Project Comp - Custom build of the Schwinn Aluminum Comp from Walmart
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.พ. 2025
- Project Comp is a custom build of the Schwinn Aluminum Comp, a $200 bike from Walmart. Can a Walmart bike be made worthy of a mountain bike trail? In this video you will see that it can - affordably. Each component in this project was selected for price-vs-performance. Also note that unlike saving for a $600-800 on a bike from a local bike shop, I was able to ride this bike for a month in factory shape before I slowly started upgrading. Upgrades were done over a period of 9-10 months. Meaning I spent roughly $75 a month to get to the final project build.
Components used in this build:
Wake Handlebars 720mm: amzn.to/2tWkjXD
Bavel 31.8mm Stem: amzn.to/2QM0qeX
Shimano MT200 Hydraulic Brakes: amzn.to/2RbwDvm
MicroSHIFT Advent Shifter: amzn.to/2sk4v0H
MicroSHIFT Advent Derailleur: amzn.to/2Nmch18
MicroSHIFT Advent Cassette 9-speed: amzn.to/2FLpug2
CYSKY iXF Crankset: amzn.to/2teCVlI
Snail 30t Chainring: amzn.to/2Tdr2r0
27.5 WTB Wheelset: amzn.to/2snMcYw
RaceFace Chester Pedals: amzn.to/36O5Bki
Fooker Pedals (affordable alternative): amzn.to/36R4IY0
Fidlock Twist 600 Bottle Set: amzn.to/2NjHxhq
Aikate Gel Saddle: amzn.to/2R82qxf
Silas Grips: amzn.to/2ROheSv
RockShox 30 Silver TK 100mm Fork: amzn.to/383LC1k
Racing Ralph Tires (more expensive option): amzn.to/2Rac2rb
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Music credits:
Copycat by R.LUM.R
Like a Polaroid by Spazz Cardigan
songs from the YT audio library
I love your videos, i got my first mountain bike after watching one of your videos last year and I've been so much happier as a person,(its given me a reason to get outside and be active). I can't even begin to say how much i appreciate you and your channel. So thank you for introducing me to my first year of mountain biking and to many more.👍
So I have an Epixon fork, MT200 brakes and an Advent X setup on mine....thanks again for the inspiration and great videos. I've really enjoyed riding again and am doing it on a budget!
Honestly huge thank you for these videos helping a newbie into mtb like myself. I've recently picked up an Al Comp and absolutely love it!
I bought mine around the same time and I now have every part that is on Kevin’s bike. It is awesome to ride now
This build made the bike look how it should have looked like all along. Perfect set up, I really like this bike.
Thank you for your videos. I bought a comp based on your videos and I figured it would be a good way to introduce not only biking but biking terminology to me and my son. I went to a local bike store and was quoted a aluminum bike for $700. With the comp I figured I would upgraded little by little according to my budget. So far my son has been using and it’s been doing good on light trails for his bike club at school. I’m hoping to start upgrading this summer and will let you know the finished product. ❤️ your videos, and I really see value in getting a bike and upgrading them overtime. It helps you learn and also become more familiar with the bike.
Thanks for your average joe type of videos Kev. As a non avid-low budget mountain bike owner you show us ideas in how to upgrade a bike gradually. When you go to an LBS once you tell them about a schwinn they automatically tell you it's junk and show you a new one they have. Well, what they don't get is that we can't fork out $700+ right then and there for a new bike. Even then some of the bikes at those prices still have suntour and tourney forks and derailleurs. So much for us local folks supporting LBS' when they don't work with us on how we're trying to approach our bike builds..
this brought along a little tear to my eye. My Schwinn AL Comp has been stripped for three months - I didn't think she would ever be back together - yesterday a psychotic freak ran over my Specialized Diverge with her car - on purpose just before I had almost gotten on it. Severe depression was settling in - this video could not have been more timely - My Schwinn will come back to life - with the new brilliant orange and black paint job I promised her as I took her apart - I now have a way to get past my mourning - thank you Kev
😳 wow. I hope you get your ride back together soon
I normally do not think big box bike builds are a good idea however this is impressive!! You really got this one right!
Love it. I literally just picked one up today. Same version. Looks brand new still. Let the building/mods begin! Thanks for all you do!
my wife loves hers, I have gone through and replaced almost everything now, but still has proven to be a pretty tough frame, but by adding some new forks, and by switching down to a single drive and better stem and bars, its has proven to be an amazing tough bike!!
More budget builds please ! Love this budget build.
