This should be a whole series. Each episode after a ride Seth inevitably breaks something with his raw power and upgrades a part until the bike reaches a good entry level bike status. Each episode he updates the total cost of the bike and compares it with a Trek Marlin
I chuckled, but I wasn't surprised XD. We've seen this guy take a descent on a mangled up wal-goose he found that someone had just chucked in the bushes. When it comes to sketch, put nothing past Seth. 😂
I've been looking for a starter MTB that I wouldn't cry about if stolen. This Kent Trouvaille has been perfect for me. I'm following your experiences with the bike and your budget (but effective) upgrades. Thanks for your videos and for doing this affordable MTB project! FYI - I took apart my bottom bracket because I knew I had to grease it (thanks to you). But it appears Kent has switched to a sealed, albeit generic, bearing assembly which is nice. XR-A01 @ 73 x 124.5. Bearings are 6002RS
80% of bearing failures are due to lack of grease so once again, the Trouvaille was doomed by improper assembly The bike has potential just don't take it to the trail right out of the box, give it once-over, grease what needs to be greased, tighten the bolts that need to be tightened
I've have seen both Orbea and Ghost missing grease on some places where it should be from factory too. It seems like Walmart is not the only ones with assembly problems.
These were cartridge bearings which actually did have grease in them. I honestly don't know why they failed. In any case, you can't expect someone assembling BBQ's to grease a BB that's already installed. Like you said, it's up to the buyer to really check it over before taking it out. You're saving money in exchange for consistency and assembly.
Probably half the bottom brackets, wheel bearings, headsets, pedals, etc that I take apart have basically no grease in them. The other half look to have been properly serviced at the time of assembly, but 15 years down the road just calls for a redo. It's scary to think that for years, I just rode bikes as they came.
@@BermPeakExpress alternatively, a buyer should take it to their LBS and ask for a 'safety check', or if they're willing to spend a few more bucks, a new bike tune. Might not have caught the BB, but it'll catch those really basic issues that the BBQ assemblers would've missed.
Both MTB's I have bought (Mongoose Ledge X2 and KT) I ride them stock and if I like them I do almost total upgrade re-builds and I have trouble free performance when I hit the trail as hard as my 75 year old body will allow! Only thing original on both MTB's is frame, wheels and tubes, and the 180mm brake rotor which gets moved to the rear! On the KT I also kept the tires. I learned a bunch about MTB's and had fun doing it thanks to people like you, Kev, CS, WT etc..... and I also have a bunch of money left for other stuff! If I had bought bike shop stuff I would be broke and I wouldn't of learned much. The things I am not capable of doing I was assisted by Simpson's in Whitehouse, Tx. and by Jeff at Athens Bicycle Shop! Keep up the great video's!
As an individual who broke their leg on a Walmart mountain bike because the weld for The Handlebar clamp broke I will only get bikes from proper bike shops for now on
Yeah, thankfully didn't break anything but the headset off of a Walmart bike too. Handle bars fork everything gone upon landing. Miss my predator nighthawk 87'? only replaced brake cables and tubes.
I appreciate how Seth is looking at the bike for what it is, entry level. Instead of dunking on its short comings, though there may be plenty, he is still up to riding it again after a couple unexpected repairs.
I recently had an issue with my bottom bracket too, but on a specialized. I was getting too big for my old bike through COVID so had to get a new one. Bought a specialized and the bottom bracket had a complete defect to it and it was cranking and loose like that, but couldn’t be tightened. Had to get rid of the frame but warranty covered it and we got a free new one. We just sold that bike used with a new upgraded frame. And I race NICA so this can’t be happening. So we bought a new X-Caliber and it works great! Had I not figured out what was going on and came to this video you would have fixed my problem so thanks so much for confirming this!
The Microshift Advent that's on there is the lower end model without a clutch. If they spend the $15 extra to put the clutched one on there, it would be MUCH better.
And if they put in a better bottom bracket, if the put on tubeless ready rims, if they put on better brakes, if they put on stronger handle bars.... Keeps going and going......
For people starting the journey of MTBing, getting something cheap but upgraded is a huge perk. Many can't justify spending more than a few hundred dollars on something they may never use but a few times. A total build up to super high end components on this bike might be a really cool series. Taking a $350 bike and following a build up to a $3,500 bike (aluminum frame) would be a cool trip to follow!
It's fine for someone to buy a cheap bike and see if they like mtn biking, but such a huge waste of money to start updrading it to something good. These cheap bikes don't have any of the standards nice frames have. ie: thru axle. So they buy nice wheels, buy a new frame and their nice wheels dont fit...
I love your videos Seth, you have gotten me into mountain biking and now I've been riding for a little over a year, work on bikes because of your vid's, thanks!
Same, but I first saw Seth 5 years ago ... I used to be one of those "you can buy a car for that much" kinda guys, but now I go to the bike park about 20-25x a year. I was in a hospital bed and saw a Nate Hill vid from Whistler, then binged Seth. Didn't even know downhill MTB or bike parks were even a thing, and now it's pretty much all I do and think about.
Currently building a budget bomber Mongoose Ardor with used parts for my son. Definitely a market for entry level upgradable frames with current mtb standards.
I like that people can a least get into the sport with less expensive big box bikes. It’s how I got into it. I started with a Nishiki Colorado Comp from Dick’s sporting goods. Upgrade a few components and I was hooked and upgraded into some better trail bikes
I got a Scott Aspect 950 29er for $650 out the door and noone kept up with me on the trail that the shops people took is all on. Watching these makes me glad im not ever thinking about Walmart or Target for a bike. I did have a period where i had no car and wanted a bike which led me to Dicks Sporting Goods for a Nishiki but i found a Trek 820 at a local pawn shop for $150. Rode that for 5 years before i got the Scott.
I've just gotten into biking, trying to lose weight I've traded a bull bar for a truck for a raleigh talus 3.0. Taking my kids around the block till I get more in shape and stamina to keep up with kids.
