The Cheapest "good" Mountain Bike out there. Ozark Trail Ridge MTB 

It’s awesome to see you review an inexpensive bike in a non-snobbish way and I don’t even ride. Exactly why Dirt Every Day is still my favorite MT show. You can still have fun even if you don’t have a lot of bucks to throw at a hobby. Super fun video!

I really enjoy mine. I swapped the seat and grips out for personal preference. Otherwise mine is stock. I plan to upgrade to an air fork, but the factory one has been mostly sufficient for my weight and how I ride. Seems you are a little harder on this one than I am on mine. At about 35psi the tires have been fine for me. I’ve noticed a couple times that they’ve started to slip where my maxxis tires on my other bike don’t. It’s definitely not a $10k bike, but I’ve no complaints and have put over 500 miles on mine. Once I got it dialed in, it felt like the geometry of the bike was designed for me personally.

I think you are getting the hang of this videography thing. Your audio was on point the entire time and your framing is getting a lot better. I am really digging the mountain bike content. I can't wait to hear what your upgrades are on that bike.

All here for Dave ripping single track and getting good exercise like we all need! Yewwww❤love to see it

Another groovy video, Dave, I enjoy the mountain bike content. I also believe this is a good bike for the money. But with a 36" inseam, I think I would need at least a XXL frame. With all the seat post I could get lol. Looking forward to seeing what mods you come up with.

Great video. I'm considering getting one for fun.

Excellent video Dave , it’s a breath of fresh air to take 5 from the car projects, I just sold my Sonoma and it’s given me extra time to enjoy bike riding with my dog . Love your channel and your content. Keep these videos coming please. Cheers 🇨🇦

Thanks for putting this out there. I've been wanting to get to mountain biking and have no clue where to start. This seems like a solid option I'm going to do more research on.

You can buy a chain bar guard. It's a neoprene material with Velcro and it'll quiet down your video. You won't hear that chain slapping around.

😀Dirthead Dave being Bikehead Dave being Just Dave......gotta love it. TOTALLY RAD😀

I have dream builds and budget builds. It's good to have both. Not every ride needs all the luxuries of high end bikes and just runs up the maintenance schedule and cost.

Late '60's, we MotoX stingrays, early '70's we put dirt bike bars on them, mid '70's went to Beach Cruisers & did "Urban" street MotoX. Now just cruise the old Beach Cruiser. lol Great to see ya out there riding the trails.

I did the same thing last year and bought a trek roscoe hardtail. So fun

The hanger and front chainring are made out of playdoh. Beware. I swapped out the crankset but kept the BB. Put the MT200 brakes on it. Everything else is stock and works well enough.

How much better can it get now were talking mountain bikes great job!!

I know these videos don't do as well as vehicle content, but I still like 'em :)

Great video. Like you’re down to earth style. Keep up the bike stuff if you want to.

Bought my aluminum frame mongoose mountain bike at Walmart XR 200 with Disc brakes & Fat tire single speed

got mine today large frame 29 inch wheels on clearance for $199 came out to $218 after taxes couldn't pass up the opportunity.

Making me want to go buy one.

I have no interest in bikes but Dave makes it still interesting

Are you going to put a 4 link suspension on that bike? LOL

Now we need a diy bike rack build

Braaaap!

Needs a market place fork

$200-300 Air Fork ASAP !!!

For us uneducated old farts, how about some info on the who, what, and how of drop posts?

No hydraulic brakes I assume?

1x9? That's so a decade ago. If you're going to be 'a cyclist' you definitely need the tools. In your EDC bring tire levers, a tube (even with tubeless), patch kit, chain tool and/or multitool with a few Torx wrenches, and an extra chain master link. Check your limit screws before you shift your derailleur into the spokes. All the WM bikes I've worked on haven't had the limit screws set right

Walmart actually released a revised version of this bike in 2024. 180mm front brakes, new clutched derailer, narrow wide chain ring and some new frame tabs.

I love the direction this cnhanel is going in! MTB and 4X4 are my fav!

Nice! The Roscoe 8 is an awesome bike! Also glad you gave the Walmart bike a chance, they have really come along way!

