Another Ozark Trail G.1 Explorer owner here. I also have type 2 diabetes. My A1C kept creeping up gradually for 10 years. When it got to 7, I said NO MORE! I lowered my A1C from 7.1 to 5.2 in less than a year by cycling, walking, and lowering my carb intake. Now I'm no longer diabetic, never did have to take any meds. Dropped 50 pounds and plan to drop 50 more. It's doable!
I like to ride as I always have . I'm 61 now and really enjoy riding my bicycles. I've never been a person that wants to compete. Just enjoy taking my time and enjoying scenic country roads and trails. Taking my time and enjoying the outdoors and connecting with kind people is the highlight for me. It is inspiring to meet people that are making changes to take better care of their health when I'm out there. Keep it fun and you will make it a lifelong routine!
I try to spread kindness when I ride. I have a tool kit with me so if I see anyone stranded or trying to work on their bike, I offer help. I've had a few folx take me up on it and we all leave happier. I've had people stop for me too. I just want us all to have a good time on our bikes! Keep having fun!
I agree. I have a Trek and a couple other name brand bikes, my favorite bike I ride the most and I take with me when I travel; my 1972 Raleigh Hybrid. Like you I ride the chit out that bike just because it fits me well and it’s comfortable to ride, not for the coin I spent on it or its components. As for the training, you keep up the solid training that you are comfortable with. To me it sounds like you are progressing at a rate that’s suits your ambition as a cyclist and that’s exactly how a non professional should approach it. Chase your goals, but don’t burn yourself out trying to get there.
I really wish some of the 70s and 80s steel frame bikes came small enough for me, they are classic looking and I love them, but I'm looking for a unicorn. The tragedy of being very very short. sigh. It's funny, I LOVE my kona and last year it's all I rode, this year it's all the G.1. I can't wait to see how I feel about it next year
Rock on with whatever makes you happy. For me, the G.1 is my first non bottom of the barrel mountain bike. I rodeas a child and again about 15 years ago. Now I like you am trying to increase fitness. This bike allowed me to enter the hobby at all, which would not have otherwise been possible.
You can do it! I started out walking around the block. Then walking a bit longer. Then I walked for an hour a day, two hours, then hiking. Finally I decided to get back into riding and honestly it's done wonders for me. It's so worth it. I feel better and my clothes fit better. My resting heart rate is back down to 70 and occasionally 68, and my blood glucose readings are stable with my A1C going down. I think some bike shops look at the one sale as the goal, where what they should be looking at is the relationship. When I like a bike shop I go there to buy the bike, I go back for lube, tires, and tubes. If I weren't handy I'd go in for tune ups. Two of my local shops buy used busted up bikes cleans them up and then sells them at a slight profit, with the idea the buyers will be back to buy more. The prices are affordable and the bikes are slick looking. If I hadn't bought this bike I was going to go to one of these 2 shops and buy one of their used and repaired bikes. From what I can tell, I've only seen these 2 shops do this. None of the others around me do this. Both of these shops also do group rides with no dropped members and they are chill fun. Anyway, I think more shops should focus on the relationship, affordability, and fun; less on being spandex clad racers. (unless you love to race and that is fun for you. One of the shops near me is a racer type store and sponsors a bunch of race events that a lot of people attend. It's not my jam but I know a lot of people race and love it.)
I wore out several bicycles as a child. I've always loved riding. Now that I'm in my sixties, I've picked it back up again. I do it for much the same reason you do, to keep the angel of death off my butt. Good luck in your quest for health!
Good observations. I enjoy setting incremental distance goals and achieving them. Also, that’s my exact philosophy of use for my old bike. I enjoy riding, working on and upgrading it. Still looking for an Ozark Trail bike in store. All stores have been out of stock for a while. They must be doing something right! Thanks for sharing!
I had to set one into my favorites on the walmart website and go back every other day to see if they were in stock near me. I had to look at several stores. They've been out of stock since then. The store closest to me just did a giant reset of their bike section and had all their bikes in boxes, none were assembled. But most stuff was listed as out of stock for ages. They also shrank their offerings for tires, tubes, seats, etc... My fingers are crossed that you can find one near you!
I love the message. I’m with you. I have mostly used/cheap new bikes. I absolutely love making it mine, like exactly the way I like it by changing out parts & components over time as I can afford it. I LOVE and own some of the newer Walmart bikes because the frames are awesome. Why would I pay a crap ton of money just to put more into it to make it mine? Keep it up!
I'm planning a new build and I'm looking for a used bike or buying just a frame than build it up how I want it. I will say that the G.1 is a great frame but over time the parts are a PITA. Which is why I've been treating it like a rolling frame, add and remove stuff when I want it.
I have the ozark trail bike also.Ive changed a wheel and other things.I really love how you like to make this bike your own like im makeing mine.I am also dealing with the type 2 shit.Im subing to your channel cause youtube needs more like you.
Thanks man! I'm glad you love this bike too. It's so much fun. Upgrades are a good time. Sorry you are dealing with Type 2 as well, it really sucks to deal with. Makes a lot of stuff hard.
Great video. For balance though a professional training programme is not rocket science and its basic principals apply to anybody. Its simply a mix of longish and slowish rides and short but faster rides. You dont need to do 22 hours a week just do what you can , but this kind of training is highly effective for any cyclist and will get you to and push you past your goal. Your point on bike brands is spot on, comfort and confidence ia far more important than brand names.
I'm unconsciously mixing the long and the short and the fast and slow. Headwinds here on the coast of Mass are NO JOKE. Also I'm like a sail catching the breeze. Just loving riding and being out and seeing my area.
