Over $3000 Spent Upgrading a Walmart Mongoose Ledge X1 - Project Ledge X1 Stage 3
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 ส.ค. 2021
- I spent over $3000 upgrading a Mongoose Ledge X1 Full Suspension Mountain Bike from Walmart. Was it worth it? The end result is certainly a capable bike with carbon wheels, RockShox suspension and many other quality components. However, the price when compared to what was accomplished with the Stage 2 build leaves me wondering if it was worth it.
Comment below with your thoughts and opinions.
Parts used in this build:
Fork - amzn.to/3j1gzeR
Rear Shock 165mm - amzn.to/37RV9KK
Stem - amzn.to/37YT3sx
Grips - amzn.to/3iUVJh4
Rear Shock Mount 1/2x1/2 41.5x8mm - amzn.to/3xXhNvB
Rear Shock Mount 1/2x1/2 23.0x8mm - amzn.to/3AWqc4G
180mm Rotor - amzn.to/3CXl4yN
Orange Rotor Bolts - amzn.to/3k13b9I
Funn Orange Handlebars - amzn.to/37YTm6F
All Mtn Frame Guards - amzn.to/3iZABGt
Mountain King 2.6 Tires - amzn.to/3su9UwI
Hydraulic Brakes - amzn.to/2UAmLB6
Dropper Post - amzn.to/3k6zV1h
Seat Clamp 31.8mm - amzn.to/3ghDAbo
Lower Headset ZS56/40 - amzn.to/2VYdH9T
Upper Headset ZS44/28.6 - amzn.to/3CZdgwp
Pedals - amzn.to/3y42wt4
Chainring 30t - amzn.to/37SPsvR
Saddle - amzn.to/3gyjoCz
Advent X Cassette - amzn.to/3yZbZ6o
Advent X Derailleur - amzn.to/37VItm2
Advent X Shifter - amzn.to/3sshyrw
Ledge X1 at Walmart - goto.walmart.com/c/2241907/56...
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#mongoose #ledgex1 #kevcentral
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Music credits:
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Think about this guys. Imagine having your birthday and your dad bought you a cheap bike. A Walmart bike or lets say this bike stock. Not everyone have a rich family. And then you finished studying and can afford upgrades now. Since the bike is valuable to you, you don't want to buy a new one because it is from the hard worl of your dad. So basically you do this. Upgrade the bike as you can. Nothing wrong with it. It's the personal value that matters sometimes not just the brand.
ok that’s fine, but why do you need carbon wheels on a walmart mongoose bike with terrible frame geometry, qr skewer in the rear, and pivot points that have worse bearings then fidget spinners
I’d actually still save money and just wait and buy a better bike. New bike will be still cheaper and with better components
@@hard2600 maybe. But once you're fully upgraded the are equivalent of the team bikes sorta.
@@jakejansen16 DUDE ITS 300 BUCKS IF YOU WNATED ALL OF THOSE GET A $2000 BACK
@@jakejansen16 explain how the geometry is terrible. Because it’s not, it’s not insanely progressive but it’s far from terrible.
It’s not having a nice, capable and trail worthy bike. It’s building and customizing it yourself that gives it value. Truly making it your own and certainly not buying a higher end bike that everyone else in that tax bracket has. Nice work Kev
Fun to see some top end upgrades, once in a while.
I still prefer the bang for buck upgrades, overall.
Whatever you do is still worth watching just to learn what's possible.
Wow we must truly be indoctrinated by snobbery in my shop, because a revelation and a monarch are not high end to any of us lol. They’re very meh components IMO. The wheelset is meh too. Very overpriced, trek makes some good wheelsets. But not for 1500 they don’t.
@@shoeonhead No. Not at all. Just because you spend more on parts than most people do on entire bikes doesn't make it snobbery. That high level quality of parts is absolutely necessary...if you are a professional rider.
You sacrificed your wallet for science. And we appreciate that!