This is great. Love the budget stuff. Your vids are for the everyman. Fab your own stuff. Buying used bikes. Excellent. I just bought a used Craftsman tool box today..lol. awesome.

This was a super fun video to watch! I think there is a lot of us that want to get into mountain biking bit dont wanna break the bank. I spend too much money on bike upgrades but i do really love it! It becomes an addiction. This was a rad video that gave an honest review. Ive heard so much good about these bikes. Keep kickin butt dirthead Dave! Love it!

Love seeing the MTB and off road content. Excited to see what you do next to the bike.

Do you want a 50 mm race face stem for your new mountain bike ? You can have it for free I can send it to your PO Box if you want it

This is so f'n rad! I'm not a big off-roader, but I subscribed back when Dirt Every Day came to an untimely end because I enjoyed Dave as a host. I've been mountain biking for 22 years, so I've gone from 26er hardtail to 26er full suspension and then jumped to 29er hardtail in 2006 which I stuck with all the way until 2015. I went 29er full suspension that year and have ridden the wave of more "progressive" trail bike geometry. I've also gotten into a couple of eMTBs: a 160/150mm mullet wheel and a 110mm 29er hardtail. As I've worked my bike stable up into the tens of thousands of dollars, I've noticed the rise of the big-box bikes and other budget level bikes and have become borderline obsessed with them. I bought an Ozark Trail Ridge new in the box and had it pretty much assembked and dialed when I went to install the pedals...and the drive side crank arm threads were missing. I was so miffed since I drove across town to get the bike and then spent over and hour assembling and videoing the process. I never published the video. Recently, I've been playing around with Decathlon brand bikes because they've been super cheap to buy new. I had a $150 hardtail and a $216 full suspension. I found a $160 SR Suntour air fork for it, cheap rear air shock. Tranz-X 31.6 dropper posts are $50 on Amazon, so I grabbed on of those. Found some decent tires on marketplace for $15. Grabbed a few goodies out of my own parts bin.

Dave thanks for the last 2 MTB videos and nerding out. I also began to nerd out and wound up buying a Trek Merlin 8 Gen 2 bike (It was on sale, new shipped from Trek). I am 53 and got into MTB in the early 90's. Bought a Cannondale M800 Beast of the East in 92, wife wanted to ride with me so I gave her the M800 and I grabbed a 93 Specialized Stumpjumper M2. I still have the M2, not the wife lol. The M2 still works but I wanted a newer bike with the 29 inch wheels. I am way way out of shape and you inspired me to get off my butt and get back to riding, so Thank You. I plan to start with riding paved trails and such to build cardio and get my biking legs back then maybe hit some dirt trails.

I just came across your channel a few minutes ago by clicking on this video, I also had the Ozark Trail also I ride Beacon Hill Trails! I don't live too far from the area so this is quite the coincidence

Right on I've been waiting for you to post a video on this bike can't wait to see your review!

Some of us will watch anything you post! We just love Dirthead Shed content!

Great video Dave. I love how you actually bought a WalMart bike and tested it. Looks like it just needs a gear change, maybe different tires and a decent fork to be solid.

Love all the MTB content Dave! Keep it comin!! - 12 year bike mechanic who latched onto the Dirthead Shed from DED

Dave I’ve been watching your bike videos thinking it’s something I should do, I’m 42 dealing with stress and anxiety from running a business and life in general, a few beers every night probably not helping with that🤣I just looked at this bike at a chance trip to Walmart, can’t wait to watch the video, I’ll probably go get one based on your thoughts about it . Thanks Buddy.

You get what you pay for. If it’s cheap the components are crap. Low quality hubs, bottom bracket, brakes and derailleur. Keep riding it for a year and you’ll see. You got what you paid for.

Awesome MTB coverage Dave! I too was into MTB (Cannondale) and Trials/technical riding in the 90s then by 96 Minitruckin had my full attention. I finally got myself a GT Avalanche from Dick’s to ride with my boys. There is definitely a difference between a Bike Shop GT and a box store GT but I’m happy to be shreddin again. So I bought a budget eBay bike mechanic’s stand as I never had one back in the day. You should test some budget bike stands. 🤙🏼

Dave , just saw a news article from KSL in Utah about a mountain biker in Draper having a confrontation with an aggressive Badger Family ! Reminded me of your "honey badger" story on Dirt Daily , hope it ain't foreshadowing for you ?!

