Framed Ultimate Terrain Mountain Bike (Black)

SDpennypincher

Jul 10, 2022 01:17 AM

1,229 Posts

Joined Dec 2013

SDpennypincherJul 10, 2022 01:17 AM

1,229 Posts

Quote from wakkoss

:

Just got mine today! Took me about 30 minutes to put it together without any issue, despite having no instructions. My wife got the Mongoose gravel bike deal a few weeks ago, so I already knew how to assemble from that one. The brakes need adjusting, but the shifting is perfect, right out of the box. I think for $179 it's a great deal, but if you were able to get it for the $125, it was absolutely screaming.

Anyone know how to adjust the brakes? The front drags on the left pad a bit, and neither the front nor the rear engage all that tightly.

Loosen the two mounting bolts and retighten as you firmly engage the brake lever (hold brake lever firmly as you tighten the bolts). 9 times out of ten this will align them. Repeat if it doesn't. Some folks slip a business card on either side of the rotor as they tighten in the same manner.

JimBanville

Jul 10, 2022 01:35 AM

9,243 Posts

Joined Dec 2012

JimBanvilleJul 10, 2022 01:35 AM

9,243 Posts

Quote from seekdealz

:

I purchased the 16" and the 20" and put them together. There is literally no difference in the actual meaningful size/height of the bike because the seat posts for both bikes are the same height and it doesn't go in all the way (or close to all the way) on the 16" bike.

I'd have to cut the seat post to make it shorter if I wanted to make it any smaller/shorter.

Is this normal?

Can you please tell us the stand-over height of the top bar of both sized frames. Measure from floor to the middle of the top bar. The top bar is the top part of the bike frame you straddle. Thx!

Wah

Jul 10, 2022 02:22 AM

302 Posts

Joined Oct 2005

WahJul 10, 2022 02:22 AM

302 Posts

Got my 18" this morning and put it together carefully. I had an extra raceface stem and handlebar from my full suspension bike that I wasn't using so I threw those on right away. I just wanted a cheap 29er hardtail for riding with the kids around the neighborhood and rail trails where a FS would be overkill and this worked out perfectly.

One thing I noticed is that the chain drops really easily... like just riding off curbs causes the chain to come off the chainring. I'm guessing that just a part of having a low end derailleur without a clutch.

I just need a nice and cheap 1x drivetrain and a dropper to make this bike perfect for what I want it for.

Wolfpack7

Jul 10, 2022 03:56 AM

191 Posts

Joined Nov 2017

Wolfpack7Jul 10, 2022 03:56 AM

191 Posts

Quote from Wah

:

Got my 18" this morning and put it together carefully. I had an extra raceface stem and handlebar from my full suspension bike that I wasn't using so I threw those on right away. I just wanted a cheap 29er hardtail for riding with the kids around the neighborhood and rail trails where a FS would be overkill and this worked out perfectly.

One thing I noticed is that the chain drops really easily... like just riding off curbs causes the chain to come off the chainring. I'm guessing that just a part of having a low end derailleur without a clutch.

I just need a nice and cheap 1x drivetrain and a dropper to make this bike perfect for what I want it for.

Do you have any ideas or a parts list of what may be needed to swap to 1x?

brettrg

Jul 10, 2022 04:07 AM

40 Posts

Joined Apr 2012

brettrgJul 10, 2022 04:07 AM

40 Posts

Quote from edubb11

:

I've already upgraded the fork on my bike. I got this fork:

https://www.randombikeparts.com/products/suntour-xcr-32-lo-100mm-29er-29-disc-suspension-bike-fork-t... [randombikeparts.com]

I think it's a great deal. Also, you may be able to use the code RANDOM to get 10% off of your order.

BTW, it is a legit site that also has a reputable eBay profile. You can buy it on eBay too if you'd prefer, but it is a bit more expensive, like $10 or so.