What a great trail! Century by October, if you’ve already done a 40 mile ride, sounds realistic. Even more so if part of an organized group century. The psychological aspect is actually the hardest part, for a person in normal fitness.
I'm definitely getting into better fitness. Did 18 today and I could have gone on longer had the rain not started. really feeling like i can get the century in this year. The trail in this video is the Danvers to Topsfield/Boxford section of the Border to Boston rail trail. It's fantastic. Mostly packed smooth gravel and some hard packed old dirt road. I'm going to get out and do the unfinished portion again this summer, which is more single track than this is. If you are ever in Mass it's a treat to ride. It's also part of the East Coast Greenway.
@@LessISMoreHealthy I moved away from the us before the conversion of old rail lines to trails started, and before gravel biking became a thing. We had the C&O canal in the dc area, but it was in pretty bad shape then. So I look on these trails with a bit of envy now :)
yes. a bike doesnt have to be expensive or have a specific name or brand. the only things that really matter is that the frame fits you and that the geometry suits what you wanna do with it. thats something you cant easily change...everything else can be swapped out with parts you like more when the time comes. just spending 5k in one go doesnt make you a better rider or enjoy biking more...on the other hand swapping out parts yourself gives you an idea what each upgrade does... on the other hand its not a bad thing to really get into the subject beforehand and research what you might want/need as a starting point. for example i myself wouldnt buy a bike with qc axles for mountainbiking anymore. or a suspension fork with steel springs when i can adjust the springrate of a cheap airfork easily.
Quite frankly, if anyone buys that bike and just leaves it as it is, so be it! If someone wants to tinker/transform that bike, so be it. Folks will buy an old car and re-build it for fun. RIDE ON!
Heck yeah! I grew up with my dad working on old VW. When I was 12 he bought a busted up old (American) Ford Prefect. He had fun on weekends, tearing apart and rebuilding the tiny engine and working out the dents. It bored me to tears, but I come by my love of wrenching honestly. Even back then I worked on my old Huffy.
upgrading a bike irregardless of how much you paid for it, seems to happen frequently. And there's nothing wrong with that. And I believe it's just part of evolving as a rider, adapting to your environment.
I have made mistakes on bike purchases in the past and end up buying something different (usually more expensive and lighter). Those are mistakes I’m happy to make, because it means I am “riding the shit out of the bike” and need something different. The worst mistake to make is spending $5k on a bike and never riding it. Trust me, there are a LOT of those people/bikes out there 😂
We've all made mistakes with bike purchases but like you said if you are upgrading to something that fits and rides better it is worth it. Plus some mistakes can be sold!
I agree with everything you said here. I was listening to this while I was out riding my G1. So far the only thing I've replaced on mine is the saddle. But I've flipped the stem over and turned the seat clamp around so the bike fits me better. At some point I want to adjust the position of the levers on the handlebars but I don't feel like dealing with the bar tape just yet. I wish you luck in achieving your century ride. 👍
This bike is great as is. Except that damn saddle. I admit that a lot of what I'm doing isn't strictly necessary but it's making it's totally mine. I got the rockbros bar tape, it's a good budget tape and feels pretty comfortable, plus getting it on there and looking good made me feel pretty accomplished. LOL Good luck with the tape. Thanks, I'm working my way to higher miles, did 43 last week and it felt pretty good!
I agree with you 😊 Buy what you can afford 😊 when you can afford it 😊 I enjoyed the shit out of your experience A side note i buy most of my bikes from the pawn shop pricing between 37-80 max just so I can upgrade it or not. Of course this was BC ( before COVID)
The pawn shops around here are charging $200+ for a beat UP rusty Walmart bike. It's bananas. All I want is for everyone to just enjoy the ride no matter what it is and let other people enjoy their ride without negging and other BS comments.
@@LessISMoreHealthy let them nag or turn their noses up. I can say that from experience. I have N+1 bikes. I rotate them for daily use. I get noses, looks, and the likes. All because I wear what I want and ride what I like. Just remember two things. Have fun. That's their heart attack not your. You are stronger than you know 💪.
At this point I am finding it funny to see the snobs look at the bike and look confused when they see the Ozark trails on it. It's like their brain is glitching.
Great advice. I always liked bikes made from Chromoly, They seem to flex better on rough terrain. Getting harder to find bikes made from Chromoly. Plus i trust them better.
One thing I have had fun with is riding your age every year for your birthday and I turn 69 in November! People are excited ask when I tell them what I am doing and want to steal my idea. Go ahead and steal it God gave it to me to share. If I live to be 100 then I guess, I'll doing a century anyway.
I'm surprised there isn't a large. Their other bikes have a large. Perhaps they were testing the market to see how they will sell and we'll see a large soon? I hope so! Snob Slayers!!!!
Dont let them bother you. I get laughed at because i use flat pedals on a 13 year old bike i use a camelback instead of water bottles and i have a rubver ducky on my handlebars. Im 45 years old a male and currently weigh 320 pounds. I was 355 in january i dont let it bug my. I ride what and how i want even if i look like an elephant riding a small horse. Im in the same boat. Just trying to get healthier. Maybe in a few years if things get better i may buy a new bike but mine is quite comfortable for my needs and occasionally adding something new even if its dirt cheap somethings it helps me keep going
You are getting it! That's no joke and hard damn work! Awesome. Forget the haters! YOU ARE GETTING HEALTHIER!!!! Flat pedals RULE. I use pinned flat pedals due to an old ankle injury so I can move my foot around. They are great. Keep going! You got this!!!
