expired Posted by Phrancis5 • Jun 9, 2022
Jun 9, 2022 10:56 PM
Item 1 of 5
Item 1 of 5
expired Posted by Phrancis5 • Jun 9, 2022
Jun 9, 2022 10:56 PM
Kent™ 29" Men's Trouvaille Aluminum Mountain Bike, Medium, Black/Taupe $398
$398
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- This bike was recently released on Walmart. Given the specs and components, it is a great deal at this price, regular or not
- Compares very favorably to name brand bikes at similar price range or even twice the price range
- Going by history, some of the popular big box store bikes like Mongoose XR Pro went from $350 years ago to $500 now, and 2020 Schwinn Aluminum Comp from $200 to $270 now, and GT Aggressor Pro could frequently be had for $250 just 2 - 3 years ago to $600 now...just to name a few examples
If you're interested in finding out why certain big box store bikes are so popular and save yourself some money in the process, search KevCentral or Wolftick Videos on Youtube (the latter is also quite entertaining).For folks who TD on any big box store bike deals, I would say this...
If you're a seasoned rider who knows what you want, this is not for you. You don't buy this and immediately spend another $1,000 to upgrade it to suit your needs. You would spend as much as you can afford to get the bike you want.
This bike is for beginners who can't fathom spending $1,000 or even $500 on a bike to enter MTB world. Some of us seasoned riders were once novice too and should understand that. I would say this is exactly the bike for them if they have $400 budget. If they hate the sport, then not much lost. But hopefully they enjoy it, and this bike could grow with them well into intermediate level without throwing the bike away. With a modern frame specs, upgrade options are easy and plentiful for this bike. Once they reach advanced level in a few years, they would not mind spending $2,000+ on a new bike to satisfy their passion, and can still keep this bike to toss around.
For folks who recommend looking for 10 year old used high-end bikes for the same price, a novice would not know what to look for without getting ripped off, or get thrown into the deep end on learning to repair a poorly maintained old bike immediately. If they have knowledgeable friends who could handhold them, great! For the rest without such friends, this bike lets them start enjoying MTB right away without patiently waiting on the right used bike or having to learn repairs immediately. Then slowly upgrade components as they get better and learn repairs and maintenance as they go.
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https://www.walmart.com/ip/Schwin.../494339371
And here's the same Schwinn without the dropper post at $398: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Schwin.../288838682
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Schwin.../494339371 [walmart.com]
And here's the same Schwinn without the dropper post at $398: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Schwin.../288838682 [walmart.com]
EDIT: Just realized I put too much emphasis on droppers. On the Schwinn, if the fork is anything like the Al Comp I bought for my son, be prepared to upgrade the fork sooner than later. It acts more like a pogo stick than a shock, kinda dangerous for large bumps and small jumps on trails in my opinion. The fork on this Kent is widely used on most budget MTB and is better, just heavier and really not "adjustable" compared to air forks. You're looking > $200 to upgrade to name brand entry air fork on the Schwinn. Entry dropper would be <$150 on the Kent. Decide based on your budget.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Schwin.../494339371 [walmart.com]
And here's the same Schwinn without the dropper post at $398: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Schwin.../288838682 [walmart.com]
Axum "boost spacing" is still a quick release, not the more common 135mm quick release. There may be a few 141mm qr hub options, or you might need adapters if you want to upgrade rear hub later. The "boost spacing" term is more commonly used for thru axle today, which neither of these budget bikes (or any budget bikes I know of) use currently.
I just re-watched KevCentral video on the Kent. I mistakenly assumed the seat post was 30.9mm initially, but unfortunately it is 30.4mm which would again limit your dropper upgrade options to 27.2mm with a shim.
Either bikes are still good budget options for beginners. Just realize the Axum may need a fork upgrade sooner than later, and Kent dropper options are limited. Both would grow with you into intermediate level with some upgrades, but with a bit more limitations than I originally thought.
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Axum "boost spacing" is still a quick release, not the more common 135mm quick release. There may be a few 141mm qr hub options, or you might need adapters if you want to upgrade rear hub later. The "boost spacing" term is more commonly used for thru axle today, which neither of these budget bikes (or any budget bikes I know of) use currently.
I just re-watched KevCentral video on the Kent. I mistakenly assumed the seat post was 30.9mm initially, but unfortunately it is 30.4mm which would again limit your dropper upgrade options to 27.2mm with a shim.
Either bikes are still good budget options for beginners. Just realize the Axum may need a fork upgrade sooner than later, and Kent dropper options are limited. Both would grow with you into intermediate level with some upgrades, but with a bit more limitations than I originally thought.