I just did this build and I noticed a few things were left out that are pretty important to newbies. I am a newbie and this was/is my first MTB. I had a great time learning how to do all this and ended up buying a toolkit. 1: You can't fit the pre bled MT200 brakes through the frame. That means that you need to buy a bleed kit and new cable kit because the stock cable is not long enough. 2: He doesn't say which teeth to get on the chainring. If you are a beginner like me you should be aware that buying a 36 or 38 might mean that you can't climb. I went for the 32 after doing some research on 10 speeds. 3: You can't use the original chain. According to Microshift sizing the original chain on my medium was two links short and won't allow it to engage the 10th gear. This means that you need to buy a new chain. 4: His recommended rotors come in a 2 pack. Keep that in mind as you might as well change both to 180 and buy an additional adapter rather than leave it unused.
Is there a video that you watched to help with understanding the bottom bracket change. I'm a bit confused on which tool I need and how to do it in general.
You need a crank arm puller, and 2 different bottom bracket tools. The original bottom bracket has teeth internal that the tool engages and the new replacement has teeth external.
This is an incredible video. It's rare (almost unheard of) that making this many upgrades to a bike is economical. Love that you're using your platform to introduce people to the sport.
Buying a Walmart bike is like buying a Honda or Hyundai except not the same reliability. And you slowly upgrade them and it make less and less sense, but so does a 1000hp vtec or supra, I changed out the parts on the little brother of this bike the 27.5 one except for the fork and frame and it rides so extremely well
I'm just getting into it (and I'm a tinkered so I just HAVE to upgrade anything I own) and this channel has been waaaay more friendly and interesting for beginners than others
For those frames you can internally route cables by feeding floss into one port, and use a vacuum cleaner to pull it out the other end. Then tape your cable to the floss and guide through!
@@cgstadler yes you're correct for the dropper, my comment was for changing the mechanical brakes to hydraulic . The floss/ vacuum method will work well for the dropper.
That XT derailiour and cassete is a little overkill tho. XT shifter is in my mind the best, it brings life even in a deore derailiour. Maybe better brakes for the money you save from buying deore? Mt 200 are good enough for the price, but they lack power on long slight downhill trails The fork is kind of the best fit for that bike imo
@@mihaichiriac480 agreed on all counts. Thought it was all deore. Xt shifter with deore drivetrain is where it's at. Kinda get the vibe they ordered whatever they could get delivered Amazon prime so they could do this real quick.
You should do the same video but maybe split it into parts and each video can be a step by step how-to for the installation of each part/upgrade, I think the main barrier for what you did with the ozark for a lot of people is the lack of know-how, this stuff looks complicated and the thought of “I might mess something up and end up breaking something while upgrading parts” could be preventing a huge amount of people from doing what you did with the ozark pro max ultra studio
The videos on the Parktool channel are very helpful for the "how to" part. Seth has made a video with those guys in the past, they are my go-to when I'm struggling with the maintenance on my MTB.
Actually just bought this bike today. I haven't ridden in probably 15 years but my son is officially at the age where he's riding too fast for me to walk/run with him so I needed something to keep up with the kid. Wanted something that could conceivably be upgraded if I end up re-igniting the passion for riding I had as a kid so it's cool seeing these videos now of people doing exactly that.
@@B_Rey So far so good! Been a good investment for me. I haven't ventured into the realm of upgrades as of yet but there's a desire to. Personally think I'll start with new wheels and go tubeless.
@@Agk3los Got you, thanks! Your riding include any somewhat serious trails as of yet? I’m tryna rip on some serious trails but looking to get a low cost hardtail like this one I can upgrade overtime; wondering how much this one can take before I really upgrade it.
I love that you build top of the line expensive bikes, and the affordable bikes that are more in line with what most people can achieve. Another hit out of the park with this Seth 👍
Your original review is what made me decide to try a Ridge as my 2nd bike, and first 29er. The used market by me is ridiculous, and honestly I like to build all of my bikes with parts that I want to use, not necessarily what's included from the factory. I've looked forward to this video for awhile now. And I too have basically only kept the frame and wheels. Painted the frame also. For the trails and riding I do, it's going to be more capable than I am, and way better than my 11 year old 26er.
About a year ago, I bought a used specialized pitch sport from 2016. Ever since, I've done almost the exact same upgrades. It has been a fun project to work on, and I highly recommend anyone who likes working on stuff to do the same. Overall, it was an amazing experience.
I’ve done this exact thing with a Mongoose Ardor from Walmart and just learning how to put together a bike from a bare frame made it all so worth it. I even laced some new hubs on the rims using one of your old videos on how to build a wheel without tools.
Budget bikes still have a place in all disciplines of cycling. They’re a bridge between entry level and sitting on the couch and for that. I’m grateful they exist. Thanks for showcasing this bike.
Exactly. This bike got me back into riding (it's been my primary way to get to work since I got it). I've made one major upgrade to it (the brakes) and I'm super happy with it.
Excellent reply. I appreciate that thought of bridging the gap between sedentary life and accessing more active lifestyle alternatives! Accessibility is the name of the game
That's exactly what I did to my entry level hardtail over 2 years - I've been watching you since you had about 20k subscribers, and my bike transformation was all inspired by you
Hey Seth I've been watching your channel for years. Thank you for making content like this showing how to upgrade cheaper bikes. I've went from buying a Walmart bike 5 years ago to a Norco XC bike 3 years ago. To buying my first used full suspension trail bike today. I'm so excited to work on this bike and upgrade the components over the next few years!
I picked up a Ridge last month based on Seth's video and I'm super happy with it. I just got the mt200's installed on it and they're so much better then the stock ones. I love this bike because it's gotten me back into riding without breaking my wallet.
So awesome. My roommate has been wanting to get into mountain biking. And I had her watch the other Ozark trail vids. Then we just watched this one. Tomorrow, we are going to Walmart to purchase a new Ozark trail and then have my local bike shop fully go over it and properly set it up. Thank you for these awesome reviews and opinions on this affordable entry level mtb.
Oh the days of special Park tools for routing internal cables. I remember the old school days routing internal cables, a long thread and a shop vac to get from one port to the other. Have to love 90s LBS ingenuity.
For months now I’ve been looking for a mountain bike. I’m no pro but would like to start somewhere, but every time I go to a bike shop they introduce me into something that’s over $1k. Not all of us can spend that much on something new. I almost purchased a Trek 4300 for $200 today until I saw your video on the way to pick it up from somehow on Facebook market. Thank you for your honesty on that Ozark Trail, Walmart here I come!
