Walmart MTB Upgrades! Will it explode or improve?

You guys wanted me to upgrade the Kent Trouvaille, and so that's what we're doing. We started with a brand new Walmart Mountain bike that LOOKED like it had a lot of potential. After fixing some serious problems with the assembly, we took the Kent Trouvaille for a ride only to blow the bottom bracket bearings. We also dropped a chain or two, and found out that the brakes aren't all that great.
Today, we install a new crankset, bottom bracket, and front chainring. This will obviously solve the blown bottom bracket, but also improve chain retention with a machined aluminum front chainring. Yes, a derailleur with a clutch would be nice, but in my experience the chain will still drop unless you have a proper chainring up front.
Next, we installed Zoom hydraulic disc brakes off Amazon so we'd have a fighting chance on a long descent. All in all, the bike and the upgrades now cost $521. For a bike with a 1x9, hydraulic disc brakes, and a Suntour fork with a lockout, that's a pretty impressive price. Will the bike perform impressively?
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Keep in mind I have not long-term tested these hydraulic disc brakes. Also I had to swap the levers because they were set up with the front and rear swapped. If you live in Britain or a lot of other places this will be fine right out of the box.
Crankset amzn.to/3Chz74o
This is a crankset, external BB, and machined aluminum chainring. As long as you keep your expectations realistic for $55, this is pretty darn impressive.
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[@BermPeakExpress]

I’m also attempting to buy a set of Shimano MT200’s from a “questionable” seller for a really good price. I placed the order and should have them by October! Historically I have been able to get these super cheap, but lately there are a lot of scams. From Jenson you can get the front and rear separate for a bit more than the Zooms, but you need to wait a few months. I’d love it if this seller comes through with them because Shimano is a lot more reputable!

[@holdorf333]

I'm actually upgrading my brakes on my FX5, I've got a like-new set of MT201 levers and both UR300 calipers/pads you can just have. if you want 'em, just reach out.

[@cyclopsmtb9435]

Hey Seth, I started mountain biking because of you. I recently got a new bike (ccm slope 26 inch hard tail). But I want to know before I take it out in the trail it’s good and safe. I don’t know anyone else to ask, so can you test the bike for me?

[@cza1898]

M315 and MT200 is almost the same right? The only difference is M315 has aluminum alloy levers

[@elesjuan]

I bought a 2nd hand unused trek marlin 5 for dirt cheap off Craigslist a number of years ago and wanted hydraulic brakes. The t5 has brakes and shifters in the same controls, so had to buy new shifters too. Took a risk and bought some Shimano hydraulic brakes off aliexpress for $43 shipped. Was shocked when they actually arrived, even more surprised they felt really good quality and work quite well!

[@bothbeta2753]

Hi Seth, there are lots of very good bike parts from Lazada for example and I was wondering If you would buy an air fork from Lazada even maybe Alibaba. A brand that is very popular is Balony and Modeng can you test one of those thanks.

[@GokkunGuru]

I rode a DH trail yesterday on mechanical cable brakes. The amount of arm pump and wrist pain by the end of the ride was unbearable. Definitely hydraulic brakes!

[@yourfatson8262]

2 solutions, hydraulic brakes, no brakes and hit into a tree or wash out on a turn

[@nzo_6543]

Yeah, a flick of a finger on the lever and instant stop

[@yourfatson8262]

@@nzo_6543 especially 4 piston

[@BermPeakExpress]

This trail is 1300’ of descending and will wreck your forearms without a good set of brakes, just like you experienced. These friggin’ Amazon brakes were PLEASANT to descend with. I was blown away.

[@nzo_6543]

@@yourfatson8262 indeed! Or maybe good bleeding in it,

[@jaredturner9547]

I would be interested to see how that bike would compare to an entry level trek or giant!

[@ianstubley9388]

I was thinking that because you can buy new Kona lava dome £450.better bike and cheaper than that Walmart bike.

[@au9561]

@@ianstubley9388 I am not sure where you got that price, but Kona Lava Dome in the US is $875

[@Anotherfunnyword]

Yes! I was wondering the same thing! If someone had an older bike, it would probably be a good idea to use this hack to upgrade the brakes and maybe the bottom bracket, but a new rider looking for a budget bike would probably have more luck with an entry level. For the same (or just a little more) on the price point, you would get a 1x, hydraulic brakes, an ok-ish coil fork AND warranty/tune-ups with an LBS. (edit: also, I think even entry levels usually come with a de-railer clutch)

[@derekdavis6508]

Also bikes direct, bicycles online, have good deals along with chain reaction, I like voodoo bikes, they were only through Halfords, but now I think you can get them online now international.

