I bought an aluminum comp back in May. I bought it based on your first review. It was my first bike in 15 years, and I weigh 300lbs, I felt this bike would carry my weight better than most of the cheap Walmart bikes. Very first ride, I made it 50 feet from my house, hit the rear shifter, the derailuer jamed and the chain broke! Exchanged it for another one. It worked fine until I took it on my commute to work(21 mile round trip) then the rear derailleur started jumping gears, and the chain slipped almost breaking my ankles, and it came off the front several times. I also could not get the front onto the largest cog unless I was pedaling really fast! I was constantly trying to adjust the front derailleur, but it never did work properly. The funny thing is, I took this bike offroad and on some relatively easy mtb trails, and it worked like a champ off the pavement! But on the pavement and especially going up hills, it gave me hell. I took it back, and ended up with a 2 year old Raleigh Redux 2 that's been working great! I really had high hopes for the Al comp, but it just wasn't up to it!
Another Great video as always Kev! Just sold the old red white and blue version with a bunch of upgrades to my best friend. He loves it! And thank you for including my Mongoose blackcomb pic at the end. It's my new pride and joy and puts a smile on my face every time I ride it. I've literally parked everything else. I can't stop the upgrades. I'm addicted. And addicted to this channel! 😀.
Thank you Kev, for this very easy to follow clip/review. I'm a new biker, jumping in headlong into the world of mountain biking. I bought a Schwinn Alum Comp solely because of your reviews, and I LOVE IT! I've made only pedal upgrade at this point, but i will soon be upgrading to the Shimano Mega Range and Wake bars. Thank you for making it so easy for the rest of us scrubs. I thoroughly enjoy your videos. Keep up the great work!!!!
I have enjoyed pretty much every video you have put out on cycling - but this is my all time favorite - not only did I get to see the same bike I own getting dressed up for the big boy party - two of my submitted bicycles hit today's slide show and for some weird reason all of this combined to make me well up for just a second. I love the work you do for us guys out here - I have 3 bikes, one the Aluminum Comp I bought new - the second being the Specialized I found in a goodwill for $12.50 with rusty cables and handlebar and in need of TLC (both those hit this video) that I was able to turn into a beauty (and now an electric) and a Specialized Diverge that I got for about $1000 less than list from a friend that bought it but just could not adjust to the down bar and is a buy it and ride it into the ground type - not a mechanical person at all - so thanks to the Diverge I understand what it's like to have a bike that costs a lot of money and the simple smoothness and tight tolerances that money pays for - but I also wouldn't be spending $2000 on a bike any time soon. You provide the guide and in a lot of cases incentive to take our less expensive base machines and turn them into something that is comparable or better to the big names... that's pretty special and I thank you!
I had a similar problem with some lock-on grips (I almost think the bars were undersized). The solution that ended up working great was putting a wrap of electric tape around the bars where the clamp goes. This was enough to fill the void and obviously tape won't spin/slip.
Your videos have shown me what to look for when buying a big box bike, thanks. I purchased the women's version of this for my wife without realizing you made a video of the same bike! Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and helping all of get the most out of our purchases.
because of your video, I ordered this bike, ill have it in a few days! and ill be doing the upgrades to it as well....just want cheap fun! was also considering the Santis too, Thanks Kev!
I've been looking forward to this video for a while! I purchased my Aluminum comp from walmart two weeks ago and i love it! I didn't have much to spend and this bike had everything i wanted to start biking again. im already looking into minor upgrades and the two videos of this bike that you have posted have really helped me figure out what i want! looking forward to the future of this project!
Excited to see which direction this build goes, and I still want to do one of my own one of these days. I'm trying to resurrect a rigid '94 Cannondale that I rode as a kid for *really* casual trail riding, but a proper mtb is next on the list. I have to say though, I love building bikes myself as opposed to getting one pre-built new. There's just more of a personal connection involved, and the final product just brings such a feeling of satisfaction.
uncle freddie || I might! It'll be awhile before it's complete but I might put out a video putting down the plans. Won't be super high quality (certainly not the quality that Kev has) but it'll at least be something. (Also kev, if you don't want me posting this here, just let me know and I'll delete it)
Kev I’m really looking forward to your stage 2 update. I too am building up a Schwinn AL Comp and my list is almost identical to this. I did convert mine to 1x up front and that made a huge difference in how quiet the drive train is. I’m currently waiting on my Rockshox fork, supposed to be here in a few days.
thanks this is my first time watching and you know a lot about bike parts useage and installation. Also appreciate the comparison between a big box bike and the Trek Marlin as it really gives a budget buyer a value perspective.