This video is a work of art. Thanks Seth for actively showing us how you can take a truly cheap bike and make it better while putting smiles on our faces at the same time
I just picked up a couple of the updated m.2 ridge bikes for my wife and I. Before seeing the videos on this channel I didn’t know about the ridge. Mountain biking was beginning to look like a hobby I wouldn’t have the funds to comfortably get into. Definitely looking forward to upgrading it over time as I learn more about mountain biking. I wouldn’t have even known about it if I hadn’t found this channel. Thanks for the videos!
This video was so needed! I have done the same upgrades to my Giant Talon, and it’s so hard to find stuff online that isn’t just “save your money and buy a $4000 bike”. Learning to work on a bike was a big part of the experience for me, and now my bike is set up exactly how I want for about $1k
It is always that way...I have a 10 year old Crosstrail I have been using for both commuting and trails, however it is certainly not happy with the jumps and rocks. I am torn between building it for trails or buying a second bike.
Thank you for making this video. I just bought a Ozark Trail Ridge about a month ago and it’s been great. I definitely want to upgrade it and this video will make that a lot easier. Thanks again.
I can vouch for Seth's picks in the description, I have a Ridge with mt200's, IXF crankset, advent 9 speed group set, a pnw dropper, and converted to tubeless with maxxis disector tires. It has handled everything I've thrown at it without letting me down. It got me back into riding and I've learned a ton about working on bikes along the way.
@@Jay-g6g2v There is a link to the recommended crank set in the description of the video. I am running that same crank set with no issues. I am running it with a 30 tooth chain ring but that is because I am running the stock 9 speed 11-42 tooth cassette. The 10 speed cassette that is linked in the video description will probably pair nicely with a 32 tooth chainring.
@@Jay-g6g2v Anytime, If you are planning to do this upgrade, there are some specialty tools that you will need. They are also linked in the video description. The crank puller, bb30 wrench, and the Shimano BB bracket tool will all be used. They are very low priced and all three can be had for about $30. It's super easy, take your time and watch some videos ahead of time for useful tips.
@@mxfreek09 yes ill actually be taking it to a bike mechanic since i am new to the whole mountain bike i also wanted to asked the ixf crankset you have when i look it up on amazon is giving me an oval and a round option should i pick the round 30t one? And again thanks for all the helpful tips
I followed your recommendations and links to Amazon , forks haven’t arrived yet but got the bike back from shop today and it’s night and day from purchase of bike!! Awesome!!! Love it !
Seth im addicted to your content! I've been following your channels since you first started 8 years ago and this is the only content i haven't gotten tired of seeing and keep looking for. I don't know what makes you different or better, but please keep it up. go on rides, play with the pup, build wooden things, teach us hacks and skills, just do what it is that you do and your loyal subs will follow. we appreciate the effort.
FYI, you can get longer axles to replace the original front hub axle meaning you could bolt (nut?) the front wheel on for some extra front end stiffness. An up[grade that costs pennies but will stiffen up the front end immensely. You just need to carry a spanner.
It's a good upgrade platform for sure. If you are already riding a cheap hardtail though you might be better off looking at something like a Polygon Siskiu D5 for like $1k that will give you a lot more possibilities and capability. Love the name although maybe Ozark Trail Ridge Pro Max Ultra Oscar Beta would be a better name.
Agree, and assuming you have all speciality tools and skills you'd be better off buying used. Definitely not for beginner to buy to try to upgrade. Basically paying $400 for frame and wheels without thru axle.
@@derek2glovesused is a great way to get a bike for the money but for a beginner wanting to upgrade a bike at their own pace then the walmart bike is also a good place to start
When you did that video about not doing MTB videos anymore, this is exactly the type of content I'm here for!! And then you still hit the trail to try out the bike and get some B roll footage. Best day at work ever!!! Sadly we can't get that bike in Canada but I might go on a trip in Vermont in September... I guess I could swing by a Walmart and I might even score an end of season sale or whatever!!
The Ozark Trail Ridge is, out of the box, the best bike from Walmart. As you point out, you can do the upgrades as needed or as deals on parts come along. It's also worth paying attention to all of the decent Walmart bikes: Kent Trouvaille, Schwinn Axum, Ozark Trail Ridge, and maybe a few others. Sometimes these go way on sale. For example the Axum was only $228 last September and the Schwinn Taff Comp was only $124 just a couple of months ago. For upgrade platforms, those prices are hard to beat.
Agreed! I scored a Taff Comp for $124 from Walmart & because of some shipping damage they refunded most of that. So far I've added a Bucklos Air Fork, SRAM NX crankset, Zoom Hydraulic Brakes, Schwalble Nobby Nics, 180 rotor up front & a new Jessica headset w/780mm Wake handlebars. I'm 6'3" & this bike is perfect for me. I still have my eye on the Ozark Trail Ridge if it ever goes on sale.
@@VIC-20_Synthwave I got both the Axum and Taff Comp at those ridiculous prices. I've since sold the Axum, but I think I'm going to turn the Taff into a bikepacking rig. That QR 141 rear end should be good for the extra weight. It'll definitely need a new fork, brakes, and drivetrain, though.
This is the best video you have ever done Seth! It makes it an affordable way to enter the mountain biking community! It's about affordable and what can i get with what I can afford! This shows that you can start small and work your way up! Great job brotha!
Love this video! I bought a bikes direct hardtail years ago and have upgraded every component. It performs like a $1500 name brand bike. Even have that same recon fork!
MicroShift's 8, 9 and 10 speed parts are imo probably the best thing to happen to mtb upgradability 😀 So good to be able to convert older 2x and 3x drivetrains! I've converted an octalink 3x to 1x by just ripping off all chainrings and using one 32t Raceface narrow wide in the middle position, bike hade a rear wheel with a 10x, so I put an Advent X 10x 11-48t cassette on it and managed to get it to work well with a Shimano 36t derailleur on an extender 😅
Used an advent X with the drop bar shifters on my steel cyclocross frame. So nice to be able to cheaply put a 1x wide range mtb drivetrain on a frame like that with drop bars
Hey Seth, I just want you to know that on a personal level, that you have single-handedly helped me get into this new hobby. As far as picking out the right mountian bike I wanted the real deal, without spending the big deal. Berm Peak was the only channel that gave me useful information, easy to understand explanations, and confidence when looking for a starter mountain bike. Because of this, I'm super stoked to recieve my bike next month. I truly cannot say enough thank you's to the amount of time and effort put into your videos, because without it, I'd be stranded! Much love, David, you're new biggest Fan!
I have one and it’s worth it! I’ve gone mountain biking with it as well! The video explains the specs very well. Thank you for sharing a low budget bike that doesn’t break the bank.