[@OmnieStar]

@@Anotherfunnyword What Entry level bike that is the same style as this one is better? I'm looking to buy one that i can take in the dirt and on street, BUT iv never owned a bike with gears xD BMX only. So don't wanna get the wrong type, considering I'm very broke so price is a BIG selling point.

[@jackpiki]

I would absolutely love to see the 180$ Amazon air fork! Great video as always Seth, cant wait for the new updates 👍😁

[@josephlewis3670]

Yes

[@spicydramarama852]

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16, 17.

[@oneDonly]

@@spicydramarama852 Nah god knows that every imagination of man is evil continually and it repented god that he had made man.

[@jennifercavazos7851]

yes!!!!!!!!

[@robertsmith470]

Yes! Some sub $200 air forks, and a set of tubeless rubber should bring this bike up to the next level.

[@krunkikrofna]

Seth just sending everything on a walmart bike while i wouldn't try half of the features on a 10k dollar bike. Pure skill

[@hannes6114]

He's riding so fast that he crashes because of his bike

[@jmyoung513]

I wouldn't try half of those trails that fast with a 10k bike, 5k in crash gear, and a full med crew on standby.

[@WestonNey]

@@jmyoung513 give me a $1k bike and my helmet and I’m sending it. I live for that kind of trail. If only I had disposable income for a buke

[@jmyoung513]

@@WestonNey I've got enough body damage from mountain biking and 4wheelers that I don't need anymore. I noped out of a fairly simple trail on a quad at work yesterday because it was raining, and going in probably wouldn't be an issue. Coming out, on the other hand, if it kept raining for 3 or 4 more hours (it rained about 2 more) would have been much harder, and the other ways out were not just a steep grade and some rocks.

[@tdub25]

I mean that trail is a thing of beauty, literally as good as it gets for the entire east coast….

[@xavierhulbert5849]

I would really love to see how one of those Amazon air forks holds up. I’m delaying getting one for my budget hardtail.

[@aaronswope1048]

I would be curious to see how the suntour fork upgrade program compares to a cheap Amazon air fork

[@BermPeakExpress]

I looked into it and it’s a close call. I’d say Suntour would be safer and easier to service, but still more expensive with the discount. When their entry level air forks are back in stock I may try!

[@somerandomguywastaken]

@@BermPeakExpress i firsthand witnessed those air forks snap off at the crown. the two stanchions just came off the top, welds snapped straight. Forks werent bent or anything, just straight snapped

[@komoonkh]

Wolftick nation did test a lot of these cheapo forks. Some of them actually work good, but not all of them.

[@harrymcgill6291]

@@BermPeakExpress what is the travel of the fork? You need

[@sebastianjost]

@@harrymcgill6291 it probably is 80 or 100 mm here, for riding trails as the ones in the video, you probably want something more like 120-140 mm

[@arterca]

Just a heads up, Suntour has a trade in program for their forks. Your XCM forks would be good for that. You can get higher tier forks for a pretty substantial discount (need proof of purchase ofc). Cheapest set they would have is around $200 so a little more than the $150 Amazon ones but i really dig the program. It's a great way to help people on a budget. I bought my bike years ago and wish i still had the receipt otherwise i probably would take advantage of it. If i had the budget though... Right now i would be buying the SR Suntour AXON WERX F RL-RC 15QLC-TI sitting at a cool $1000 discount on their site.

[@tmitche36]

I think that buying second hand still beats out this. I bought my boardman mtr 8.6 (with a fork upgrade) for £550

[@SeanSG1405]

Yeah I found a 2017 Saracen myst pro for only 950 and that's with a boxxer and a fox dhx

[@AlwayzPr0]

yep, i only buy second hand and just wait for good deals.

[@BermPeakExpress]

It’s extremely hard to beat second hand, especially if you have the mechanical know-how to do these upgrades in the first place

[@tmitche36]

@@BermPeakExpress i often say to friends to buy second hand and let me have a look over the bikes before they purchase, just so they know its safe or if things needs to be fixed first

[@ricardofernandez8485]

Buying second hand isn't necessarily safe either. You run the risk of getting a bad or damaged bike unknowingly. At least with this, you knowingly accept that it may be a bad bike, so expectations can be tempered

[@Haydenismyusername]

It’d be so cool to see a whole series on the premise of “best bang for your buck”… Move over ‘Flip Bike’, here comes ‘Cheap Bike’! Love what you all are doing. Keep it up!

[@AleksandarGoleminov]

No. Flip bike is better.