I like the comparison to a Marlin 4, which specs out just good enough to safely ride basic trails. I think you should work your way up the Marlin line as you upgrade the Schwinn ALComp comparison wise. Although we all know it’s more expensive to upgrade low end models to higher end ones of the same line, it would still be interesting to see how your Schwinn would match up price wise. This is going to be a great series.
Robert Drappo I just bought a 2020 Marlin 7 too! Emerald Iris. But I also love customizing and building bikes so it’d be cool to see if an Aluminum Comp can really get close enough without costing near the same. But there’s something to be said for being able to build over time.
Kevin I also have the Schwann AL Comp. My rear tire has a wiggle going on and shift is becoming difficult. Seems like there is movement when the bike is stationary and I am only moving the wheel side to side. My assumption is a bent axle or bearings are messed up. Do you have a video specific to this. Is there also the option to install a QR rear axle versus the bolt on?
You do such a great job on what you do with the bikes you upgrade. I have a Jamis tral x. I went all out upgrading it. Almost all titanium bolts. Titanium seat post. Answer pro taper carbon handlebar rockshock recon. Magura disc brakes. Raceface turbine crankset.
It wont happen on this channel and they dont need to give away bikes for advertising. The packages sell themselves. Their MOTOBECANE HAL packages are the best trail bike deals in all of cycling and they know it. Anyone that says differently simply isnt a cyclist AT ALL. Not everything on their site is good, but the top end stuff is unbeatable. One deal of theirs saves consumers more than 6k, and thats ridiculous considering its ACTUALLY BETTER than any other manufacturers bike.
Had a guy come in last month with a bikes direct bike and couldn't figure out why it was not shifting correctly. Turns out when they threw the parts on, they mixed up 11 speed drive train parts and 10 speed drive train parts. They also wouldn't help him after the fact because they said he switched the parts out. Also they sell bikes frames that were designed 10 yrs ago. I think they should be cheaper than what they sell them at.
@@Mud9 You simply dont know what your talking about. In America bikes direct is top of the food chain. Click MTB and come back saying they are ten year old designs. MOTOBECANE HAL bikes are better than Scott bikes, anď those are the best in the world before Motobecane Hal.
100% have had fear cross the trail there! I recently sent you a letter with my sticker request and really appreciate the sticker! Love the videos! I said I was going to get a Hyper Hydroform but ended up being gifted and awesome 1996-7 Gary Fisher Big Sur with a rock shox fork and some other goodies. I’m super stoked to have such a nice bike, keep the videos coming!
Love the videos. I bought an alumi/ comp because of your initial video, also because i am a Schwinn fan. I am also following your upgrade recommendations.
Always a fan of these project videos I have a diamondback peak 27.5 which has been steadily upgraded over the years to become a very useable trail bike and I think it’s a good way to go as you get to know and understand your bike much better and it can be done in stages so that it’s budget friendly too
My schwinn aluminum comp is basically at the same exact stage as yours minus the mega range free wheel. And it has been a pretty great bike for me so far. I’m very interested to see stage 2!!!
When can we expect Stage 2 of the Aluminum Comp. I have one that heve been upgading and the only two things that I have left to upgrade are the front fork and the seat w/ seatpost. For a later date I will udate the wheels. I upgraded the front crank to a 2X10, the rear was upgraded with a Shimano megarange. I do enjoy my bike and it brought me back to cycling, after a good 10 years off. Keep the good work!!!
Thanks for posting more videos on Schwinn al comp. I decided to purchase this bike after I watched your reviews. Overall it is a good bike for the price. However, I am experiencing an annoying issue. When I am at the lowest chainring at the front gear, if I pedal hard (or I am on a hill an trying to gain speed from the dead stop) pedals give away. It is like chain is slipping from the gears. I investigated the chain and chainring, there is no excessive wear. Also, this is a brand new bike with brand new drivetrain. I suspected may be bottom bracket is loose from the factory, but there is no pedal lateral play. As I said, it only occurs at the lowest gear at the front, no matter which rear cogs you are using. This happened me (or I realized) after 3 months of the purchase, that's why cannot return the bike to the Walmart. Anyways, overall I was happy with the bike until this issue occured. If there is any advice to fix it, I am all ears! I'll take the bike to LBS. Hope they can figure it out.
KevCentral rear shifting is smooth and indexing should be good. But I’ll have someone else to check it anyways. One time, I realized BB lockring was loose. I re-tighten with a lockring wrench. Doesn’t seem loose now. Obviously for a while, I rode the bike that way. Do you think BB need adjustment? Thanks for the reply by the way!