The linkage can only be so good on a budget bike. Most lower end fullsus frames are just not up to the task, u just have to pour in the initial money. The Trail Ridge makes sense because you can't go too wrong with a hardtail aluminum frame. But when cost is cut on a linkage it will eat bearings and even shocks because of bad alignment and might wear some bearing seat out because of that - practically unrepairable. But if you spend that 1500+ you'll get a frame where you maybe won't regret upgrading the shock and fork at one point instead of doing a bigger repair to the stock ones. At least here in Europe you can easily have to pay so much for a fork or shock service that a reasonable upgrade would just make more sense.
Just got a trek fx2 to lose some weight and ive been enjoying it. Im thinking about buying a used mountain bike and you vods are giving me confidence. I haven't taken a bike apart since the 90s lol
Seth, thank you for showing us this! It really makes me so happy to hear that it is a legitimately viable option now to buy a cheap dinky bike and make upgrades to it that makes it a really decent ride. I truly believe that this is one of the best ways to really indulge yourself into the sport. There’s a relatively low buy in cost, and you can invest over time to truly make it worth while. And if you don’t like the sport, you can stop at any point and still walk away with more money that you would have if you just bought a “real” mtb.
I picked mine up today and I gotta say it is a very nice feeling bike off the shelf minus the flat tire and literal destroyed derailleur that I had to bend back into shape to as close as straight as I could 😂. Looking forward to getting into the hobby and seeing where I go with this bad boy. Thank you BermPeak for the recommendation and keep up the content ❤
Swapping a saddle is a PITA! I hadn't done one in years and then a couple weeks ago... yep, still a pain in the ass. BUt your point at the end about doing the work yourself and learning about your bike and maintaining it- to me, that is as much fun as riding. I think I get more joy out of tweaking and fiddling around with my bike or whatever I am messing with than I should. Love your videos Seth.
Thanks Seth for bringing these bikes to light. I've been mountain biking for about 8 months now. I have other hobbies and wasn't sure if it was for me. So I bought a couple different used bikes and ended up flipping them at first to make enough money for an expensive bike. Wrenching on them became my hobby. I bought a mongoose ardor for 100$ that ended up in my floor just the bare frame for a couple months. My friend kept telling me to quit flipping bikes and build myself one so we could go ride. I decided to build the ardor because of its slack design. I've had this bike on jump lines, double black diamond, anything that the bike snobs said it couldn't do. I've run into more toxic people in the mountain bike community than any other of my hobbies. I avoided mountain biking for 5 years for listening to those snobs online. I would be willing to bet a lot of people in these comments are the same bike snobs and gate keepers that tell newcomers that it takes a 1,500$ bike to get started. You have a bigger following so hopefully people won't feel intimidated by the big price tags and more people will start mountain biking. Meaning we will get more help building trails and more parks!
Sorry you feel the community is the most toxic. I have the exact opposite, to me mtb is the most welcoming community that I have ever been a part of. Rc is pretty damn toxic and so are many other fandoms. Us mtb guys just wants to go out into the wood and ride our bikes man.
@@madtownangler I think the in person interaction is generally positive. Of course there will be elitist in all sports and hobbies, can't stop assholes from being assholes.
@@madtownangler I don't care about others people's opinions. It was just overwhelming at first because I didn't expect it to be a constant pissing contest. The part that cracks me up is the guys I see out on the trails on the cheaper bikes or the ones they have built, are usually the more skilled riders.
@@s14tat you are 100% correct about that. No one has or probably ever will say anything in person. It's just the trolls online that always post their flashy bike or parts but they can't post a video to prove they need that kind of bike
Stoked to see a low cost capable mountain bike with upgrades for many people who may not have the resources to enter the sport - especially for the younger adults and kids. 🤙
The Ozark Trail Ridge has a great frame for the $400 price point. The Kent Trouvaille is a close second, but there are a few odd decisions, like only having one water bottle mount, and the weird-looking seatstays and chainstays. I will give them credit for adding a second frame size option, though.
This is what I've been looking for! My son wanted to get into mountain biking and I hadn't purchased a bike since I was an early teenager and to my complete and utter shock as some mountain bikes cost as much as my motorcycle 😳. I bought a cheap Academy Sports bike and am planning to upgrade it slowly. I won't be racing but I'm hard on bikes as I grew up on two feet or two wheels and I like adrenaline. This gives me an idea where to start and I thank you for that!
Great work! Watching these videos makes me makes me miss being able to ride. My 2021 Giant Fathom was stolen last year by someone who had a USPS key and gained entry into my apartment building. Saving up to replace it soon. Keep up the great content.
Seth is a legend for this. Giving new riders or prospective riders a budget way to get into the sport while learning how to do upgrades and maintenance.
I just bought an almost new one of these for $125. I got very lucky. I haven't bought a mountain bike In my life but because of your channel I'm trying It now at 29 years old. I wish I started at a younger age but now Is better then not starting. I'm going to do some of these upgrades but not all until I know I will be doing Mountain biking as a hobby.
I’m working on a build right now, but it’s taking a lot longer than usual because I have a one month old and a toddler. I’ma get it done though! And as they get older it should get easier. Bike Flips may return when the bike market returns to semi-normal. Or I’ll just restore bikes and sell them as a loss to put them back on the trail.
This George again two of my close friends ended up in the ER doing mountain crazy biking one is prized for life another has permanent injuries, my other friends never got injured they just road their bikes like sane people you are an extremist a nice one i must say
Thanks for another great video. I bemoaned the expense of buying/upgrading a MTB after your previous video. Here you have proven that there are relatively economical ways to upgrade. I'm challenged to attempt upgrading my bike soon... thank you for reigniting and inspiring!
I love this mtb, you and your channel helped me make the decision, knowing I could up grade it easily. Just a quick tip on internally your cables for this bike. When I installed a dropper seat post on mine. I put it together including the trigger. Then I took some thread and a vacuum, I put the thread through the top hole and run it through. I then took the vacuum to the bottom hole and turned it on. The vacuum sucked it though the second hole and then tied the other end to my cable and was able to easily run the cable all the way through. Then unattach the trigger from the cable pull the cable out of the housing and reroute the cable through the housing that's now internally routed.
I kinda did this with spare parts on a Pacific back in the 90's just to get rid of some parts I had laying around. I left the rear derailer, chain, and crank alone though. I gave It back to the guy at work and he loved it
I just started riding my parent's old bike again. Been getting in a good 25 miles a day, loving it. Was thinking about upgrading it, but will probably just buy this one.
My word that sprocket is close to the chain stay. I can’t believe it’s not touching! So, if we can confidently call this an $1100 (USD) bike then, I’d like to know how well it performs against other brand name $1100 bikes - Merida, Giant, Marin, Polygon etc. All the entry level hardtails from the affordable yet, reputable bike builders out there. Rad video dude. Brisbane, Australia.
The first video I watched from Seth was the $4 action cam video, now his channel has inspired me to go out and buy a mountain bike! Every video makes my day wayyyy better!