I personally ride the Trek Marlin 6 2022 and I take it on blue trails and I have done parts of black diamonds. The bike has had a bent seat post after one of my worst falls yet, but the seat post was the only thing that got damaged, except for some paint chipping on the brake levers. The bike is sturdy, dependable and is more than worth it for the price!
I really appreciate this series; as it is showing how a reasonable budget-friendly bike can be retrofitted with half-decent gear and be a good entry-level bike.
I ride the Genesis Overkill by Kent Bikes and I do have 1 great thing to say about their customer service department. Every time I call them with a busted part, my guy Lance is always super nice and gets me my parts really fast. And they know up there that they don't have the best bikes but they do have the best customer service I've seen in a long time! God Bless✝️🙏🏼
This test got me thinking... expensive frame with inexpensive parts vs cheap frame with expensive parts? Might be most interesting with full suspension.
Mongoose Ledge X1 is the perfect bike for your idea. Check out kevcentral, he went all out upgrading that frame with quality parts. It already has modern geo and ball bearing pivots.
I started with a 2020 Trek Marlin 5 myself. Made a few upgrades over the two years I rode it. And I rode it hard. I never backed down from a trail due to the bike. I now have a FS and life is indeed way better, but my Marlin was a great entry point.
i get the "testing at the minimum safe margin" to make people see what is like, but a few more videos in would be a pretty good topic for a "upgrade platform", seeing if it can be taken to a decent level under the price tag of a brand name one
Videography: definitely 5 stars. It’s superb. Story thread and overall production values: 6 stars (out of five). You da man! Your crew is also dee men! Thanks.
Hey Seth, im a big fan of the channel and i was wondering if in the next video you could walk through all the trails, tell us the names, and show what features are on them. Thanks for great content.
I bought a very similar 29' bike at a supermarket. Actually really close spec to the Kent Trouvaille. It cost 467 Dollars. But I didn't take it to the trail from the shop. Instead I put hydraulic brakes on it, and left the factory 180 discs. Put 780 carbon bar instead of the 720 alloy. Put a basic 100mm dropper instead of the non adjustable alloy post. Put a set of Ergon grips, and a beefier 120mm fork instead of the 100mm skinny fork. Also replaced the pedals for a lighter nylon pair with more aggressive and bigger surface. And the bike rides absolutely fine (for what it is) on some down country, and Enduro trails. I know that this video was to test what a Walmart bike out of the box is able to do but, if you would only upgrade the brakes to a hydraulic setup it would make a massive change in confidence and riding experience.. While it's fun to watch you launching into the woods head first like Superman, your safety would certainly benefit from an upgrade of the brakes..
Regarding the comment about the Trek Marlin. I thought the same thing. The Kent and Giordano bikes that Walmart is now carrying are intriguing for sure, but their prices are getting up there with the Marlin. Especially with the more expensive Giordano Intrepid, the math doesn't work so well in the Walmart bike's favor. Add in an inexperienced buyer/rider/not-a-mechanic and this bottom bracket experience still makes the case to go to a local bike shop for a new bike. That said, if I saw a Kent Trouvaille on sale, clearance, something like that, I'd consider picking it up.
Looks like the lever reach was a bit far for your hands haha. Glad you’re ok. That descent was a few stubbies short of a six-pack. That Aussie guy on top of hickory was mighty handsome!
I can remember when the first Walmart bike video came out like it was yesterday! How much the channel has changed is crazy. Mr. Seth, I don’t even MTB. I’m a avid hunter and fisherman, but I love your videos and have been a fan since Florida! I’ve gotta meet you some day!
Anyone who works on their own bikes should just find something used. I tried one, and returned it for a used Cannondale Trail. Did the upgrades on that instead.
@@bindingcurve Good luck finding anything. I looked used for a year and never found anything close to the upgradability and parts (like a cassette and 1 by and tapered headtube) while being under this price. 99% of bikes used in the $400 range are old bikes that need a lot of work and are spec'd with outdated parts and compatibility. Everyone always says buy used without checking the market first, for a lot of us there's nothing out there
@@Bengy22 if you want a tapered head tube and a good single cassette style bike, you will most likely have to pay more than $400 even if it’s used. But you usually get what you pay for, and things like what happened in this video shouldn’t happen.
@@Bengy22 I got TWO used bikes in the last 60 days, also tried 3 big box bikes (all returned). FYI a 2020 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 for $1200 (almost new) and a 2020 Cannondale Trail for $240. Tapered headsets are NOT a big deal, most 44mm Straight can take the bottom external adaptor cups. if your running QR (as these are budget bikes) you may want to go straight anyways. I got a new RS Recon for $200 because it was a straight tube QR. He had a 21 Marlin 6 for $600 that was in almost prefect condition. BUT you also have assholes who are asking for new prices as well.
@@reboundrides8132 But the things that happened in this video was A. Seth crashed and the bars bent, not really the bikes fault. And B the bottom bracket failed. Yes that's the bikes fault but the manufacture should send a replacement free of cost or what I would do is get a whole new sealed bearing BB and crankset for $50. $450 for a bike like this still a great deal, not to mention the BB failing isn't a common thing on this bike. I've seen / read about many people owning them and never heard about it before
Thanks! There is so many tests that mock these bikes for not being as good as a 5k pro bike. I've always wondered how these fair as a entry level trail bike
As someone who owns a Marlin the only problem I've had with it is that the shifter wire routing is very easy to pop out of route and shred the casing. (I have added zip ties after because screw ruining another shifter line.
On my Marlin 8, some of the cabling is held in place with reusable clips that can pop loose in the right situation (such as crashing; ask me how I know). Cable ties are much more secure.
@@Durwood71 yeah I think the clips fell off at about month 2 of owning mine and only took 1 ride without noticing to fully shred the cable to smitherines... Now I check my cables before every ride.