100%
Very nice build, but it tends to enforce the point that a high end Polygon or even a lower end Santa Cruz would be a better value at around the same price or less
Thanks. Of course, assuming someone had all the money up front. The bigger point I was trying to make here is that upping the amount of money thrown into upgrades doesn’t always equal that much more performance
Really would be impossible to find a Santa Cruz in that range. Or find one at all. But there are bikes in that range that would be better. Vitus or polygon come to mind. The carbon wheels are a big part of what was spent. Santa Cruz carbon rims are like $2500.
@@charlesdudash9756 Santa Cruz also makes a Aluminum version of their bike which has a price around $3700
@@KevCentral very true. Shock and fork instantly place it into the $1300 range though.
Yea but a custom build is ONE of a kind! That to me is priceless. I love custom builds. Everyone has those stock santa cruzs and polygons on the trail. No ones got "THIS BUILD" on the trail! Plus when you out shred the riders with more expensive bikes on your "cheaper custom build" its truly Priceless😊🤙🍻
Hey Kev, so I recently started using the Advent X on my bikes and discovered a trick with them. I can't take credit for this since I read about it online but if you use an 11 speed chain on the 10 speed Advent X it still shifts perfectly but it allows more room for error since it's a slightly narrower chain when you're adjusting it and as the chain wears in/hanger getting bent. I thought it was crazy till I tried it and it works awesome
Builders have a hard time dealing with temptations; no need to apologize. It’s a sick bike now.
I don't mind seeing the higher end builds, especially when they are made in stages. Stepping the build up allows you to provide us the information you acquire through the upgrade process and personally I appreciate that!
I wish the upgrades you did in stage two were not that expensive but I cant deny that it feels satisfying to see a build like stage 3. Personally I would buy a bike in the $2,500 range and avoid the frustration of the parts that didn't match as plan.
Yeah, ultimately I will end up somewhere between Stage 1 and Stage 2 in price for my Ledge X1. Hoping to wait on a bunch of it until prices drop, but had to at least swap fork/shock to start. If I was going to spend $2500+, I'd definitely at that point just buy a bike in that range with warranty, etc.
That’s exactly what I said read my comment. ⬆️ There are great bikes out there for $2500+ Even $1000+ can get you a great bike
I just bought a Ledge x2. Be here Monday. Looking forward to any mods or upgrades by KC for that model.
Its cool that you did an "all out" build to see what it could perform like, but at 3600, that's enough for entey-mid level trail bikes and enduro bikes, which makes it a lot harder to justify when your getting a 140/80mm mismatched trsvel bike, along with wack geo and a qr. Which yeah makes sense, its diminishing returns. But it seems like big box bikes make a bit of sense up to about the ~1300 mark. After that it looks like you can find bikes from budget brands that have more progressive geo and better parts specs. Somthing that I keep in mind is that a sisku d5 costs 1050 and a sisku t7 costs 2000. I still love these vids and love seeing the progression of what the platforms can do. Can't wait for more! Also in this price I think it would be interesting to see you build up somthing lake a ragely big al or nukeproof on a budget. Somthing like how to get boost through axel for under $1500.
I was thinking the same thing, definitely cool to see a full out build especially on a Walmart bike but I paid $3,200 total for my fuel ex8 last year.
Spot on. I was planning on buying a Trek Marlin 8 but availability in my area is months out. So I bought the X2 and gonna add a higher end fork and maybe a new drivetrain with the difference.
another budget bike would be the vitus mythique vrx which comes in at 2k... with really good parts
chromo enthusiast, ew
Yeah you could get a bike that makes this look like garbage for hundreds or even thousands less
Got my mongoose ledge just under 2 months ago after watching these videos and have the exact setup after using this video for a guide , only difference is i went with the funn crossfire stem and have an old set of amazon rims that have done me good for the past few years on my hardtail so i just swapped em over and used MRP boost adapter end caps to fit the revelations fork that i got for an absolute steal with a fresh full rebuild and the motion plus control upgrade. Im still running the stock walmart rear suspension😂 but its not so bad for my weight it just makes alot of noise Absolutley love this bike, and i Absolutley send it. Look up "lynn woods jump trail" theres plenty of videos of just how crazy my local trails are just outside of boston. Thanks kev, always wanted a full squish but never really had full squish money😂 Plus i love building my own bikes so it was great being able to find this video🙏🏼🤙🏼
Love that you kept the Mongoose badging. Back in “The Day” Mongoose, Diamondback, Redline we’re the super shizNit!