I actually just finished up my old scott gambler, just waiting for one or two parts to arrive. I was particularly interested in the microshift derailleur, but looking at specs and performance, I ended up with the whole zee setup for around 140 euros. Glad to see that you're revisiting older projects. Can't wait to see some more full suspension bikes on your channel!
Wow! I didn't realize how long it's been since I watched these videos with all of this insanity going on! I'm glad to see you did a Al Comp project. I used the air spring version of the fork with 120mm travel, but I have yet to take it on some trails due to the weather here. My next upgrade will likely be an upgraded rear derailleur like the one you installed. Mine is similar to yours but very different at the same time, and I've enjoyed riding mine on every trail I've ridden on (even when it was still fairly original!) My next build is a 2018 Fuji Nevada 1.9, starting with just the frame I found at my favorite used parts shop! Keep up the great work!!!!
Check out my Project Comp V2. I think it’s even better.
I like it! Never even heard of that group set! Thanks for sharing
There are few things as satisfying as the click of a cassette as the wheel gradually slows to a halt. The Comp looks good!
Just bought one of these at Walmart! Great bike but gonna get a seat with springs in it and better pedals. Love the larger wheels and tires. Much better than 26 in
So glad you went with with the micro shift, like you said there is not a lot of reviews out there. Great video!
That's what I did with the Schwinn Voyageur3; upgraded the lower grade parts to higher quality ones. This bike was also on sale at the time so I got a good price for it. I still have the steel hybrid today and have turned it into a touring bike :)
I love the idea of these projects. My dual suspension bike was recently stolen and I can’t afford to buy another one so this gives me some hope for having another great bike soon!
Getting my little bro’s bike and my dads bike upgraded thanks to this video thanks!
Awesome! I've been running Advent 1x9 on my MTB hardtail for a few months now, I'm loving it! Simple, strong, and deliberate shifting. At the price, I don't feel bad about making it a winter bike :)
I thought the Comp comes with a freewheel. Can you get a 9 on a freewheel?? Personally I would make it a 3x9.
Kev replaced the wheel assembly to make a free hub setup. I am thinking of turning my Comp into a 1 by setup and have found a Sunrace 9 speed freewheel that might work. I am very new to biking and don’t know if want to spend the money on new wheels. I would love it if someone could tell me whether they think it would work to use the sunrace MFEX9. It’s for an ebike, but would it still work?
@@raphun76 it will work. I've used a DNP 11-34, 9 speed freewheel. I did have to add a washer between the axle and the frame to keep the smallest cog from touching.
TomCat65 where would I get a washer like that? I am new to the whole bike thing. Thanks for helping me.
TomCat65 what kind and size washer did you use and where did you get it?
I love this. I picked up an old cannondale frame with marzocchi air fork for cheap recently and I'm going to use this build as my guide for putting it together
Nice bike. Been inspired on how you upgrade your bikes in budget and got good ideas. By the way just finished on my budget upgrade as well. With hardtail frame, xcr fork, 3x9 alivio group set all good for rugged simplicty, loved my bike thanks to you. More power all the way from the philippines
That looks pretty good. I can't understand how you can keep all those things straight. Your like a rain man for bike parts. Thanks Kev. Always learning.
I bought this bike because of your review. So far so good
Thank you!! I’ve been looking at this bike for a while and I feel a bit more confident about pulling the trigger.
I did much the same with a Schwinn Santis; 1x10 with Deore and upgraded air fork and handlebars and pedals. With as much money as I put into it, I have found complete hardtails that are equivalent or better for about the same amount of money. The Santis is surely nice now though and rides really well!
True enough but one could argue that the knowledge gained from such a build could be immensly usefull, later down the road should the need arise to work on your bike.
I hope to start upgrading Al comp this winter I follow your videos for advice
Very nice Kevin. I wasn't a big fan of the look of this bike but after the upgrades it's grown on me.
Thanks for giving some feedback on the Microshift advent system, I’ve been super curious about this system and like you said there’s little out there about it. It looks like a solid retrofit 1x for older bikes that you don’t want to put a ton into, but still have a more modern and reliable drivetrain for trail riding.
I really appreciate your content. Seems like they’re killing the joy of the sport with ridiculously expensive bikes being pushed so much these days but you’re proving you can still get a decent bike on a budget.
The only reason the joy of the sport is being killed. Is over Hyped. People believe Department store bikes aren't really capable of doing off-roading as their higher end, because of the components, and The really smaller frame design that department store bike sell.
But the fact is. Alot of Department store bikes are really tough because the smaller frame is really built with thicker tube gauging. Making them more rigid and stronger then they appear.