[@ryanmarotta2413]

Hey Seth, if you want to upgrade the derailer, microshift makes that same advent nine speed derailer but with a clutch. I’m running it right now, and the clutch is damn good for $60!

[@ZF_Aspiris]

Same here, gotta love me my Microshift stuff like they are legit so underrated from where I bike at, and they are so rare to come by

[@lewislopez8610]

You saw that too huh, is it the long derailer

[@ryanmarotta2413]

@@lewislopez8610 The clutched version is in the medium cage(42t) and long cage(46t) *The long cage will work on both cassettes, but the medium cage will only work with the 42t cassette, which is what I believe this Kent has

[@BermPeakExpress]

I agree. I found it for $55 on Amazon and already ordered it. That could very well be the best 9 speed derailleur for the price and the best drivetrain for the money. We’re still under $600 with that!

[@lewislopez8610]

@@BermPeakExpress thanks I called the bike shop my trouville is at and they said it was the long cage but I think your more of an expert so which is best, medium or long

[@carlginnings9443]

What is that trail called?

[@Alttabbins]

You should find one of those chain guides you talked about in your old videos. That might be a good solution. For the next upgrades, I'd look at touch points. Those pedals look barely good enough. It would be interesting to see some budget minded grips and pedals and if it would be worth it.

[@Valentin359]

I also have a history of a bike for the best price, but my budget was about $1,000. I was able to buy a brand new Trek marlin 7 for just 720$, and then +50$ for a new Air Rockshox Judy (in addition to amount from selling stock fork) and +$60 for good tires. As a result I got my dream bike, and I still have some money to upgrade)

[@_anindith_]

I have a Marlin 6 and I'm also planning to upgrade to an air fork. But the prices of air fork is quite high in India. I was thinking of Judy. Is it good or should I go with other fork?

[@Valentin359]

@@_anindith_ Judy Silver TK is a pretty good fork. It cost me 190$. Rebound adjustment works well, it has 5 positions. it weighs less than I expected - 2160 gr. But be sure to disassemble and service it before installing it on the bike, because it worked very poorly out of the box, but after proper maintenance, it runs very smoothly.

[@willlange9978]

You can ride super bike you want, but this experiment really speaks to a huge group of folks. Congrats for not losing touch with the community. And just a really well produced video. So entertaining. Beers on me if you ever get to Bentonville again 😉

[@chuckdaley8633]

Always fun stuff, Seth! I think that an interesting continuation of this video - at least for people looking to get into mountain biking - would be to compare it to an entry level mtb from Trek, Giant, Specialized, etc etc. For instance a Marlin 4 is about $625 and a Talon is $600. Is it worth spending the extra $75-100, or is purchasing the Kent and doing some minor upgrades a better option? Either way, you're a had working man and we appreciate the great content!

[@spicydramarama852]

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16, 17.

[@mountainbikeman2.03]

Hey Seth keep up the good work I love your channel

[@jerryzheng6148]

Personally me, I think a “Flip-Bike” approach would be as good/if not better than a Kent Trouvaille build. I recently bought a Trek Xcalibur for $200 and it was a steal, and I can put even more new parts on it and have it better than the Kent. But it is completely just luck when you go on Facebook marketplace - sometimes for $200 you can get some awful department store bike, or like a slightly dated entry level hardtail.

[@allanreyes5405]

Decent upgrades Seth! You are correct, the fork needs to be changed to an air fork and probably change to a decent set of tires meant for the type of ride you have done or you are about to do when there is reasonable wear and tear on the tires. However, it might be better to get a $1,000.00 built bike that may have all the upgrades that you are looking for since the additional upgrades may be close to the $1,000.00 price tag. I don't live in the US and I may be wrong with my estimate price wise. Nevertheless, great content! Cheers!

[@MarvinWestmaas]

I just commented on the tires, I actually would love him to do a tire upgrade next before the fork and overlap the current bike with exact same setup but correct tires for the terrain he's riding. I think it has some educational value, lots of people run the wrong tires trust me I see it all the time, and it would be kinda fun to see him take those same corners he found tricky ( and crashed at ) with tires which actually give him good contact/grip. A cheap air fork won't be much of an upgrade I feel, in my exprience they are better at small impacts then a good coil fork but when you get bigger impacts those cheaper air forks can run into problems quickly with sloppy tolerances and very high wear and tear because of that. I would rather get a really good coil fork then one of those cheap air forks. Servicability I think is zero as well because the air damper being a single fixed assembly. Unless you got a specific cheap fork in mind?