Great value..just reassemble it when you first buy it. Wal-Mart Assembly is notoriously poor.

I'd bet you wouldn't have had to cut the seat post you could have just backed out the screws and mounted a pump or water bottle. The screws would back out far enough to drop the seat down further.

I found a used Nishiki Pueblo for $100 at a play it again sports store. It’s a good bike, but definitely need some upgrades!

How about a side-by-side comparison with your new Trek and the Ozark Trail?

Walmart bikes won't last very long if you ride them off road, if you upgrade everything on the bike that fails you'll wind up spending more than you would if you went to a bike shop bike, in the first place

The problem with cheap bikes is that they cost a lot to upgrade. Youve already diacovered the fork is junk, and a good one will cost more than the whole bike. But like youve said, getting used stuff is the way to go. Thats the only way it makes sense.

This video caused me to go buy one as well. Loving it so far. Mods are in the future, of course.

I got the Vibe at the first of the years for $325 and now it's a $675 bike. Love it.

With the exception of the back tire, it seemed like it did better at a lower pressure. I'd say a better back tire and you should be pretty good. I have a killer back tire on my mountain bike, but I don't remember what it's called. The lugs are shorter in the tread, but it has some deep gnarly side lugs on the sides of the tread. I wouldn't run a riad race with them, but they bite good in the dirt!

That frame is made in the same factory as some big name brands. If you keep your eye on market place, try to find a good deal on a Fox fork for the front. I upgraded all my budget bikes with Fox Rhythm forks that I got for cheap and they work just fine as good as the more expensive fork, just slightly heavier. And also try and find a decent wheel set for cheap. Just like a BMX, a decent wheelset will make a huge difference. The MTB world is full of people with more money than brains that will sometimes sell their brand new takeoff parts for Cheap because they think that spending $1000 on an gold stanchion fork will make them look cool. 🤷‍♂️ those people are great actually and I’ve build some pretty sick bikes for dirt cheap.

Hey maybe Harbor Freight will start selling MTBs!

I got my very first new bike back when I was in the 4th grade in the mid 60's. It came from the Thrifty Drug store on the corner of Westminster Ave. and Golden West St. It was a Huffy and it cost $15.00 and it was really hard to pedal. I would have liked to have had a Schwinn but they just cost to much. But it always got me where I needed go. I still have the last bike that I bought new in 1983. It's a 26 inch Beach Cruisier that I was riding the two miles to work.

I got one of these today at my local Walmart.....$199!!!!!!

I just mine and I’m very happy with it!!! 😎

I picked up one of these about a year ago to get back into mountain biking on the cheap. Unfortunately it didn't stay cheap long, every part of it has been upgraded but damn is it a fun bike to ride.

Thanks Dave for the MTB videos! Like what you are doing with the channel. Keep up the great work!

lol be careful it will get out of control if your not watching next thing you know you got 5 extra bikes

Just bought this bike at Walmart for 200.

This guy knows how to review a bike...awesome

I purchased the same bike. I have a question; I'm 5'8" and I got the medium size but you're the second person mentioning medium size being on the large size. I don't know how to judge a bike by sitting on it if it's the right size for me. Should I go back and try the small frame (if they still have it in stock). Sizing guide suggests small would be too small for 5'8". What would you say?

I’ve also been geeking out on RU-vid mountain bikes as I’m getting keen again. Im 56 and have always loved a hard tail. Still have a 26 inch giant atx from 95 plus a giant 29er Want to try out a dual suspension and looking at the good valued Polygon SISKIU T8

Dude you are already an awesome welder, I'm just waiting for the day you get a hold of a frame jig and start making your own!

great video, i am trying to get my son into riding with me and i dont want to drop $$ if he doesn’t get into it. But yet i want it to be decent so he can get a chance to enjoy it to give it a chance.