Hey Seth, it’s been a while since I’ve watched your videos as I haven’t had much time recently with work and all that, I just want to say how comforting your videos actually are to someone as well as being sick high quality, love the work and I’m glad to be able to watch you again
Hey Seth, not sure if you know, but Walmart has a brand called 'Viathlon' and they make a pretty good mountain bike. Yes, you read that right, they make only one mountain bike (an xc hardtail). It is also pretty expensive and one of the options for components is SRAM AXS. I wonder how many of those they really sell, and who buys them...
@@BermPeakExpress Yeah I know that it is only online order, but I guess that makes sense though because they would sit at Walmart stores for years haha
Got the bike for myself 3 weeks ago as a secondary/backup. First thing I noticed was how heavy it was compared to my cannondale but so far it's taken everything I can throw at it
You mentioned the Trek Marlin. What are your honest thoughts on the Marlin 6 or 7 for a 51 year old getting back into riding, and looking to ride combination street and Single track green and maybe blues? Thanks for all the great content!
It will work ok, probably pushing it on blues though as suspension bails you out of poor line choices. If you have any joint pain save up more for a full suspension.
I have a second hand Kent Roadmaster. I have had no problems with this bike, and consider it one of my favourite bikes. The only work done on it before it fell in my hands was a spoke replacement (3). So, on the original rear wheel, four spokes suddenly gave out. I replaced for another second hand rear and again, I've lost a spoke but, alas, the rest of the bike works wonders and I just did my first time trial on it.
Man I have seen Wolftick videos on UA-cam have some hard crashes and really push these Walmart bikes but I haven't seen a handle bar fail like that when he was riding. He must have really been flying when he hit that tree. lol. Great video.
So it seems o me you could buy one of these, put a decent bottom bracket in it, and your favorite handlebars, and you'd be OK? Or more likely, you'd find the next failure point... It would be fun to see what happens next time! About brake effort - I have an ancient 250cc dirt bike with cable operated drum brakes on the front and rear wheels. When I go from riding that, to riding my bicycle, I have to retrain myself every time.
After my beloved 30 year old Trek 6000 was stolen, I bought a Marlin 8. I wasn't prepared for the dramatic difference between cable actuated rim brakes and hydraulic disc brakes, and on my first ride, I gave the brake levers a habitual firm squeeze. Instead of a controlled reduction in speed, the front tire immediately locked up, and over the handlebars I went.
Hey Seth, I've feel compelled to call you out on the wattage deal. You were out west I believe at some bike expo. There was a machine there that measures watt output. Some sponsored road guy took a whirl on it and felt pretty good about his numbers. Not arrogant. Satisfied. You took your turn and crushed him. So that whole bunch watts not me argument is not going to fly. Bottom bracket 0. Seth 1. Thanks for the ride. Have a great day.
Hi Seth, i would love to see you do a little bit of street riding again like in the Seth's Bike Hacks era. That being said, i watch all your videos anyway, and i love what you did building a bikepark on your property.
I've been watching you for a long time, since the Seth bike hack days at your house in Florida, and this is the best cinematography I've seen in your videos!! Keep it up!
More please…..video’s like this are priceless when it comes to the “why do you need to spend $1,000 plus on a bike for a kid” argument…..great job as always !!
As someone who has blown a BB on a trek marlin 7, along with wearing out the bontrager tires it came with and nearly snapping the frame in half, all within 3 months of buying the bike from a real bike shop... I would say they are a bit lower than a proper entry level mountain bike, more of a really good commuter. Still better than this walmart bike though.
Allot of talk on here saying just get one and I have to agree. I owned one for a day, luckily the bike store let me use it as credit for a real mountain bike. Its really not an entry level MTB to me, its just a 'legally ok with offroad' version of this Walmart bike which is really for the road/paths. I'd rather have a full rigid then ride those garbage forks in real singletrack. Unless the Marlin is way better then it used to be? Feel like generic brand entry level real fork that rides ok is like $250, half the price of a Marlin so I understand why its too cheap to be good, especially a dealer brand with markup. (Just looked it up, was unaware they made so many Marlin, Marlin 8 for 1330 has entry level air fork).
It’s so cool that you’re in WNC. Lived in Asheville for 20 years and rode about every trail there is out there. Unfortunately I moved to Fla and have been here for about 15 years. Just getting back into trail riding (altho it’s flat as a pancake here). Thanks for your videos. You’ve taught an old biker some new (to me) tricks!
I always enjoy watching your videos! My husband and I also used to ride BMX from about 2003 until 2013, so we often feel like we can relate to you :) Nowadays we prefer the comfort of bikes with suspension!
😀😀 Seth, you remind me of this one time with my genesisv2100 we had a smooth downhill ride until the shock gave us that surprise of the year. I cycled back 54km home it was hectic
Seth: That sticker is there for cover yoru ass legaleese. It's ABSOLUTELY on the factory for that bottom bracket. Assemblers don't do crank installs and the like. That is 100% kent's fault. Walmart can't (directly) be blamed (though indirectly they can by demanding all these corner cuts.)
I wouldn't necessarily blame that bearing failure on the bike. I have been in industry and manufacturing for 25 years, sometimes bearing are bad from the manufacturer. Generally rare but could happen on the most expensive bike out there.
The line about the Trek Marlin got me grinning. My current bike is a 2011 Trek Marlin Gary Fisher Signature 29er that I got a few years ago in PERFECT shape. The guy I bought it from bought it to ride with his kids who were still really little at the time. He said they went on a couple rides around the block and that was it. I got it for a great deal. I felt bad actually riding it since it was such a prime example lol.
I have this bike and did a few replacements. Handlebars, pedals and saddle. It's ran great so far and I'm slowly upgrading a little at a time. Guess bottom bracket is next.
I don’t think you should take the blame for the handle bars. In the video play back the bar bends when they hit the ground at the very end of the crash. That’s like no weight behind the bike at that point. The bars should not bend from the bike falling side ways and impacting the dirt. Teenagers and kids will simulate that just hastily putting the bike down after riding.
This remind me of my first road bike, it is cheapo brand I bought to see if I like road bike or not. And I pulverized the bottom bracket as you idd, they put cheapest stuffs in. I put dura-ace BB on and it never broke, even after few thousands mile on it.
