough climbs. probably an okay gravel bike, but for $100 more the Trail Ridge is worth it IMO

[@danc3746]

Bike looks a feels great, but the chain kept derailing and I do not have the knowledge on how to fix or adjust it. And I'm certainly not going to pay to have it done. I returned the bike to Walmart.

[@jaydlonewolf6375]

Greetings! I'm thinking about buying it but I don't know what size and frame size I should buy for myself. my height is 5'7 and weight 226

[@RichardVanMeter-j5x]

I'm totally at impressive updated this bike I cannot wait to see some of the bills that come out of it

[@gulfcitynd]

Nice for 300 bucks but the one limit is really going to be the presta valves the drivetrain but all that can be fixed

[@tarstarkusz]

I know you don't like it, but I like that it has bolt on wheels. It would be nice if they came either with bolt on wheels or locking quick release.

[@seanrequiredfieldcannotbel1362]

Oh man. One day, not only will Walmart sell bikes with thru-axles, but they may even have hardtail on the shelf in carbon fiber....one day.

[@tarstarkusz]

@@seanrequiredfieldcannotbel1362 WHY? They would still be weak low end wheels mostly machine built (AFAIK, there are no fully machine built wheels). High quality wheels OTOH, are mostly hand built (meaning fewer steps in the process are automated). When you live in a big city, especially if you live anywhere near the hood, wheels get stolen. Of course, so do entire bicycles. But toolless attaching wheels are quicker and easier to steal.

[@seanrequiredfieldcannotbel1362]

@@tarstarkusz i mean, QR used to be cutting edge tech back when everything was bolt on. And you can ger a low end, mass produced bike with thru axles. I think you can get a Giant Fathom with thru axles for maybe $1000 on sale. AND, you still need a tool to steal a thru axle wheel. They are easier to lock, too. You can get security axles.

[@tarstarkusz]

@@seanrequiredfieldcannotbel1362 But what is the point? Through axles are only stronger (better) if made from quality material. This is precisely why so many people call dept store bikes "bicycle shaped objects" but not true bicycles. It's like a cargo cult. They are so much like cargo cults that there is literally bamboo bicycles priced quite high, despite being mostly made in the cheapest places imaginable. But having bolt-on parts announces to the thief, this is a dept store bike and junk with little resale value.

[@seanrequiredfieldcannotbel1362]

@@tarstarkusz thieves? Thieves target things with good resale value and things where there is opportunity to take advantage. Bolt-on is absolutely not going anywhere. But for little more, because the costs of thru axles will continue to drop to the point where it costs more to jig up the version with QR because they're verging on obsolete one day, Walmart will push out thru-axle bikes. Because people will buy it. Because the tech trickles down. Because someone else will do it in the dirt cheap bicycle shaped object market space. You really struggle to see why?

[@noahtkach1415]

i just bought a used specialized rockhopper for 400, it has a 1x shimano deore drivetrain and kenda 2.8 tires

[@KI5DJL]

my vibe has a replacable derailer hanger

[@gl0bal7474]

thank you very much for these reviews!

[@arobledo6398]

I wonder what the head tube angle is

[@KevCentral]

I’m going to try to get the official geometry specs

[@BrightPath_K9s]

@@KevCentral Have you received the official specs? I am trying to decide on a bike. I am either going to get a ridge or vibe but I am 5'2" so I will need a small frame at least from what I have seen.

[@andrewbetrosian2784]

I got one about 5 days ago, just wish it had quick release hubs.

[@KevCentral]

Congrats on the new bike

[@andrewbetrosian2784]

@@KevCentral Can't wait to upgrade

[@ericperry72]

I wonder if there is gonna be an update the Ozark Ridge next?

[@MichaelRobibaro]

Only thing the ridge really needs is a clutched derailleur

[@LionelBitsuie-dz2jt]

The bicycle gear are inadequate, mines has already malfunction. It sucs

[@danieloshea3326]

Is the plastic chain guard removable

[@CallmeJeffy1]

Ofc they upgraded it only 6 months after I bought the first version.

[@MichaelRobibaro]

This one is made by Kent, the ridge isn't do you know who makes the ridge?)

[@takay_the_loko]

My local walmart has one for $170 , missig a seat only !

[@aedanclifton6325]

What size inner tube is the bike

[@pentiuman]

Advertisements in his spokes probably streamlines the wheel profile, reducing drag and giving Kev increased horsepower to pedal up the big hills!

[@SuiteCaseLaw]

Can you add quick release hubs on that derailleur hanger?

[@KevCentral]

Yep

[@JohnGlen502]

They are doing impressive things - also makes you realize how much bikes were overpriced. I continue to be disappointed by Bike Snobbery at local bike shops maybe it sells bikes but this options are fantastic. Hey Kev are you gonna upgrade your Murray? Klunk klunk klunk.

[@mrjoel59]

One question Kevin, does this bike have a front fork lockout? I went to the walmart site and the said the bike had a sr suntour cm fork which I could not find any info for

[@KevCentral]

No lockout - it has dual preload adjusters instead

[@Theweouthereforrealclub-]

Suntour sell upgrade parts for the XCM 30 on their website. You can set it up with a dampener cartridge with either on the fork or remote lockout. I believe that would apply to this fork but I haven’t emailed them about it

[@michaelmartin2276]

Who manufacturers the Ozark Trail bikes ? I like the orange contrast. Thank you again for a great video.