Great video Kev. U have shown that many big box bikes can be upgraded into xc or even trail bikes. But it leaves the question can u get a good enough big box bike worthy of a 200mm double crown fork
TheBloodMango yes mate. I’ve also seen other youtubers make big box bikes into dirt jumpers but I am curious to c if their is a bike out their fit with a few upgrades for dh
From walmart the "Schwinn Kempo Hybrid Bike, 700c wheels, 21 speeds, mens frame, red" looks like its a 21 speed version of the cutback. better shifters, pedals, brakes. Tourney front and rear derailleurs. $200. It looks pretty good. Could you do a review on it?
Love your channel and have been following this build with my al comp and was wondering if you knew if 3 inch wide tires will clear the frame on this bike. Thank you and keep up the good work
The first thing I upgrade on an entry-level bike is the bottom bracket, I prefer Shimano but any sealed bottom bracket is better than what it comes with. You'll notice a big difference while climbing and a much smoother pedaling experience.
Thank you for this. I have purchased this hoping to match your upgrades. However, the shock is a little out of my price range for now. Have you tested the BOLANY 1-1/8" Threadless Suspension Fork? If so, would it be a good cheap option, or should I stay away from it?
I bought the Walmart Scwinn Kempo. I only ride on the street, but wish I had spend a little more on the model up with the wider tired and suspension fork. (vs solid fork in the Kempo.)
@@jacklo325 yeah, I know. However I would have been cheaper and easier if I just spent the extra $75 at the time. live and learn I guess, I've only rode the bike a few times since I've been doing a lot of walking with our new dog anyway.
I just got this bike. It has lived in a garage it's entire life do far... Going to order the bars and cassette today. That cassette isn't readily available, but there is others so.....
I have the 2016 26" version of that fork on my kinda cheap street/xc bike. (still not quite sure what to call it) Pretty smooth because it's a coil fork, but unfortunately I've lost the rebound adjuster thing and it's set way too fast, so I'll have to buy another one of those.
I'm guessing the bottom bracket is a square taper threaded. Replacing this with an external bearing bottom bracket and modern crankset will not only save quite a bit of weight (even if you stay 2x in front), it'll change the way the bike feels and responds to pedal input. I was shocked by the difference when I did this. But the real place anyone should consider first when upgrading bikes is the wheels. And the first thing you should upgrade on your wheels is tires. Just about every other thing on your bike is only an occasional problem. Having an archaic 3x setup? It's only a problem when you shift. The tires affect every single second of your experience on the bike. A lot of the time you won't be able to tell you're on your cheap 250 dollar department store bike and not on a bike that cost 4x as much, if you're on the same tires.
Kevin these video is what got me hooked on your playlist. And it's been awhile since you did a big box bike upgrade video.. Out of all the MTBs upgrade project videos you did.. I love the Carbon x, Schwinn Comp Mongoose (can't think of the name though). Are you done with the carbon x? That's the bike I think you sold me on.. I love the idea of buying a big box and getting it to out perform a more expensive bike.. What about the GT Pro? for as upgrading it? Is it a bettwer bike right out of the box?
I have nearly gotten hit by a deer while riding before. You never really realize how big and fast a deer is until it is narrowly missing you and your bike. 😂
So true! I also never realized how much they instinctively kick their back legs when running. It’s an observation that becomes clear the closer they are. I’m pretty sure they are just testing the waters before they organize and attack.
I always excited when you post project bikes. By the way, I'm looking for a good bike tool that I can have hidden on my bike, like on my handlebars or steerer tube or bottle cage. Any suggestion?
Hey I like where your going with this and thanks for showing my bike at the end. To bring up the Santis I'm looking for recommendations for a better fork with more travel and adjustability
Thanks for the info. I want to do some touring and don't want front suspension. What do you suggest, the fork is expensive, do you have a rigid fork suggestion around $200?
Looks great! Just got a new fork for the aluminum comp as well. The website stated the frame is hydro formed, is that true? Also, it's $224 on walmart now...
I spotted a Northrock in those subscriber bikes, nice. Ever considered looking at one of those? It's got a big box bike price, but imo it punches far above its weight.
@@KevCentralAh, well that puts a damper on that idea. Cheers, and keep in making great content! Your channel helped inspire me to make some changes to an old bike of mine that makes it more comfortable and fun to ride!
hey Kev for stage 2 can you check out the afterpartz hydraulic disc brakes set I put them on my comp and they work great don't have many complaints except for the somewhat long lever pull. you can find them on amazon
I was at Walmart today there was no bites on the Shelf at all what's up with that that's never empty I did was empty is there something going on that I should know about let me know
What tires would you be considering as a replacement upgrade for the next stage? What tire type fits for the aluminum comp? I'm interesting in getting some tires that rides better on pavement and concrete. Any suggestions that would work well for this?
I'm eyeing the Schwalbe Smart Sam for mine but if you ride exclusively on roads you could even get away with 650B tires marketed to gravel riders, just watch the width as the stock 54mm is a bit of an oddball but there's some wiggle room depending on the actual inside width of the rim. Good luck!
