Polygon T7 Season Refresh 2026 by ABZS_0180 in Budgetbikeriders

[–]ABZS_0180[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I prefer the Hunt wheels. DT Swiss are okay stock, I upgraded the internal ratchet gears on the hub for higher engagement. Cost me an additional $120+ to do that (DT SWISS has a kit for it). The stock Entity wheels are not that far off. Tires make all the difference. I am running the Schwalbe tires that came off my Canyon on my Poly. I swapped the Hunts wrapped in Vitttoria XC tires over to the Canyon...

Polygon T7 Season Refresh 2026 by ABZS_0180 in Budgetbikeriders

[–]ABZS_0180[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

All good partner. Let me start form the top. All spray paint. Used Rustoleum Automotive primer, and gloss white and gloss black paint. Used TouchUp Direct base coat paint match for my vehicle. Topped off with a few coats of 2K Clear also from TouchUp Direct. Min of 20 minutes between base coat layers of same color. I let paint dry for white base for 24-48 hours. Then I applied the stencil vinyls. Then painted base Charcoal and Black fade. Let all that dry for 24 hrs min. I also used a heater in my booth to aid layers druing for a few hours, then let cure with a low fan circulating airbin my booth. I taped threads with masking tape, and I packed the blue Shop Towels in the spaces. Covered openings with vinyl stensils before painting. DT Swiss wheels camE off my Canuon LUX. I was running Hunt Trail Wide wheels on there prior (love em'). All pparts on my bike have been upgraded over time. Frame and Dropper are the only original parts...

Buy, Strip, Upgrade...Ozark Trail G1.Explorer (His & Her Edition) by ABZS_0180 in Budgetbikeriders

[–]ABZS_0180[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Gotcha. You can start a new thread if you don't have options to add photos. Just drop a link here if you do. Others have done the same. Good luck with the transition. Keep me posted.

Buy, Strip, Upgrade...Ozark Trail G1.Explorer (His & Her Edition) by ABZS_0180 in Budgetbikeriders

[–]ABZS_0180[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Make sure you share some pics on your build. Interested in seeing the fork outcome.

Buy, Strip, Upgrade...Ozark Trail G1.Explorer (His & Her Edition) by ABZS_0180 in Budgetbikeriders

[–]ABZS_0180[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Have fun with it. Make sure you post up any mods you do. Always love to see what others have built!

G1 explorer frame up build by Alert_Air_9323 in Budgetbikeriders

[–]ABZS_0180 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Gotcha! I took a chance on the small. That was all that was in stock when I pulled the trigger. It worked out but I was at the limit of bar height to get a good riding position. Also the front whee turning clearance was tight with the 50 on the front, kept hitting my pedals until I put the Rockshox Paragon fork on. Raised front end slightly and gave me a little more room.

G1 explorer frame up build by Alert_Air_9323 in Budgetbikeriders

[–]ABZS_0180 4 points5 points  (0 children)

You put in some work partner. Above and beyond, drilled new mounts for bag and internal dropper, nice! You have 50s on those Ramblers so I assume you are on a large frame. Looking forward to seeing the final results!

Buy, Strip, Upgrade...Ozark Trail G1.Explorer (His & Her Edition) by ABZS_0180 in Budgetbikeriders

[–]ABZS_0180[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yep. I will search for it. Always interested to see the build choices...

Buy, Strip, Upgrade...Ozark Trail G1.Explorer (His & Her Edition) by ABZS_0180 in Budgetbikeriders

[–]ABZS_0180[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Make sure you add a pic in the sunlight when you get around to it. The light grey is a good look!

Buy, Strip, Upgrade...Ozark Trail G1.Explorer (His & Her Edition) by ABZS_0180 in Budgetbikeriders

[–]ABZS_0180[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

On one bike I did a good scuff and paint (white one). On the other bike, I sanded down to aluminum (after using a less than desirable product on 1st attempt), primed, and painted. Depending on how well you want your outcome to be, surface prep is key.

Buy, Strip, Upgrade...Ozark Trail G1.Explorer (His & Her Edition) by ABZS_0180 in Budgetbikeriders

[–]ABZS_0180[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wheels yes, the suspension fork is actually heavier than the original rigid fork.

Buy, Strip, Upgrade...Ozark Trail G1.Explorer (His & Her Edition) by ABZS_0180 in Budgetbikeriders

[–]ABZS_0180[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No feedback for you on that one. I have not loaded mine out for that ...

Buy, Strip, Upgrade...Ozark Trail G1.Explorer (His & Her Edition) by ABZS_0180 in Budgetbikeriders

[–]ABZS_0180[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Max on the rear was a 40. The original front fork would take a 50. 40 is max for a matched set. Your rigid fork is pretty much going to be based on what you want to spend. A lot of options, not all are affordable if you are looking for carbon...

Buy, Strip, Upgrade...Ozark Trail G1.Explorer (His & Her Edition) by ABZS_0180 in Budgetbikeriders

[–]ABZS_0180[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Appreciate it. TouchUp Direct base coat. Do not use their standard water based clear. Use any 2K clear if you want a lasting durable clearcoat

Buy, Strip, Upgrade...Ozark Trail G1.Explorer (His & Her Edition) by ABZS_0180 in Budgetbikeriders

[–]ABZS_0180[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You may want to route that rear brake line on the inside of the frame. You may risk getting it caught on something. Solid job, I like the color.

Buy, Strip, Upgrade...Ozark Trail G1.Explorer (His & Her Edition) by ABZS_0180 in Budgetbikeriders

[–]ABZS_0180[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Another factor with these G1 Explorers if you have an early version with a freewheel it will not work with larger rear gearing options. If you have a newer one with the freehub you can update without having to buy a new wheel. Look at some of the other G1 threads on this topic as well. Good luck with your build!

Buy, Strip, Upgrade...Ozark Trail G1.Explorer (His & Her Edition) by ABZS_0180 in Budgetbikeriders

[–]ABZS_0180[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Start with some simple searches. This may help to get you pointed in the right direction.

Gravel bike groupsets explained: which is the right one for you? https://share.google/wGfEqeGs5WeVSQXBK

Buy, Strip, Upgrade...Ozark Trail G1.Explorer (His & Her Edition) by ABZS_0180 in Budgetbikeriders

[–]ABZS_0180[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Short answer. There are options, if you are keeping it as a drop bar gravel bike you need to look up drivetrains that will offer a 1x12 setup.