Call it a tribute bike. Very tasteful
I enjoy seeing both of the budget builds and sky’s-the-limit builds, although I probably get more out of the budget builds since that’s usually what I’m working with and I want to get the most bang for my buck. Keep up the great content!
Best series EVER!
Perfect example of diminishing returns.
Lack of rear boost spacing thru axle will always limit full potential of options. When ever you see a frame with outdated standards it’s a clear sign to be reasonable on how much you spend upgrading the bike.
Ya the wheels were the thing I questioned why you’d throw that much money into simply for the fact the spacing is outdated. I like to upgrade parts that I know can be carried over to another bike. Tho, knowing the bike industry they’re probably gonna shove new standards down our throats by the time you’re ready to upgrade…
I think my take-away on this is that you can start low budget and over time end up with a very comparable bike, if your skills dictate that, without having to start over with a more expensive bike.
Agreed, ultimately what matters is if the frame is capable enough. This seems to be a pretty good frame, especially given the price.
Agreed. This is a great series to showcase what a beginner bike can provide in the long run for someone just starting out and doesn’t want to invest $3k up front. There’s still other costs involved with the sport such as PPE gear, repair/maintenance tools, bike rack for transportation, etc.
And the things you learn from tinkering on your mountain bike is the best part. I have a bike I built with half used part from pink bike and budget online mountain bike parts I’m about $2000 in and it works for everything. Used it in a downhill race at my local park!
Awesome build! I spent about $1,500 on my al comp so far so don’t feel bad. I think you pretty much maxed out the potential of this bike. I’d like to see more ride footage.
Like you said skip the carbon wheels and you got a winner. Only thing I’d have done differently is save an extra couple hundred on a 140mm rockshox recon instead, availability permitting
Love that you did this and showed what worked and what didn't. I have an X2 on the way that I am planning to upgrade with higher quality parts. I have a coworker who is wanting to get in better shape and I sent him a link to your video and the X2. He was so impressed he also ordered one. I'm surprised they are still in stock!
I love this build. I did a similar thing to my Schwinn Aluminum Comp with carbon Enve wheels and Fox fork. But I had already had those parts from another build that fell through. I think people should build and ride what makes them happy, but I am glad that you pointed out that the extra parts didn't give much more bang for the buck as you put it. Still though, it is cool to see you really go for it once in a while. I think it keeps the channel fun.
What I gathered and applied to from this channel is that I had an old and I mean old Schwinn Ranger 2.6 FS mountain bike I bought for $70 second hand over 10 years ago and made little changes to it just to ride with my son on some light trails (he is 10). I switched it to a 1x with an IXF style crankset/ring combo /w some new pedals and the bike is enough to keep up with the kid on his base Rockhopper we bought him. Is the old Schwinn god awful, yes, but it allows me to use what I had laying around to spend time with my family. Keep up the great work! If we ever get to the point of serious trails, I might have to part with that Schwinn. 😂
A very worthwhile project, even it it's deemed to not be the best course of action. Someone has to do it, so I'm glad to get to see the result and the pros/cons, it's a really cool bike!
Looks awesome Kev! I think it's awesome and I think alot of people miss the point and that is that not everyone has alot of money to drop at once. With this bike you can upgrade it slowly and if you feel like it's to much already you can simply stop upgrading or continue upgrading when you can and want. It's also satisfying building your own bike so in my opinion do what you can ! If it's worth it for you then it's worth it don't let bike snobs tell you otherwise !
Perfect example of the principle of diminishing returns. Great video!
Sometimes, it's fun to go a bit over the top to determine - does the extra cost give you extra performance? I think you've found that at the 'budget' end of the spectrum - or, your target audience - it does not. Especially with stuff like carbon wheels - $1,500 just for wheels is something a top-tier rider might notice, but probably not your average-joe-rider.
As always, great video, I wouldn't change a thing. Although you are bit bit lighter it the wallet, I'm sure it was a lot of fun to make, and you definitely got your point across!