Hey Kev! I love your videos, I wanted to know if you could tel me what you think of the Schwinn Sidewinder 24”? I was too short for the alum comp or boundary so I picked up the sidewinder instead. I don’t want to keep it if it’s going to be complete garbage though. Thank you in advance if you have the chance to reply!
KevCentral thanks, I was just trying to get the best quality inexpensive bike I could. It seems pretty solid to me and I appreciate the encouragement, take care!
What do you think about the Schwinn sidewinder non-electric with the front disk brakes because I bought one in june? It was before I started watching bike videos and started gaining knowledge about bikes.
@@KevCentral that's cool, had to make a similar choice recently but went the other way. Raidon seems better than the 2017 recon coil silver I had before. Damping could be better but £150...
The same company that does the IXF crankset also do a 3x crankset that's waay better than the stock. Most Big Box bikes use a 28-38-48 crank which makes the lows not that low and the highs too high especialy considering how they are used. Sometimes the square hole isn't centered, making the crank feel bent. For about $30 AUD, the Tioca XC crankset (by Jiankun) has a 24-34-42, which, coupled with a megarange, allows you to climb up trees. They have better ground clearance, are much lighter and have a better geometery and build quality.
Just started getting into mountain biking subbed to your channel 👍. A budget build or a top 5 budget bike video would be nice to see assuming you do not have one yet thanks.
I bought an aluminum comp back in May. I bought it based on your first review. It was my first bike in 15 years, and I weigh 300lbs, I felt this bike would carry my weight better than most of the cheap Walmart bikes. Very first ride, I made it 50 feet from my house, hit the rear shifter, the derailuer jamed and the chain broke! Exchanged it for another one. It worked fine until I took it on my commute to work(21 mile round trip) then the rear derailleur started jumping gears, and the chain slipped almost breaking my ankles, and it came off the front several times. I also could not get the front onto the largest cog unless I was pedaling really fast! I was constantly trying to adjust the front derailleur, but it never did work properly. The funny thing is, I took this bike offroad and on some relatively easy mtb trails, and it worked like a champ off the pavement! But on the pavement and especially going up hills, it gave me hell. I took it back, and ended up with a 2 year old Raleigh Redux 2 that's been working great! I really had high hopes for the Al comp, but it just wasn't up to it!
This is what got me started with upgrading my bike, thanks for all you do kev
same here! finally started tearing into it
Another Great video as always Kev! Just sold the old red white and blue version with a bunch of upgrades to my best friend. He loves it! And thank you for including my Mongoose blackcomb pic at the end. It's my new pride and joy and puts a smile on my face every time I ride it. I've literally parked everything else. I can't stop the upgrades. I'm addicted. And addicted to this channel! 😀.
Thank you Kev, for this very easy to follow clip/review. I'm a new biker, jumping in headlong into the world of mountain biking. I bought a Schwinn Alum Comp solely because of your reviews, and I LOVE IT! I've made only pedal upgrade at this point, but i will soon be upgrading to the Shimano Mega Range and Wake bars. Thank you for making it so easy for the rest of us scrubs. I thoroughly enjoy your videos. Keep up the great work!!!!
I have enjoyed pretty much every video you have put out on cycling - but this is my all time favorite - not only did I get to see the same bike I own getting dressed up for the big boy party - two of my submitted bicycles hit today's slide show and for some weird reason all of this combined to make me well up for just a second. I love the work you do for us guys out here - I have 3 bikes, one the Aluminum Comp I bought new - the second being the Specialized I found in a goodwill for $12.50 with rusty cables and handlebar and in need of TLC (both those hit this video) that I was able to turn into a beauty (and now an electric) and a Specialized Diverge that I got for about $1000 less than list from a friend that bought it but just could not adjust to the down bar and is a buy it and ride it into the ground type - not a mechanical person at all - so thanks to the Diverge I understand what it's like to have a bike that costs a lot of money and the simple smoothness and tight tolerances that money pays for - but I also wouldn't be spending $2000 on a bike any time soon. You provide the guide and in a lot of cases incentive to take our less expensive base machines and turn them into something that is comparable or better to the big names... that's pretty special and I thank you!
I been waiting for this video man as i have this bike and am customizing it slowly...lol thanks and cheers
I had a similar problem with some lock-on grips (I almost think the bars were undersized). The solution that ended up working great was putting a wrap of electric tape around the bars where the clamp goes. This was enough to fill the void and obviously tape won't spin/slip.
That grey Hyper Hydro toward the end is pretty slick! Took me awhile to figure out which BBB it is. Nice Job!