Bikes are generic fit. If you have a robust platform to begin with, no matter how you got it, get into it & figure out what you need for it to do what you want to be doing. Keep your eyes peeled for swaps re saddles, bars, luggage, lighting, etc. that's just custom fit stuff. Upgrades will be wheels & tyres, (if you can, have multiple sets, eg commuter, trails, light road etc. & swap out as required. Gearing is very important, have multiple complete sets too. Cassette & chain mates especially. Cassettes can be easily unpinned, individual cogs swapped out & in for specific purposes. Just find someone who can do this or that for you. BTW don't neglect old cassettes, if they have the ratio you want as unworn, & all cogs will run on any speed chain, they are all !/2 inch x something, its the spacers that are specific to whatever speed system you are running. Another thing, you don't need to run all the cogs, you can run 6,7 or 8 only, on 10 speed shifters if you want, & use old spacers & the limit screws to get a much better chain line. In other words, dial your bike in to a perfect custom fit. Buy consumables, cables, pads, bearings, chains, tyres, tubes etc. as & when they crop up as a good find & you can afford it. Enjoy, Western Australia.
Once you get a frame that fits, it's all about the upgrades. At least for me. Finding a good frame is the hardest part. Right now the G.1 is getting to be pretty darn good. I have more than one bike and gotta remember to ride them all. But I get a favorite that I focus on...
This year i was fortunate enough to get a decent tax return, for once and decided you know what, I'm going to pay a decent amount for a bike. I spent $1800 on a Trek and I absolutely HATE IT. I've had several bikes in my life, every bike I've bought off craigslist, used has been more comfortable and just felt better than this one. I wish i would have purchased a cheaper bike and then tweaked it to my liking. No matter what, as long as the pedals are moving, the bike doesn't matter. I currently have one that isn't fun to ride at all, so you're winning! I love what you're doing, keep doing it!
Aww man, bummer on the bum bike. I wonder if you tweaked it a bit if you'd like it more? I've got over 300 miles on the G.1 now and it just gets better.
I love the crap out of this bike and the way the world is rt now everything is insanely expensive so getting a deal on a great bike is a no brainer. I'm on a budget so I'm slowly upgrading $50 here $50 there to make a really beyond awesome bike . I have friends who weld and said the bikes welds are solid they just didn't clean up the welds like they would on more high end bikes and I think that's half the reason the bike is affordable.
I keep reaching for this bike over my bike. Like you, I'm upgrading one small upgrade at a time, no more than one upgrade per paycheck, gotta pay my bills too. I think once all my upgrades are done I'll have way more into this bike than I spent (already there with with the drivetrain upgrade) but also this bike frame is so solid that I think if I stripped the paint off people would mistake it for a much higher end bike. Right now my bike is getting way more awesome. Yours will also be amazing. High fives!
There are all types of bike for all types of budgets and all types of people. I don’t think my G1 Explorer will survive jumping a house in a Redbull video. If I had a $10k bike, I don’t think I would survive jumping a house in a Redbull video. I would love to own a $10k bike. But that’s not going to be in my budget anytime soon. However, budget bikes mean that many of us can enjoy riding and exploring instead of just watching others do it on videos. I also enjoy many of the videos. Beyond just discovering whatever the latest bikes or parts that exist, I have been able to discover an entire world of trails that I never new existed. Sometimes I will see a detail in a video concerning a trail that I’ve previously ridden, but hadn’t experienced. Then I get the adventure of discovering something new again. I also find that I ride my budget bikes more often than my “expensive” bike.
I have really enjoyed watching videos where people push the limits of Walmart bikes- Wolftick is one where they test them, upgrade and push them. I love bikes I just want to see more people out on the trails and on the roads enjoying them. There's a market out there for every bike and every budget, when people wallet wag and are snobs about bikes it doesn't help encourage people to ride. It just makes them feel bad. watching ride videos is what convinced me to do sections of the East Coast Greenway this summer. It's giving me a challenge and it's been fun so far. I learned about some neat things when I was doing the Danvers to Newburyport section- I really want to go back and see some of this conservation land and water access areas. Really cool stuff! I never knew it was there. I keep reaching for the G.1 over my Kona or my Trek. It might just be my current obsession but it might also be that it's a solid bike.
I ride a 33 lb touring bike...and I get passed by everyone. I'm not in good riding shape. I still enjoy the hell out of it. Just do you...lose weight, get your diabetes under control...enjoy life because....that's what the real 'pros' do... 😜
Yes yes yes. I'm getting I to good riding shape and feel so much better for riding. My diabetes is well in control now with my numbers steadily dropping and they are in the high normal range!!!
One more comment and I promise I’ll shut up. In 1987, I bought a cheap “bread and butter” Takara Prestige bike to help out an acquaintance who had just opened up a bike shop. I rode the bike until 2023, I even did some short tours on it. Nearly every part, save the frame was replaced over the time. I not only enjoyed tinkering, I became a more competent bike mechanic. I eventually took all the parts off and put them on a Trek frame and gave the original alloy and high-carbon frame to someone building a bike up for his kid.
No worries! Keep commenting! Part of the fun of RUclips is the comments! It's awesome that you had a bike that you loved and upgraded, and learned on! Then you passed it on. I just had a convo with a friend about what I 'd do if I sold the G.1 and I told him I'd put most of the old parts back on it and move these new parts to a new frame or bike. Parts are an investment. (I'm going to do a full review on the L-Twoo RX 12s and gotta say so far it's smooth and really nice!) I think getting competent at something is great for mental health! It makes us feel good!!!