[@0xsergy]

not even worth waiting for tires. upgrade the front tire for safety and keep it as a spare fast rolling replacement rear tire. not worth crashing :P

[@morganwilliams2863]

@@MarvinWestmaas manitou markhour

[@RinoaL]

Looks like you can get a lot of fun out of it for that price.

[@SlowDelSol]

I had a RockShox Judy Silver TK on a similar build, really nice fork for under 200. Tires would also massively improve it. I’m so stoked for this build.

[@rcranes2227]

For my daughter I got a Manitou Markhor fork. They make it in straight steerer tubes still (which you still find on older entry level bikes) and it weighs a heck of a lot less than a Judy for about the same price. Stanchions are 30mm which isn't great if you're a heavy rider doing really gnarly stuff, bit for my daughter that weighs 100lbs and riding blue trails on a hard tail, it was a perfect upgrade.

[@piworower]

they are excellent forks

[@WestonNey]

I love these videos so much but for me, I’m just gonna buy a beat up Specialized or something like that off the Facebook. A name brand bike with a frame and components I trust not to crack or break under normal use. For $500 I can get a nice Trek hard tail with better specs if I’m shrewd.

[@wilmernordman6268]

I want to see a cheap fork upgrade plus new tires! Keep up the awesome work Seth!

[@porterspiceland4679]

Please!!!

[@brnevs]

And maybe comparing it to a Recon RL wich I think is still one of the best cheap options...

[@porterspiceland4679]

Maybe even throw in an advent clutch derailleur?

[@louiefriesen]

I would avoid cheap amazon forks at all costs. If you want to see what wrong on them (which is everything), Evan's MTB Saga did a video on it. I'd rather ride a Suntour coil over a cheap amazon fork. The cheapest air fork I can recommend and would ride would be the Rockshox Judy Silver.

[@louiefriesen]

@@brnevs The Recon RL is great, I put one on one of my bikes. The Judy Silver is also great it's just got smaller stanchions. I would highly recommend them. Amazon forks on the other hand... AVOID! Everything that can be wrong with them is wrong with them. Evan's MTB Saga did a video showing everything that is wrong with them.

[@1-ctagalicudadriana.947]

Hello Seth! I ride an XC bike myself and had that chain issue before and the way I fixed it is by installing a pretty cheap chain guide and it's been a while since I dropped my chain while riding. I suggest you do the same, what do y'all think?

[@62swampboy62]

Another great vid. As far as I'm concerned, this is better than anything on regular TV.

[@QoraxAudio]

What's regular TV?

[@bobohunter1776]

People still watch regular TV?

[@bhuuthesecond]

This guy’s channel is so good. TV networks could buy his content and sit back and enjoy the ratings bump. Seth’s personality is so cool and he’s such a natural on camera. I don’t know how many hours I’ve spent on this wonderful channel.

[@RobertDoornbosF1]

Wouldn't work

[@QoraxAudio]

@@bhuuthesecond Nah wouldn't work, because most people only like to watch dumb shit.

[@EricFB]

Cheap air forks on that thing for sure! Also, a full "amazon/ Chinese knock off" build vs say a $3k hard tail would be pretty entertaining.

[@isaacsmtbvlog9049]

Hey seth

[@ricksbmx]

You got first comment good job

[@rony-g]

If you think that's budget search this bike Rockrider ST530 it's cheaper and comes stock with hydraulic tektro brakes a derailleur with clutch 1 by 9 drivetrain the only thing that must be upgraded is the fork

[@caleom1]

This raises and interesting question, your “cheap “ upgrades were far ahead of Walmart and price comparable. Using these dodgy brands on Amazon could you construct and entire bicycle and beat Walmart in quality? Considering many is the faults are in construction I think even Walmarts economy of scale won’t save them

[@thomassutton3608]

Look up Francis case on KZbin. He has videos using Ali express bike parts from china and building a whole bike without known name brands in the west.

[@UltimateWedgieParachuteCo]

Same question. I have a friend who bought an entire bike from Ali Express, including the carbon frame he started with and top of the line everything. He still had some serious coin in it but not $5k+. More like $2k

[@destinhook3826]

Kevcentral and Wolftick videos both build bikes with mostly no name parts

[@RK-kn1ud]

Get an X-fusion fork.

[@spaceman4782]

You should check out the Scwinn Axum from Walmart, I've been riding it for a year and it's been good fun! Not to mention it has a dropper post!

[@bindingcurve]

Without the dropper they are the same price. It is the better bike for upgrading.