While higher end bikes are completely the reverse. High end bikes are built with larger wider frames, but their thinner gauge walled. So it does make them lighter and keeping same stiffness. But strength across the board isn't. So physical beats on the frame from a crash or so will likely end the bike. While department store bikes can handle crashes much better from their smaller thicker frames. And they can handle larger upgrades without much impact on frame strength.
I've been waiting for this! Project comp for the win. it actually got me into upgrading the mtb I had, riding more, and eventually buying a used bike (funny enough it was the gt aggressor pro that was reviewed on this channel).
u sir, just got another sub!
Awesome video and fantastic upgrades! I really like that 1 x 9 gearing setup.
You made this bike from straight trash into something truly respectable.
Very impressive. Especially considering that you kept it rideable every day over the course of ten months, as you slowly and progressively evolved it into what it's become. I'm sure you also felt the pinch of the overall investment a little less that way.
I can say the Advent Components are excellent. I have had the 9speed and 11speed Advent components and all have worked well during regular enduro type mountain biking. The only issue I had was the shifter is large and depending on your brake lever, it may not fit well near it. But I use Sram Guides and they are bulkier that a lot brakes.
Wow that hub and wheel bearing combo seems to be smooth. My 2020 Giant fathom winter bike has a serious wobble and grind in the rear end... SX Eagle works when it feels like it and jams up faster than the I love Lucy candy episode...
Needed this video! Thanks ! Can’t wait to upgrade my schwinn!
I love this. this is what I did over the last few months with my Dynacraft Guantlet. Still working on her, but she's able to take trails now and still have a fork lockout for around the town biking too. I believe that as long as the frame isn't bad, any bike can be something amazing! This bike is looking pretty good too!
Btw, you got the same forks I got xD Rock Shox 30 SIlver
This is a fantastic build.Thank you for all the time and effort you have put into make this video happen. I know i will be buying a few of those parts soon to upgrade mt bike.
Very impressed and appreciate the input in all the components used. Definitely do a head to head comparison with the CarbonX!
Love that you used microshift on this. I've been really tempted to buy they're 9 speed groups on a couple builds. Used Shimano 10 speed stuff is so plentiful and cheap i couldn't justify it.
looks legit. i have an old 3x9 29r hardtail. im gonna look into that groupset and maybe bring it back to life
I love my al comp! I have a very similar build but I have factory wheels and tires with the mega range freewheel. I been bashing mine down black diamond trails with ZERO issues! I recently purchased a 2020 Specialized Fuse 27.5 as my 1st real LBS bike but my al comp isnt going anywhere and will continue to he ridden🚵♂️😎🤘
I wouldn’t take black diamonds on one, but congrats and thanks for sharing
@@KevCentral you should see the look on ppls faces when they're on 2k+ dollar F/S bikes and they look over at mine while were on the same trail 😆 they're confused, worried, and impressed all at the same time haha
Honestly I've been waiting for a new video on this bike and when I saw this video my jaw dropped :) happy to see this type of content
As far as the fork and what you did to the crankset now I want to buy this bike and do the same just for romping around the streets
Very cool, and great job. I could go buy an $800 27.5 name brand bike, but I think I will take on the challenge and give this a go. I'd rather spend the money on a project and learn something about building a bike. Sounds like a great way to get started...
If someone has the funds for a LBS bike out the gate I wouldn’t see any reason to start a project bike from something lesser.
Great video and looks like it was a fun build that resulted in a fun bike. So it looks like you have a total of just under $900 in this bike (purchase + upgrades) spent over about ten months? I'm thinking folks who are looking to build a similar Schwinn Comp should also look at other options in the $900 range. Whatever they buy though will not be custom or as fun to build.
The ‘spent over 10 months’ is the important part.
I love your builds, and was very impressed by the lack of chain slap by the MicroSHIFT Advent Derailleur:......
Awesome, have been waiting for this one.... Would love to see comparison with Carbon X.
I bought a granite peak bike as I was getting into riding but I figured I kinda wanna make some upgrades to it would I be able to upgrade the handlebars and the fork on it I wanna get new wheels as well but idk if the tire size will interfere with the fork it comes with as its pretty small.
I've been anxiously awaiting this video!
Nice upgrade! Inspired me. Now im thinking of upgrading my gt hardtail. I got left over parts from my full sus bike that i want to just put it in my gt. Got shimano xt hydraulic disc brakes and sram nx 11 speed set. Just need to buy crankset and rear wheel. Thank you.
