Bought one for my son, first real mtb. Added hydraulic mt200 but even stock it’s amazing how much you get with the m2. Truly makes the sport accessible on cost, for less than a PlayStation.
Cant thank you enough for the video! Ive watched so many hours of reviews trying to find a good budget fit. I had essentially decided last night on a different bike because of the few small issues with the original Ridge...only to see this video posted 3 hours prior. Went out this morning and got the m.2. It's a game changer for me who has been roughing it out on a Hyper. Thanks again for such in-depth reviews!
I've been fighting so hard trying to decide between the Ridge and saving up for a Marlin 5! I happened to be at Walmart today and saw they have the M.2, as someone who's best mtb to date is a Schwinn al comp with Fooker pedals, I was actually really pleasantly surprised with the Suntour fork 💯. I would certainly like to look into an air fork in the future, but had been under the impression that I would feel a NEED to do it ASAP, but I don't believe that would be the case, freeing up money (especially over the Marlin 5) for Shimano hydraulic brakes. Seeing this video really helps to settle it for me, and the fact that they even have a small (did that even exist before?? 🤔) really just drives it home 💯 Thank you so much for all the videos! It feels like you're one of the few that remembers what it's like to want get out there, and "on a budget" REALLY MATTERS. 👍
I recommend Rockshox Judy air fork. I’m not an expert and don’t have experience with different airforks. But my REI CO-OP 1.3 came with one. I upgraded a different bike with one. I’ve been pleased with both. The oem fork on my Ridge has performed well for most of my riding, but it could use an upgrade, especially for any jumping or harsher trails. The Judy fork also seems to be a bit more budget friendly without requiring an axle or wheel swap. Just my 2 cents. As long as you find something that make you happy. Perhaps we’ll see you on the trails 😉
very thankful for your channel Kev. I bought 2 ozark trail gravel bikes, one for trails and converted the other into a road bike. 100% satisfied with the quality of the brand. Also bought a Giordano Valor on the Mendham Bikes website thanks to your videos and reviews. Ozark Trail brand has hired some really good developers/ planners/ designers for these bikes. out of the box these bikes are really nice quality. im a fan for sure
Happy to see a kickstand and a clutched derailleur. Hangers for this bike are still a bit expensive and harder to find but not as hard as it used to be. I wish Walmart would follow up with replacement parts for these bikes. I wonder if the kickstand works on the original ridge, the mounting point appears to be farther back. I couldn't find a stand that fit the mount on the original version without getting in the way of my foot when pedaling.
They are giving you more cable options while high end bikes are giving you less. I've seen frames with no derailleur routing at all. Strictly wireless.
I found a ridge 29 for a 110$, it was a return, the only problem, was the handelbar was off center. I own a high dollar trek but , I use the ridge as my main bike. I can leave it lock outside a store, if get stolen I'm out only 110$ . It's not as good as my trek, but for a town bike and trail riding , it's great.
Kev, you dropped the ball we have been hinting you to look at the Acolyte shifting the Advent X cassette. The pull ratio is the same for Acolyte, Advent, and Advent X. You should of jumped on this but looks like we influenced Walmart first (before you) Ha Ha. Your not even noticing this in your video. Acolyte is marketed as a 8 speed and this has a 9 speed cassette.
Whoever did the final assembly on the bike in your video looks like they know what they're doing. All of the cables had the right amount hanging off the clamps and bent neatly out of harm's way. No telling how well they tuned it, but the mark of a decent mechanic is cable neatness. My opinion of the JAK Super Brake is that it's very sensitive to proper setup and greatly benefit from quality cables and compressionless housing. Lately, I'm coming back around on mechanical discs for their ease of care.
