Finally, a REAL Mountain Bike for $400

Today, the entry point for going mountain biking just got a little bit lower. The Ozark Trail Ridge, a $398 bicycle sold at Walmart stores, actually seems like it would be worth owning—that is if you’re okay with rebuilding it after you take it home.

My criticism of department store bikes was NEVER that they are cheap, it was always that they are ridiculous. Why does a $150 bicycle have 18 gears and rear suspension? Why not put that money towards better parts and serviceability? I’ll tell you why. The simplest bike with the fewest features looks like a terrible deal to an inexperienced buyer.

But some of us are, in fact, looking for a simple and affordable bike that’s easy to service and possible to upgrade, and the Ozark Trail Ridge was clearly designed with that in mind. Today, I’m going to show you the Ridge and all the reasons it’s the best department store bike in its price range.

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[jimbrovont]

My biggest gripe with department store bikes has always been that they are built to throw away. It is nice to see people are finally getting bikes that industry standard parts can be bolted to as things break or as skills progress.

[hjcolon]

So just for reference. One of the Walmart heirs lives in my town and got really into mountain biking over Covid, he's put a lot of money into buying land and paying for the building of trails and making them publicly accessed and it's been really awesome, but it's become a big passion in his life and he's talked about the accessibility of it and is trying to use and improve the products his stores produce and offer to help the sport grow. Just a bit of background knowledge that I think people don't know about.
So yes, there is an actual growing attention within Walmart and they are trying to do better

[dragoninvegas]

I got this bike in clearance for $224…

Like Seth mentioned, it wasn’t assembled well, and the one I got was a return…

The derailleur wasn’t adjusted right and it took a bit of tweaking to get it right. I eventually upgraded to a microShift Advent and it has changed the game!

Next upgrades are hydro brakes and probably a dropper post :)

Fun start in mountain biking! Hope that it helps grow the sport!

[puschu]

Even after becoming a heavy YouTuber, thank you for reviewing and upgrading entry-level hardtail products like now. Rather than reviewing expensive products, I think the majority of subscribers can relate and enjoy reviewing entry-level products more. I think this is the biggest difference from other channels. Anyway, I will always love your channel. Because my mountain biking life started with you. 😀😁😄

[DronePath]

who wants to bet that Seth actually influenced Walmart to produce more capable Mountain bikes

[yvan]

LTWOO is a company formed by (if I remember correctly) ex-SRAM engineers. Plus, Trace Velo has a lot of history reviewing their products, and it's a big brand here in the PH for a lot of riders. I would trust that derailleur, but would upgrade it anyway down the line.

[TreesAreCool]

I worked at a couple of bike shops in northwest Arkansas bentonville area. Walton grandsons are super into MTB. In fact I think they're the money behind a regional bike shop chain called Phat Tire. I worked there like 10 years ago, lol. They are exactly why this is happening. MTB is their passion and it's super cool that they've finally got their own product. The bike is obviously super well thought out. Even to the point of leaving easy and affordable upgrades for the soon-to-be serious MTB rider to do themselves or at LBS. Every bike shop employee probably laughed out loud about the bike assembly problems, I did. Assembling bikes is a common task for a bike shop employee, and there is a bit of an art to it, especially with the derailer. Couldn't help but chuckle about the handle bars, I mean, "come on man!"

[joecopp]

Hey Seth, I just got one of these in size large, manufactured December 2023, and there are some differences in the parts. The front rotor is now 180mm, the drivetrain is now a Microshift Acolyte 9 speed (with Springlock), and the chainring appears to be different as well. That's what I noticed so far. It looks like they are still iterating and improving upon this design. I'm glad I decided to buy new for this one!

[jfaust]

I've had LTWOO shifter and derailleur combo on several bikes for 4+ years. They're nothing fancy but very reliable!

[TheeGabrielAndrew]

It's a Game Changing moment - The fact that conversation is happening, the bike exist and at a very easily accessible store nationwide is the huge win. The chances just dramatically increased that we'll have MORE people (especially younger ones) getting access and interested in playing outdoors on trails means more likelihood we'll all have more trails and bike parks to play on in the future and likely less expensive options to do it!

[alpham]

Ozark trail is becoming a pretty damn good in house brand. They make some fairly decent tents now and other camping supplies. Also noticing more and more including this bike being made in Taiwan instead of China which is always a plus.

[Galamoth]

Just picked up this bike on sale and it's the updated 2024 model with the windowless microshift components, and the narrow wide chainring. And there's actually a clutch on the derailleur. It looks like Walmart listened again

[felix-vejk]

I think you're right in that Walmart is making something like this because they know a whole category of Youtube content is dedicated to riding Walmart mountain bikes down trails. Something else to consider is that mountain biking is just that popular now. I've seen friends and acquantainces I never thought would ever get into mountain biking, now hitting local and even traveling to trails. It's mainstream now and that's great.

[TotalxTrollk]

I got a Schwin Axum last year and it’s been great. Upgraded handlebars, grips, added a dropper post and new seat. Just waiting for a new job to get a good trail bike but for now it’s been great. I’ve been able to get into the sport and get better without dropping a ton of money, yet😂

[urithinks]

Cycling is so expensive, it is nice to see them not only make this, for whatever reason they did it. Just as importantly, it is so cool that you are putting a spotlight on it. Very cool!

[michaelle]

Ozark Trail has been doing great for budget camping and fishing stuff, no surprises here. Great video!

[jpfidalgo]

Best part of the video: Steh's smile right at the end of the video!
This is mountain biking.
Even having access to fantastic, top of the line gear. But ride a good entry level bike and that smirk comes out in the end, and there's nothing one can do about it!
Loved the video Seth! Cheers!

[christenrten]

I ride a near $10k cad Commencal with fox factory suspension and AXS everything...but I'm weirdly obsessed with department store bikes. I bought my first fatbike from Canadian Tire (nice shoutout btw!) because I saw it had potential for upgrading and I didn't want a huge investment to get into fatbikes.
Nice to see they're offering some decent bikes to get people into the sport!

[Salty_Shredz]

I bought this bike ironically after going to Walmart to get groceries 😂 upgraded the hell out of it and this thing is actually quite capable! Can’t wait to see the upgrades Seth does. Hope this turns into another mini series like the Kent did

[legerdevinne]

Seth I appreciate you making videos on budget bikes. I also appreciate you giving your honest opinions on putting upgrades on them. Your channel isn't just for bike snobs. It's for beginners, people on budgets, and so much more. Love ya