I watched the first vid on this bike. I have a $1000.00 budget to buy a mtn bike. Finding your channel has helped alot and i think i might follow suit of this build. Thank you for all your information. Now subscribed
That's pretty much what I did in 2019. I had an old bike from 2015, for which I paid around 450$ (from a bike shop, not a department store though), which I ended up upgrading, very much as you did, purchasing components, looking for good deals. It game me the chance to test some technical trail, which I ended up enjoying a lot and was sure it was worth investing in a full suspension bike later on. Moreover I could learn the basics of bike maintenance without risking to ruin an expensive bike. Fast forward to 2023, I'm doing some bike races!
I always loved tour content seth. I still remember your Walgoose video from a few years ago. I was bummed out when you split ways with diamondback but im happy to see you making videos on things you like because we find it interesting
I love this video. You are going to give pride and confidence to people that want to MTB but maybe can’t afford to shell out dough to do it. I think it might encourage new riders to try MTBing as this illustrates you can dip your toes into it without such a large commitment. Great follow up vid.
Yesssss i been waiting for this video to drop! I got an OT RIDGE and for a dad bike i love it. Currently with thick slicks, milk crate on ny front handle bar, rear rack added on along with folding wire baskets on the side. Along with a toddler trailer. Its a perfect dad bike. And when i dont have my daughter i take most of it all off and go for a nice trail ride.
Been watching your videos for over a year now, haven't bought a bike yet, but I really like this series and think I may have to do the same. Thanks, Seth!
Thank for this video. This might be the platform I get back into Mountain Biking after taking a decade plus off. Appreciate this guide and all of your videos. o7
So cool, done the same thing with a second hand cannondale trail 4. Just recently changed out the forks for a set of second hand fox 32 and some schwalbe magic Mary’s. The latest upgrades. Made a massive difference. The original bike cost me €300 and I’ve basically swapped everything over the past 3 years, also cost me about €300 with used and new good but cheap parts. I love my ride, never going to get rid of it, it’s the bike I was aiming for now.
It's nice that they are starting to use the same standards on department store bikes. When I first started getting into mountain biking in the early 2000's that wasn't always the case. I had a job making $6.00 an hour so a brand-name bike wasn't in my cards. I had an old CCM (Canadian tire department store brand) and was able to up grande a few things. Crank, brakes, wheels. But I couldn't do much with it. This bike seems like a way better place to start then what we had 20 plus years ago.
I Literally Hung/ rehung 52 bikes at My Walmart, Cause I'm the Bike Guy. (noone else there knows anything about bikes).. this builder came in, and knocked out 24 bike builds , in like 5 hours. I Put them Up/rearranged/ rearranged again, etc. I'm 54. Navy Vet.
Well I just picked up OT ridge used for $100. Glad this video is out there. As a beginner this looks like a great path to learn especially at used hardware prices.
This build was awesome! Love these parts bin builds. I’ve had a ton of great bikes over time and learned to love these Walmart builds. Back to the basics!
We got my daughter a rockhopper sport. We upgraded her to tubeless tires, a RockShox Judy from the coil fork, and a dropper post. Her confidence and riding dramatically increased and we finished the upgrades to match what a rockhopper elite would be for less money
This is eerily similar to my Trek Marlin. I extended the Recon fork from 100mm to 120mm by removing the internal spacers. With the extension to 120mm, the axle to crown measurement is only 8-10mm longer than the stock Suntour fork. Hardly noticeable, but better than going the other direction of 10-12mm shorter in the front, if I had left the Recon at 100mm. Free upgrade/change if you already have the required shock oils.
I love that Seth has come full circle to Walmart bikes again after a long hiatus, these are always so fun.
agreed 👍
The joys of being free from a sponsorship deal
Are you sure this isn't a sponsorship?
Might also bring many a new sub via bike purchases.
Definitely come a LONG way from pouring concrete in a frame
Gotta love it!
I just did this build and I noticed a few things were left out that are pretty important to newbies. I am a newbie and this was/is my first MTB. I had a great time learning how to do all this and ended up buying a toolkit.
1: You can't fit the pre bled MT200 brakes through the frame. That means that you need to buy a bleed kit and new cable kit because the stock cable is not long enough.
2: He doesn't say which teeth to get on the chainring. If you are a beginner like me you should be aware that buying a 36 or 38 might mean that you can't climb. I went for the 32 after doing some research on 10 speeds.
3: You can't use the original chain. According to Microshift sizing the original chain on my medium was two links short and won't allow it to engage the 10th gear. This means that you need to buy a new chain.
4: His recommended rotors come in a 2 pack. Keep that in mind as you might as well change both to 180 and buy an additional adapter rather than leave it unused.
Is there a video that you watched to help with understanding the bottom bracket change. I'm a bit confused on which tool I need and how to do it in general.
You need a crank arm puller, and 2 different bottom bracket tools. The original bottom bracket has teeth internal that the tool engages and the new replacement has teeth external.
I was able to get the brakes to fit… were you not? I will say the installation was hell lol but it did fit
Also first thing I’d upgrade are the pedals. I got some 20 buck orange pedals which ended up being both sexy and dope to use
@@michaelgharib9028 the kit was pre bleed so if you disconnected them to slide through the frame then they needed to be bled again.
This is an incredible video. It's rare (almost unheard of) that making this many upgrades to a bike is economical. Love that you're using your platform to introduce people to the sport.
I made my first "mountain" bike setup using a schwinn messa runner. I converted it to a three speed hub all for under $300.
Buying a Walmart bike is like buying a Honda or Hyundai except not the same reliability. And you slowly upgrade them and it make less and less sense, but so does a 1000hp vtec or supra, I changed out the parts on the little brother of this bike the 27.5 one except for the fork and frame and it rides so extremely well
Great video. Can you do one on the Walmart carbon fiber MTB. Just saw it at my local walmart.
I'm just getting into it (and I'm a tinkered so I just HAVE to upgrade anything I own) and this channel has been waaaay more friendly and interesting for beginners than others
For those frames you can internally route cables by feeding floss into one port, and use a vacuum cleaner to pull it out the other end. Then tape your cable to the floss and guide through!
I've always just taped a string to the old cable before you pull it out! That way there's no special tools required.
@@oldmansadventures4627 I think the dropper post routing holes come empty on this bike.
@@cgstadler yes you're correct for the dropper, my comment was for changing the mechanical brakes to hydraulic . The floss/ vacuum method will work well for the dropper.
That might actually be the greatest bike hack of all time
SenditSteve. Brilliant! Thanks
Glad this was sensible upgrades that can actually help guide newcomers to MTB. "I put Kashima on a Walmart bike" videos have been done to death.
That XT derailiour and cassete is a little overkill tho.