You're lucky the bar bent instead of you. I had a situation somewhat similar back in '98 where I came down in a 'death grip" as you said with my right arm locked, completely shattered my elbow. From 2" above to 3" below the elbow all the bone had to be removed and replaced with metal parts. Got this nice long 8" scar on my arm as a souvenir. I got back full range of motion once healed up, but it put me on the shelf for a good six months. It's better to have the bike give than the body.
Looking forward to Ep3. Keep it coming, let's find out what else we need to swap to get to a decent baseline where it does what is reasonably expected without something stupid breaking prematurely (looking at you BB)
THANK YOU! So many videos of people buying a cheap walmart bike and then sending it on double black trails. Like yeah, no shit it broke. No one is going to buy an entry level mtb from Walmart, and do pro trails with it. This is way more realistic and fair
That's why I like this channel, people like me can't buy a full suspension, they need to use what they can, I'm 46 years old, my family has a lot of bills to pay, my service is bad, I'm using a gt aggressor sport, I'm a beginner, I know that I would need a better bike, but I'm going slowly, it's just to try to have fun, after the feed back of this suspension, it should be similar to my suntour m3030 thanks for the videos, it's a wonderful place where you live, there's a trail to train, here where i live in japan i have to drive 40km to be able to walk, and i still need to pay, waiting for the next video
I think the kent is a 1 off dud. I have a Schwinn Axum and a Schwinn Ascension. Both are big box store bought and assembled. Other than drive train tuning and a once over on all assembly bolts they haven’t needed much maintenance. I ride them as hard as I can at Virgina Key MTB park where Seth started out. They do every green and blue trail offered (I don’t have black diamond skills yet) with 0 issues. The only parts I’ve replaced are the pedals and grips. Both are super reliable and highly recommended. If I had to pick, the Axum is the ultimate entry level hard tail.
Seth’s expertise on hitting trees is truly legendary.
Ong
😂
Good chance to bend forks though lol
🤣🤣🤣 now BOBO is gonna come in here and say "Hold my beer I got this"
I guess wrecking your forks, headset, and front tire is preferable wrecking yourself.
This should be a whole series. Each episode after a ride Seth inevitably breaks something with his raw power and upgrades a part until the bike reaches a good entry level bike status. Each episode he updates the total cost of the bike and compares it with a Trek Marlin
That would actually be a fun series of videos. I would watch that.
+1 on this video idea
I’m commenting so he sees
Even if he buys completely overpriced bike parts, it would be a better deal than a Trek marlin
Sounds like a cool video series idea!
“I guess it’s safe to descend on eh?” Crashes in 2 seconds
He sounds like a Canadian
What
He was doing just fine before the tree ran out in front of him.
Sent her a little too hard
🤣🤣
I am a fan of how he still proceeded to totally send the trail while already having bent bars.
I chuckled, but I wasn't surprised XD. We've seen this guy take a descent on a mangled up wal-goose he found that someone had just chucked in the bushes. When it comes to sketch, put nothing past Seth. 😂
Well what else is he supposed to do. 😅 way to finish out the ride no matter what Seth!
Indeed.
Better than walking the bike
I appreciate Seth finishing his sentences in mid-crash. "That was like a 2 foot...", impact, flies through the air, "...drop"...hits ground.
Lol
He's a man of commitment.
hello, looking for a helmet preferably under 250 (im 14 and broke asf) thank u all
@@dialledalloyedits3469 Bro, how are you gonna say that you're broke and also say you can spend up to $250 on a helmet.
@@tvthecat well bc most helmets that ive used in the past have been around there and they seem to be decently cheap
Any bike is a good bike. My bike just got stolen a week ago. You don't know what you have until its gone. Appreciate your bikes guys
Hey Seth, glad your sort of digging the CST Tires, they're a hidden gem of a budget tire in my opinion.
They are the parent company of maxxis! They are good tires and they hold up well.
Well its actually maxxis in disguise
CST's are really good. I used to ride CST Rockhawk and they're really good on trails and steep downhills.
@@istambiker I just put a set of rock hawks on my hard tail. The work great so far.
Walmart version
I've been looking for a starter MTB that I wouldn't cry about if stolen. This Kent Trouvaille has been perfect for me. I'm following your experiences with the bike and your budget (but effective) upgrades. Thanks for your videos and for doing this affordable MTB project!
FYI - I took apart my bottom bracket because I knew I had to grease it (thanks to you). But it appears Kent has switched to a sealed, albeit generic, bearing assembly which is nice. XR-A01 @ 73 x 124.5. Bearings are 6002RS
It would be nice to see a cheap build on this bike but make it reliable as possible
Too vague.
Then it’s no longer cheap, might as well buy a decent trek or similar
@@Wheelsanstuff it depends because I got one for 50 bucks and just wanted to see what upgrades you can do to it , so for me is worth it
@@mr_sadicoplays how?
@@mr_sadicoplays how did you get it for 50$?
I literally just saw this bike yesterday in Walmart. Thanks for taking the time to review it. Guess I'll be leaving it right where I found it!
Thanks for all the hard work and excellent content I’m 60 just got into mountain biking I’ve learned so much from your channel thanks again
That's so awesome! Never too old to get on a bike. 🤘
80% of bearing failures are due to lack of grease so once again, the Trouvaille was doomed by improper assembly
The bike has potential just don't take it to the trail right out of the box, give it once-over, grease what needs to be greased, tighten the bolts that need to be tightened
I've have seen both Orbea and Ghost missing grease on some places where it should be from factory too. It seems like Walmart is not the only ones with assembly problems.
These were cartridge bearings which actually did have grease in them. I honestly don't know why they failed. In any case, you can't expect someone assembling BBQ's to grease a BB that's already installed. Like you said, it's up to the buyer to really check it over before taking it out. You're saving money in exchange for consistency and assembly.