I bought my Ozark trail ridge 29 mtb here in NH spring of 2024 after watching many videos of the ridge 29 on youtube mine is this exact parts spec w frame mounts for brake hose etc however it does not say M 2. Not sure if they released some prior ridge models this way. Either way mine is heavily modified now only in the necessary areas and has been proven to be a super solid bike for sure. Very impressed with how it performs in all types of riding especially considering I am 6'0 tall and 240lbs and been riding it like an enduro bike lol
From a consumer point of view, a $150 increase would not be an easy pill to swallow. Yes a Suntour XCR and a dropper post would be a worthwhile upgrade; for the price point it’s a solid entry level. Yes you could put an air fork, hydraulic disc brakes, dropper post, TCS Rims etc. but that would make a sub $400 bike into a $600 plus bike. Nice review update !
Ive left the outer cable of my brakes in for months while i had hydraulics mounted externally. Finally got around to attempting to run them internally this weekend using that technique and i was so pissed when the tape came off while trying to get it through the top holes. Had to start all over and what a headache that was
Forget about adding a budget dropper seat post and inexpensive air suspension fork, they should make the frame a boost frame. I know that might cost more for Walmart and definitely up the price to buy the bike.
I have the original, the only thing I wish it had was the ability to fit fatter tires in the back but 2.4's should be good enough either way. Awesome bike at an awesome price! I've been seeing a few in my area on clearance for $280 or so
I had the updated M.2 for almost 4 months and the only issue I had was that square taper crankset failing on me, which I converted to a hollowtech II but I kept the 30 tooth count
Is the front chainring a basic one or a wide-narrow chainring? I do think it’s a bit funny though they dropped the plastic chain guard but added the kickstand. Cheap MTB are popular commuter bikes at least where I live, so a kickstand and a chain guard are nice for that set up, but both are a little less ideal on a trail ride.
Wow. Now with a clutched derailleur and easy to replace brakes. It really is the goto starter bike now. Add some decent pedals, MT200's and a cheap dropper over time.
This will likely become an additional companion to my gen1 Ridge. Probably play with it a little bit, then throw some mods at it just for fun. I’m thinking re-lacing the wheels with blue rims that use shrader valves and definitely an air fork.🤔
I bet the improvements are because several members of the Walton family are big into MTB....that's how the Bentonville area became a MTB / cycling mecca.
I love seeing these small tweaks. I hope that the current huge price crash doesn't hurt the advancement of budget bikes, I'm sure Walmart isn't getting hurt as much since their prices are already so good.
I almost bought an OZARK TRAIL (original). It was that good. But, I ended up buying a used SPECIALIZED for cheap - even though I needed to replace the worn drivetrain components.
If they come out with a ebike version the frame will definitely have to change...at least cause my bafang mid drive conversion is proving to be difficult
Off subject but it's obvious the rear wheel of a bike takes more abuse & holds the bunt of the rider's weight. Which is why the rear rim gets outta true & broken more often than the front wheel. Yet the rear of the bike frame ( seat & chain stays) are so much smaller diameter size tubing. Than the front half of the frame. 🤔
Kev, throw $300 at this $400 bike easily and you still won't have a bike under 30lbs with a Air Fork. Like others have said this now comes with the hybrid Acolyte/Advent drive train. Walmart didn't get that directly from you. The viewers gave you and Walmart that idea.
@@KevCentral That's you opinion. Many like the consistent resistance of the Acolyte over the Advent free play. For $30 difference in derailleurs it made more sense for Walmart.
While we're at it hoe about lowering the point where the Top Tube and Seat Stay join together at the Seat Tube for a more modern frame. With out knowing the geo I'm guessing it probably could use a slacker HTA as well, something like 65 or 66 would be good
With the internal cable routing All you got to do is tape the new cable to the old cable and fish it through that way and bleeding brakes are really not that hard and if somebody's going to upgrade the hydraulic disc brakes they're going to have to learn how to do it anyway
@@KevCentral I mean worse as in for my hands. The LTWoo had me using my thumb for but down and up shifting which I liked. The microshift is more traditional thumb and index finger usage
If I'm ordering online do you know how to specify the new M.2 variant? Your link appears to be to the standard OTR (more than likely Walmart isn't specifying)...