I'm still a big fan of the wretched excess and lack of practicality in this build.
It looks fantastic and now it performs like something high end. Great build.
A budget is sort of a relative term. The market for just about everything is saturated with options on parts. My budget is different than others, it's all in what you want or need in the product and how much you can spend. You have blown my mind on the endless possibilities of options for a budget upgrade to a budget bike.
This is almost a proper MTB now.
I like it 🤙🏼
Great job that you’ve done
Upgrading the upgrades 🔥 That's how you know a bike is worth keeping🤟
Its amazing to see how far out can push a budget Walmart bike at this point I'd be confident riding something like that on nearly any trail. Super stoked to see what other bikes come in the future
Just food for thought but how about a head-to-head comparison video against your Cannondale?
It looks beautiful 😍 well done!
I spent a G on my schwinn al comp so far. Its my baby, and I do not regret it! Rides like a dream, is one of a kind. Plus lifetime frame insurance? I get a free frame upgrade in the future if she does break.😄 Nice custom bike build brotha!🍻✌️
come on Kev . . .I'm dying here for a new video of the ledge x2 lol
Wow what an amazing build! I like the idea of keeping all bike builds to be budget because I think that appeals to the majority of people who may not be able or willing to spend big money to upgrade. I think what would also be a cool idea is to sometimes spend big money on upgrades while also buying the same upgrades but in budget form. And then install the budget upgrades on the bike and do a video review. Then remove those budget upgrades and install the big money upgrades on the same bike and do a comparison video review of whether the big money upgrades are that much better than the budget upgrades, and how both types of grades actually affect the riding experience. Kev thanks for awesome videos!! ❤️
Idea for budget contest: start with an expensive frame and put cheapo upgrades that you would normally put on Walmart bikes. Start with a Walmart frame and upgrade with expensive parts. Spend the same on each and compare!
I love that you did this, the bike really looks fantastic! But I had toyed around with the idea of buying a cheaper full suspension and then upgrading the parts because finding the bike I want right now is crazy… but I figured it would cost to much to just not wait a few extra months. Thanks for doing the experiment!!
0 that looks like an awesome build! I've always wondered if it was worth it to put all of that good stuff on a half-decent frame. I have no idea you need to show us some rides. Good job
I think it's also important to not let the money decision ruin what you have created. If you enjoy riding it, then it is money well spent, if you don't, then maybe not so much so. I spent wayyyy too much money on my most recent Canfield Lithium build, but it's awesome and I really enjoy riding it... So money well spent for something I cannot buy... Happiness.
Love the advent drivetrain, definitelly the bast bang for tour Buck Wirth the clutch and the really "mechanically feeling" shifter action; plus the durability and quality construction
In MTB it's really easy to get into diminishing returns. But the 3000ish dollar mark seems to be pretty standard for a (full suspension) bike that is totally capable and has all the modern touches. Tunable and reliable suspension, wide range drive train, dropper post, slack geo, tubless...
Your project bike is now completely capable and mostly forward compatible. ("Mostly" because of that QR rear)
It's definitely interesting to see what buying a bike from Walmart and upgrading it costs vs that same price spent on a bike already at or above level. For example my fuel ex8 set me back $3,200, weight wise it's just under 31lbs with nothing carbon fiber. However sometimes being able to drop that much on a bike all at once isn't doable. Glad to see someone posting videos though showing that upgrading a walmart is more than practical although you'll start getting diminishing returns just like higher end models, the same version of my bike in carbon costs $1,600 more and your only saving 1.62lbs.
Thank you for not forgetting what we want from your channel?
Keep up the good work.
Great exercise in what can be done but probably shouldn't. Thanks Kev for bringing us along the ride. It does show that a Wally World Special frame, at least, is worthy and capable to be a top tier transformer. Although must wouldn't go that far and would probably upgrade the bike as a whole, it shows you can take your time and develop the platform as money allows.
Easy- I see a KevCentral upload, I like. Thanks for the awesome series!