Just a heads up there are multiple variants to the XCR fork this one in particular is an entry level coil not significantly different from the XCE, you'd be better suited going for the XCR 32 LO R (the air fork variant) for a couple bucks more ~170-190 range shipped, though at the close to 200 range the suntour epixon at ~220 would arguably be the best bang for buck performance when considering weight/repairability/features even compared to low end RS like the Judy, hope that helps (I'm new in the MTB space but that is what I've found in my research YMMV).

JimBanville

Jul 10, 2022 12:18 PM

9,243 Posts

Joined Dec 2012

JimBanvilleJul 10, 2022 12:18 PM

9,243 Posts

Quote from brettrg

:

Just a heads up there are multiple variants to the XCR fork this one in particular is an entry level coil not significantly different from the XCE, you'd be better suited going for the XCR 32 LO R (the air fork variant) for a couple bucks more ~170-190 range shipped, though at the close to 200 range the suntour epixon at ~220 would arguably be the best bang for buck performance when considering weight/repairability/features even compared to low end RS like the Judy, hope that helps (I'm new in the MTB space but that is what I've found in my research YMMV).

Spending $200 for an optional upgrade on a $125 bike makes me wince. Lol. Picking up a second hand fork in good condition for $50 would be what I'd be looking at 😂

brettrg

Jul 10, 2022 12:32 PM

40 Posts

Joined Apr 2012

brettrgJul 10, 2022 12:32 PM

40 Posts

Quote from JimBanville

:

Spending $200 for an optional upgrade on a $125 bike makes me wince. Lol. Picking up a second hand fork in good condition for $50 would be what I'd be looking at 😂

I can completely agree that everyone's budget and upgrade path is different hence YMMV. This roughly the equivalent to a Marlin 5 which sell for ~600. That being said you have theoretical headroom of 375-475 to even come close to that LBS price point. IMHO this for a total of 500-600 with an entry/mid tier air fork, stem swap, pedals and wheel set/drivetrain if (you felt inclined) makes this a screaming build for it's class. Nothing wrong with buying for 125 and riding as is either, once again it's essentially a marlin 5 for 125. If you find a fork for 50 that is worth the upgrade please post as it would help everyone with the build (I'm new to the mtb world so perhaps there are forks in that range that are beyond rebranded chinese dice rolls even in the used category).

molecularman

Jul 10, 2022 04:16 PM

283 Posts

Joined Nov 2013

molecularmanJul 10, 2022 04:16 PM

283 Posts

Quote from brettrg

:

I can completely agree that everyone's budget and upgrade path is different hence YMMV. This roughly the equivalent to a Marlin 5 which sell for ~600. That being said you have theoretical headroom of 375-475 to even come close to that LBS price point. IMHO this for a total of 500-600 with an entry/mid tier air fork, stem swap, pedals and wheel set/drivetrain if (you felt inclined) makes this a screaming build for it's class. Nothing wrong with buying for 125 and riding as is either, once again it's essentially a marlin 5 for 125. If you find a fork for 50 that is worth the upgrade please post as it would help everyone with the build (I'm new to the mtb world so perhaps there are forks in that range that are beyond rebranded chinese dice rolls even in the used category).

Yeah. It seems weird to not want to upgrade because you paid so little. It isn't a "cheap" bike that isn't worthy of upgrades.

Between the bike and upgrades, you could spend the same amount as buying something new from Trek or Specialized and have a far superior bike. Like not even close.

I don't plan to really upgrade as I don't plan to go on any crazy trails with this. But even still, with this being such a good deal - it's still tempting to go to a 1x setup.