Probably half the bottom brackets, wheel bearings, headsets, pedals, etc that I take apart have basically no grease in them. The other half look to have been properly serviced at the time of assembly, but 15 years down the road just calls for a redo. It's scary to think that for years, I just rode bikes as they came.
@@BermPeakExpress alternatively, a buyer should take it to their LBS and ask for a 'safety check', or if they're willing to spend a few more bucks, a new bike tune. Might not have caught the BB, but it'll catch those really basic issues that the BBQ assemblers would've missed.
@@BermPeakExpress Theyre using the cheapest bearings possible to save on costs
The confidence of one of the riders at the top: “I’ll come down with a stretcher behind you”. 🤣🤣
That’s one of my buddies Jonathan!
Jono always has my back
Both MTB's I have bought (Mongoose Ledge X2 and KT) I ride them stock and if I like them I do almost total upgrade re-builds and I have trouble free performance when I hit the trail as hard as my 75 year old body will allow! Only thing original on both MTB's is frame, wheels and tubes, and the 180mm brake rotor which gets moved to the rear! On the KT I also kept the tires. I learned a bunch about MTB's and had fun doing it thanks to people like you, Kev, CS, WT etc..... and I also have a bunch of money left for other stuff! If I had bought bike shop stuff I would be broke and I wouldn't of learned much. The things I am not capable of doing I was assisted by Simpson's in Whitehouse, Tx. and by Jeff at Athens Bicycle Shop! Keep up the great video's!
As an individual who broke their leg on a Walmart mountain bike because the weld for The Handlebar clamp broke I will only get bikes from proper bike shops for now on
Damn that sucks
Yeah, thankfully didn't break anything but the headset off of a Walmart bike too. Handle bars fork everything gone upon landing. Miss my predator nighthawk 87'? only replaced brake cables and tubes.
Two family members have similar stories, one was my daughter. My cousin fractured his ankle. Both were wheel related.
Quickest test run I’ve ever seen 😂 got right to the airbag deployment test
It fail that
I appreciate how Seth is looking at the bike for what it is, entry level. Instead of dunking on its short comings, though there may be plenty, he is still up to riding it again after a couple unexpected repairs.
I recently had an issue with my bottom bracket too, but on a specialized. I was getting too big for my old bike through COVID so had to get a new one. Bought a specialized and the bottom bracket had a complete defect to it and it was cranking and loose like that, but couldn’t be tightened. Had to get rid of the frame but warranty covered it and we got a free new one. We just sold that bike used with a new upgraded frame. And I race NICA so this can’t be happening. So we bought a new X-Caliber and it works great!
Had I not figured out what was going on and came to this video you would have fixed my problem so thanks so much for confirming this!
The Microshift Advent that's on there is the lower end model without a clutch. If they spend the $15 extra to put the clutched one on there, it would be MUCH better.
Not really.
@@bobbyhempel1513 yes really.
And if they put in a better bottom bracket, if the put on tubeless ready rims, if they put on better brakes, if they put on stronger handle bars.... Keeps going and going......
@@bindingcurve exactly
They could probably just add a cheap chain guide and it would be good to go
For people starting the journey of MTBing, getting something cheap but upgraded is a huge perk. Many can't justify spending more than a few hundred dollars on something they may never use but a few times. A total build up to super high end components on this bike might be a really cool series. Taking a $350 bike and following a build up to a $3,500 bike (aluminum frame) would be a cool trip to follow!
It's fine for someone to buy a cheap bike and see if they like mtn biking, but such a huge waste of money to start updrading it to something good. These cheap bikes don't have any of the standards nice frames have. ie: thru axle. So they buy nice wheels, buy a new frame and their nice wheels dont fit...
I love your videos Seth, you have gotten me into mountain biking and now I've been riding for a little over a year, work on bikes because of your vid's, thanks!
I have been riding for the same amount of time, for the exact same reason. 😂😂 Hows it going? What bike do you have?
@@nigol44 I've been riding a yt jeffsy, I bought it off Facebook for like 1500
Dude same, Seth got me into mountain biking too.
My 2015 Trek Fuex Ex 7 is still going strong
Same, but I first saw Seth 5 years ago ... I used to be one of those "you can buy a car for that much" kinda guys, but now I go to the bike park about 20-25x a year. I was in a hospital bed and saw a Nate Hill vid from Whistler, then binged Seth. Didn't even know downhill MTB or bike parks were even a thing, and now it's pretty much all I do and think about.
Currently building a budget bomber Mongoose Ardor with used parts for my son. Definitely a market for entry level upgradable frames with current mtb standards.
I like that people can a least get into the sport with less expensive big box bikes. It’s how I got into it. I started with a Nishiki Colorado Comp from Dick’s sporting goods. Upgrade a few components and I was hooked and upgraded into some better trail bikes
I remember that bike being an absurd price/quality deal, I think I saw it on a video by KevCentral quite a while ago and it was a beast for the money.
I got a Scott Aspect 950 29er for $650 out the door and noone kept up with me on the trail that the shops people took is all on. Watching these makes me glad im not ever thinking about Walmart or Target for a bike. I did have a period where i had no car and wanted a bike which led me to Dicks Sporting Goods for a Nishiki but i found a Trek 820 at a local pawn shop for $150. Rode that for 5 years before i got the Scott.
I've just gotten into biking, trying to lose weight I've traded a bull bar for a truck for a raleigh talus 3.0. Taking my kids around the block till I get more in shape and stamina to keep up with kids.
It seems that seeing what those Walmart folks put out there is universally entertaining to watch
I personally ride the Trek Marlin 6 2022 and I take it on blue trails and I have done parts of black diamonds. The bike has had a bent seat post after one of my worst falls yet, but the seat post was the only thing that got damaged, except for some paint chipping on the brake levers. The bike is sturdy, dependable and is more than worth it for the price!
I really appreciate this series; as it is showing how a reasonable budget-friendly bike can be retrofitted with half-decent gear and be a good entry-level bike.
Good to have you back posting on a regular schedule.