Don't worry about what other folks say, and keep up with your own goals. As for the g-1 gravel bike goes, I have some really nice gravel bikes, like 2000 dollar bike. It is collecting dust. I like riding the Ozark trail. I am turning mine into a touring bike. When finished, I'll put it up against any touring bike out there. Don't let others judge you. I call this this the looking glass 🍷 theory developer Charles Coolidge. Dr in phycology. What it means ,is you precieve yourself and your worth as others do. Don't do this.
Don’t let the idiots discourage you in any way. I think I know that stupid waffle you’re referring to in the beginning of this video. I used to ride hundreds of miles a week, with a century every single weekend, on a bike with a heavier frame than the G1. Would I have raced that frame? Nah. Nor would I race the G1. Not what’s it’s for. Ignore the fart sniffers.
Ugh! So sorry you have to deal with bicycle snobs and there arrogance. I wonder how many people who walk into a bike shop walk-in with pro cyclist aspirations? I would wager 90% just want a bike to ride for any reason other than pro cyclist. Never mind the justification of a hefty price tag on a bike that will be ridden once then forgotten in the garage. Ignoring over 90% of the riding population is why Trek is in the dire financial straights it's currently in and why Walmart bikes are flying off the shelf. There's a business model for the taking if someone can see over the Aero bars and carbon fiber frame cycling click. - Stay well Less and carry on!
I have plans to make a video about my experiences walking into small bike shops. It's been mostly pretty positive but a few stand out experiences were really truly awful. I've got 4 LBS in a short distance of my home, I've been to all 4, and I will not step foot into 2 of them ever again. The other 2 are delightful. I have a couple of 90s era Treks that are delightful bikes. Their 90s era steel frames are great. My partner was gifted an early 2000s Trek hybrid that's a great bike. I upgraded it for her and it's been solid. I miss the accessibility of those old treks. walmart is capitalizing on a section of the market that online sellers have been for ages- the people who want a decent bike for a decent price. People who want to ride. I think if Walmart hired better assemblers they'd do more business.
The issues with big box store bikes are parts compatibility, there is virtually no warranty and no resale value. Ride what you want, just be prepared when you want to get rid of it. Pedal on!!!
Perhaps that was the case in the past but I'm having zero compatibility issues with the OT G.1 and I can't say that any of the other RUclips channels that work on Walmart bike are either (WolfTick, KevCentral, or Chicken Sendies). I've replaced the real derailleur, tires, seat post, seat, bars and tape. As long as you order the right size of part, Walmart bikes have zero issues with parts fitting. I broke my rear derailleur hanger and I'm outside of the return window but Walmart offered to let me return the whole bike. as for resale value, when I get rid of this, I'll take all of the nice parts off it and transfer them to a new frame and put either the old parts back on or mildly upgrade it and pass it on for peanuts in the hopes it will get someone else riding. I'm not looking at this as an investment, but a good time. Or I guess I look at the money as well spent on good vibes and great rides.
@@LessISMoreHealthy that is an excellent outlook on that bike. Yes compatibility has came along for some non big brand bikes recently. I just know some people jump the gun with a cheaper bike and can't understand that when it's a couple years old (no matter what parts are on it) it is not worth anything. Keep pushing for that century!!!!!!
The funny part about it all these bikes are made in China unless they're handmaid and they're probably made by the same company just stamped a different name and they all cost probably under a $100 a frame to make that's the real truth about the bike company industry
China or Taiwan. There are differences in double butting and what not. But I agree that mostly the frames are similar other than what the company orders. I did notice that the TREK we have is much lighter than the G.1 by several pounds.
@@LessISMoreHealthy I've been mountain biking for about 25 years and all my bikes have been trek until now that I live out the United States and I have to ship them out and I have to pay 38.8% on any new product.
@@LessISMoreHealthy And that ozark trail is built-in Taiwan. I remember when the bike shop offered you 3 different specs of the same frame or you bought the frame and you built it up yourself. And they were all under 3000 unless you were a professional.
Every bike is a good bike. Enjoy the hobby and your fitness journey!
That's the plan!
You do you! You're lapping everyone on the couch and you're doing awesome!
The G1 Explorer led me to this channel.
So it’s taken me places without even pedaling 🤪
I’m with you. Do cycling to improve your health and for enjoyment. Way to go!
As long as you have fun and enjoy yourself, that’s all that matters.
Thank you for another great video.
I love your attitude.
Thanks so much! I think we gotta let people enjoy what they enjoy!
Another Ozark Trail G.1 Explorer owner here. I also have type 2 diabetes. My A1C kept creeping up gradually for 10 years. When it got to 7, I said NO MORE! I lowered my A1C from 7.1 to 5.2 in less than a year by cycling, walking, and lowering my carb intake. Now I'm no longer diabetic, never did have to take any meds. Dropped 50 pounds and plan to drop 50 more. It's doable!
Good work. I'm on the path. I'm sitting at 5.8 right now. dropped from 6.8 2 months ago. It's amazing what regular exercise does for A1C
I like to ride as I always have . I'm 61 now and really enjoy riding my bicycles. I've never been a person that wants to compete. Just enjoy taking my time and enjoying scenic country roads and trails. Taking my time and enjoying the outdoors and connecting with kind people is the highlight for me. It is inspiring to meet people that are making changes to take better care of their health when I'm out there. Keep it fun and you will make it a lifelong routine!