1

molecularman

Jul 10, 2022 05:55 PM

283 Posts

Joined Nov 2013

molecularmanJul 10, 2022 05:55 PM

283 Posts

I just installed the 35* 70mm stem. I didn't think it would make THAT much of a difference, but man, it really did. I can actually pop wheelies now and the riding position feels way more comfortable. I'll probably leave it as is and hold off on riser bars for now.

kaolan

Pro

Jul 10, 2022 07:20 PM

1,653 Posts

Joined Oct 2006

kaolan

Pro

Jul 10, 2022 07:20 PM

1,653 Posts

18" back in stock but for $180.

xmenxmenxmen

Jul 10, 2022 07:39 PM

1,567 Posts

Joined Jul 2007

xmenxmenxmenJul 10, 2022 07:39 PM

1,567 Posts

Quote from roymunson

:

i have really bad lower and upper back problems, and the bike out of the box destroyed my neck. I have had radiofrequency ablation on both left and right on my lower back on 4 vertebrae's and 3 or 4 vertebrae's on my left side next but not on my right side. I just dont know how people ride in a position where their head is towards the bike or ground. riding for an hour and having to look up to see oncoming traffic or people just destroyed my neck. I bought the matching stem riser and adjustable stem that i use on my electric bike, and i will install it tomorrow and let you guys know how i like it. Also my moustache bars come tomorrow so i should have the revamped bike complete to my liking. I got the stem shim in order to use my suntour seatpost suspension post and it was really nice, but i couldn't ride long because of my really bad neck/right arm pain.

stem riser, raises it about 3"
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G2VMXCO

adjustable stem, about 3"
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KBYLVBW

If I were you, I would just sell the bike and buy an upright bike, aka hybrid base on what you mentioned. Just a suggestion.

roymunson

Jul 10, 2022 11:44 PM

322 Posts

Joined Nov 2010

roymunsonJul 10, 2022 11:44 PM

322 Posts

Quote from xmenxmenxmen

:

If I were you, I would just sell the bike and buy an upright bike, aka hybrid base on what you mentioned. Just a suggestion.

i just went on a test ride with the 2 installed and it made a huge difference. With the swept back handlebars that i will install tomorrow i think it will be very comfortable.

I would love an upright bike with step through frame that is XL or XXL, that is under $400. If you know of any i would consider them for sure. Most that i see are very cheap without disc brakes and no suspension at all, or they are cruisers with 1 to 6 speed. I live in a VERY mountainous region and i have to climb hills to get out of my neighborhood. I have even talked to dutch people about importing a netherlands style bike.. it's just very hard to find tall people bike with 36" inseam.

chung_chang

Jul 11, 2022 12:14 AM

970 Posts

Joined Nov 2010

chung_changJul 11, 2022 12:14 AM

970 Posts

Quote from roymunson

:

i just went on a test ride with the 2 installed and it made a huge difference. With the swept back handlebars that i will install tomorrow i think it will be very comfortable.

I would love an upright bike with step through frame that is XL or XXL, that is under $400. If you know of any i would consider them for sure. Most that i see are very cheap without disc brakes and no suspension at all, or they are cruisers with 1 to 6 speed. I live in a VERY mountainous region and i have to climb hills to get out of my neighborhood. I have even talked to dutch people about importing a netherlands style bike.. it's just very hard to find tall people bike with 36" inseam.

Glad you're getting the comfort you need from this bike. No better bikes than Dutch bikes from Netherlands, cycling capital of the world. Also the happiest country for children in the world, due to their cycling infrastructure and culture.

Simka

Jul 11, 2022 05:40 AM

34 Posts

Joined Mar 2015

SimkaJul 11, 2022 05:40 AM

34 Posts

Does anyone have any words of wisdom on oiling the chain before first ride? I know it's supposed to be pre-lubed by the chain manufacturer with some sort of a waxy substance, but it looks awfuly dry...

SDpennypincher

Jul 11, 2022 07:45 AM

1,229 Posts

Joined Dec 2013

SDpennypincherJul 11, 2022 07:45 AM

1,229 Posts

Quote from Simka

:

Does anyone have any words of wisdom on oiling the chain before first ride? I know it's supposed to be pre-lubed by the chain manufacturer with some sort of a waxy substance, but it looks awfuly dry...

They usually come slathered in packing grease that needs to be removed via a degreaser and then lubed with proper chain lube. The packing grease attracts lots of dirt and debris.

Framed Ultimate Terrain Mountain Bike (Black)

$125

$600

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