XT shifter is in my mind the best, it brings life even in a deore derailiour. Maybe better brakes for the money you save from buying deore? Mt 200 are good enough for the price, but they lack power on long slight downhill trails
The fork is kind of the best fit for that bike imo
@@mihaichiriac480 agreed on all counts. Thought it was all deore. Xt shifter with deore drivetrain is where it's at.
Kinda get the vibe they ordered whatever they could get delivered Amazon prime so they could do this real quick.
He had a lot of the parts lying around, particularly the XT... But you're probably right for e.g. the stem. Which btw ZTTO makes great stuff IME.
Is that a Shimano 12 speed cassette? I thought Shimano only made 12 speed cassettes for microspline, and they kept the original wheels with HG hubs.
@@acorredorv think you're right. Probably a leftover sram or a cheap sunrace cassette.
You should do the same video but maybe split it into parts and each video can be a step by step how-to for the installation of each part/upgrade, I think the main barrier for what you did with the ozark for a lot of people is the lack of know-how, this stuff looks complicated and the thought of “I might mess something up and end up breaking something while upgrading parts” could be preventing a huge amount of people from doing what you did with the ozark pro max ultra studio
The videos on the Parktool channel are very helpful for the "how to" part. Seth has made a video with those guys in the past, they are my go-to when I'm struggling with the maintenance on my MTB.
Actually just bought this bike today. I haven't ridden in probably 15 years but my son is officially at the age where he's riding too fast for me to walk/run with him so I needed something to keep up with the kid. Wanted something that could conceivably be upgraded if I end up re-igniting the passion for riding I had as a kid so it's cool seeing these videos now of people doing exactly that.
So? How is it doing 3 months later?
Thinking of doing the same. Right now this the one I’m looking at. How’s it been thus far? Any upgrades?
@@B_Rey So far so good! Been a good investment for me. I haven't ventured into the realm of upgrades as of yet but there's a desire to. Personally think I'll start with new wheels and go tubeless.
@@Agk3los Got you, thanks! Your riding include any somewhat serious trails as of yet? I’m tryna rip on some serious trails but looking to get a low cost hardtail like this one I can upgrade overtime; wondering how much this one can take before I really upgrade it.
@@B_Rey haha na man. I haven't ridden in 12+ years I'm still in the "easing myself back in" phase.
I love that you build top of the line expensive bikes, and the affordable bikes that are more in line with what most people can achieve.
Another hit out of the park with this Seth 👍
Your original review is what made me decide to try a Ridge as my 2nd bike, and first 29er.
The used market by me is ridiculous, and honestly I like to build all of my bikes with parts that I want to use, not necessarily what's included from the factory. I've looked forward to this video for awhile now.
And I too have basically only kept the frame and wheels. Painted the frame also. For the trails and riding I do, it's going to be more capable than I am, and way better than my 11 year old 26er.
That’s great that you painted it. I was wishing Seth would do the same.
This my be my 1st 29r also .
Post pics of your paint job!
About a year ago, I bought a used specialized pitch sport from 2016. Ever since, I've done almost the exact same upgrades. It has been a fun project to work on, and I highly recommend anyone who likes working on stuff to do the same. Overall, it was an amazing experience.
I’ve done this exact thing with a Mongoose Ardor from Walmart and just learning how to put together a bike from a bare frame made it all so worth it. I even laced some new hubs on the rims using one of your old videos on how to build a wheel without tools.
Budget bikes still have a place in all disciplines of cycling. They’re a bridge between entry level and sitting on the couch and for that. I’m grateful they exist.
Thanks for showcasing this bike.
Exactly.
This bike got me back into riding (it's been my primary way to get to work since I got it).
I've made one major upgrade to it (the brakes) and I'm super happy with it.
Excellent reply. I appreciate that thought of bridging the gap between sedentary life and accessing more active lifestyle alternatives! Accessibility is the name of the game
Wow, dropped 2 pounds of weight and made good upgrades! For $1,100ish bucks, you made every old school hot rod guy proud! Nice work!
That's exactly what I did to my entry level hardtail over 2 years - I've been watching you since you had about 20k subscribers, and my bike transformation was all inspired by you
Great video! One small note, for development iterations, Alpha is actually earlier than Beta. What you have now might be considered the 1.0 release.
Or RC.
Greetings fellow nerds! I entered the comment section solely to leave this same remark.
Aren't we forgetting the initial purchase and review of the Ozark bike? That's more like the alpha.
@@BenWillkommen same :D
@@Classicpon3CelloHorse That was a prototype.
Hey Seth I've been watching your channel for years. Thank you for making content like this showing how to upgrade cheaper bikes. I've went from buying a Walmart bike 5 years ago to a Norco XC bike 3 years ago. To buying my first used full suspension trail bike today. I'm so excited to work on this bike and upgrade the components over the next few years!
I picked up a Ridge last month based on Seth's video and I'm super happy with it.
I just got the mt200's installed on it and they're so much better then the stock ones.
I love this bike because it's gotten me back into riding without breaking my wallet.
Did he say which startle he used or pedals?
So awesome. My roommate has been wanting to get into mountain biking. And I had her watch the other Ozark trail vids. Then we just watched this one. Tomorrow, we are going to Walmart to purchase a new Ozark trail and then have my local bike shop fully go over it and properly set it up.
Thank you for these awesome reviews and opinions on this affordable entry level mtb.
This is the content that turned me onto SBH initially and what I've been missing. Telling a story but with affordable bikes.
Oh the days of special Park tools for routing internal cables. I remember the old school days routing internal cables, a long thread and a shop vac to get from one port to the other. Have to love 90s LBS ingenuity.
Im a simple guy, i see a berm peak video, i click.
It’s the “simple-see-click” guy!
Same
Same
@@bruhpoopoopeepeenot even a cheap go to bike 😢
🚲💚
How original
For months now I’ve been looking for a mountain bike. I’m no pro but would like to start somewhere, but every time I go to a bike shop they introduce me into something that’s over $1k. Not all of us can spend that much on something new. I almost purchased a Trek 4300 for $200 today until I saw your video on the way to pick it up from somehow on Facebook market. Thank you for your honesty on that Ozark Trail, Walmart here I come!
Your videos are what keep me going. You helped me get farther into mountain biking and I really appreciate it. Thank you so much - your friend Kyle
This is the video that started a trend. I love your parts selection. I love that most of them are available via Amazon, rather than a bike shop.
This video is a work of art. Thanks Seth for actively showing us how you can take a truly cheap bike and make it better while putting smiles on our faces at the same time
I just picked up a couple of the updated m.2 ridge bikes for my wife and I. Before seeing the videos on this channel I didn’t know about the ridge. Mountain biking was beginning to look like a hobby I wouldn’t have the funds to comfortably get into. Definitely looking forward to upgrading it over time as I learn more about mountain biking. I wouldn’t have even known about it if I hadn’t found this channel. Thanks for the videos!