Edit: I’ll always love budget minded stuff and youve given great insight into parts for me to refurb a 96 Gary Fisher Big Sur I was given amd will use it as a loaner. I’ll be hitting those local trails very soon on it though to test it out
Thanks for the video Kev, just placed an order for one and can't wait to build it out to stage 2 type specs then take it down the same trails the guys on top shelf bikes do. Always amusing to see the look of the bike snobs as they see a Walmart bike blasting down chunk and drops. 😆
Ha! 😁
how about value vs budget... least expensive that actually works. thanks for all the time you spend finding, testing and commenting on this stuff!
Thanks. That’s why I mentioned that stage 2 was a better bang-per-buck, IMO
Great build and also a cool looking bike. 👌🏾✌🏾
This is really awsome!
I think doing within a reasonable budget and sky's the limit both makes for great content. It also helps us realize what is worth the expense and what is not. And you can usually recycle the parts to future builds so it's not like you have to buy every part for every build if you don't want to.
Was it worth it? YES it was worth it ! Nice job on your custom build !
Nice man! Not anything I will be able to end up with lol, but very nice! I’m still dreaming of a suspension upgrade to begin with. My rear coil already done an “S” curve and catches when it flexes, and my forks are starting to stick, even with fork boost lube. Definitely going to attack my suspension as soon as I get my wife a Ledge x1 or x2.
Now we need a good trail ride video of the new setup!
Rebound adjusters are like a cap you trow in the trash in rockshox forks. Me and my friends all have lost them. Not a single bike with rockshox fork in our garage has that piece of plastic, we now bring an allon key with us lol
I hear every one out, but I think you should enjoy all of what you did… sounds like it was all a mistake but hey thank you for doing this. I don’t think you made any mistakes. You did what you did and well I like to sit down and see what your up too. Again thank you for entertaining me.
Me personally I am rocking a 2,000$ ish hard tail.
My first bike with thru axles and modern parts, I love it! I can dump the highest end parts in this but I don’t think I am. I share that same feelings that you do Kevin. But you have a TH-cam channel as I don’t so I am probably going to chill out and just enjoy my hard tail but again your the man! Continue doing your thing and I hope your channel keeps on growing!
LOL "and me parting with lots of my money" hahaha great video.
I just want this bike...full on aesthetic and functional.
I would see similar specs Mongoose MTBs assembled from ready-made elements right in the US or EU, for that matter. Decathlon went even beyond, and they make all higher and highest quality lineups frames in the EU. They also sell in Poland Polish brand Romet (100 years old), which assembly sites are located in Poland.
Kross brand made a step further as their carbon frames for top-notch rigs are all made in Poland. Yet, they still deliver nearly half of the hypermarket bikes all over Europe under many different brands.
It's a Mongoose ., it's like trying to convert a vega into a Corvette. He'll of a job. keep up the good work KC.
Its a nice looking bike. I upgraded my rear shock from a dnm to a rockshox monarch rt3 earlier this year and I have never looked back its an awesome shock.
Hey what adapters did you use? The sizes Kev posted don’t match what is available on his Amazon link
I've wanted to see something like this forever. Great sacrifice of your hard earned cash.
I think it continue to be fun!
Great looking bike. Hopefully, it rides as good as it looks.
Awesome build. Quality video as usual. At $3k I'd seriously take a look at what my other prebuilt options are unless you really really like building bikes yourself.
Hopefully the market will get back to being a place where you can find actual deals eventually. Pre pandemic I was able to get a Carbon framed Cube Stereo 120 with fox shocks and GX/XT parts for $2700. I also built up a Cannondale Trigger frame I got as a frame replacement for a Raven where nearly every part was ~50% off including a DVO Fork for $550. Even now there are better wheel deals that what you found though. Ican or Btlos sell solid Carbon wheel sets for around $600 or a pair of rims for $300. I think your definitely getting into an area where upgrading the frame to a RSD Wildcat or Sonder Cortex for ~$1300 would give you substantially better performance gains than putting higher end parts on the Mongoose.