Your videos have shown me what to look for when buying a big box bike, thanks. I purchased the women's version of this for my wife without realizing you made a video of the same bike! Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and helping all of get the most out of our purchases.
because of your video, I ordered this bike, ill have it in a few days! and ill be doing the upgrades to it as well....just want cheap fun! was also considering the Santis too, Thanks Kev!
I've been looking forward to this video for a while! I purchased my Aluminum comp from walmart two weeks ago and i love it! I didn't have much to spend and this bike had everything i wanted to start biking again. im already looking into minor upgrades and the two videos of this bike that you have posted have really helped me figure out what i want! looking forward to the future of this project!
Your subscribers have some cool looking bikes!
Yes they do!
What was the huffy called
I like stage 1, I think this is enough to get someone started.
Excited to see which direction this build goes, and I still want to do one of my own one of these days. I'm trying to resurrect a rigid '94 Cannondale that I rode as a kid for *really* casual trail riding, but a proper mtb is next on the list.
I have to say though, I love building bikes myself as opposed to getting one pre-built new. There's just more of a personal connection involved, and the final product just brings such a feeling of satisfaction.
spectrum make a video!
uncle freddie || I might! It'll be awhile before it's complete but I might put out a video putting down the plans. Won't be super high quality (certainly not the quality that Kev has) but it'll at least be something.
(Also kev, if you don't want me posting this here, just let me know and I'll delete it)
You’re good, but thanks for asking 👍🏼
KevCentral || thanks for the response, I just wanted to make sure
Kev I’m really looking forward to your stage 2 update. I too am building up a Schwinn AL Comp and my list is almost identical to this. I did convert mine to 1x up front and that made a huge difference in how quiet the drive train is. I’m currently waiting on my Rockshox fork, supposed to be here in a few days.
thanks this is my first time watching and you know a lot about bike parts useage and installation. Also appreciate the comparison between a big box bike and the Trek Marlin as it really gives a budget buyer a value perspective.
Do more comparisons with good bike brands! That was super helpful and a really nice way to show the bikes features stacking up to a high end bike.
good lookin bike cant wait to see the next evolution!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’d rather the Schwinn, especially when you ride past the guy on a Trek or something better
I like the comparison to a Marlin 4, which specs out just good enough to safely ride basic trails. I think you should work your way up the Marlin line as you upgrade the Schwinn ALComp comparison wise.
Although we all know it’s more expensive to upgrade low end models to higher end ones of the same line, it would still be interesting to see how your Schwinn would match up price wise. This is going to be a great series.
I agree. I recently bought the 2020 Marlin 7 and I’m interested to see you build the Schwinn to similar specs or even better.
Robert Drappo I just bought a 2020 Marlin 7 too! Emerald Iris. But I also love customizing and building bikes so it’d be cool to see if an Aluminum Comp can really get close enough without costing near the same. But there’s something to be said for being able to build over time.
This video make me feel proud of my bike, i have an aluminium comp 27.5 2018 (back then it came in blue instead of silver)
I'll be doing your stage one upgrades to mine over time as I get used to riding again.
Nice got to see my Huffy Scout at 7:25 thanks Kev best of luck upgrading the comp!
Kevin
I also have the Schwann AL Comp.
My rear tire has a wiggle going on and shift is becoming difficult. Seems like there is movement when the bike is stationary and I am only moving the wheel side to side. My assumption is a bent axle or bearings are messed up. Do you have a video specific to this. Is there also the option to install a QR rear axle versus the bolt on?
You do such a great job on what you do with the bikes you upgrade. I have a Jamis tral x. I went all out upgrading it. Almost all titanium bolts. Titanium seat post. Answer pro taper carbon handlebar rockshock recon. Magura disc brakes. Raceface turbine crankset.
Hey Kev, can you review a bike from bikesdirect? I don't know their build quality and is thinking to buy one. Thanks.
It wont happen on this channel and they dont need to give away bikes for advertising. The packages sell themselves. Their MOTOBECANE HAL packages are the best trail bike deals in all of cycling and they know it. Anyone that says differently simply isnt a cyclist AT ALL. Not everything on their site is good, but the top end stuff is unbeatable. One deal of theirs saves consumers more than 6k, and thats ridiculous considering its ACTUALLY BETTER than any other manufacturers bike.
BikesDirect has been around for like 20 years. I remember back in the late 90's/millennia when they were selling K2's and advertising in MB Action.
Had a guy come in last month with a bikes direct bike and couldn't figure out why it was not shifting correctly. Turns out when they threw the parts on, they mixed up 11 speed drive train parts and 10 speed drive train parts. They also wouldn't help him after the fact because they said he switched the parts out. Also they sell bikes frames that were designed 10 yrs ago. I think they should be cheaper than what they sell them at.