I ride the Genesis Overkill by Kent Bikes and I do have 1 great thing to say about their customer service department. Every time I call them with a busted part, my guy Lance is always super nice and gets me my parts really fast. And they know up there that they don't have the best bikes but they do have the best customer service I've seen in a long time!
God Bless✝️🙏🏼
This test got me thinking... expensive frame with inexpensive parts vs cheap frame with expensive parts?
Might be most interesting with full suspension.
Expensive frame, cheap parts, upgrade parts down the line.
@@sonymicronin yes however the opposite would definitely perform better
seems get an expensive frame use cheap parts till you have enought to replace each one once it breaks...
Mongoose Ledge X1 is the perfect bike for your idea. Check out kevcentral, he went all out upgrading that frame with quality parts. It already has modern geo and ball bearing pivots.
Depending on how you define "cheap", you can get some pretty nice, cheap frames new and build them up how you want.
I started with a 2020 Trek Marlin 5 myself. Made a few upgrades over the two years I rode it. And I rode it hard. I never backed down from a trail due to the bike.
I now have a FS and life is indeed way better, but my Marlin was a great entry point.
4:37 .25x speed - handlebar bent because it hit the ground. Thanks for coming to my SethTalk today.
Yep
Seth seems like such a genuine, down to earth guy. I want to meet him and give him a hug
I want to see more on this bike! Let’s see a few budget upgrades!
i get the "testing at the minimum safe margin" to make people see what is like, but a few more videos in would be a pretty good topic for a "upgrade platform", seeing if it can be taken to a decent level under the price tag of a brand name one
Videography: definitely 5 stars. It’s superb.
Story thread and overall production values: 6 stars (out of five). You da man! Your crew is also dee men! Thanks.
Hey Seth, im a big fan of the channel and i was wondering if in the next video you could walk through all the trails, tell us the names, and show what features are on them. Thanks for great content.
He described the different sections in separate videos.
If you watch all his videos, you'll get all those infos.
@@Anthonybrother yea, but i dont have enough attention to watch alot of videos.
I bought a very similar 29' bike at a supermarket.
Actually really close spec to the Kent Trouvaille. It cost 467 Dollars.
But I didn't take it to the trail from the shop. Instead I put hydraulic brakes on it, and left the factory 180 discs. Put 780 carbon bar instead of the 720 alloy.
Put a basic 100mm dropper instead of the non adjustable alloy post.
Put a set of Ergon grips, and a beefier 120mm fork instead of the 100mm skinny fork. Also replaced the pedals for a lighter nylon pair with more aggressive and bigger surface.
And the bike rides absolutely fine (for what it is) on some down country, and Enduro trails.
I know that this video was to test what a Walmart bike out of the box is able to do but, if you would only upgrade the brakes to a hydraulic setup it would make a massive change in confidence and riding experience..
While it's fun to watch you launching into the woods head first like Superman, your safety would certainly benefit from an upgrade of the brakes..
Dont go getting another injury idol seth, i really like your contents while standing, not riding a knee scooter, ride safe♥️
Seth thank you for sharing your knowledge of bike parts, construction and repairs (upgrades in this case) for those of us less experienced folks.
It’s a good day when Seth uploads
It’s a bad day when Seth uploads
Yup.
@@dez1353 bro what
Regarding the comment about the Trek Marlin. I thought the same thing.
The Kent and Giordano bikes that Walmart is now carrying are intriguing for sure, but their prices are getting up there with the Marlin. Especially with the more expensive Giordano Intrepid, the math doesn't work so well in the Walmart bike's favor.
Add in an inexperienced buyer/rider/not-a-mechanic and this bottom bracket experience still makes the case to go to a local bike shop for a new bike.
That said, if I saw a Kent Trouvaille on sale, clearance, something like that, I'd consider picking it up.
Looks like the lever reach was a bit far for your hands haha. Glad you’re ok. That descent was a few stubbies short of a six-pack. That Aussie guy on top of hickory was mighty handsome!
I can remember when the first Walmart bike video came out like it was yesterday! How much the channel has changed is crazy. Mr. Seth, I don’t even MTB. I’m a avid hunter and fisherman, but I love your videos and have been a fan since Florida! I’ve gotta meet you some day!
I’d love to see some budget upgrades on this thing and then a comparison of upgraded price vs performance against a big name bike
Anyone who works on their own bikes should just find something used. I tried one, and returned it for a used Cannondale Trail. Did the upgrades on that instead.
@@bindingcurve Good luck finding anything. I looked used for a year and never found anything close to the upgradability and parts (like a cassette and 1 by and tapered headtube) while being under this price. 99% of bikes used in the $400 range are old bikes that need a lot of work and are spec'd with outdated parts and compatibility. Everyone always says buy used without checking the market first, for a lot of us there's nothing out there
@@Bengy22 if you want a tapered head tube and a good single cassette style bike, you will most likely have to pay more than $400 even if it’s used. But you usually get what you pay for, and things like what happened in this video shouldn’t happen.
@@Bengy22 I got TWO used bikes in the last 60 days, also tried 3 big box bikes (all returned). FYI a 2020 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 for $1200 (almost new) and a 2020 Cannondale Trail for $240. Tapered headsets are NOT a big deal, most 44mm Straight can take the bottom external adaptor cups. if your running QR (as these are budget bikes) you may want to go straight anyways. I got a new RS Recon for $200 because it was a straight tube QR. He had a 21 Marlin 6 for $600 that was in almost prefect condition. BUT you also have assholes who are asking for new prices as well.
@@reboundrides8132 But the things that happened in this video was A. Seth crashed and the bars bent, not really the bikes fault. And B the bottom bracket failed. Yes that's the bikes fault but the manufacture should send a replacement free of cost or what I would do is get a whole new sealed bearing BB and crankset for $50. $450 for a bike like this still a great deal, not to mention the BB failing isn't a common thing on this bike. I've seen / read about many people owning them and never heard about it before
Thanks! There is so many tests that mock these bikes for not being as good as a 5k pro bike. I've always wondered how these fair as a entry level trail bike
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As someone who owns a Marlin the only problem I've had with it is that the shifter wire routing is very easy to pop out of route and shred the casing. (I have added zip ties after because screw ruining another shifter line.