I got mine closer to your stage 2. I only spent $500 in upgrades because I dont need a dropper and I bought less expensive pedals, tires, grips, stem and bars. I did use the same crankset and bottom bracket. I am not pro, but I ride aggressively and so far so good. Havent tore anything up and all for around $900 total.. Bike included. But yours is luxury to someone like me
Good evening Mr Kev Central I really like what you do budget is very important $1,500 Wheels hopefully just the one time deal I love what you do again God bless you brother
Great video Kev and Super Sick X1! Valid point with the upgrades, some upgrades are nice to have, but do they really give you worthy riding improvements?! Thanks for the video appreciate the bang for your buck facts.
That colour scheme is really nice
Bike looks great! Bet it handles as well. I understand why you did this....,so we didn’t have to. Thx!
Thank you for the Stage 3 example. IMO, anything after Stage 2, is pretty much the stage of diminishing returns-and also pricey.
Competent and fun ride you created there. Bet it's quite comfortable, too.
I also did likewise but, with a 26" wheel GT. The Rockshox Revelation 26er 150mm travel is only 1710 grams and is burly. I decided to stick with the DNM AOY 36RC rear shocker (190mm), because it feels plush and suits the type of ride I want from this GT. If replacing the shocker I'll go for the Cane Creek Double Barrel I.L. with a Vault spring.
I think it's cool to spend as much on upgrades as you want, as long as you're still saving money compared to how much performance that sum would buy you at the LBS. The best part about everyone's hyper hydroform builds back in the day was that they were spending $900 on a build that was on par with a $1400 bike shop bike. If that same three grand could get you a similar bike at the local shop then I personally wouldn't bother, but if you're getting like $4500 worth of performance for your $3K then I would think that's really something
I am a big fan of RockShox suspensions! I have yet to find a carbon wheel set, though, that is not destroyed by my riding style .Bike looks great!
I would've loved to see the XR Pro get the full luxury treatment.
This was a really good series! Like you said the only thing I wouldn't have done is the carbon wheels.
Yes. As one spends more money on a bike, one gets diminishing returns.
Interestingly, I just bought a wheel set for one of my bikes (which I won’t have for another month). I went allow this time. I have a couple of very nice carbon wheel sets; but in this case, the cost/benefit analysis led to me spend $750, rather than 2x that amount.
If I am going to spend the money you did (and I have), I’ll build ground-up. I did a Ti gravel build a year ago. It was expen$ive. But it’s awesome. No compromises. I had to change nothing once it was done. And no paint chips, of course. ‘Cause Ti.
Awesome bike
If your willing to spend the cash to see how far you can push it. I think go for it. It shows what you actually get for the money and if its worth it. So if anything its educational :)
Nice riding shoes Kev!!
Ha! George by Walmart. I bought them in the luxury footwear isle
Always enjoy Kev C vids…it’s more like watching Kevs hobby channel…buy Walmart bikes and dump tons of money in it…great entertainment IMO…but in the real world I would “NEVER” waste this kinda money on a Walmart bike!! Oh Hell’NO! there are just to many better options out there that offers much better frames and high quality components for budget minded folks now getting into the MTB world…still Kev has done wonders with his channel and I will always continue to watch his vids…👍
Thanks for keeping it fun. Great bike! I wish I could do the same. Don’t have the money or skills.
Thanks KevCentral for another great video! Definitely do it again in a year or two or three. I'm assuming you are doing a video where we actually see you riding it and you tell us how it compares to stage 2 and 1?
Great video breakdown on parts & stages. IMO I think a person should build this bike according to the trails they ride most in their area. If they can get by with doing it budget style while being safe then go for it but if they have to step it up to like stage 2 level that should be more than enough bike, but remember they should do it with quality budget parts. Doesn’t make any sense to be riding & a air fork stanchion snaps when you could’ve spent an additional $75-$100 for better quality. In the long run it will pay for itself.
I think stage 2 with the 15x100 setup was the sweet spot on budget build. Thanks again for an awesome comparison on stages.
Great to see what CAN be done. I don't think the price justifies the slight performance gain nor the minimal weight savings. Comparing the rear shocks if one goes bad I see a full replacement new part more ideal than a rebuild kit as I could potentially buy three new shocks. If I had that amount to spend I would buy a brand name from a bike store or online ready to go.