I try to spread kindness when I ride. I have a tool kit with me so if I see anyone stranded or trying to work on their bike, I offer help. I've had a few folx take me up on it and we all leave happier. I've had people stop for me too. I just want us all to have a good time on our bikes!
Keep having fun!
G1 will be my next bike.
I agree. I have a Trek and a couple other name brand bikes, my favorite bike I ride the most and I take with me when I travel; my 1972 Raleigh Hybrid. Like you I ride the chit out that bike just because it fits me well and it’s comfortable to ride, not for the coin I spent on it or its components. As for the training, you keep up the solid training that you are comfortable with. To me it sounds like you are progressing at a rate that’s suits your ambition as a cyclist and that’s exactly how a non professional should approach it. Chase your goals, but don’t burn yourself out trying to get there.
I really wish some of the 70s and 80s steel frame bikes came small enough for me, they are classic looking and I love them, but I'm looking for a unicorn. The tragedy of being very very short. sigh.
It's funny, I LOVE my kona and last year it's all I rode, this year it's all the G.1. I can't wait to see how I feel about it next year
Rock on with whatever makes you happy.
For me, the G.1 is my first non bottom of the barrel mountain bike. I rodeas a child and again about 15 years ago.
Now I like you am trying to increase fitness. This bike allowed me to enter the hobby at all, which would not have otherwise been possible.
You can do it! I started out walking around the block. Then walking a bit longer. Then I walked for an hour a day, two hours, then hiking. Finally I decided to get back into riding and honestly it's done wonders for me. It's so worth it. I feel better and my clothes fit better. My resting heart rate is back down to 70 and occasionally 68, and my blood glucose readings are stable with my A1C going down.
I think some bike shops look at the one sale as the goal, where what they should be looking at is the relationship. When I like a bike shop I go there to buy the bike, I go back for lube, tires, and tubes. If I weren't handy I'd go in for tune ups. Two of my local shops buy used busted up bikes cleans them up and then sells them at a slight profit, with the idea the buyers will be back to buy more. The prices are affordable and the bikes are slick looking. If I hadn't bought this bike I was going to go to one of these 2 shops and buy one of their used and repaired bikes. From what I can tell, I've only seen these 2 shops do this. None of the others around me do this. Both of these shops also do group rides with no dropped members and they are chill fun. Anyway, I think more shops should focus on the relationship, affordability, and fun; less on being spandex clad racers. (unless you love to race and that is fun for you. One of the shops near me is a racer type store and sponsors a bunch of race events that a lot of people attend. It's not my jam but I know a lot of people race and love it.)
Beautifully said.
I got some parts im waiting on, and when they get in, im gone..
Have fun!!!!
I wore out several bicycles as a child. I've always loved riding. Now that I'm in my sixties, I've picked it back up again. I do it for much the same reason you do, to keep the angel of death off my butt. Good luck in your quest for health!
Same to you! Keep the rubber side down!
The best bike is the one you ride!
Great video.
It really is!
Good observations. I enjoy setting incremental distance goals and achieving them. Also, that’s my exact philosophy of use for my old bike. I enjoy riding, working on and upgrading it. Still looking for an Ozark Trail bike in store. All stores have been out of stock for a while. They must be doing something right! Thanks for sharing!
I had to set one into my favorites on the walmart website and go back every other day to see if they were in stock near me. I had to look at several stores. They've been out of stock since then. The store closest to me just did a giant reset of their bike section and had all their bikes in boxes, none were assembled. But most stuff was listed as out of stock for ages. They also shrank their offerings for tires, tubes, seats, etc... My fingers are crossed that you can find one near you!
Hehe, those Allied brand “Walmart” bikes are over $5k. The Walton family heirs are huge cycling aficionados.
Good luck on your training.
When you finish that first century, you will remember the ride, the people, maybe the hills, but I doubt you’ll remember the bike all that much.
I love the message. I’m with you. I have mostly used/cheap new bikes. I absolutely love making it mine, like exactly the way I like it by changing out parts & components over time as I can afford it. I LOVE and own some of the newer Walmart bikes because the frames are awesome. Why would I pay a crap ton of money just to put more into it to make it mine? Keep it up!
I'm planning a new build and I'm looking for a used bike or buying just a frame than build it up how I want it. I will say that the G.1 is a great frame but over time the parts are a PITA. Which is why I've been treating it like a rolling frame, add and remove stuff when I want it.
God bless you on this wonderful adventure you are on. I could relate to everything you are saying. God bless and keep on moving.
Thank you! You too!
"snob slayer bike" love it lol, have fun out there, i hope you make an update video when you reach your century goal
I've gotten up to 43 miles so far. Hoping to get over 50 this weekend!
@@LessISMoreHealthy you got this! 💪
I have the ozark trail bike also.Ive changed a wheel and other things.I really love how you like to make this bike your own like im makeing mine.I am also dealing with the type 2 shit.Im subing to your channel cause youtube needs more like you.
Thanks man! I'm glad you love this bike too. It's so much fun. Upgrades are a good time. Sorry you are dealing with Type 2 as well, it really sucks to deal with. Makes a lot of stuff hard.
Good luck with your century. I enjoy your vids and I’ve really had a lot of fun riding my G1.
Thank you! It's such a great bike!
Sounds like you have a perfect plan, Les! I agree wholeheartedly… enjoy your bike in good health.
Thank you! I hope you have fun on your bike.
Great video. For balance though a professional training programme is not rocket science and its basic principals apply to anybody. Its simply a mix of longish and slowish rides and short but faster rides. You dont need to do 22 hours a week just do what you can , but this kind of training is highly effective for any cyclist and will get you to and push you past your goal. Your point on bike brands is spot on, comfort and confidence ia far more important than brand names.
