Ozark Trail Gravel Bike, Worth Upgrading Parts?

Just a quick bike check on the #ozarkTrail #Gravel #Bike after doing some upgrades, answering the question, should you UPGRADE, or just buy a "Better Bike"

[killjoy]

We can't even get a frame and fork set under $400, it's better to get a bike at $250. and upgrade a little bit at a time .

[stevenr]

I did the same thing with a $199.00 6KU fixie. I upgraded several things-including wheels and tires. My 6KU is far more enjoyable and better performing than my 5K carbon cervelo.
Expensive frames-bit of a bike industry scam. As long as it has the Geometry and handling you want, you are 99% there on the frame. With a rigid frame, huge supple tires make so much of a difference.
I'd might rather have Matt's bike with Rene Herse tires(98 each) than the posiden with OEM tires(if I only had $700).
In gravel-wheels, and especially tires biggest difference makers.

That fork looks great. can't wait for your riding experience.

[chadbrow]

In regards to upgrading a lower end bike... I think it a good idea. People like to make the point that you could get a better bike for more money, well not everyone has that large chunk of cash to spend all at once. More people can afford a less expensive bike then slowly buy a part here-or-there to upgrade. You can spend $100 every month or two and end up with a much better bike.

[budlite]

That’s what I got it for, to ride pavement when trails are too muddy for mtb, Should be just fine.
I like the video👍🏼👍🏼

[artbikescomics]

Thanks for sharing. I had bought one too after seeing all the reviews on YT. first thing I did was check all screw/bolts. I had done some minor upgrades like clipless pedals, carbon seat post and a new saddle. In the future I plan to swap the rear wheel to allow cassettes and will replace the cranks. Like you I may also consider swapping the front fork for a carbon fork to save some weight. Overall I like the bike.

[onplay]

I'm about to do the same thing with this frame. I'm into it. Good work on your project, BTW

[GNVRBVGE]

Just picked one up yesterday, my exact thoughts getting it “it would be irresponsible for me not to buy a roadie for less than $300, upgrade what I want and make it my own? Yes I think so” here for the beginner daily rider.

[vwvrt]

That bike frame looks like the Giant Revolt. If the welds are pretty, you might have a nugget here. Would be cool to remove some unsprung weight and see how it handles. Wonder where the frame was made.

[ull]

Thanks for this video. You have great insights and valuable information for us newbies.

[RyanSouper]

I think you did exactly what everyone wanted to do with this bike. Looks nice bro!

[sojourn]

Some of the hater’s act like your spending there money on your upgrades. lol. Great video and awesome bike!!

[johnaldred]

Excellent like a great bike ...& the upgrades are ace. 👍

[danawise]

Good looking bike! Just a quick note about the cadence sensor, it typically sits on the non-drive side between the crank and the frame so your feet don’t bump into it every time you spin. Cheers!

[CarsTechWood]

The thing is I’d want to upgrade a lot of things on a $700-800 bike so I’m all in for $350 vs $1000

[ffwast]

Most of the stock parts are perfectly fine, which makes me wish they'd just put stuff like a lighter fork and a freehub on it at those bulk order prices they get so you could just call it good enough out of the box until something wears out. A cheap bike you can upgrade is nice but a cheap bike that doesn't _need_ upgrades is golden for the average consumer.

[dknight]

I think the biggest drawback for the regular consumer is that the assembly is hit or miss. I bought this bike, and the headset was too loose (top cap not tightened enough), the pedals were not tight enough, and the front derailleur rubbed the chain in the largest sprocket. For a regular consumer, they would have to take it to a bike shop and get it all fixed, and that's more money out of pocket. Walmart needs to make sure these bikes are built well for every one, and hold the third-party assemblers to a high standard. Walmart has the buying and negotiating power to do it. If a bike gets returned to Walmart due to bad assembly, then there should be some penalty for the third-party assembler.

[escgoogle]

Is the rear spacing 130mm??
If they could hit $348 with 9sp cues or 8 sp cassette lt-woo on 135mm spacing it would make small up grades much easier.
7 sp freewheels are such a downer unless your are going period correct Classic or 3x7. I actually like 14-28 paired with a triple. Good density and low overlap.

[artyboy]

I have a Specialised Roubaix and 2 Giant racer/MTB. Tbh you're paying for a "better" frame with a name brand sticker on it. My cheaper Giants have higher grade Shimano components than the Specialised at a lower cost. I ride mainly at parks and urban areas at moderate speed so I don't think I need the better rigidity/aero-dynamic of more expensive name brand frames. I would think I benefit more from a smoother drive train and more responsive gear shifts. I did some upgrades like getting a Rockshox suspension fork or a more comfortable saddle and grippier pedals and these are upgrades I enjoy without having to spend much more on a "better" bike.

Mongoose, GT and Shwinn bikes are good value for money. I had a low cost GT bike when i first took up cycling as a hobby and remember fondly how I enjoyed it. Unfortunately there are no Walmarts or Dick's Sporting stores where I'm at because I've seen some very good bikes reviewed here.

[alisoncausey]

Have you down anything with the brakes? I heard some people have problems with them.

[kwaktak]

As somebody who put another $850 in a $800 Trek Marlin 7 your justification to put $1000 into a $250 bike doesn't sounds quite so crazy! Now that I have my Marlin more set up for trail (initially it was more like a hybrid with wider tires) I may have to pick one of these up! I'm still not sold on the drop bars though. Would straight bars look weird on this?