[@johnwood2317]

I think what holds the Kent back is the seat tube diameter. It really limits what external droppers you can put in there and the lack of internal routing for a dropper is disappointing to say the least.

[@louiefriesen]

*DO NOT GET AN AMAZON AIR FORK!* Evan's MTB Saga did a video on everything wrong with them, they are dangeous. Instead, get a Rockshox Judy Silver, or a used air fork.

[@littleshopofrandom685]

You can usually get tektro brakes online in the $60us range. More "trustworthy" if people don't like the idea of no name brakes. That said, those basically look like deore copies, which is not a bad thing at all. Will be interesting to see how the seals hold up over a few years if you keep the bike that long.

[@mikedoe5295]

They won’t hold up unfortunately, see my comment ⬆️👍

[@sigalfamily4771]

A skilled rider helps...anyway, I always question the premise of upgrading these super-cheap bikes that have a few decent parts but ultimately are lacking in key areas like, oh, the wheels, the brakes, the drivetrain and the bb. Maybe I'm just old school but I think that a used trek or specialized entry level model is just as good of a deal. The problem is that once you get to a certain skill level, you'll want MUCH better components, so then you're faced with the unpalatable option of spending 50% of the cost on a fork or 75% percent on a wheelset...

[@ianlafrance46]

Why did you post this on your second channel? This would of been a banger on the main, and loop into the other Walmart mtb. I understand here is for less polished unscripted videos, but frankly not that many people care.The video with 500k views vs 3million. Do you think the creator of 3million video put in 6x the effort? No. Love your videos keep it up 👍 this was a good one

[@Tejas29992]

Hey Seth, awesome content as always!! Love the flip bike series especially, which inspires me to do my own repairs and tune ups. Since you're reviewing big box bikes, I was curious if Nishiki Colorado Comp 275 could be a future review? 😁 It's a Dick's sporting goods bike, usually retails for 800, but is occasionally discounted down to < 400... would be really interested to know your analysis if you ever get your hands on that one. Cheers and safe riding!

[@mellissanash7517]

I'd second this. Would love to see the Colorado Comp reviewed since it's not just a 27.5 bike but a 27.5+ bike, which can fit 2.8 rear & think 3.0 front if I remember correctly.

[@taranveerkarir9203]

10:07 How would you fix that? I have the same problem with my SR Suntour Raidons and its making the ride feel horrible. If anyone knows what to do, it would be excellent to hear a reply

[@fishingwithjoey7522]

I love your videos you are the reason I started MTBing

[@TheButlerNZ]

You may not "NEED" to put a clutch derailleur on that bike... but Frame By Frame this clip from 4:19...

[@ManuelMartinez09]

your driving skills and no fear of crashing are more evident than ever on this one.

[@spicydramarama852]

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16, 17.

[@lando318king2]

If you go with an Amazon air fork make sure to go with bucklos brand not bolany or ztz I’m a mechanic at a bike shop and see them broken a lot. I built up a budget dirt jumper a while back and had a bucklos air fork on it rode the hell out of it and never had a single issue

[@jacquie212]

Looks a lot like what I ride around here, and I had to change out to a decent air fork because as a heavier rider the cheap coil fork was killing my arms. I think a cheaper bike with a light or small rider is a very different proposition to a heavier rider (or a hard rider).

[@jon-jonmunro3956]

Should do a $500 Amazon bike build challenge. A good comparison to this bike?

[@walterjr2429]

Man every video I watch on a cheap bike I fell better with my abilities, sending tech and jumps on a 26" 2013 hardtail with 80mm travel and 3x8 no clutch

[@BimmerWon]

Would you recommend this to a beginner who’s thinking about getting into mountain biking but doesn’t want to invest all the dough into the real deal without knowing if they like mountain biking first?

[@atj1167]

Amazing video always good to see. However I think its important to remember that Seth has all the tools and facilities for brake bleeds crank swaps etc so the $521 fee would be more for most entry level riders looking to purchase it.

[@crabboy01]

Even if you did the work yourself, there are specialized tools required for these swap-outs. Yes, it is a one time thing, but additional costs.

[@Valentin359]

I don't think that any mechanic will charge a lot for that work. In my country it will cost about 30$

[@gizzmicbob]

@@Valentin359 This very much depends on where you live. Many countries have high labour costs. Where I live, this would cost up to $110USD in terms of labour for everything Seth has done. It may be less depending on a few factors. Good mechanics are generally expensive and always spend time doing a job properly. This is definitely more viable for someone that is willing to do the mechanics themselves.