There is only one link. I suspect they’ve burned through most of the old inventory when my local stores (the last to get anything) start having the new models.
They still have them linked as the same bike (link in description.) The only way to for sure get the M.2 at this point is in store, but I suspect shipped bikes are likely M.2 at this point
@@andrewbetrosian2784I can confirm that shipped bikes are the M.2 when I went to pick my large frame bike at 2 different stores even after calling to confirm that they see it says large on the white label, they turned out to be the medium. I ordered on online and it came to my home as a the proper large frame
Kev I was wondering if you could do a review on a bit box bicycle more specifically the Kent flexor as I was eye shopping and fell in love with it, yes I know the risks as it has a threaded head tube and a 3by drive train but I would like to know your take on it😅
Ozark Trail _get_ it - the Big _It._ There's no reason for anyone on a budget to buy anything else because this M.2 is a habitual/compulsive upgrader's goldilocks bike! We simply can't ask for more.
Having a channel and the amount of upgrades you do, why don't you have proper tools and kits to make your own hydraulic hoses so you run everything internal?
Why on earth would you want all internal routing? Anytime I ask and press, it comes down to, "It's 'clean.'" Whatever. If you don't like the looks of external cables on a bicycle, I question whether you actually like bicycles.
@@cometclear I don't care either, seems way more hassle doing internal, but he clearly has a preference for it and so I was curious why he doesn't have the tools to do it if that is the case.
Internal cable routing is the worst cable situation you can possibly have on a MTB: 1. The cables have kinks to overcome sharp turns inside the frame which makes shifting a whole less consistent. 2. More often than not you have to disassemble the whole BB for something as simple as changing the housing of the derailleur cable. 3. It's a feature sold to people who care more about looks than functionality, which is not really the way to go with off-road sporting equipment. I have worked as a bike mechanic for close to a decade and it takes a certain kind of people to think internal cable routing is superior. It's usually the type of person who complains about untidy cockpits for bragging reasons: "WhY sPeNd So MuCh MoNeY wHeN tHe CoCkPiT oN mY bIkE mAkEs It LoOk LiKe A cHeAp ToY?" Another part is the aero XC fraction of people with too much disposable income who just want the anesthetically most pleasing rig in the neighborhood which is the most aero. Funfact: internal cable routing creates no noticeable drag compared to external one for non-professional riders. Even for professionals the gains are marginal at best. On a MTB the last thing I would want are internally routed cables. Everything just gets a whole lot more complicated just for the aesthetics. I specifically shop for bikes which feature exclusively externally routed cables (minus maybe the dropper on the las ~30 cm from the down tube into the seat tube.
I like them. Less cables in the way when lifting them and putting them on a variety of racks. I put 3 bikes over the tailgate of my truck. My Ozark Trail is the easiest to put up and the best fit. Definitely a selling point for me.
Budget air fork and budget dropper post sound like a bad idea. Better just to buy the bike and do that on your own. Parts that move a lot become a pain when they try to take newer stuff and make it cheap. The stock fork is fine for more and installing a dropper post can easily be done for not that much.
@KevCentral suntor makes some of the best ones in the world. That's not even a joke the upper line just won a bunch of medals of the Olympics. As for everything there are different levels. I just think it would easier to update after buying so not to confuse the bike builder and buyer.
I think if they added hydraulic disc brakes and charged an extra 50 to 70 bucks people would buy these bikes I have a polygon extrada 7 and for $800 it came with a lot through axles hydraulic disc brakes Shimano Dior drivetrain one by drivetrain but like I said more people would be up to buy the Ozark trail ridge if it had at least hydraulic disc brakes on it that's what would stop me from buying it and actually did stop me from buying it
I actually like the choice of battleship gray. The block letters I could take or leave, but the gray ages well as trail nicks and digs add up where a beautiful finish starts looking bad quickly
See my other comment but they could also add a cheap air fork even if they added Amazon ZTZ Air fork or something like that they're like 120 bucks and up the price a little bit then add hydraulic disc brakes charge 500 be a much better and more capable bike
honestly my only complaint with Ozark Trail is for $400. It should be through axle on the front and back. There’s no reason for it not to be at that price point with other budget bikes on the market that are half the price and include most of the same stuff.