This video was so needed! I have done the same upgrades to my Giant Talon, and it’s so hard to find stuff online that isn’t just “save your money and buy a $4000 bike”. Learning to work on a bike was a big part of the experience for me, and now my bike is set up exactly how I want for about $1k
It is always that way...I have a 10 year old Crosstrail I have been using for both commuting and trails, however it is certainly not happy with the jumps and rocks. I am torn between building it for trails or buying a second bike.
Thank you for making this video. I just bought a Ozark Trail Ridge about a month ago and it’s been great. I definitely want to upgrade it and this video will make that a lot easier. Thanks again.
I can vouch for Seth's picks in the description, I have a Ridge with mt200's, IXF crankset, advent 9 speed group set, a pnw dropper, and converted to tubeless with maxxis disector tires. It has handled everything I've thrown at it without letting me down. It got me back into riding and I've learned a ton about working on bikes along the way.
Quick question what crankset and chainring size fit this bike?
@@Jay-g6g2v There is a link to the recommended crank set in the description of the video. I am running that same crank set with no issues. I am running it with a 30 tooth chain ring but that is because I am running the stock 9 speed 11-42 tooth cassette. The 10 speed cassette that is linked in the video description will probably pair nicely with a 32 tooth chainring.
@@mxfreek09 hey thanks so much man really appreciate taking time out to reply awesome thanks
@@Jay-g6g2v Anytime, If you are planning to do this upgrade, there are some specialty tools that you will need. They are also linked in the video description. The crank puller, bb30 wrench, and the Shimano BB bracket tool will all be used. They are very low priced and all three can be had for about $30. It's super easy, take your time and watch some videos ahead of time for useful tips.
@@mxfreek09 yes ill actually be taking it to a bike mechanic since i am new to the whole mountain bike i also wanted to asked the ixf crankset you have when i look it up on amazon is giving me an oval and a round option should i pick the round 30t one? And again thanks for all the helpful tips
I followed your recommendations and links to Amazon , forks haven’t arrived yet but got the bike back from shop today and it’s night and day from purchase of bike!! Awesome!!! Love it !
You had a shop install all these upgrades ?
Seth im addicted to your content! I've been following your channels since you first started 8 years ago and this is the only content i haven't gotten tired of seeing and keep looking for. I don't know what makes you different or better, but please keep it up. go on rides, play with the pup, build wooden things, teach us hacks and skills, just do what it is that you do and your loyal subs will follow. we appreciate the effort.
I'm going to recreate this as my project bike, thanks Seth for the inspiration.
FYI, you can get longer axles to replace the original front hub axle meaning you could bolt (nut?) the front wheel on for some extra front end stiffness. An up[grade that costs pennies but will stiffen up the front end immensely. You just need to carry a spanner.
I got my first mtb a couple days ago because of this channel that I found 4+ years ago. Thank you Seth.
It's a good upgrade platform for sure. If you are already riding a cheap hardtail though you might be better off looking at something like a Polygon Siskiu D5 for like $1k that will give you a lot more possibilities and capability. Love the name although maybe Ozark Trail Ridge Pro Max Ultra Oscar Beta would be a better name.
Agree, and assuming you have all speciality tools and skills you'd be better off buying used. Definitely not for beginner to buy to try to upgrade. Basically paying $400 for frame and wheels without thru axle.
@@derek2glovesused is a great way to get a bike for the money but for a beginner wanting to upgrade a bike at their own pace then the walmart bike is also a good place to start
When you did that video about not doing MTB videos anymore, this is exactly the type of content I'm here for!! And then you still hit the trail to try out the bike and get some B roll footage. Best day at work ever!!!
Sadly we can't get that bike in Canada but I might go on a trip in Vermont in September... I guess I could swing by a Walmart and I might even score an end of season sale or whatever!!
The Ozark Trail Ridge is, out of the box, the best bike from Walmart. As you point out, you can do the upgrades as needed or as deals on parts come along. It's also worth paying attention to all of the decent Walmart bikes: Kent Trouvaille, Schwinn Axum, Ozark Trail Ridge, and maybe a few others. Sometimes these go way on sale. For example the Axum was only $228 last September and the Schwinn Taff Comp was only $124 just a couple of months ago. For upgrade platforms, those prices are hard to beat.
Agreed! I scored a Taff Comp for $124 from Walmart & because of some shipping damage they refunded most of that. So far I've added a Bucklos Air Fork, SRAM NX crankset, Zoom Hydraulic Brakes, Schwalble Nobby Nics, 180 rotor up front & a new Jessica headset w/780mm Wake handlebars. I'm 6'3" & this bike is perfect for me. I still have my eye on the Ozark Trail Ridge if it ever goes on sale.
@@VIC-20_Synthwave I got both the Axum and Taff Comp at those ridiculous prices. I've since sold the Axum, but I think I'm going to turn the Taff into a bikepacking rig. That QR 141 rear end should be good for the extra weight. It'll definitely need a new fork, brakes, and drivetrain, though.
Just bought my OTR on Tuesday after watching your review video so I LOVE this.
This is the best video you have ever done Seth! It makes it an affordable way to enter the mountain biking community! It's about affordable and what can i get with what I can afford! This shows that you can start small and work your way up! Great job brotha!
Love this video! I bought a bikes direct hardtail years ago and have upgraded every component. It performs like a $1500 name brand bike. Even have that same recon fork!
MicroShift's 8, 9 and 10 speed parts are imo probably the best thing to happen to mtb upgradability 😀
So good to be able to convert older 2x and 3x drivetrains!
I've converted an octalink 3x to 1x by just ripping off all chainrings and using one 32t Raceface narrow wide in the middle position, bike hade a rear wheel with a 10x, so I put an Advent X 10x 11-48t cassette on it and managed to get it to work well with a Shimano 36t derailleur on an extender 😅
Used an advent X with the drop bar shifters on my steel cyclocross frame. So nice to be able to cheaply put a 1x wide range mtb drivetrain on a frame like that with drop bars
Hey Seth, I just want you to know that on a personal level, that you have single-handedly helped me get into this new hobby. As far as picking out the right mountian bike I wanted the real deal, without spending the big deal. Berm Peak was the only channel that gave me useful information, easy to understand explanations, and confidence when looking for a starter mountain bike. Because of this, I'm super stoked to recieve my bike next month. I truly cannot say enough thank you's to the amount of time and effort put into your videos, because without it, I'd be stranded!
Much love,
David, you're new biggest Fan!
Great video Seth! I would love to see a side by side comparison with something of the same cost from a big brand.
I have one and it’s worth it! I’ve gone mountain biking with it as well! The video explains the specs very well. Thank you for sharing a low budget bike that doesn’t break the bank.