[@Nikko780]

@@gizzmicbob in my city there is a bicycle collective with 2 shops and all the tools, you can rent time in the shop and they have volunteer bike mechanics that can help you fix and upgrade your bike. It's really great. I think it's like $5/hr for members and $10/hr for non members. Volunteer staffed and funded with donations.

[@gizzmicbob]

@@Nikko780 Wow, I've never heard of anything like that. Is it used by a lot of people?

[@drNebin]

You can buy a brand new Marin hard tail w hydraulic tektros for 599. The hack is a myth.

[@brodiehungerford5690]

I’ve got those “Amazon” forks on my partners bike and they so far have done pretty decent flow trails and jumps

[@ukrarex]

put a FOX sticker on them, heard it adds like +10 cool points

[@brodiehungerford5690]

@@ukrarex I knew it!

[@michaelburger1591]

Those brakes cost the same as the entry Shimano hydros, with those you get much better quality consistency and warranty if necessary

[@maikerumine]

I loved this series! I took an old Schwinn BOX store MTB and swapped BB, crank, made it a SS, changed seat and to this day, 10 years later it still rocks! Albeit still a crappy bike, it is still one of my favs. Thanks man!

[@warlock.420]

Dude you're nuts! I subscribed! Btw what's your thoughts on Huffy's?

[@starvin-marvin-the-martian]

Definitely swap on a Shimano internal-cam skewer. I've had open-cam skewers do exactly what you saw on rugged terrain.

[@cameronbohac617]

You should try it out on clickbait that might be something that would be cool to see how it holds up on flowy jumps

[@smileyguyz]

With my Suntour XCM fork on my 26" Raliegh Talus 5.0, I've had the same issue of my front wheel coming loose. Granted I was riding really really rough bike park trails, but still not ideal. Edit: Watched the whole video now. DO NOT BUY A CHEAP AMAZON FORK. I purchased one for my other bike, also out of curiosity. It has leaked from day one, and is genuinely terrifying how poorly built it is.

[@jg374]

I am at the point of replacing the quick release axle in the front wheel of my bike with the older style threaded rod with nuts either side to hopefully stop it coming loose (cup and cone bearings). Time will tell if that is any better behaved I suppose. Previously I had no idea why people were bothering with through axles :).

[@smileyguyz]

@@jg374 If I could afford a bike with thru axles, I would have switched long ago. I've bent and broken rear axles, had the front come undone, etc and if you need a new axle they're shockingly difficult to come buy unless you'd like to buy a whole new hub and take the axle from that.

[@jg374]

@@smileyguyz a few months ago I replaced the cones and ball bearings as they were fairly beaten up. The local bike shop had generic quick release axles and cones that worked sitting on the shelf. I would have thought what seems like the many different through axle standards would be harder to find

[@iskisometimes]

Hey Seth, how about horsetheif drop-in in fruita colorado on the Kent next?

[@MrTJP777]

Breaks are life or death on mountain bikes! Of all the things to upgrade I'm glad you emphasized breaks... 😉🤘

[@douggorton1482]

Get to know your local mtb community. Buy used! My 2006 K2 team is a far, far better bike than this piece of crap. No one will give me a $1000 for (don't care) it. Use it to ride with grandchildren. My local bike shop often has older bikes with wheels and tires worth more than $500 for less than $1k.

[@lewislopez8610]

Sorry but the ones here mostly care about the materials and specs and are unconcerned with brands names just be happy they're smart enough to stay away from knob shifting, steel framed heavy bikes with the same brakes from in the 90's

[@pwn3d_d1rt]

The problem with the zoom brakes is that you either get ones that work perfectly fine or you get ones that send you to your death and it's kind of a toss-up

[@TheOnlyKontrol]

How would you know lol you’re alive so it must of not been that bad

[@BFBMTb]

I haven't had issues with zoom brakes and I've had a few cheap brakes (zoom, cnc, meroca). My other cheap hydros required bleeding since they were spongy from the factory, but no leakage or issues after the bleed. I find Zoom makes decent products but they are a bit heavier compared to others.

[@michaelmechex]

Wow, that trail looked steep even on the gopro!

[@MonkeyMagic4649]

I put some Juintech M1s on mine. They work fantastic.

[@axelc6125]

literally just installed these brakes last week on my entry level hardtail. Definitely an upgrade from the mechanical ones i had before.

[@manuelguzman8050]

Hey Seth, what trail were you riding in this video? Thanks!

[@Bixbysayshi]

How cool would it be to compare this upgraded Kent to a Giordano Intrepid and compare which one is a better value? The slightly more expensive Intrepid? Or the modified Trouvaille?