@@Mud9 You simply dont know what your talking about. In America bikes direct is top of the food chain. Click MTB and come back saying they are ten year old designs. MOTOBECANE HAL bikes are better than Scott bikes, anď those are the best in the world before Motobecane Hal.
@@thiosemicarbizidebenzoylal2921 nope
100% have had fear cross the trail there! I recently sent you a letter with my sticker request and really appreciate the sticker! Love the videos! I said I was going to get a Hyper Hydroform but ended up being gifted and awesome 1996-7 Gary Fisher Big Sur with a rock shox fork and some other goodies. I’m super stoked to have such a nice bike, keep the videos coming!
Been waiting for stage too very excited to see what you do next.
Love the videos. I bought an alumi/ comp because of your initial video, also because i am a Schwinn fan. I am also following your upgrade recommendations.
Damn, almost broke my finger clicking the link. Been looking forward to this project.
Lmao same here!
Always a fan of these project videos I have a diamondback peak 27.5 which has been steadily upgraded over the years to become a very useable trail bike and I think it’s a good way to go as you get to know and understand your bike much better and it can be done in stages so that it’s budget friendly too
My schwinn aluminum comp is basically at the same exact stage as yours minus the mega range free wheel. And it has been a pretty great bike for me so far. I’m very interested to see stage 2!!!
Great video mate!
Aaah the "BIKE GRIPS" 😂
my bike is around that price and I've been using it on xc trails, bike touring and commute good to see your schwinn getting upgrades
When can we expect Stage 2 of the Aluminum Comp. I have one that heve been upgading and the only two things that I have left to upgrade are the front fork and the seat w/ seatpost. For a later date I will udate the wheels. I upgraded the front crank to a 2X10, the rear was upgraded with a Shimano megarange. I do enjoy my bike and it brought me back to cycling, after a good 10 years off. Keep the good work!!!
Thanks for posting more videos on Schwinn al comp. I decided to purchase this bike after I watched your reviews. Overall it is a good bike for the price. However, I am experiencing an annoying issue. When I am at the lowest chainring at the front gear, if I pedal hard (or I am on a hill an trying to gain speed from the dead stop) pedals give away. It is like chain is slipping from the gears. I investigated the chain and chainring, there is no excessive wear. Also, this is a brand new bike with brand new drivetrain. I suspected may be bottom bracket is loose from the factory, but there is no pedal lateral play. As I said, it only occurs at the lowest gear at the front, no matter which rear cogs you are using. This happened me (or I realized) after 3 months of the purchase, that's why cannot return the bike to the Walmart.
Anyways, overall I was happy with the bike until this issue occured. If there is any advice to fix it, I am all ears! I'll take the bike to LBS. Hope they can figure it out.
Have you had the adjustment checked?
yup...sounds like derailleur
KevCentral rear shifting is smooth and indexing should be good. But I’ll have someone else to check it anyways. One time, I realized BB lockring was loose. I re-tighten with a lockring wrench. Doesn’t seem loose now. Obviously for a while, I rode the bike that way. Do you think BB need adjustment? Thanks for the reply by the way!
Great video, just wondering if you'll go 1x and what size chainring you'll use seeing that you have a megarange freewheel?
Stay tuned 😁
Great video Kev. U have shown that many big box bikes can be upgraded into xc or even trail bikes. But it leaves the question can u get a good enough big box bike worthy of a 200mm double crown fork
Michael McGill thats what I wonder too
TheBloodMango yes mate. I’ve also seen other youtubers make big box bikes into dirt jumpers but I am curious to c if their is a bike out their fit with a few upgrades for dh
Thank You!!! Was so hoping you would do this !!!!!!!
You should do a review on the scott aspect
Have one & love it.
From walmart the "Schwinn Kempo Hybrid Bike, 700c wheels, 21 speeds, mens frame, red"
looks like its a 21 speed version of the cutback. better shifters, pedals, brakes. Tourney front and rear derailleurs. $200. It looks pretty good. Could you do a review on it?
Great video. How about a full suspension MTB. Hard tails are outdated.
Check my other videos
Love your channel and have been following this build with my al comp and was wondering if you knew if 3 inch wide tires will clear the frame on this bike. Thank you and keep up the good work
I haven’t tried it, but very doubtful. Remind me after I post the Stage 2 upgrades and I’ll give it a try.
Great vid as always. Could you please review the Mongoose Brutus?
Thanks for the suggestion.
Please review Ozone 500 Fragment from Academy.
Ooo I’ve been waiting for this
Hey Kev, I have a question, do you buy all your Wal-Mart bikes from the same Wal-Mart, if so do the employees recognize you?
Rarely do I buy in the store. I like to do my own assembly.
Awesome video, you look really fast on the trails compared to last year or so!
