New MTB rider (defying odds w/ WAL-MART inspired bike) on a budget

[Divinityche]

Cool stuff! Lots of good deals on forks right now. Check the Z2 bomber.

Thanks I will check it out now

 

[Mtbdog]

Good deal and welcome
I also own a Walmart bike... among others 🙂

Don't ask him how it rides,he doesn't know.
Welcome to the sight. OOS candidate?
Hit me up for a High Mountain Ride sometime 🤪

 

[Steve Vai]

I do not own a Walmart bike but I’m also in Piscataway, over by New Market, so I’m in the Preserve often and might bump into you.

 

[Divinityche]

I do not own a Walmart bike but I’m also in Piscataway, over by New Market, so I’m in the Preserve often and might bump into you.

Oh cool yes I know the area, I will definitely be there in the coming days.

 

[qclabrat]

Cool stuff! Lots of good deals on forks right now. Check the Z2 bomber.

Yeah, but then the OP will need new wheels. It never ends...

 

[Divinityche]

Yeah, but then the OP will need new wheels. It never ends...

You read my mind. lol

 

[Divinityche]

Update to the project! Went with PNW handlebar, new stem and rockshox recon. Most likely drivetrain next? Thoughts or ideas welcome.

 

[cyclops]

Nicely done! I would say go for a dropper post next..

 

[Victor I]

Welcome to the party! Nice upgrades.

 

[Mtbdog]

Update to the project! Went with PNW handlebar, new stem and rockshox recon. Most likely drivetrain next? Thoughts or ideas welcome.
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A rear derailleur with a clutch will do wonders to stop the annoying chain slapping the chainstay.

 

[Patrick]

Is there expense tracking?

Isn't really important, since the effort is educational and enjoyable.

 

[Divinityche]

Is there expense tracking?

Isn't really important, since the effort is educational and enjoyable.

So far with the backstory of getting the bike the cost is:
Bike $50.00
Maxxis tires x2 $80.00
Truvativ Hussefelt Stem 0 Degree $35
RockShox Recon Silver RL $220.00
ROCKBROS MTB Pedals $25.00
PNW Components Range Handlebar Gen 3 $40.00
MT200 front hydraulic brake + Deore rear hydraulic brake + pro service worth $95 + going tubeless = free from bike shop deal, old bike trade in.
Service for adding stem, handlebar and shock $66.00
Total spent on bike $516.00

 

[zmartene]

Nicely done! I would say go for a dropper post next..

No other upgrade will make as much of a difference in how you ride the bike than a dropper post.

 

[Divinityche]

No other upgrade will make as much of a difference in how you ride the bike than a dropper post.

I was thinking drivetrain entirely, thoughts?

 

[qclabrat]

I've been waiting for two Walmart bikes to drop in price, the carbon Hyper 29 and Huffy Crassus 27.5+. Hyper just dipped into sub $500 and the Crassus is back up to $600 from $400 late last year. The used bike market is so soft now that I wonder whether it makes sense for this project to strip the parts and replace with better bits.

 

[Mtbdog]

I was thinking drivetrain entirely, thoughts?

Prime Box 9 1×9 groupset and replace the square spindle bottom bracket.

 

[krink]

No other upgrade will make as much of a difference in how you ride the bike than a dropper post.

This. 👆 Unless you hate your drivetrain, it’s damaged or won’t shift right, dropper next is a solid choice.

 

[Divinityche]

Prime Box 9 1×9 groupset and replace the square spindle bottom bracket.

I will look into that I have never heard of the company.

 

[Paul H]

I've been waiting for two Walmart bikes to drop in price, the carbon Hyper 29 and Huffy Crassus 27.5+. Hyper just dipped into sub $500 and the Crassus is back up to $600 from $400 late last year. The used bike market is so soft now that I wonder whether it makes sense for this project to strip the parts and replace with better bits.
View attachment 232279

Do it

 

[Paul H]

I was thinking drivetrain entirely, thoughts?

Advent X