On my Marlin 8, some of the cabling is held in place with reusable clips that can pop loose in the right situation (such as crashing; ask me how I know). Cable ties are much more secure.
@@Durwood71 Same here on a DiamondBack Atroz 3. I've lost clips and had to replace with black zip ties.
@@Durwood71 yeah I think the clips fell off at about month 2 of owning mine and only took 1 ride without noticing to fully shred the cable to smitherines... Now I check my cables before every ride.
yes seth's still got a hero session !! one of the best cameras gopro made
You know it’s a good video when Seth goes cinematic mode😂
Hey Seth, it’s been a while since I’ve watched your videos as I haven’t had much time recently with work and all that, I just want to say how comforting your videos actually are to someone as well as being sick high quality, love the work and I’m glad to be able to watch you again
Hey Seth, not sure if you know, but Walmart has a brand called 'Viathlon' and they make a pretty good mountain bike. Yes, you read that right, they make only one mountain bike (an xc hardtail). It is also pretty expensive and one of the options for components is SRAM AXS.
I wonder how many of those they really sell, and who buys them...
yep, my friend reviewed that for Pinkbike, but you can only order it online
@@BermPeakExpress Yeah I know that it is only online order, but I guess that makes sense though because they would sit at Walmart stores for years haha
Ik someone who has one and races xc with it. Says it is great.
Got the bike for myself 3 weeks ago as a secondary/backup. First thing I noticed was how heavy it was compared to my cannondale but so far it's taken everything I can throw at it
You mentioned the Trek Marlin. What are your honest thoughts on the Marlin 6 or 7 for a 51 year old getting back into riding, and looking to ride combination street and Single track green and maybe blues? Thanks for all the great content!
It will work ok, probably pushing it on blues though as suspension bails you out of poor line choices. If you have any joint pain save up more for a full suspension.
I have a second hand Kent Roadmaster. I have had no problems with this bike, and consider it one of my favourite bikes. The only work done on it before it fell in my hands was a spoke replacement (3). So, on the original rear wheel, four spokes suddenly gave out. I replaced for another second hand rear and again, I've lost a spoke but, alas, the rest of the bike works wonders and I just did my first time trial on it.
Man I have seen Wolftick videos on UA-cam have some hard crashes and really push these Walmart bikes but I haven't seen a handle bar fail like that when he was riding. He must have really been flying when he hit that tree. lol.
Great video.
Tick has bent stock handlebars for sure. He broke some lowend carbon ones recently.
Dude - your videos are awesome - so educational with real world testing - can't say enough good things about what you're doing!
I'm actually really impressed that the wheels are still true.
Had to turn the CC. I WAS SUPER SURPRISED it was spot on on the translation.
Petition to make this bike as good as possible with high end specs
It’s nice to see a video like this. As much as seth’s content has evolved and improved, I do miss these trail rides with Seth. Very classic
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So it seems o me you could buy one of these, put a decent bottom bracket in it, and your favorite handlebars, and you'd be OK? Or more likely, you'd find the next failure point... It would be fun to see what happens next time!
About brake effort - I have an ancient 250cc dirt bike with cable operated drum brakes on the front and rear wheels. When I go from riding that, to riding my bicycle, I have to retrain myself every time.
After my beloved 30 year old Trek 6000 was stolen, I bought a Marlin 8. I wasn't prepared for the dramatic difference between cable actuated rim brakes and hydraulic disc brakes, and on my first ride, I gave the brake levers a habitual firm squeeze. Instead of a controlled reduction in speed, the front tire immediately locked up, and over the handlebars I went.
@@Durwood71 I've never ridden hydraulic brakes, not yet. It sounds like I'd end up hurting myself. 🤣
Hey Seth,
I've feel compelled to call you out on the wattage deal.
You were out west I believe at some bike expo. There was a machine there that measures watt output. Some sponsored road guy took a whirl on it and felt pretty good about his numbers. Not arrogant. Satisfied.
You took your turn and crushed him.
So that whole bunch watts not me argument is not going to fly.
Bottom bracket 0. Seth 1.
Thanks for the ride. Have a great day.
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Hi Seth, i would love to see you do a little bit of street riding again like in the Seth's Bike Hacks era.
That being said, i watch all your videos anyway, and i love what you did building a bikepark on your property.
Same! I miss those old videos. "You'll look like a f@cking BOSS!"
I've been watching you for a long time, since the Seth bike hack days at your house in Florida, and this is the best cinematography I've seen in your videos!! Keep it up!
Am I the only one thinking if this can handle Seth's backyard trails... It's probably gtg almost anywhere?
Not for long :D
Once or twice? Sure! Got for it. But more than that? You'll be making friends at the bike shop ;P
I think this video actually proved otherwise?
@@tibor29 need to remind myself to watch the entire video before commenting midstream!
More please…..video’s like this are priceless when it comes to the “why do you need to spend $1,000 plus on a bike for a kid” argument…..great job as always !!
As someone who has blown a BB on a trek marlin 7, along with wearing out the bontrager tires it came with and nearly snapping the frame in half, all within 3 months of buying the bike from a real bike shop... I would say they are a bit lower than a proper entry level mountain bike, more of a really good commuter. Still better than this walmart bike though.
Allot of talk on here saying just get one and I have to agree. I owned one for a day, luckily the bike store let me use it as credit for a real mountain bike. Its really not an entry level MTB to me, its just a 'legally ok with offroad' version of this Walmart bike which is really for the road/paths. I'd rather have a full rigid then ride those garbage forks in real singletrack. Unless the Marlin is way better then it used to be? Feel like generic brand entry level real fork that rides ok is like $250, half the price of a Marlin so I understand why its too cheap to be good, especially a dealer brand with markup. (Just looked it up, was unaware they made so many Marlin, Marlin 8 for 1330 has entry level air fork).