@@KevCentral Apologies if I wasn’t clear earlier. What I meant is that manufacturing through-axles at the $400 price point shouldn’t be an issue these days. There are bikes on the market, priced lower than the Ozark Trail, that feature quick release, internal cable routing, and a cassette. With Walmart’s purchasing power, if they invested in marketing, they could easily sell these bikes for $250 and still make a profit.
@@GDub83$400 new is already a fair price for a 29er. Try getting a new 29er anywhere for less than $350 these days, it's not possible unless you do barely used on resale pages.
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
Bought one for my son, first real mtb. Added hydraulic mt200 but even stock it’s amazing how much you get with the m2. Truly makes the sport accessible on cost, for less than a PlayStation.
Best comment of the day💪
Lolol
Cant thank you enough for the video! Ive watched so many hours of reviews trying to find a good budget fit. I had essentially decided last night on a different bike because of the few small issues with the original Ridge...only to see this video posted 3 hours prior. Went out this morning and got the m.2. It's a game changer for me who has been roughing it out on a Hyper. Thanks again for such in-depth reviews!
I've been fighting so hard trying to decide between the Ridge and saving up for a Marlin 5! I happened to be at Walmart today and saw they have the M.2, as someone who's best mtb to date is a Schwinn al comp with Fooker pedals, I was actually really pleasantly surprised with the Suntour fork 💯. I would certainly like to look into an air fork in the future, but had been under the impression that I would feel a NEED to do it ASAP, but I don't believe that would be the case, freeing up money (especially over the Marlin 5) for Shimano hydraulic brakes. Seeing this video really helps to settle it for me, and the fact that they even have a small (did that even exist before?? 🤔) really just drives it home 💯 Thank you so much for all the videos! It feels like you're one of the few that remembers what it's like to want get out there, and "on a budget" REALLY MATTERS. 👍
I recommend Rockshox Judy air fork.
I’m not an expert and don’t have experience with different airforks.
But my REI CO-OP 1.3 came with one.
I upgraded a different bike with one.
I’ve been pleased with both.
The oem fork on my Ridge has performed well for most of my riding, but it could use an upgrade, especially for any jumping or harsher trails.
The Judy fork also seems to be a bit more budget friendly without requiring an axle or wheel swap.
Just my 2 cents.
As long as you find something that make you happy.
Perhaps we’ll see you on the trails 😉
very thankful for your channel Kev. I bought 2 ozark trail gravel bikes, one for trails and converted the other into a road bike. 100% satisfied with the quality of the brand. Also bought a Giordano Valor on the Mendham Bikes website thanks to your videos and reviews. Ozark Trail brand has hired some really good developers/ planners/ designers for these bikes. out of the box these bikes are really nice quality. im a fan for sure
Happy to see a kickstand and a clutched derailleur. Hangers for this bike are still a bit expensive and harder to find but not as hard as it used to be. I wish Walmart would follow up with replacement parts for these bikes. I wonder if the kickstand works on the original ridge, the mounting point appears to be farther back. I couldn't find a stand that fit the mount on the original version without getting in the way of my foot when pedaling.
They are giving you more cable options while high end bikes are giving you less. I've seen frames with no derailleur routing at all. Strictly wireless.
I found a ridge 29 for a 110$, it was a return, the only problem, was the handelbar was off center. I own a high dollar trek but , I use the ridge as my main bike. I can leave it lock outside a store, if get stolen I'm out only 110$ . It's not as good as my trek, but for a town bike and trail riding , it's great.