I'm unconsciously mixing the long and the short and the fast and slow. Headwinds here on the coast of Mass are NO JOKE. Also I'm like a sail catching the breeze. Just loving riding and being out and seeing my area.
What a great trail!
Century by October, if you’ve already done a 40 mile ride, sounds realistic. Even more so if part of an organized group century. The psychological aspect is actually the hardest part, for a person in normal fitness.
I'm definitely getting into better fitness. Did 18 today and I could have gone on longer had the rain not started. really feeling like i can get the century in this year.
The trail in this video is the Danvers to Topsfield/Boxford section of the Border to Boston rail trail. It's fantastic. Mostly packed smooth gravel and some hard packed old dirt road. I'm going to get out and do the unfinished portion again this summer, which is more single track than this is. If you are ever in Mass it's a treat to ride. It's also part of the East Coast Greenway.
@@LessISMoreHealthy I moved away from the us before the conversion of old rail lines to trails started, and before gravel biking became a thing. We had the C&O canal in the dc area, but it was in pretty bad shape then. So I look on these trails with a bit of envy now :)
yes. a bike doesnt have to be expensive or have a specific name or brand. the only things that really matter is that the frame fits you and that the geometry suits what you wanna do with it. thats something you cant easily change...everything else can be swapped out with parts you like more when the time comes. just spending 5k in one go doesnt make you a better rider or enjoy biking more...on the other hand swapping out parts yourself gives you an idea what each upgrade does...
on the other hand its not a bad thing to really get into the subject beforehand and research what you might want/need as a starting point. for example i myself wouldnt buy a bike with qc axles for mountainbiking anymore. or a suspension fork with steel springs when i can adjust the springrate of a cheap airfork easily.
Quite frankly, if anyone buys that bike and just leaves it as it is, so be it! If someone wants to tinker/transform that bike, so be it. Folks will buy an old car and re-build it for fun. RIDE ON!
Heck yeah! I grew up with my dad working on old VW. When I was 12 he bought a busted up old (American) Ford Prefect. He had fun on weekends, tearing apart and rebuilding the tiny engine and working out the dents. It bored me to tears, but I come by my love of wrenching honestly. Even back then I worked on my old Huffy.
upgrading a bike irregardless of how much you paid for it, seems to happen frequently. And there's nothing wrong with that. And I believe it's just part of evolving as a rider, adapting to your environment.
Agreed!!! 💯 Every rider I know updates either themselves or with a bike shop. It's part of the experience
If the bike makes you want to ride, it works, and fits....it's the right bike.
Everyone can't be a professional cyclist, nor does everyone want to be.
Well said.
I have made mistakes on bike purchases in the past and end up buying something different (usually more expensive and lighter). Those are mistakes I’m happy to make, because it means I am “riding the shit out of the bike” and need something different. The worst mistake to make is spending $5k on a bike and never riding it. Trust me, there are a LOT of those people/bikes out there 😂
We've all made mistakes with bike purchases but like you said if you are upgrading to something that fits and rides better it is worth it. Plus some mistakes can be sold!
I agree with everything you said here. I was listening to this while I was out riding my G1. So far the only thing I've replaced on mine is the saddle. But I've flipped the stem over and turned the seat clamp around so the bike fits me better. At some point I want to adjust the position of the levers on the handlebars but I don't feel like dealing with the bar tape just yet.
I wish you luck in achieving your century ride. 👍
This bike is great as is. Except that damn saddle. I admit that a lot of what I'm doing isn't strictly necessary but it's making it's totally mine. I got the rockbros bar tape, it's a good budget tape and feels pretty comfortable, plus getting it on there and looking good made me feel pretty accomplished. LOL Good luck with the tape.
Thanks, I'm working my way to higher miles, did 43 last week and it felt pretty good!
Good luck,pedal on
Back at you!
I agree with you 😊 Buy what you can afford 😊 when you can afford it 😊
I enjoyed the shit out of your experience
A side note i buy most of my bikes from the pawn shop pricing between 37-80 max just so I can upgrade it or not.
Of course this was BC ( before COVID)
The pawn shops around here are charging $200+ for a beat UP rusty Walmart bike. It's bananas. All I want is for everyone to just enjoy the ride no matter what it is and let other people enjoy their ride without negging and other BS comments.
@@LessISMoreHealthy let them nag or turn their noses up. I can say that from experience.
I have N+1 bikes. I rotate them for daily use. I get noses, looks, and the likes. All because I wear what I want and ride what I like.
Just remember two things. Have fun. That's their heart attack not your.
You are stronger than you know 💪.
I agree with u one hundred %,I hope you reach ur goal n don't let the snobs get to u,
At this point I am finding it funny to see the snobs look at the bike and look confused when they see the Ozark trails on it. It's like their brain is glitching.
@@LessISMoreHealthy that's funny
Great advice. I always liked bikes made from Chromoly, They seem to flex better on rough terrain. Getting harder to find bikes made from Chromoly. Plus i trust them better.
I do like a cromoly frame, my Kona is cromoly and that is light and fun to ride. My only gripe with that is that I wish it were a 29/700 wheel.
good respective, I'm subscribed now :)
One thing I have had fun with is riding your age every year for your birthday and I turn 69 in November! People are excited ask when I tell them what I am doing and want to steal my idea. Go ahead and steal it God gave it to me to share. If I live to be 100 then I guess, I'll doing a century anyway.