It’s so cool that you’re in WNC. Lived in Asheville for 20 years and rode about every trail there is out there. Unfortunately I moved to Fla and have been here for about 15 years. Just getting back into trail riding (altho it’s flat as a pancake here). Thanks for your videos. You’ve taught an old biker some new (to me) tricks!
3:31 sick gravel type handlebar Seth 😂😂😂
A feat of modern engineering really
@@Ferrari255GTO Cold setting an Aluminum Hamdlebar works 😂 (Assuming the material is Aluminum rather than steel)
@@eddiejrbation5095 i'd assume it's some of the finest butter available
I always enjoy watching your videos! My husband and I also used to ride BMX from about 2003 until 2013, so we often feel like we can relate to you :) Nowadays we prefer the comfort of bikes with suspension!
I've personally been loving my Trouvaille. I don't mind upgrading parts, so I think it fits my style pretty well.
First time i've seen a dramatic get-up-from-the-ground scene. Pretty awesome 💯
The biggest blow in that crash was the Berm Peak merch.
😀😀 Seth, you remind me of this one time with my genesisv2100 we had a smooth downhill ride until the shock gave us that surprise of the year. I cycled back 54km home it was hectic
Seth: That sticker is there for cover yoru ass legaleese. It's ABSOLUTELY on the factory for that bottom bracket. Assemblers don't do crank installs and the like. That is 100% kent's fault. Walmart can't (directly) be blamed (though indirectly they can by demanding all these corner cuts.)
Absolutely on the factory, or from their supplier
The commentary continuing through the crash was gold! 😂 This is such a great series idea Seth, can't wait to see more.
I wouldn't necessarily blame that bearing failure on the bike. I have been in industry and manufacturing for 25 years, sometimes bearing are bad from the manufacturer. Generally rare but could happen on the most expensive bike out there.
The line about the Trek Marlin got me grinning. My current bike is a 2011 Trek Marlin Gary Fisher Signature 29er that I got a few years ago in PERFECT shape. The guy I bought it from bought it to ride with his kids who were still really little at the time. He said they went on a couple rides around the block and that was it. I got it for a great deal. I felt bad actually riding it since it was such a prime example lol.
🤣🤣🤣 I think it's safe to say that "Kent true failed"
"Nobody rides for Upanbike"
Good stuff!
You are very talented when it comes to hitting trees.
My friend bought a Walmart bike “on a budget” then continued to buy fox shocks for it
Is your friend Sam Pilgrim?
No sadly
@@rpungello lol CRACK A MONNY TIME
I have this bike and did a few replacements. Handlebars, pedals and saddle. It's ran great so far and I'm slowly upgrading a little at a time. Guess bottom bracket is next.
I don’t think you should take the blame for the handle bars. In the video play back the bar bends when they hit the ground at the very end of the crash. That’s like no weight behind the bike at that point. The bars should not bend from the bike falling side ways and impacting the dirt. Teenagers and kids will simulate that just hastily putting the bike down after riding.
If you think the BB is dry wait until you see the headset. Schwinn Axum share a lot of parts and has a lot of the same issues.
Why design a mountain bike sell it as a mountain bike but slap a sticker on saying do not take off road it’s total lunacy 😳
This remind me of my first road bike, it is cheapo brand I bought to see if I like road bike or not. And I pulverized the bottom bracket as you idd, they put cheapest stuffs in. I put dura-ace BB on and it never broke, even after few thousands mile on it.
Yeah nah those Walmart bikes will never be as good as one from a proper bike shop
Thanks for this! Saved me a couple hundred bucks, almost sold me after your last video.
kinda glad i splurged and got a marlin 5 last year before the prices went up. thanks for the good content
Love that you included Curtis!
You're lucky the bar bent instead of you. I had a situation somewhat similar back in '98 where I came down in a 'death grip" as you said with my right arm locked, completely shattered my elbow. From 2" above to 3" below the elbow all the bone had to be removed and replaced with metal parts. Got this nice long 8" scar on my arm as a souvenir.
I got back full range of motion once healed up, but it put me on the shelf for a good six months.
It's better to have the bike give than the body.
Looking forward to Ep3. Keep it coming, let's find out what else we need to swap to get to a decent baseline where it does what is reasonably expected without something stupid breaking prematurely (looking at you BB)
Long live your Kent. Keep it going and keep using it. That's the only true test.
THANK YOU! So many videos of people buying a cheap walmart bike and then sending it on double black trails. Like yeah, no shit it broke. No one is going to buy an entry level mtb from Walmart, and do pro trails with it. This is way more realistic and fair
seths humor is great i like him, keep it up seth love your channel
That's why I like this channel, people like me can't buy a full suspension, they need to use what they can, I'm 46 years old, my family has a lot of bills to pay, my service is bad, I'm using a gt aggressor sport, I'm a beginner, I know that I would need a better bike, but I'm going slowly, it's just to try to have fun, after the feed back of this suspension, it should be similar to my suntour m3030 thanks for the videos, it's a wonderful place where you live, there's a trail to train, here where i live in japan i have to drive 40km to be able to walk, and i still need to pay, waiting for the next video
Hi , I sended a msg
Definitely an entertaining series. Keep going! Really like the technical break down of what you see.
@Berm Peak Express I think someone is scamming people with a fake account. See the other reply
I love the videos you inspired me to start mountain biking
Man it is a excellent idea to show how we can learn from our mistakes and improve our bike.
I think the kent is a 1 off dud. I have a Schwinn Axum and a Schwinn Ascension. Both are big box store bought and assembled. Other than drive train tuning and a once over on all assembly bolts they haven’t needed much maintenance. I ride them as hard as I can at Virgina Key MTB park where Seth started out. They do every green and blue trail offered (I don’t have black diamond skills yet) with 0 issues. The only parts I’ve replaced are the pedals and grips. Both are super reliable and highly recommended. If I had to pick, the Axum is the ultimate entry level hard tail.