[@KevCentral]

This particular model is made by Kent. The Ridge is not

[@michaelmartin2276]

@@KevCentral who makes the Ridge ?

[@DavidDartsch]

Is it a universal dérailler hanger?

[@Clipz-nm4ch]

i just bought this bike today and im having a blast!

[@KevCentral]

Congrats on the new bike

[@No_ReGretzky99]

I just bought this bike today as well to upgraded version and I really like it I'm big in the mountain bikes and my last one broke it was older, this is going to be more of a hold me over and let me get on some light trails the back brakes are a little stiff seem to be rubbing but nothing's been is there anything I can do to adjust them??? I'm just waiting for my federal taxes to drop any day so I can get the diamond back hatch or hook I think I'm going to go with the hook my local bike shop has them in their amazing

[@globalmilitarycollections4591]

Does anyone know what rear racks are compatible with it?

[@Majestic167]

From what seen, the very WORST thing I’ve found in Walmart bikes, is those nice big gouges on the handlebars from the sliding bike racks they’re on!!! I checked these out at my local Walmart, and all 3 of them were gouged into the metal, not just a small paint scratch. They had a couple of Schwinn Axams, and they had the same gouges. I’ll have to see if they have any in the back still in boxes, or order one. Maybe I’ll ask the manager for a sizable discount on one, and just buy some new handlebars, because I’ll likely be replacing the grips first anyway!!! 😂😂

[@Eric-u5z8u]

Pawn shop 150 cash, great bike, I'm impressed

[@TxJonathan]

Can you convert to QR instead of the nuts?

[@gk5891]

I think it may accept through axle skewers if you check.

[@bojames4287]

Did anyone notice the chain ring is smaller on the new version?

[@bojames4287]

I count 30 teeth

[@randyfaher8487]

I got an updated one from private seller monday for $100

[@michael61985]

Looks like a decent bike

[@ecopennylife]

First 🎉 Shame these aren't available in Australia

[@andrewbetrosian2784]

My $325 Vibe is now a $650 Vibe

[@virginiascurti5036]

ROFL, they would do this after I just dropped money on a Trek Marlin 5 Gen 2!

[@KevCentral]

Congrats on the new Marlin

[@jacklo325]

How was the stand over height?

[@KevCentral]

15” frame, so very low for me

[@rodjack1378]

Pd. 650 for a Dicks mtb. Gt. My 2nd bike. 1st one was about 40 odd yrs. ago. Steel frame, I loved it. Some dick stole my Dicks bike! Month or two go by, I'm in wally whirled, I see this bike. Was planning on getting this one. Glad I saw your vid. about update. They had both. Thanks to you, I now a bike I can build on. Negatives so far. It came with two flat tires. And you can't remove either

[@onis1969]

geez if i would of known 2 months ago to wait and buy

[@usmc29er44]

This is really good for $3 hundo. Just what some people need.

[@CC-un7jz]

What size are the pedal threads?I want to upgrade the pedals.I bought some with the adapters and is either to big or small.

[@ericp.]

Too bad we don't have any of these in Canada.

[@andyk3643]

I'm waiting for a FS version of the Vibe, or Ridge. I'm hoping that is in the works. I want to try a FS bike, but I don't want to spend 1800-2k for a bike I may not like. Even used FS bikes are $$$ where I live. That being said. I love my fully upgraded OTR.

[@tub5190]

These grades are for beginners only.

[@ozzyondirt4003]

I need this

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

The snub talking again, sorry in advance. Considering most shop charge upwards of 300$ to assemble a new bike it's a steal. If you're interested in groomed cycling paths and riding with the kids to explore nature in the periphery of your city it's perfectly fine. If you're interested in learning tricks, improving your skills, doing jumps, occasional bike park days, rip berms like you see those KZbinrs do, wheelie over obstacles, pedal in mud and water, through rocks, drops ... Anyway you get the point, if you're that person, don't settle with a MTB get also a BMX, but yeah you'll need to invest a bit more, quite a bit. Buying tons of cheap bikes isn't cheaper, I learned that the hard way with my 13 yrs old, he had almost 5 bikes before we got him a 4k used trail bike, superb Cannondale habit, I'm jealous. Ok it's lots of money for a 13yrs old but in least than two summer we spent 2000$ on buying and fixing cheap bikes that he destroyed on a daily basis... His Habit still looks brand new after months ... Consider the long term and where you want to be in the future, especially with kids involved 😂

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

Almost 5 bikes because he had my wife's trek at the start of the summer and he _almost_ destroyed it, I barely saved it 😂

[@KevCentral]

Thanks for commenting

[@thiosemicarbizidebenzoylal2921]

The promotion of this platform is beyond overhyped. The ARDOR blows this thing away for a trail hardtail, and this aint no XC platform either.

[@thiosemicarbizidebenzoylal2921]

@@wojtek-33 Its the frame that matters, and this thing aint even close to modern trail or xc disciplines.

[@bqoutdoors2334]

Can you put 29 inch tires on it?

[@RichardVanMeter-r5p]

29 inch version is the Ozark trail M2 ridge a very well established bike I have one I also enjoy writing the updated vibe this one's fun for shipping around town

[@RichardVanMeter-r5p]

By the way the M2 ridge is just under $400 at Walmart