That's how I feel about my Kent trouvaille. Bought it for 150 second hand, was basically new
Kev, you dropped the ball we have been hinting you to look at the Acolyte shifting the Advent X cassette. The pull ratio is the same for Acolyte, Advent, and Advent X. You should of jumped on this but looks like we influenced Walmart first (before you) Ha Ha. Your not even noticing this in your video. Acolyte is marketed as a 8 speed and this has a 9 speed cassette.
Whoever did the final assembly on the bike in your video looks like they know what they're doing. All of the cables had the right amount hanging off the clamps and bent neatly out of harm's way. No telling how well they tuned it, but the mark of a decent mechanic is cable neatness.
My opinion of the JAK Super Brake is that it's very sensitive to proper setup and greatly benefit from quality cables and compressionless housing. Lately, I'm coming back around on mechanical discs for their ease of care.
They’ve had this version for a little while now but haven’t labeled it m.2 for some reason. I love mine with upgrades!
Yeah, I've been seeing Ozark Trail Ridges with the same Advent/Acolyte setup since late last year.
Yup
I bought my Ozark trail ridge 29 mtb here in NH spring of 2024 after watching many videos of the ridge 29 on youtube mine is this exact parts spec w frame mounts for brake hose etc however it does not say M 2. Not sure if they released some prior ridge models this way. Either way mine is heavily modified now only in the necessary areas and has been proven to be a super solid bike for sure. Very impressed with how it performs in all types of riding especially considering I am 6'0 tall and 240lbs and been riding it like an enduro bike lol
I had a medium version with these exact specs too with no m.2...then I replaced with a large that had m.2.
From a consumer point of view, a $150 increase would not be an easy pill to swallow. Yes a Suntour XCR and a dropper post would be a worthwhile upgrade; for the price point it’s a solid entry level. Yes you could put an air fork, hydraulic disc brakes, dropper post, TCS Rims etc. but that would make a sub $400 bike into a $600 plus bike. Nice review update !
Ive left the outer cable of my brakes in for months while i had hydraulics mounted externally. Finally got around to attempting to run them internally this weekend using that technique and i was so pissed when the tape came off while trying to get it through the top holes. Had to start all over and what a headache that was
Missing thru axle on the frame:( but that's my only concern:) waitin for M.3
Forget about adding a budget dropper seat post and inexpensive air suspension fork, they should make the frame a boost frame. I know that might cost more for Walmart and definitely up the price to buy the bike.
I have the original, the only thing I wish it had was the ability to fit fatter tires in the back but 2.4's should be good enough either way. Awesome bike at an awesome price! I've been seeing a few in my area on clearance for $280 or so
I had the updated M.2 for almost 4 months and the only issue I had was that square taper crankset failing on me, which I converted to a hollowtech II but I kept the 30 tooth count
Should i get the ozark trail or trek marlin 4?
Is the front chainring a basic one or a wide-narrow chainring?
I do think it’s a bit funny though they dropped the plastic chain guard but added the kickstand. Cheap MTB are popular commuter bikes at least where I live, so a kickstand and a chain guard are nice for that set up, but both are a little less ideal on a trail ride.
Narrow Wide
I don't like the way the M2 has the mounts on the downtube. I been a hunt for a Medium first gen frame.
That kickstand is in a new spot! The mount on the old version (which I have) is unusable. Tried putting a kickstand on my bike and my heel hits it.
Hmmm. I’ll have to relook at mine
Wow. Now with a clutched derailleur and easy to replace brakes. It really is the goto starter bike now. Add some decent pedals, MT200's and a cheap dropper over time.
Go back and get 2 of them. Do a budget vs expensive parts upgrade.
😁
It would be nice to see them releasing a full suspension bike
This will likely become an additional companion to my gen1 Ridge.
Probably play with it a little bit, then throw some mods at it just for fun.
I’m thinking re-lacing the wheels with blue rims that use shrader valves and definitely an air fork.🤔
I cant believe im saying it but Walmart killed it with this bike. The only thing that I could possibly nit pick is only having it in one color haha!