IMO stick with Budget minded builds. I enjoy the content and seeing what else is out there but I subscribed mainly for the reviews and budget builds. (Personal preference only and I would consider myself newer to the sport only riding for about a year)
I did have my eyes on the Axum DP and Women's Comp. Stocking issues! However I just got the Ledge X1 for the wife and Ledge X2 for myself. The smaller frame feels better and allowed for more stand over clearance for both of us. She upgraded from the '20 Schwinn Comp w/18" frame 27.5" wheels and myself from the '20 Schwinn Boundary 19" frame 29" wheels.
Good you got a creative logo.
Carbon wheels, very interesting. Glad you experimented budget frame with good ornaments to hang
I have a MONGOOSE XR 29" full suspension its suprisingly awesome bike.
Beautiful
My cousin trying to get me into mountain biking and wow!
Some expensive hobby to have i can see the benefits of it and thats the only thing making me get a walmart 500 dollar bike thats it!
3 months later check out my new bike.. payed 6k for it. Now I have the confidence I was lacking.. 😆 🤣
Let's hope I don't get to deep in this sport..i loved bike riding as a kid and older teen years im 37 now I missed it..
Nice bike..
2:51 man u went long for that joke but it was worth it 🤣
Awesome bike but a that price point I’d want a better frame with more robust linkage, also I’d want to have rear boost spacing with thru axle..stage 2 would be peak investment on a budget big box in my opinion.
Man I would love to see Kev work some of his magic and upgrade one of those hyper E-rides. I think it would be fantastic to see how far an entry level e-bike can be taken within reason, please don't do carbon wheels 😂
Agree, it would be time and money well spent, unlike this...
Those hub drive units are designed for commuting. They are actually dangerous and under powered for trail riding. This is one category where you don't want to cheap out. Spend the money on a mid drive bike. I made this mistake with the Ancheer. And it nearly put me in the hospital.
While that is total overkill for that frame, I think most people into mountain bikes but currently ride a big box bike are curious/interested in what would fit and how it would perform and look. Everyone dreams, so it’s pretty cool to see a over kill. Also, not everyone wants/needs a $3k frame but would love to have nice suspension and trans. So as long as you dont run with bike snobs, a over kill big box bike can be a possibility...plus you can keep your upgrades for if/when one day you might want to spend some big coin on a frame.
Regardless, one cannot deny how good that particular Mongoose looks, well done minus the KC sticker on the head tube ;)
Great video that proves a very important point. Upgrading to better components is obviously a huge advantage but once you pass a certain point it's not worth it and seems wasteful. I bet if someone rode stage 2 and stage 3 without knowing anything about what components were on each one they wouldn't tell any difference at all (minus the bar width).
Missing some kevcentral content. I want to see a Wal-Mart bike turned into an urban assault bike. Like a haro Beasley or reighlei redux.
I just picked up a X1 from my local for $375.
It had a couple scrapes and looked like it had been ridden outside already… took a couple minutes to ask the sporting goods manager if he could do any better on the price. He did, and I rolled to the self checkout.
I don’t plan on maxing it out, but I figure if I put my gas money into it each week and ride it to work- budget fork, shock, hopefully find a decent used wheelset before upgrading the drivetrain. I’ve had a 1x7 before and it’s plenty for my mostly flat rides.
It genuinely was a tough choice next to the new Kent and Schwinn Axum 29ers at $400. The Kent, especially- is a mighty fine looking bike, but I already have a hardtail frame.
Congrats on the new bike!
Is the Mongoose Ledge X2 Stage 1/2 still inbound?
Yep
Hi Kev, Your channel is a godsend for people who have knowledge of bikes and are looking for a good experience . I recently came across a posting of a specialized sport vita 2011 priced at 200 dollars. I was interested in learning how the value of a bike depriciates over time and whether it is worth buying a bike that is ten years old
Hello. I’m not too versed on older specialized bikes, but anything that meets your needs and fits the available budget is a win in my book.
I always seek the best value. That might be a part or bike at any price point, but it’s a calculation about the cost, frequency of use, quality, and available funds. Frequency of use being the key variable.
Anyone can get carried away. I think we can all relate, and hopefully learn.