I would love to see a full suspension version of this series!
The linkage can only be so good on a budget bike. Most lower end fullsus frames are just not up to the task, u just have to pour in the initial money. The Trail Ridge makes sense because you can't go too wrong with a hardtail aluminum frame. But when cost is cut on a linkage it will eat bearings and even shocks because of bad alignment and might wear some bearing seat out because of that - practically unrepairable. But if you spend that 1500+ you'll get a frame where you maybe won't regret upgrading the shock and fork at one point instead of doing a bigger repair to the stock ones. At least here in Europe you can easily have to pay so much for a fork or shock service that a reasonable upgrade would just make more sense.
@@dmrfnk oh I totally agree it won't be worth it. Just would be a fun meme series
I enjoy your videos on biking and mini rock crawlers. This episode is great. Thank you for the links.
I think we need to give a little Love to Kev Central. Without him these Walmart bikes would not be as good as they are or even real mountain bikes!!
Isn't that an ebike channel?
@@ainteasya No it is not. Maybe check it out before commenting.
@MikeReally I checked it out. Appears to be a scooter channel
Just got a trek fx2 to lose some weight and ive been enjoying it. Im thinking about buying a used mountain bike and you vods are giving me confidence. I haven't taken a bike apart since the 90s lol
Seth, thank you for showing us this! It really makes me so happy to hear that it is a legitimately viable option now to buy a cheap dinky bike and make upgrades to it that makes it a really decent ride. I truly believe that this is one of the best ways to really indulge yourself into the sport. There’s a relatively low buy in cost, and you can invest over time to truly make it worth while. And if you don’t like the sport, you can stop at any point and still walk away with more money that you would have if you just bought a “real” mtb.
I picked mine up today and I gotta say it is a very nice feeling bike off the shelf minus the flat tire and literal destroyed derailleur that I had to bend back into shape to as close as straight as I could 😂. Looking forward to getting into the hobby and seeing where I go with this bad boy. Thank you BermPeak for the recommendation and keep up the content ❤
Great video keep it up
Waittttttttt, how???????
@@KyleSantisiI’m just him ig
Swapping a saddle is a PITA! I hadn't done one in years and then a couple weeks ago... yep, still a pain in the ass. BUt your point at the end about doing the work yourself and learning about your bike and maintaining it- to me, that is as much fun as riding. I think I get more joy out of tweaking and fiddling around with my bike or whatever I am messing with than I should. Love your videos Seth.
Thanks Seth for bringing these bikes to light. I've been mountain biking for about 8 months now. I have other hobbies and wasn't sure if it was for me. So I bought a couple different used bikes and ended up flipping them at first to make enough money for an expensive bike. Wrenching on them became my hobby. I bought a mongoose ardor for 100$ that ended up in my floor just the bare frame for a couple months. My friend kept telling me to quit flipping bikes and build myself one so we could go ride. I decided to build the ardor because of its slack design. I've had this bike on jump lines, double black diamond, anything that the bike snobs said it couldn't do. I've run into more toxic people in the mountain bike community than any other of my hobbies. I avoided mountain biking for 5 years for listening to those snobs online. I would be willing to bet a lot of people in these comments are the same bike snobs and gate keepers that tell newcomers that it takes a 1,500$ bike to get started. You have a bigger following so hopefully people won't feel intimidated by the big price tags and more people will start mountain biking. Meaning we will get more help building trails and more parks!
Sorry you feel the community is the most toxic. I have the exact opposite, to me mtb is the most welcoming community that I have ever been a part of. Rc is pretty damn toxic and so are many other fandoms. Us mtb guys just wants to go out into the wood and ride our bikes man.
Luckily for some of us no one had the internet when we started out so we mostly didn't care.
@@madtownangler I think the in person interaction is generally positive. Of course there will be elitist in all sports and hobbies, can't stop assholes from being assholes.
@@madtownangler I don't care about others people's opinions. It was just overwhelming at first because I didn't expect it to be a constant pissing contest. The part that cracks me up is the guys I see out on the trails on the cheaper bikes or the ones they have built, are usually the more skilled riders.
@@s14tat you are 100% correct about that. No one has or probably ever will say anything in person. It's just the trolls online that always post their flashy bike or parts but they can't post a video to prove they need that kind of bike
Stoked to see a low cost capable mountain bike with upgrades for many people who may not have the resources to enter the sport - especially for the younger adults and kids. 🤙
The Ozark Trail Ridge has a great frame for the $400 price point.
The Kent Trouvaille is a close second, but there are a few odd decisions, like only having one water bottle mount, and the weird-looking seatstays and chainstays. I will give them credit for adding a second frame size option, though.
The Kent trouvaile is now droperpost ready
And better fork
Better locking 2
@@EdgarLopez-uv8tu I know, my Trouvaille has internal routing holes for a dropper.
@@bibasik7 yes hey man i have a trouvaille 2 but the pedals are welder to the crank set and i cant upgrade them does your bike have them welded 2
This is what I've been looking for! My son wanted to get into mountain biking and I hadn't purchased a bike since I was an early teenager and to my complete and utter shock as some mountain bikes cost as much as my motorcycle 😳.
I bought a cheap Academy Sports bike and am planning to upgrade it slowly. I won't be racing but I'm hard on bikes as I grew up on two feet or two wheels and I like adrenaline.
This gives me an idea where to start and I thank you for that!
seth 's vids just keep gettign better and better. keep up the awesome work man
Great work! Watching these videos makes me makes me miss being able to ride. My 2021 Giant Fathom was stolen last year by someone who had a USPS key and gained entry into my apartment building. Saving up to replace it soon. Keep up the great content.
Seth is a legend for this. Giving new riders or prospective riders a budget way to get into the sport while learning how to do upgrades and maintenance.
I just bought an almost new one of these for $125. I got very lucky. I haven't bought a mountain bike In my life but because of your channel I'm trying It now at 29 years old. I wish I started at a younger age but now Is better then not starting. I'm going to do some of these upgrades but not all until I know I will be doing Mountain biking as a hobby.
Why dont you make more building videos or bike flips?
He explained it in an other video
I’m working on a build right now, but it’s taking a lot longer than usual because I have a one month old and a toddler. I’ma get it done though! And as they get older it should get easier. Bike Flips may return when the bike market returns to semi-normal. Or I’ll just restore bikes and sell them as a loss to put them back on the trail.
@@BermPeakExpress now i know and thank you for replying my favourite youtuber
@BermPeakExpress it wont be at a loss, break even at worst but Don't blame the market
@@smashyrashy the market is really bad, trek did a thing where they were literally selling bikes buy one get one free, and they were the same bike
Thank you for the parts list seth. Going through the list just before i go on a bike ride to the park with my little girl on our OT ridge.