[@jdoiron1118]

I have both bikes in my garage right now. I'm trying to decide which to keep. I think the intrepid is the better one since upgrading the fork to a tapered will mean changing to a thru axle for front hub on the Trouvaille. However the shifting isn't as crisp on the Intrepid 1x10 XLE as the Trouvaille 1x9 Advent. The Intrepid chainline in lowest gear is not very good and the front ring gets rubbed. If I had the special tools to upgrade the Trouvaille and build my own wheels and put on hydro brakes I think its the best budget option.

[@igorgisa]

Seth, can i atleast get that one, i meeeeaann, u got like 6 bikes, and am a brokeee immigrant 😂😂😂

[@rubendebruijn8607]

I have an idea make your own electric bike lift like parktool has?

[@joshuathorogood1874]

You should deck it out with super high quality parts and shred it🤙

[@solomonpotsander4537]

hey Seth you should use a PVC pipe as handlebars on your bike😜

[@nunayobusiness7521]

Ill be taking this bike to berm park in about a week! Wish me luck.

[@EmileMTB46]

Suntour forks arent that great exepte the durolux in single crown

[@chaspetersen5473]

You need to put a cheap externally mounted dropper post on the truvaille.

[@JoeAnshien]

Wow - Great video. I love this series. Been out of biking for a while and things have changed so much. I have been looking for a MT. bike to get into the woods (probably nothing like the down hills you do as I can not recover from a bad fall), but even 10 year old bikes are selling for about as much as these and are nothing special.

[@_francisco_]

I got a Walmart bike as well and I upgraded it. I made a video on it too

[@michaelpaxman8654]

Seth put some carbs on it that thing will be running good as new

[@ResilienceOnPurpose]

This is basically what you go thru buying a Jeep Wrangler, or even a BMW adv motorcycle. They both come ready to roll on pavement, but if you want to do what they do in the commercials, or even close to it, you basically only bought a platform onto which you add components capable of what it's advertised to do. Annoying, but also fun, but also expensive.

[@electriclly]

Specialized rockhopper ma doods

[@mtbcobra2540]

I would love to see some improvement on noise reduction. Thats always something that gos to show how expensive and well thought out a bike is. And remember: A quiet bike is always a fast bike!

[@andyheilmann1656]

That trail is way more technical than anything I'd ever ride

[@Carstuff111]

I am a smaller guy, 5 feet, 4 inches tall and I used to weigh 125 pounds till about age 33. In my 20s, I bought and abused the Walmart sold Mongoose dual suspension 24 inch mountain bikes. I got a few years out of the last one I had, despite breaking the rear 3rd gear and being stuck with only the top two gears to shift between after the cassette collapsed.... Like I said, I abused those poor bikes.. I got to the point where I just did all but the absolute steepest hill climbs in 21st gear.

[@lordrichard8184]

Would shortening the chain help it to stay on?

[@bisket2003]

I love this concept! I'd love to see you Review a JAMIS Trail-X. Also, wondering if KENT will now up the price of this bike though?????

[@reillyryan4244]

Love the burst of episodes Seth, my favorite thing ever to watch.

[@fusselhead]

Great series! I’m definitely interested in seeing you upgrade to a cheap airfork like a Bucklos (with rebound!) and how it performs

[@Scottslookingabout]

"Rocky Mountain Fusion 30" L9Sports $855 120mm Air Fork (adjusted from 100mm)/66.5 head tube angle/29" wheels/tapered head tube/clutched derailleur/hydraulic disc/1x10 speed People over look this bike all the time when looking for a great value entry level bike. If it had boost wheel spacing, it would be their 2019 Growler, they class it as adventure bike.

[@dr07828]

I'd love to ditch my mechanical cable disk breaks. I have no money really to spend. Looking at what your using, it seems like a cheap upgrade, but I am sunk because my gear selectors and break levers are one unit... :( I'd have to go the gambit.. Guess I am sticking with what I got.

[@kohlrudd6598]

What trail system did you ride in this video

[@REVMuscleCars]

Put a Manitou Markhor on it- they even have an ABS+ upgrade on. You'd still be very cheap but MUCH better ground control.

[@MicroOutdoors]

I had one. It was a gateway drug bike. Found the BB was crossthreaded. So.. back it went. And took my upgrade budget along with the return $ got a "real" hardtail from my LBS. Don't get me wrong I really enjoyed the Kent. Had the BB not been non serviceable (due to the cross thread) I'd still have it. --- great video and good choices on the upgrades. I've seen way to many videos with "box" store bikes that spend $1000 in upgrades on a $4/500 bike. And in the end it's value is still $300 on market place.