I bet the improvements are because several members of the Walton family are big into MTB....that's how the Bentonville area became a MTB / cycling mecca.
I love seeing these small tweaks. I hope that the current huge price crash doesn't hurt the advancement of budget bikes, I'm sure Walmart isn't getting hurt as much since their prices are already so good.
I almost bought an OZARK TRAIL (original). It was that good. But, I ended up buying a used SPECIALIZED for cheap - even though I needed to replace the worn drivetrain components.
Congrats on the Specialized
Looks like Walmart has updated their website to reflect the M.2. At least in the photos
If they come out with a ebike version the frame will definitely have to change...at least cause my bafang mid drive conversion is proving to be difficult
You should use your pull to get them to change the color.........I love a bright bike when I'm street riding!
Trust me…I have zero pull when it comes to anything Walmart decides. I have offered free consultation, but that falls on deaf ears.
@@KevCentral I have been working for them for 28 years and i have zero pull as well!
Needs the green on their gravel bike
@@kristopherbell7158 Green like the Schwinn Boundary green.
hi there do you have a link for that mount points? so I can use external cables on my bike frame? hope you can help me out. have a good one
Off subject but it's obvious the rear wheel of a bike takes more abuse & holds the bunt of the rider's weight. Which is why the rear rim gets outta true & broken more often than the front wheel. Yet the rear of the bike frame ( seat & chain stays) are so much smaller diameter size tubing. Than the front half of the frame. 🤔
Kev, throw $300 at this $400 bike easily and you still won't have a bike under 30lbs with a Air Fork. Like others have said this now comes with the hybrid Acolyte/Advent drive train. Walmart didn't get that directly from you. The viewers gave you and Walmart that idea.
When did I say I ever suggested an acolyte/advent hybrid?
@@KevCentral Never, you never picked up on it. You say you read the comments. But you missed your opportunity.
I knew people were doing it, and I’ve mentioned that before. A full advent setup is better for barely much more money, which is what I use.
@@KevCentral That's you opinion. Many like the consistent resistance of the Acolyte over the Advent free play. For $30 difference in derailleurs it made more sense for Walmart.
For sure. It’s a good choice for Walmart and a great setup
The chainring is now a narrow-wide on the M.2.
do these ozark trail bike last after taking some serious riding? i have a old 2007 iron horse 26" full suspension that still going stong.
Such a coincidence with new KevCentral inspired features, or are they listening 😊
While we're at it hoe about lowering the point where the Top Tube and Seat Stay join together at the Seat Tube for a more modern frame. With out knowing the geo I'm guessing it probably could use a slacker HTA as well, something like 65 or 66 would be good
With the internal cable routing All you got to do is tape the new cable to the old cable and fish it through that way and bleeding brakes are really not that hard and if somebody's going to upgrade the hydraulic disc brakes they're going to have to learn how to do it anyway
Which comes out ahead? The new Axum or this updated Ridge? Your suggested E-Ridge would have an integrated mid-drive electric motor?
Given the price difference it’s hard to not choose the Ridge
Yes! I got this about 3 weeks ago. I coulda gotten the original but it seemed this one has a better derailler but I feel it has a worse shifter
Advent shifter is much better than the LTwoo, IMO
@@KevCentral I mean worse as in for my hands. The LTWoo had me using my thumb for but down and up shifting which I liked. The microshift is more traditional thumb and index finger usage
My Ozark ridge is the updated one.... But no m2 decals.....
If I'm ordering online do you know how to specify the new M.2 variant? Your link appears to be to the standard OTR (more than likely Walmart isn't specifying)...
There is only one link. I suspect they’ve burned through most of the old inventory when my local stores (the last to get anything) start having the new models.