The first thing I upgrade on an entry-level bike is the bottom bracket, I prefer Shimano but any sealed bottom bracket is better than what it comes with. You'll notice a big difference while climbing and a much smoother pedaling experience.
I been waiting for this
Thanks Kev
Kev where do you ride? It looks much like my trails here in Rhode Island...
@KevCentral What other shocks do you recommend because Amazon no longer carry’s those forks.
Any thoughts on looking into the Diamondback Atroz?
Does that bike at minute 7:03 have a backwards fork?
Thank you for this. I have purchased this hoping to match your upgrades. However, the shock is a little out of my price range for now. Have you tested the BOLANY 1-1/8" Threadless Suspension Fork? If so, would it be a good cheap option, or should I stay away from it?
I have not. I’ve seen it on Amazon and eBay though.
I bought the Walmart Scwinn Kempo.
I only ride on the street, but wish I had spend a little more on the model up with the wider tired and suspension fork. (vs solid fork in the Kempo.)
You can always swap out that rigid fork and tires too.
@@jacklo325 yeah, I know. However I would have been cheaper and easier if I just spent the extra $75 at the time. live and learn I guess, I've only rode the bike a few times since I've been doing a lot of walking with our new dog anyway.
I just got this bike. It has lived in a garage it's entire life do far... Going to order the bars and cassette today. That cassette isn't readily available, but there is others so.....
I have wake bars on my bike but I find they flex a lot when you put weight on them haven’t tried jumping yet
Very cool bike.
I have the 2016 26" version of that fork on my kinda cheap street/xc bike. (still not quite sure what to call it)
Pretty smooth because it's a coil fork, but unfortunately I've lost the rebound adjuster thing and it's set way too fast, so I'll have to buy another one of those.
Did you have to upgrade the headset or get a different crown race for the work if so could you let me know which one and size?
I'm guessing the bottom bracket is a square taper threaded. Replacing this with an external bearing bottom bracket and modern crankset will not only save quite a bit of weight (even if you stay 2x in front), it'll change the way the bike feels and responds to pedal input. I was shocked by the difference when I did this.
But the real place anyone should consider first when upgrading bikes is the wheels. And the first thing you should upgrade on your wheels is tires. Just about every other thing on your bike is only an occasional problem. Having an archaic 3x setup? It's only a problem when you shift. The tires affect every single second of your experience on the bike. A lot of the time you won't be able to tell you're on your cheap 250 dollar department store bike and not on a bike that cost 4x as much, if you're on the same tires.
I have this bike. I think I'll get those upgrades , but do you think I should change my tires and which ones do you recommend?
Kevin these video is what got me hooked on your playlist. And it's been awhile since you did a big box bike upgrade video.. Out of all the MTBs upgrade project videos you did.. I love the Carbon x, Schwinn Comp Mongoose (can't think of the name though). Are you done with the carbon x? That's the bike I think you sold me on.. I love the idea of buying a big box and getting it to out perform a more expensive bike.. What about the GT Pro? for as upgrading it? Is it a bettwer bike right out of the box?
Thanks. Not finished with the Carbon X just yet 😁. I don’t have the Aggressor Pro anymore.
My wife got this bike on womens version. And I've been upgrading it. Next year or two. It's gonna be an ebike version
I have nearly gotten hit by a deer while riding before. You never really realize how big and fast a deer is until it is narrowly missing you and your bike. 😂
So true! I also never realized how much they instinctively kick their back legs when running. It’s an observation that becomes clear the closer they are. I’m pretty sure they are just testing the waters before they organize and attack.
Kev, make a video for upgrades for a cruiser bicycle.
Wait till you see what I’m working on. Truly one of a kind!
I always excited when you post project bikes. By the way, I'm looking for a good bike tool that I can have hidden on my bike, like on my handlebars or steerer tube or bottle cage. Any suggestion?
There are all kinds of hidden toolkits on Amazon.
Any other options as far as forks these aren't available any more
I bought a Judy Silver TK for 169 recently since everything was sold out. It works great for a budget air fork.
Hey I like where your going with this and thanks for showing my bike at the end. To bring up the Santis I'm looking for recommendations for a better fork with more travel and adjustability
It doesn’t take much to be an upgrade from the factory fork.
@@KevCentral that I'm very aware of
Hey Kev. Thanks for the videos. Any idea yet the widest tire that you can get under the al Comp? I’m interested in upgrading my tires.
Haven’t looked into width
its amazing what you can get for your money now a days
Thanks for the info. I want to do some touring and don't want front suspension. What do you suggest, the fork is expensive, do you have a rigid fork suggestion around $200?
Rigid forks isn’t something I shop for, so I wouldn’t have any suggested picks to choose from. Thanks for asking.