"Throw the catalog at it", what an awesome quote!

The Walmart family has built some killer parks in Bentonville, I think? I've been wanting to check it out for a long time and ride those trails.

“Space is at an all time premium.” Goes out and buys another bike. I feel your pain.

The biggest issue for me is the price at 400 bucks someone new can get into an entry level bike store bike and have real parts and a shop to back it. Or better solution to me is spend that money on an older used higher end bike. Used bikes drop value like crazy so you can easy have a 5 year old descent bike for thr same money. I appreciate what you're doing though, just think there are better ways to spend the money getting into it

It comes with bike lights?!!?!?!

the new model is on sale at my local store for 178.00!! I'm thinking about getting one. thoughts??

Their gravel bike by Ozark Trail is bad ass

A youtuber called bike farmer would not approve removal of the dork disc. Reason being, if you overshift with it on, it will save the spokes and wheel. If you overshift without the disc it will trash the wheel and spokes. Otherwise, good stuff.

What's the geometry like?

I can hear that chain slap from western WA

Brand New Sub here in Missouri.. I work at Walmart, in Fulton,MO. This is crazy... I've been Fixing all of the bikes, that the contracted bike builders put on the floor at walmart. I literally Built a lot of Bikes today, because the contracted ones wouldn't answer the phone. So, as the "Bike Guy/Lawn&Garden/Seasonal/Toys Guy"....I stepped in. I built 12, with 4 tools. Our walmart only has the Truvaille. I've been Wanting to get a Ridge, since I heard of them! (I've watched so many vids over the last 8months or so) BermPeak's vids were cool. I want to try to Buy one, and put an Electric Hub Motor in the rear. But I'm Broke. Any thoughts?

There cheap and durable but I bet you’ll find yourself liking off Amazon the “wake” stem. It will bring your arms in elbows bent and torso upright It’s specific 50mm long with a 31* rise. All my 3 have them I’ve bombed hard with it at hawes mesa Az and south mtn Az cool rig fun stuff. Love the underdog items hanging

I have a trek marlin 7 2 tone 2022 and it is the everything bike. I've been thinking about buying a Ozark trail mtb since I do work for Walmart.

your brake levers are backwards...HAHA

LS swap it Dave!

Jump It !!!

You could get a rear derailleur to solve that problem with a derailleur with clutch built into the derailleur

I just purchased the vibe how do you raise the handlebars

Yep.

Mom’s Spaghetti’s front bumper is the greatest ever. You can do anything off-road and we’ll watch. 😂 “Film it and they will watch it” keep it coming Dave.

Really enjoyed this one, Dave! I work overnight freight at Wal-Mart. Ive seen this bike in passing, and was surprised by the price. Very cool to see it in action. Came back to this after the upgrade vid this morning. Keep up the great content! Ride on!

You're crazy man. Don't die lol

Bonus video!!!

It even has a bolt on derailleur hanger. Nice.

I broke the chain and folded the back wheel in 10 minutes on a Walmart MTB.... Wasn't worth the money.. so I bought a Specialized Hard Rock, then Bought a Camber...

I pimped out a Huffy MTB in college. Loved to ride but I didn’t have Gary Fisher money…..so I scrounged up good cheap parts and threw the catalogue at the thing…..Pretty sure the Rox Shox Judy fork was worth more than the bike. That was fun!

I’m lucky enough to have miles of bike trails in my back yard including several black diamonds and double diamonds and this bike performs very well on them.

What a great trail! Looks super fun!

I dig how at 19:20 you did EXACTLY what I would have done, lol. Throw it in reverse and back away from the Old Man Killing drop with your backup alarm beeping proudly. The woods are littered with the corpses of old dudes like us that grew up on BMX and MTBs who convinced themselves wthey were still 17. I'll be 60 in a few months, and I ride like a very skilled but cautious 90 yr old granny now because I'd like to still be wheelying and hoppin' curbs when I do hit 90

My last wal-mart bike was a Rhino and the front fork broke doing my paper route in the late 90s. Haven't had over since. Glad to see those new are actually worth their salt