Can't find it on walmart websit
They still have them linked as the same bike (link in description.) The only way to for sure get the M.2 at this point is in store, but I suspect shipped bikes are likely M.2 at this point
@@KevCentral Thank you
@@andrewbetrosian2784I can confirm that shipped bikes are the M.2 when I went to pick my large frame bike at 2 different stores even after calling to confirm that they see it says large on the white label, they turned out to be the medium. I ordered on online and it came to my home as a the proper large frame
Kev I was wondering if you could do a review on a bit box bicycle more specifically the Kent flexor as I was eye shopping and fell in love with it, yes I know the risks as it has a threaded head tube and a 3by drive train but I would like to know your take on it😅
Thanks for the suggestion
Did I miss the price?
Ozark Trail _get_ it - the Big _It._ There's no reason for anyone on a budget to buy anything else because this M.2 is a habitual/compulsive upgrader's goldilocks bike! We simply can't ask for more.
Where did you get those external cable mounting points at on your old style ridge?? Thanks
Amazon
@KevCentral do you remember what their called?? I want some for running an external dropper post on my new polygon xtrada 7 thanks man 👍🏻👍🏻
amzn.to/4gyVt2l
( note: as an Amazon associate I may earn a small commission from links)
Kencentral do more Walmart MB bikes
Thanks. I have hundreds of videos on Walmart bikes
Does it have a slot for an M.2 SSD? 😅😂
I'm really hoping they make an electric version. Even if it came with a hub motor I see potential.
Nah. Hub motors are horrible for actual mountain bike use. Most are cadence sensor + all the rear weight to fight with
I converted the original to electric with a hub motor. It doesn't work as great as a MTN bike but I use it for commuting
i genuinely think walmart or whoever is designing these bikes has been watching MTB youtube videos and reviews
Having a channel and the amount of upgrades you do, why don't you have proper tools and kits to make your own hydraulic hoses so you run everything internal?
Why on earth would you want all internal routing? Anytime I ask and press, it comes down to, "It's 'clean.'" Whatever. If you don't like the looks of external cables on a bicycle, I question whether you actually like bicycles.
@@cometclear I don't care either, seems way more hassle doing internal, but he clearly has a preference for it and so I was curious why he doesn't have the tools to do it if that is the case.
I found one Walmart here in south Texas that had it in stock for $400 . . . not bad
Can’t get this bike in Canada what a shame!
we keep them in stock in Lawton Oklahoma
Your link doesn't show the new version
They didn’t create a new link for the update. They just carried over as inventory flushed out the older design
My m.2 came with 30t chainring
I think I want one of these for shiggles
Im still rocking my hyper hydro form with an upgraded front fork and rear air shock👍
I had to research what you are talking about . . . that does look like a good deal
@tycobb2580 ... Kev has a whole series on upgrading the hydroform 👍
He still has the hydroform frame too 😁
It's a shame your not being paid by Walmart for your engineering and promoting their bikes.
👍
Internal cable routing is the worst cable situation you can possibly have on a MTB:
1. The cables have kinks to overcome sharp turns inside the frame which makes shifting a whole less consistent.
2. More often than not you have to disassemble the whole BB for something as simple as changing the housing of the derailleur cable.
3. It's a feature sold to people who care more about looks than functionality, which is not really the way to go with off-road sporting equipment.
I have worked as a bike mechanic for close to a decade and it takes a certain kind of people to think internal cable routing is superior. It's usually the type of person who complains about untidy cockpits for bragging reasons: "WhY sPeNd So MuCh MoNeY wHeN tHe CoCkPiT oN mY bIkE mAkEs It LoOk LiKe A cHeAp ToY?"
Another part is the aero XC fraction of people with too much disposable income who just want the anesthetically most pleasing rig in the neighborhood which is the most aero.
Funfact: internal cable routing creates no noticeable drag compared to external one for non-professional riders. Even for professionals the gains are marginal at best.
On a MTB the last thing I would want are internally routed cables. Everything just gets a whole lot more complicated just for the aesthetics. I specifically shop for bikes which feature exclusively externally routed cables (minus maybe the dropper on the las ~30 cm from the down tube into the seat tube.
