Was putting $425 of upgrades into our Walmart Bike a good idea?

Back in the Summer, we bought a Kent Trouvaille mountain bike from Walmart, and began testing it to see if it was a good value. Over the past season, we have put over $425 worth of upgrades into our Walmart bike. Could we have accomplished the same thing (or better) by just spending all the money on a bike from a shop?

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[FunsizedAdventures]

I appreciate the comparisons of lower end bikes. I’ve got 4 growing boys who I’m trying to keep in better than decent bikes without breaking the bank.

[slowwerthensnot]

As a long time mechanic I’ve loved this series to help show customers what they are getting when they buy a bike from a shop!

[tims_builds]

One thing to keep in mind with these. You could go riding at $350ish. You can then go upgrade as you have budget. This is particularly useful for like students who maybe don't have a steady income stream so they are really limited to the funds they have in the moment. "Just save up" might take them a really long time. With this you don't have to drop that whole $850-$900 at once. A lot of these comparison videos like this make the same mistake. It isn't just about the final total spent.

[TheWillRogers]

Something i'd like to add is that for some of us, there is fun to be had in progressivly working on and upgrading our equipment. I won't get the most out of a $900 bike, but getting a bike for a few hundred (or an old hardtail for much less) and working on it for a few years is fun in its own way.

[Closed]

The saga with this bike is quite the ride. I think we'll see it next on a flip bike episode

[ShaneMorris]

It’s worth doing if you consider the value of maybe learning about basic bike mechanics. If this is your first bike, and you haven’t wrenched before, there is intrinsic value in education. If you just want the best bike, I still think a department store brand for most people will be hit or miss.

[topdsm]

You have said yourself that you are a cycling advocate, and this goes one step further in proving that. We can appreciate the video showing how a beginner (or even a young kid, with not a lot of money for a high end bike) can buy his/her own starter bike, then upgrade it gradually as they see the need, without having to dish out almost 1k+ upfront. Well done.

[DJara]

After almost 15 years I was finally in the market for a new MTB. I literally saw the Kent Trouvaille in Walmart yesterday. I googled it and your videos popped up first thing! I went through the whole series in store and it helped me make the decision to pick it up. The bike was actually marked clearance at $150 (398 online). At that price and with the upgraded crankset and hydraulic brakes you recommended, I think i will have a decent entry level bike I can build upon. Thank you for your honesty and your detailed breakdowns. You have earned yourself a follower!

[creamyhummus]

This is such a valuable series for those looking to get into MTB on a budget. I think it's important to mention though, that it's essential to support your local bike shops as often as you can because they keep this community going!

[dblevins]

As someone who rides a Polygon and has helped someone pick a new starter bike recently, I'd say Giant is probably your best value for an entry level hardtail but Polygon takes the cake when you get into full-sus (granted Fezzari and 1 other company that starts with a V also have some good value)

[TRAGIK_KARP]

I appreciate your series! I've been wanting to get into MTB for years and this series is what actually made me pull the trigger last summer on the Giordano Intrepid from Walmart. One thing to mention is that while the cost savings is questionable, you learn a lot about bike service and maintenance through the process and can make future bikes/upgrades a breeze :)

[nelsonphilip]

Motorcyclists here chiming in. You nailed it when you spoke about the dealer cycle shop experience. The Walmart is one and done; once you buy the bike, your on your own for service support. Buying a bike from an authorize dealer will give an owner future support for any customization's.
Harley-Davidson is perhaps the best example of this business model. H-D dealers don't just sell a motorcycle, they sell a whole ownership experience. When buying a Harley, a prospect should really be scrutinizing the dealership because that's really what's being sold. The major Japanese brands have not been nearly as successful with this type of dealer-to-customer support. They are better at cloning the actual motorcycle then they are at establishing dealer-to-owner experience IMHO.
Great video!

[QuantumLeclerc]

I bought a bike from Halfords (UK chain auto/bike/sporting store) for around the price bracket of the Kent. I think what this video demonstrates best is that I could probably do some essential and high value upgrades to my current bike to get it to be really something quite good. Its definitely inspired me to look into a 1x conversion.

[tatertotcrew]

I started my mountain bike journey about 7 years ago on a Genisys bike from Walmart. By the end of that first season I spent most of my trail time fixing and tightening that bike up. By the next summer I had a used Giant Talon 1. Huge upgrade, Walmart bikes have their place, just not on the trail.

[chrism]

Another good option could be something from Specialized, like their Rockhopper Comp. For $713 (with the sale), your getting SRAM hydralic brakes, 1x9 microShift Advent drivetrain, and a good looking bike with different color and size options. Yes, it does come with a SR Suntour coil fork, but because it is cheaper than the Trouvaille, you can spend to replace the fork with the one shown in the video (SR Suntour XCR). With the fork upgrade, its only about ~$100 more if your trying to get something that already has a great start and upgrade from there.

[joeyhebert]

thanks for posting. did the same thing to a Ardor 1x and love the result because I love the process of rebuilding. really got to know how things work together...

[bertfransman]

Here in Europe you can get things like either a Cube attention SL with better specs on every level, 12speed deore, Rockshox judy, hydraulic discs for $812. The Trek Marlin 6 gen3 is only $801, a Marlin 7 $866. A Scott Aspect 740 for $790. Too many options to sum up really, all cheaper than the Kent with upgrades.

[Bengy]

Glad to have the Kent make another appearance!

[Fulgur]

loved this series, not many people do stuff like this, Was much needed! I have a carera vengence and its good to see the type of upgrades I could use. Budget versions of things with your okay, always amazing to have.

[raysanchez]

Great way to learn how the basics of maintenance and parts replacement of your MTB! Thank you for the share. 😎👍🏽