Now to figure out how to buy one from new zealand....
This George again two of my close friends ended up in the ER doing mountain crazy biking one is prized for life another has permanent injuries, my other friends never got injured they just road their bikes like sane people you are an extremist a nice one i must say
I made some of those upgrades to my Schwinn Boundary and it made a huge difference. Great for light trails and pothole ridden streets.
Thanks for another great video. I bemoaned the expense of buying/upgrading a MTB after your previous video. Here you have proven that there are relatively economical ways to upgrade. I'm challenged to attempt upgrading my bike soon... thank you for reigniting and inspiring!
I love this mtb, you and your channel helped me make the decision, knowing I could up grade it easily. Just a quick tip on internally your cables for this bike. When I installed a dropper seat post on mine. I put it together including the trigger. Then I took some thread and a vacuum, I put the thread through the top hole and run it through. I then took the vacuum to the bottom hole and turned it on. The vacuum sucked it though the second hole and then tied the other end to my cable and was able to easily run the cable all the way through. Then unattach the trigger from the cable pull the cable out of the housing and reroute the cable through the housing that's now internally routed.
I kinda did this with spare parts on a Pacific back in the 90's just to get rid of some parts I had laying around. I left the rear derailer, chain, and crank alone though. I gave It back to the guy at work and he loved it
Your best video....that I've seen....and for a lot of reasons, but I think this will interest the widest cross-section of viewers. Good Job!
I just started riding my parent's old bike again. Been getting in a good 25 miles a day, loving it. Was thinking about upgrading it, but will probably just buy this one.
My word that sprocket is close to the chain stay. I can’t believe it’s not touching!
So, if we can confidently call this an $1100 (USD) bike then, I’d like to know how well it performs against other brand name $1100 bikes - Merida, Giant, Marin, Polygon etc. All the entry level hardtails from the affordable yet, reputable bike builders out there.
Rad video dude. Brisbane, Australia.
Berm peak is why i just started my adventures into mtb... and now i have the ozark trail 😆 thanx berm for the awesome content.....
The first video I watched from Seth was the $4 action cam video, now his channel has inspired me to go out and buy a mountain bike!
Every video makes my day wayyyy better!
I watched the first vid on this bike. I have a $1000.00 budget to buy a mtn bike. Finding your channel has helped alot and i think i might follow suit of this build. Thank you for all your information. Now subscribed
I've been waitting for this epic build on the "The Ozark Trail Ridge Pro Max Ultra " Great work man !!! 😁😁😁😁
That's pretty much what I did in 2019. I had an old bike from 2015, for which I paid around 450$ (from a bike shop, not a department store though), which I ended up upgrading, very much as you did, purchasing components, looking for good deals. It game me the chance to test some technical trail, which I ended up enjoying a lot and was sure it was worth investing in a full suspension bike later on. Moreover I could learn the basics of bike maintenance without risking to ruin an expensive bike. Fast forward to 2023, I'm doing some bike races!
I always loved tour content seth. I still remember your Walgoose video from a few years ago. I was bummed out when you split ways with diamondback but im happy to see you making videos on things you like because we find it interesting
I love this video. You are going to give pride and confidence to people that want to MTB but maybe can’t afford to shell out dough to do it. I think it might encourage new riders to try MTBing as this illustrates you can dip your toes into it without such a large commitment. Great follow up vid.
This os easily my favorite mountain bikeing channel
Yesssss i been waiting for this video to drop! I got an OT RIDGE and for a dad bike i love it. Currently with thick slicks, milk crate on ny front handle bar, rear rack added on along with folding wire baskets on the side. Along with a toddler trailer. Its a perfect dad bike. And when i dont have my daughter i take most of it all off and go for a nice trail ride.
Went to Walmart and bought one yesterday after watching all your videos on it. And now I'm filling up my amazon cart!! 😅
Love this budget build. Awesome stuff!
Been watching your videos for over a year now, haven't bought a bike yet, but I really like this series and think I may have to do the same. Thanks, Seth!
Thank for this video. This might be the platform I get back into Mountain Biking after taking a decade plus off. Appreciate this guide and all of your videos. o7
So cool, done the same thing with a second hand cannondale trail 4. Just recently changed out the forks for a set of second hand fox 32 and some schwalbe magic Mary’s. The latest upgrades. Made a massive difference. The original bike cost me €300 and I’ve basically swapped everything over the past 3 years, also cost me about €300 with used and new good but cheap parts. I love my ride, never going to get rid of it, it’s the bike I was aiming for now.
It's nice that they are starting to use the same standards on department store bikes. When I first started getting into mountain biking in the early 2000's that wasn't always the case. I had a job making $6.00 an hour so a brand-name bike wasn't in my cards. I had an old CCM (Canadian tire department store brand) and was able to up grande a few things. Crank, brakes, wheels. But I couldn't do much with it.
This bike seems like a way better place to start then what we had 20 plus years ago.
I Literally Hung/ rehung 52 bikes at My Walmart, Cause I'm the Bike Guy. (noone else there knows anything about bikes).. this builder came in, and knocked out 24 bike builds , in like 5 hours. I Put them Up/rearranged/ rearranged again, etc. I'm 54. Navy Vet.
I do the same thing with a polygon premier 4 ( a 450dlls bike) the feeling of upgrading a cheap bike is magical. And I enjoy ride with that bike
Well I just picked up OT ridge used for $100. Glad this video is out there. As a beginner this looks like a great path to learn especially at used hardware prices.
I'm so happy that you are keeping that bike.
This build was awesome! Love these parts bin builds. I’ve had a ton of great bikes over time and learned to love these Walmart builds. Back to the basics!
Seth, this might be the best video you've ever produced. Amazing vibes!
Your the reason I fully customise my bikes I do all the upgrading but I sand mine down and repaint them
I love watching you take a value beast and making it a real beast, still at a value. Super sick videos!
This is great. Thanx Seth.
I just bought this bike. I want to upgrade some stuff. That cable tool is the bomb!
This was informative and hilarious. The label maker decal earned you a new sub. Thank you for the excellent work.
I found this segment very entertaining ... and, I learned something to boot!
Always fun to watch your stuff Seth!
steve
We got my daughter a rockhopper sport. We upgraded her to tubeless tires, a RockShox Judy from the coil fork, and a dropper post. Her confidence and riding dramatically increased and we finished the upgrades to match what a rockhopper elite would be for less money
This is eerily similar to my Trek Marlin. I extended the Recon fork from 100mm to 120mm by removing the internal spacers. With the extension to 120mm, the axle to crown measurement is only 8-10mm longer than the stock Suntour fork. Hardly noticeable, but better than going the other direction of 10-12mm shorter in the front, if I had left the Recon at 100mm. Free upgrade/change if you already have the required shock oils.