Just started watching.. don't know if you remember me telling you but when I started riding again more seriously the blue Schwinn Al comp was the bike I've got from Walmart and I did a lot of trail riding on it honestly a really good bike , my tokul is still down in Tallahassee but I still got like six other bikes here in Alabama just got to say I love your videos I'll never forget how nice you've been to me allowing me to buy it from you the tokul i mean... I appreciate the fact you have always responded to my messages
👍🏼
Why do you not equip your project bikes with dropper posts?
I love bike projects, great job. I agree about IXF crankset - best value there is.
I just bought a bike - it wasn't cheap and everything is "right". And I am having buyer's remorse because of that. I mean - buy a bike and just... ride it? No improvements necessary?
Woe is me...
Hello Kev, I’m trying to build out my Schwinn al comp with the same exact specs and noticed the WTB Wheelset or the weinmann Wheelset are not available anymore. Which wheel set would you suggest that would work with the build you have?
I found some sunringle wheels for mine on ebay, and also available are wheels from cycling deal that he linked in description.
Beautiful bike well worth the wait! I got a fidlock for Christmas and so far I'm loving it, I'll have to look out for your review on that
C Kev Central thank you for your comp upgrades I'm looking forward to a boundary but the more I hear about the comp is possible To go there thank you for your videos have you looked at the Schwinn sidewinder
Sooooo been waiting on the update for Project "X"... so yes on any comparison or update is wanted. Love the vids, keep it up.
Wow, I am very impressed. That looks like a professional mountain bike.
Kev, heads up, you can generally get cheap knockoff no-name carbon seatposts for around $20. Good bang for the buck if you're trying to shave kilos. Wouldn't use it on a cruiser or anything I'm putting lots of my weight on, but if riding sidewalk, it works.
I did something similar but with a iron horse full suspension bike. Great video, nice budget build👍🏻
The only thing about this bike is that the top tube is weird. Everything else is perfect. Fork is good, drive train is like on a high expensive hardtail and the handle bars and stem are good. Brakes look good and brake good. Good job this was an example of paitance and hard work
Wow, I’ve been looking at mircoshift stuff for a while, but wanting to see how well they work. Then Kev shows them. Thanks Bud!
I've liked most of your builds but this is one I might do myself. Great job and it looks like a real mountain bike not just a churched up big box.
Seems like all updates I can do on my Cannondale Catalyst 3. Thanks for the ideas.
I had advent on my last bike and its awesome! Only thing I didn't like is that I had to tighten the clutch to get it to not get any chain slap which is easy but it made the shifter hard to press which I don't get with my new bike which has a shimano deore 1x10.
Lets see a new 2020 project Comp.
Love the build and your channel! Great job 👍
Those Advent components look SWEET on the Comp. Might have to get some for myself. :)
Been eyeing this groupset for my son's Tokul 24. One of the very few 9 speed derailleurs with a clutch. The only drawback i can garner is you have to use their shifter because the pull isn't shimano or sram compatible.
Oh there's a pretty comprehensive review on pinkbike.
@@rich75233 Oh really, didn't know that. I will keep that in mind, thanks!
It doesn't look like the forks you mentioned are available anymore. Do you have any other fork recommendations?
The Advent group is quietly gaining traction. It’s popping up on some some non-big box bikes here and there. Cannondale uses it on one of the Treadwell builds. Marin just put out an entry-level gravel bike with Advent. What reviews are out there are quite positive.
After I finish my too-expensive gravel build, I have vague plans to build a budget flat bar city bike. Advent with that same crankset is the expected drivetrain. I have a set of Shimano M400 brakes on a shelf that will come in handy. I just need to find a frame at a good price.
Wow, that Marin Nicasio+ looks like a great build
Ian Stanley Certainly, for the money.
You turned that Schwinn into a really nice bike Kevin!! I’d almost get one, but make mine a 2x setup. Great looking bike!!
Nice bike Kev , good job ...
Love it shifting. Looks smooth good build
Sorry beside those 2 pedals what other you recommend I’m looking the bright green color that’s why.
I am a huge advocate for local bike shops. I do think that with all the extras, like warranties and service plans, the higher price variance is worth it. That being said, this Aluminum Comp is impressive, with the upgrades. The frame looks like it could handle some even more aggressive riding with some slightly higher end upgrades. What's the seatpost diameter. Looks like it's 27.2. Is that right?
Love to see the comparison to carbon x
I recently just got the rockshox tk silver 30 myself and when it its ejusted right it so good
I too just installed mine. BUT I have no idea how to adjust it. Zero info was included in the box. Any info "out there" that you could point me to would be greatly appreciated!!