That is a good challenge! I turn 48 in September so a good stretch.
If Ozark Trail made a version of this bike for taller people i would get one . I'm going to use the "Snob Slayer" term 😁
I'm surprised there isn't a large. Their other bikes have a large. Perhaps they were testing the market to see how they will sell and we'll see a large soon? I hope so! Snob Slayers!!!!
You're doing a good job, keep doing it....
Dont let them bother you. I get laughed at because i use flat pedals on a 13 year old bike i use a camelback instead of water bottles and i have a rubver ducky on my handlebars. Im 45 years old a male and currently weigh 320 pounds. I was 355 in january i dont let it bug my. I ride what and how i want even if i look like an elephant riding a small horse. Im in the same boat. Just trying to get healthier. Maybe in a few years if things get better i may buy a new bike but mine is quite comfortable for my needs and occasionally adding something new even if its dirt cheap somethings it helps me keep going
You are getting it! That's no joke and hard damn work! Awesome. Forget the haters! YOU ARE GETTING HEALTHIER!!!! Flat pedals RULE. I use pinned flat pedals due to an old ankle injury so I can move my foot around. They are great.
Keep going! You got this!!!
Just found your channel. Thank you for your videos. I’ve subscribed
Thank you!
Bikes are generic fit.
If you have a robust platform to begin with, no matter how you got it, get into it & figure out what you need for it to do what you want to be doing. Keep your eyes peeled for swaps re saddles, bars, luggage, lighting, etc. that's just custom fit stuff. Upgrades will be wheels & tyres, (if you can, have multiple sets, eg commuter, trails, light road etc. & swap out as required. Gearing is very important, have multiple complete sets too. Cassette & chain mates especially. Cassettes can be easily unpinned, individual cogs swapped out & in for specific purposes. Just find someone who can do this or that for you. BTW don't neglect old cassettes, if they have the ratio you want as unworn, & all cogs will run on any speed chain, they are all !/2 inch x something, its the spacers that are specific to whatever speed system you are running. Another thing, you don't need to run all the cogs, you can run 6,7 or 8 only, on 10 speed shifters if you want, & use old spacers & the limit screws to get a much better chain line. In other words, dial your bike in to a perfect custom fit. Buy consumables, cables, pads, bearings, chains, tyres, tubes etc. as & when they crop up as a good find & you can afford it. Enjoy, Western Australia.
Once you get a frame that fits, it's all about the upgrades. At least for me. Finding a good frame is the hardest part. Right now the G.1 is getting to be pretty darn good.
I have more than one bike and gotta remember to ride them all. But I get a favorite that I focus on...
Facts
This year i was fortunate enough to get a decent tax return, for once and decided you know what, I'm going to pay a decent amount for a bike. I spent $1800 on a Trek and I absolutely HATE IT. I've had several bikes in my life, every bike I've bought off craigslist, used has been more comfortable and just felt better than this one. I wish i would have purchased a cheaper bike and then tweaked it to my liking. No matter what, as long as the pedals are moving, the bike doesn't matter. I currently have one that isn't fun to ride at all, so you're winning! I love what you're doing, keep doing it!
Aww man, bummer on the bum bike. I wonder if you tweaked it a bit if you'd like it more? I've got over 300 miles on the G.1 now and it just gets better.
I love the crap out of this bike and the way the world is rt now everything is insanely expensive so getting a deal on a great bike is a no brainer. I'm on a budget so I'm slowly upgrading $50 here $50 there to make a really beyond awesome bike . I have friends who weld and said the bikes welds are solid they just didn't clean up the welds like they would on more high end bikes and I think that's half the reason the bike is affordable.
I keep reaching for this bike over my bike. Like you, I'm upgrading one small upgrade at a time, no more than one upgrade per paycheck, gotta pay my bills too. I think once all my upgrades are done I'll have way more into this bike than I spent (already there with with the drivetrain upgrade) but also this bike frame is so solid that I think if I stripped the paint off people would mistake it for a much higher end bike. Right now my bike is getting way more awesome. Yours will also be amazing. High fives!
There are all types of bike for all types of budgets and all types of people.
I don’t think my G1 Explorer will survive jumping a house in a Redbull video.
If I had a $10k bike, I don’t think I would survive jumping a house in a Redbull video.
I would love to own a $10k bike.
But that’s not going to be in my budget anytime soon.
However, budget bikes mean that many of us can enjoy riding and exploring instead of just watching others do it on videos.
I also enjoy many of the videos.
Beyond just discovering whatever the latest bikes or parts that exist, I have been able to discover an entire world of trails that I never new existed.
Sometimes I will see a detail in a video concerning a trail that I’ve previously ridden, but hadn’t experienced.
Then I get the adventure of discovering something new again.
I also find that I ride my budget bikes more often than my “expensive” bike.
I have really enjoyed watching videos where people push the limits of Walmart bikes- Wolftick is one where they test them, upgrade and push them.
I love bikes I just want to see more people out on the trails and on the roads enjoying them. There's a market out there for every bike and every budget, when people wallet wag and are snobs about bikes it doesn't help encourage people to ride. It just makes them feel bad.
watching ride videos is what convinced me to do sections of the East Coast Greenway this summer. It's giving me a challenge and it's been fun so far. I learned about some neat things when I was doing the Danvers to Newburyport section- I really want to go back and see some of this conservation land and water access areas. Really cool stuff! I never knew it was there.
I keep reaching for the G.1 over my Kona or my Trek. It might just be my current obsession but it might also be that it's a solid bike.