[@hillbillyholler516]

I run zooms an a heavy e bike and absolutely love them! For $68 and 2 day shipping it's one heck of a deal and upgrade from schmono manual disk brakes.

[@NearEDGE]

Upgrade those old Genesis V2100's you bought a few years ago. I actually ride on an upgraded one myself, but I would love to see what you could do with it.

[@simrigpc27b12]

Those Bucklos/Bolany air forks have a tapered & 100mm thru axle version that would be a direct replacement for how that bike comes factory 👍. I've pushed my Walmart Hyper Hydroform to a Rockshox Reba 140mm and it was the best thing I've done to one of these decent walmart buys. You should ultimately go to a higher end fork just to max out your build!

[@AdrianP_loft]

Just a suggestion but how about a Walmart full squish build, say a mongoose ledge X1 or 2?? Just bought my kids 2 and they love your channel.

[@stevenreyes3680]

Here’s an idea. Buy an inexpensive, like from eBay / Chinese or name brand frame and build it reasonably affordable, and see if you can beat what comes stock from anywhere. Maybe not, but you get something more suited to You. Just sayin’, my diy Zaskar e-bike is a one off. And I love it.

[@tonymighalls9667]

I know this upgrade isn’t essential but if the hubs go consider swapping them out for koozer xm490’s. My basic shimano cup and cone hubs went after 3 years of commuter use which isn’t bad but I’m a year and a half into these koozers and there mint, still super smooth sealed bearings and 72 engagements so they buzz. Was so impressed I built up a trials wheelset, no skips at all so far and, I’m amazed as they were £80 on Amazon. Compared to a Hope pro 4 that’s a massive difference in price.

[@not-a-raccoon]

Im lucky that i found a new bike in Norway for around 569us with 1x11 with a clutch, mt201 brakes, and a decent-ish fork for now. Suntour x1. This was stock. Thabk goodness for Biltema

[@gromzen]

Flip Bike, this series and a can of spray paint bringing a "hustle bike" to marketplace or craigslist near you! Out of curiosity, is that fork Truly the same as a $900 bike? Comparison of all parts disassembled would be interesting.

[@caseykleeschulte4862]

I just saw a bike in Costco for 2K and it’s a full suspension intense for 2999 with sram NX 12 speed, sram brakes, good rockshox. O and it’s a full carbon bike. Couldn’t believe it

[@karlvonbahnhof6594]

It was strange, I've upgraded my bike from 3x9 to 1x9... Just replaced cassette from 12-28 to 11-42, front 34, single, the real single, not like I've taken out the large and small ring, its all I need, but the chain keeps falling off, I don't really know what's going on, it's easy to get it back but it shouldn't be happening, Seth! what I did wrong and how to fix it?

[@bmf572]

After being the former owner of a Cannondale Lefty a few years back (15 years) that I regret selling often I now own a Kent Fixie that I purchased 7-8 years ago rode it less than 10 times and threw it in my back yard until recently. Then a couple of weeks ago I decided to do some work on it, upgrade a few things and see what I've got. Believe it or not it seems to be performing quite well. Granted I'm not gonna take up to A-basin and run the trails with it but for the light duty stuff I'm using it for I'm rather impressed. My only real complaint is I wish I could find a suspension fork w/lockout for a 1" threaded stem. At this point I'm trying to figure out if there's a way to put a 3 speed rear cog on it with the factory wheels with an updated/longer chainring and bottom bracket. Then I might look at doing some disc brake wheels and get some hydraulic brakes as the rim brake SUCK!!!

[@freedom456able]

I use to put old bicycles together all the time in the mid 1970's as a young kid. 15 Bicycles. Some Made in West Germany, Made in France, Made in USA, Made in Taiwan mixed & match them all up. I had this 24inch girls bicycle FIX 2-SPEED, I use to race with it. I would beat 10speed bikes LOL! Who could keep up with me TYPE racing. LOL! I go right throw bushes, hard trails for any big bikes would have issues with through out my neighborhood. I loved it!!!

[@hugore293]

I built my bike with pretty much all Chinese part. Air Fork: himalo drift 32 130mm for 100€(was on sale) now available for 150 Rear air shock: dnm ao38rc 190mm 60€ Hydraulic brakes: ztto m840 4 piston 50€ Dropper post: ks exaform: 60€ sunshine cassette , knc chain.... And lot of other parts. I ride my bike really hard and everything still working extremely well after 2 years of heavy usage. There are pretty good and cheap stuff :)