A couple years back, the schwinn boundary only costed $200 and this bike only costed $170. I would trade my boundary for this any day as long as it isn't the variant with a rim brake in the back. The geometry of this is so much better than the boundary because the boundary wheelbase is so extremely short and you have to put your toes on the pedals to prevent your feet from hitting the front tire.
Hey Kev what do you think of motobecane and bikes direct/bike island? I've recently had trouble with my bike and am really looking at replacing it. I don't want a Walmart bike because among other reasons, I am just over 6'3" and they simply don't fit. But I've never bought a bike off of a website before.
I’ve looked at their bikes. Maybe one day.
You can get a 4 piece box components prime 9 groupset for the 200 dollar msrp, and you get 11-50 range. Please consider this for a future project bike.
I would like to see the best potential upgrade option between the Aluminum Comp, the Taft, the Boundary, and the Axum.
This vid hits close to home my first bike was a 200 dollar schwin mensa that I ended up dropping about 1500 on.
You really knocked this one out of the park. I have a question though. Seeing as the frame is the only original part left, how would you rate its strength? Is there anything you wouldn’t do with it like jumping or downhill? I ask because I’m getting back into riding and this has piqued my interest. Thank you for your hard work making these videos.
Holding up well so far and I don’t expect any frame issues with the XC riding it will see...Jumping and downhill drops...those are tasks for bikes specifically designed for challenge. Example: the local bike shop once mentioned a guy that kept breaking his new hardtail Trek. After breaking a frame replacement he mentioned he regularly took 6-foot drops on it...translation: even though it cost $1500, it wasn’t designed for what he was trying to do with it.
KevCentral thank you for your time answering my questions. You have really helped me make up my mind. I’m pretty sure that I’ll be building something along the lines of this for myself. You rock man!
Aluminum comp easily one if not my favorite bike to assemble. I will own one in the future and do some of these upgrades for sure! Great work kev!
is there a video on how to upgrade to the 1by chainring?
On the 9 speed cassette is that one all steel or alloy large cog
Thanks for sharing
Sweet build! Personally the one thing keeping me away from the Advent groupset is the whole deal about its parts only working with each other (pull ratios/gear spacing?). I just don't like nonstandard stuff, and it's also a bit less attractive now that the market responded to it - Shimano trickled clutches all the way down to Altus, and Sunrace is offering wide-range 8/9-speed cassettes (albeit only 11-40, but I'm more of a 2x guy anyways).
Agree on choosing a coil shock too, another benefit is that it's cheaper and easier to service by oneself and that cost adds up over time.
Thanks for sharing
How do the rims hold up? Do you notice any wobbles in the wheels
With the Weinmann wheels?
Yes
Weinmann u28 is a great wheel. It comes on the Raleigh Mountain bikes like the Tokul.
Cool! Thanks for the reply
I'll drop a sub
To do the single crank did you have to cut the chain?
Clutch on a 9-speed rear mech. Impressive!
And it’s 11-42!
The advent is also 8speed compatible. They make a 8speed shifter that allows the 9speed derailleur to work with it. So both the 8-9 speed have 42 tooth cassettes.
Shame my Muddyfox livewire I will be stuck with the original zoom forks as it is a 1 inch steerer tube, but everything else can be changed in it.
That looks really nice, seems like an interesting build. Glad to see a project video... Thanks!
Very impressed with the bike keV great job my friend.
Nicely done project (& affordable). Good to see another project video. That gearing would be great for speed in high gear or popping wheelies in low gears if you installed a mid-drive electric motor;)
I bought this based on your channel... I did everything on the $50 upgrade.. unfortunately probably based on your input the 720 wake won't be available till April 21 with is unacceptable for me ... any suggestions?? U are well spoken and I look forward to all new opinions of yours kev ..
Looks great. Almost 68k subs. Good on you.
Ive discovered that the amazon cranks strip after time. I bought a 3x version of the ixf and once removed it from the bike and reinstalled it with the 1x chainring it never was the same again. Once climb and the whole crank is shot
Stripped from where? The non-drive side crank arm must be tightened heavily by the 2 bolts. After you put the pre-load plastic screw in and just thumb tighten it in.
Also, The non-drive crank should have the shaft be ontop of the bolt closest to the pedal. There shouldn't be a large gap in the pre-load screw piece. If you do, then you have the crank to far out. Take a Washer O-ring off to give more side to the non-drive side for better screwing of the pre-load. Then hard tighten the 2bolts down. No specific torquing is needed. But common sense of not going to rough is pretty good.