I ride a 33 lb touring bike...and I get passed by everyone. I'm not in good riding shape. I still enjoy the hell out of it. Just do you...lose weight, get your diabetes under control...enjoy life because....that's what the real 'pros' do... 😜
Yes yes yes. I'm getting I to good riding shape and feel so much better for riding. My diabetes is well in control now with my numbers steadily dropping and they are in the high normal range!!!
@@LessISMoreHealthy Outstanding. Good luck on that century. I've only done a metric so far...
One more comment and I promise I’ll shut up. In 1987, I bought a cheap “bread and butter” Takara Prestige bike to help out an acquaintance who had just opened up a bike shop. I rode the bike until 2023, I even did some short tours on it. Nearly every part, save the frame was replaced over the time. I not only enjoyed tinkering, I became a more competent bike mechanic. I eventually took all the parts off and put them on a Trek frame and gave the original alloy and high-carbon frame to someone building a bike up for his kid.
No worries! Keep commenting! Part of the fun of RUclips is the comments! It's awesome that you had a bike that you loved and upgraded, and learned on! Then you passed it on. I just had a convo with a friend about what I 'd do if I sold the G.1 and I told him I'd put most of the old parts back on it and move these new parts to a new frame or bike. Parts are an investment. (I'm going to do a full review on the L-Twoo RX 12s and gotta say so far it's smooth and really nice!)
I think getting competent at something is great for mental health! It makes us feel good!!!
Don't worry about what other folks say, and keep up with your own goals. As for the g-1 gravel bike goes, I have some really nice gravel bikes, like 2000 dollar bike. It is collecting dust. I like riding the Ozark trail. I am turning mine into a touring bike. When finished, I'll put it up against any touring bike out there. Don't let others judge you. I call this this the looking glass 🍷 theory developer Charles Coolidge. Dr in phycology. What it means ,is you precieve yourself and your worth as others do. Don't do this.
Don’t let the idiots discourage you in any way. I think I know that stupid waffle you’re referring to in the beginning of this video.
I used to ride hundreds of miles a week, with a century every single weekend, on a bike with a heavier frame than the G1. Would I have raced that frame? Nah. Nor would I race the G1. Not what’s it’s for. Ignore the fart sniffers.
I have grown to quite enjoy riding past people with high end bikes and having them do a double take when they see the Ozark Trail logo.
Ugh! So sorry you have to deal with bicycle snobs and there arrogance. I wonder how many people who walk into a bike shop walk-in with pro cyclist aspirations? I would wager 90% just want a bike to ride for any reason other than pro cyclist. Never mind the justification of a hefty price tag on a bike that will be ridden once then forgotten in the garage. Ignoring over 90% of the riding population is why Trek is in the dire financial straights it's currently in and why Walmart bikes are flying off the shelf. There's a business model for the taking if someone can see over the Aero bars and carbon fiber frame cycling click. - Stay well Less and carry on!
I have plans to make a video about my experiences walking into small bike shops. It's been mostly pretty positive but a few stand out experiences were really truly awful. I've got 4 LBS in a short distance of my home, I've been to all 4, and I will not step foot into 2 of them ever again. The other 2 are delightful.
I have a couple of 90s era Treks that are delightful bikes. Their 90s era steel frames are great. My partner was gifted an early 2000s Trek hybrid that's a great bike. I upgraded it for her and it's been solid. I miss the accessibility of those old treks.
walmart is capitalizing on a section of the market that online sellers have been for ages- the people who want a decent bike for a decent price. People who want to ride. I think if Walmart hired better assemblers they'd do more business.
The issues with big box store bikes are parts compatibility, there is virtually no warranty and no resale value. Ride what you want, just be prepared when you want to get rid of it. Pedal on!!!
Perhaps that was the case in the past but I'm having zero compatibility issues with the OT G.1 and I can't say that any of the other RUclips channels that work on Walmart bike are either (WolfTick, KevCentral, or Chicken Sendies). I've replaced the real derailleur, tires, seat post, seat, bars and tape. As long as you order the right size of part, Walmart bikes have zero issues with parts fitting. I broke my rear derailleur hanger and I'm outside of the return window but Walmart offered to let me return the whole bike. as for resale value, when I get rid of this, I'll take all of the nice parts off it and transfer them to a new frame and put either the old parts back on or mildly upgrade it and pass it on for peanuts in the hopes it will get someone else riding. I'm not looking at this as an investment, but a good time. Or I guess I look at the money as well spent on good vibes and great rides.
@@LessISMoreHealthy that is an excellent outlook on that bike. Yes compatibility has came along for some non big brand bikes recently. I just know some people jump the gun with a cheaper bike and can't understand that when it's a couple years old (no matter what parts are on it) it is not worth anything. Keep pushing for that century!!!!!!
The funny part about it all these bikes are made in China unless they're handmaid and they're probably made by the same company just stamped a different name and they all cost probably under a $100 a frame to make that's the real truth about the bike company industry
China or Taiwan. There are differences in double butting and what not. But I agree that mostly the frames are similar other than what the company orders. I did notice that the TREK we have is much lighter than the G.1 by several pounds.
@@LessISMoreHealthy I've been mountain biking for about 25 years and all my bikes have been trek until now that I live out the United States and I have to ship them out and I have to pay 38.8% on any new product.
@@LessISMoreHealthy And that ozark trail is built-in Taiwan.
I remember when the bike shop offered you 3 different specs of the same frame or you bought the frame and you built it up yourself. And they were all under 3000 unless you were a professional.
Sorry, Gary Fisher....with respect 👍🏾 🤙🏽