Hyper Hydroform !!! Woooo !!!
Lycan Thorpe is one of them yours?
I almost ran into a deer Thursday when I was riding with my friend.
I love my comp. Always been a Schwinn fan boy though.
Looks great! Just got a new fork for the aluminum comp as well. The website stated the frame is hydro formed, is that true? Also, it's $224 on walmart now...
I’m pretty sure all modern aluminum frames are Hydroformed. Yeah, all the bikes went up. It’s the tariff effect.
@@KevCentral get the feeling you are dropping the front derailleur with 1x in stage 2...
I have a aluminum comp and it's been about a month. The bikes rear wheel started wobbling just by curb jumping
I spotted a Northrock in those subscriber bikes, nice. Ever considered looking at one of those? It's got a big box bike price, but imo it punches far above its weight.
No Costco ☹️
@@KevCentralAh, well that puts a damper on that idea. Cheers, and keep in making great content! Your channel helped inspire me to make some changes to an old bike of mine that makes it more comfortable and fun to ride!
Do you think you will ever do a stage 1 build on the schwinn santis 29"
hey Kev for stage 2 can you check out the afterpartz hydraulic disc brakes set I put them on my comp and they work great don't have many complaints except for the somewhat long lever pull. you can find them on amazon
Had them on the early build or the Hydroform
KevCentral are they good?
I was at Walmart today there was no bites on the Shelf at all what's up with that that's never empty I did was empty is there something going on that I should know about let me know
Covid-19. It has more people buying bikes and also has affected production. Hopefully inventories will recover soon.
What tires would you be considering as a replacement upgrade for the next stage? What tire type fits for the aluminum comp? I'm interesting in getting some tires that rides better on pavement and concrete. Any suggestions that would work well for this?
I'm eyeing the Schwalbe Smart Sam for mine but if you ride exclusively on roads you could even get away with 650B tires marketed to gravel riders, just watch the width as the stock 54mm is a bit of an oddball but there's some wiggle room depending on the actual inside width of the rim. Good luck!
Hey Kev! I love your videos, I wanted to know if you could tel me what you think of the Schwinn Sidewinder 24”? I was too short for the alum comp or boundary so I picked up the sidewinder instead. I don’t want to keep it if it’s going to be complete garbage though. Thank you in advance if you have the chance to reply!
Thanks. As long as you enjoy it - what anyone else thinks shouldn’t matter.
KevCentral thanks, I was just trying to get the best quality inexpensive bike I could. It seems pretty solid to me and I appreciate the encouragement, take care!
Where do u upload pics of my bike?
Hey Kev, you sould check out the Trek Marlin 7. It's a great budget bike!
What do you think about the Schwinn sidewinder non-electric with the front disk brakes because I bought one in june? It was before I started watching bike videos and started gaining knowledge about bikes.
I’ve avoided it because of the rear rim brake.
Can you convert this bike to a 1x drivetrain? If so what would you go with on a budget?
Hey Kev, do you prefer the RS 30s to a suntour Raidon air fork? Aren't they heavier and less adjustable?
There’s nothing wrong with the Raidon. I chose the 30 because I wanted a RS fork on the bike.
@@KevCentral that's cool, had to make a similar choice recently but went the other way. Raidon seems better than the 2017 recon coil silver I had before. Damping could be better but £150...
2:04 see the deer.
What Shimano front derailleur would be a good upgrade for the comp?
Kev , how about forking up a little more coin and do a Marlin 4 project? That would be really something!
It wouldn’t make sense. Adding more money to the Marlin 4 gets you a Marlin 5, then a 6, then a 7. Thanks for the suggestion though
Are downhill big box bikes a thing like triple clamp forks
YT is where it’s at!
The same company that does the IXF crankset also do a 3x crankset that's waay better than the stock. Most Big Box bikes use a 28-38-48 crank which makes the lows not that low and the highs too high especialy considering how they are used. Sometimes the square hole isn't centered, making the crank feel bent. For about $30 AUD, the Tioca XC crankset (by Jiankun) has a 24-34-42, which, coupled with a megarange, allows you to climb up trees. They have better ground clearance, are much lighter and have a better geometery and build quality.
What are some recommended forks im planning to upgrade my bike but i dont want to spen more then 130 on a fork
Just started getting into mountain biking subbed to your channel 👍. A budget build or a top 5 budget bike video would be nice to see assuming you do not have one yet thanks.
also is Stage 2 out?
Did you do this just for me? 😊 I’ve been updating mine but I’m still stuck with the factory fork :(
When the fork is changed the entire feel of the bike improves, IMO.
@@KevCentral That's what I'm hoping for. I'm getting a rockshox 30 silver tk for it, do you think it will fit?