You're totally right. Those losers are in the /mtb section of reddit. I would know, I left that subreddit after 4 days.
I like them. Less cables in the way when lifting them and putting them on a variety of racks. I put 3 bikes over the tailgate of my truck. My Ozark Trail is the easiest to put up and the best fit. Definitely a selling point for me.
Budget air fork and budget dropper post sound like a bad idea. Better just to buy the bike and do that on your own. Parts that move a lot become a pain when they try to take newer stuff and make it cheap. The stock fork is fine for more and installing a dropper post can easily be done for not that much.
There are affordable air forks that are good. Suntour even has some, but I get what you’re saying
@KevCentral suntor makes some of the best ones in the world. That's not even a joke the upper line just won a bunch of medals of the Olympics. As for everything there are different levels. I just think it would easier to update after buying so not to confuse the bike builder and buyer.
👌👌👌
Had a oz trail bike and the fork beat me to death
Minimal acceptable fork for green trails, IMO
Could raise the price 50 to 100 bucks with hydraulic brakes
I like bikes.
I think if they added hydraulic disc brakes and charged an extra 50 to 70 bucks people would buy these bikes I have a polygon extrada 7 and for $800 it came with a lot through axles hydraulic disc brakes Shimano Dior drivetrain one by drivetrain but like I said more people would be up to buy the Ozark trail ridge if it had at least hydraulic disc brakes on it that's what would stop me from buying it and actually did stop me from buying it
If only the frames had beautiful metallic paint with nice graphics rather than matte battleship gray and block lettering
I actually like the choice of battleship gray. The block letters I could take or leave, but the gray ages well as trail nicks and digs add up where a beautiful finish starts looking bad quickly
To me it's perfect, but then again I only wear grey or black.
See my other comment but they could also add a cheap air fork even if they added Amazon ZTZ Air fork or something like that they're like 120 bucks and up the price a little bit then add hydraulic disc brakes charge 500 be a much better and more capable bike
It would need to be better than ztz or similar
It would need to be better than ZTZ (or similar forks.) WM would want to keep it reliable
@@KevCentral yeah those are what just came to mind w cheap airfork is what I should of said lol thanks 👍🏻
Hydraulic brakes and an air fork would put this bike right up there.
Still $400. Nice
50 tooth at the rear and some low end hydraulic breaks...would be ok
The external tabs are lame.
My first impression of any gray Ozark Trail is that they primered it gray, but - like so many amatuer car restorer, didn't paint it.
Ha! That used to be something seen in my town all the time, but I can’t recall the last time I’ve seen a primer car rolling around
honestly my only complaint with Ozark Trail is for $400. It should be through axle on the front and back. There’s no reason for it not to be at that price point with other budget bikes on the market that are half the price and include most of the same stuff.
What bike has thru axel front and rear and is priced below $400?
@@KevCentral Apologies if I wasn’t clear earlier. What I meant is that manufacturing through-axles at the $400 price point shouldn’t be an issue these days. There are bikes on the market, priced lower than the Ozark Trail, that feature quick release, internal cable routing, and a cassette. With Walmart’s purchasing power, if they invested in marketing, they could easily sell these bikes for $250 and still make a profit.
@@GDub83$400 new is already a fair price for a 29er. Try getting a new 29er anywhere for less than $350 these days, it's not possible unless you do barely used on resale pages.
Made in Taiwan! That's a big deal.
Tariffs will raise the price for you Trumpers too. LOL
"Real mtb".....😂😂😂
No no no we don't want an e bike at all just stick to what they have no e bike at all
I doubt they’ll stick to just analog. eMTB/eBikes are the only growing segment of cycling
Could you review an affordable road bike? Not race bike or anything, just road bike. Like a plain single speed 700c? 😁
Thanks for the suggestion. If I come across something. I don’t typically seek out true road bikes. I don’t look good in spandex 🙃
@KevCentral I guess what I mean is a single speed 700c gravel bike! 😁 (I did a lil more research)