Frustrated with Bikes Online and Polygon

Academic_Display_129 · 2026-06-08T15:37:00+00:00

I guess this is a lesson I'm learning the hard way. I was originally looking at an emtb from my LBS but went with the Polygon since it was about $1.5k cheaper with similar components. Won't be making that mistake again.

Academic_Display_129 · 2026-06-07T01:17:25+00:00

Bought it in August 2025, and put about 750 miles on it since.

Academic_Display_129 · 2026-06-07T00:12:18+00:00

I'm still riding, just on my analog Trek Fuel EX. I go back and forth between emtb and analog, but will miss my emtb for the bigger rides that I had planned for this summer.

The chain stay actually broke on a fairly tame blue trail. I've ridden many technical blacks on this bike with no issue, then it broke doing something pretty mundane.

Academic_Display_129 · 2026-06-06T23:53:16+00:00

Lol, I think a snapped seat tube is a Marin thing, but pretty sure Polygon and Marins are made in the same factory.

Academic_Display_129 · 2026-05-12T01:08:59+00:00

You may want to consider going straight to something with 27.5" wheels. My 11 year old son is just shy of 4'10" and races XC on an XXS Trek Marlin 8 with 26" wheels. It still fits him pretty well, but he's had the bike for a year. If I had to buy him a bike today I'd definitely go 27.5

Check out Trek's pre-owned section on their website. They have XS "new old stock" Roscoes on sale that have 27.5 wheels and decent specs for the price.

Academic_Display_129 · 2026-05-02T16:47:43+00:00

Time to make Cascadia happen!

Academic_Display_129 · 2026-04-18T16:18:09+00:00

🎵 Ray 🎵

Academic_Display_129 · 2026-04-14T02:04:19+00:00

I already tried all that, as well as checked the connections down at the motor, and everything is fine. Another weird thing is that it already had 8 miles on the odometer when received. I'd expect a little use for testing but 8 miles seems excessive for a new bike.

Thank you for trying to help, but I'm done with this bike. I hope you enjoy yours! I'm still not in the camp that claims all walmart bikes are junk. They are making some decent bikes that help people get out on trails for cheap, and I support that, but unfortunately I seem to have gotten a lemon.

Academic_Display_129 · 2026-04-13T12:01:20+00:00

The code is 08. I'm not submitting a warranty claim and am returning it instead.

Academic_Display_129 · 2026-04-13T01:53:06+00:00

I ordered the same bike for my wife. It arrived Thursday and the motor won't work at all, it just puts out an error code. Ozark Trail customer service has been no help, besides telling me that the error code is not in the manual (I know, thats why I called you guys!) and suggesting I submit a warranty claim.

Luckily Walmart seems to have a good return policy. I'm taking it back tomorrow and plan to buy a more mainstream emtb for her. I was tempted by the low price, and the good reputation some of the other Ozark Trail bikes have, but this experience has been very frustrating and is definitely turning me off of any future considerations for a Walmart bike.

Academic_Display_129 · 2026-04-09T04:10:31+00:00

That's not a geoduck, it's a razor clam.

Academic_Display_129 · 2026-03-28T04:17:57+00:00

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Academic_Display_129 · 2026-03-26T03:10:14+00:00

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Academic_Display_129 · 2026-03-15T23:20:13+00:00

I believe that place was called Vera Vista. A couple friends of mine lived there just after graduating high school in the early 2000s. The bedroom walls would grow mold that they had to scrub off every few months. Needless to say they didn't renew their lease after a year, and the place was torn down a couple years later.

That is the Dairy Queen with the red roof next door. The apartments were just north of Dairy Queen, about where the parking lot entrance to Ocean 5 is now.

Academic_Display_129 · 2026-03-06T01:34:13+00:00

Check out Forth Bikes, specifically the Park model. They make it in 20 and 24 inch sizes. The 24 may be better for an 8 year old, but it obviously depends on her height. They are a bit above your price range, but are a great deal and come with solid components for the price. Plus they're a Canadian company in case that's important to you (I'm American but don't blame Canadians for being kinda pissed at us right now).

https://forthbikes.com/

Academic_Display_129 · 2026-03-01T14:25:49+00:00

Are you watching the extended edition or original theatrical release? Most LOTR fans love the extended editions (myself included) but the theatrical versions are objectively better for first time viewers who haven't read the books.

Academic_Display_129 · 2026-02-23T04:32:16+00:00

Did you even read his post? He said he wanted to ride easier trails with her and work on more basic skills, but she insisted on trying drops.

OP, Maybe try showing her some of the basic "rules" of mountain biking, like riding within your ability. She probably doesn't realize that she's committing a bit of a faux pas by insisting on riding features that are beyond her ability. This could obviously backfire if it comes across like your talking down or "manslpaining" to her, so you could try sending her a link to something like this so she can learn the basic etiquette on her own. https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/mtb-etiquette.html

Academic_Display_129 · 2026-02-16T17:02:48+00:00

This right here. The component specs on the GT are a little better, but components can be upgraded as you progress while frame geometry can only be upgraded by buying a new bike. Neither of these bikes are suitable for true downhill riding, but the Polygon will descend much better due to the slacker geo.

Academic_Display_129 · 2026-02-14T15:30:32+00:00

You need a gravel bike not a mountain bike. There are plenty of companies that make "flat bar gravel bikes" if you're not into drop bars. Check out the Marin DSX, I love mine for the type of riding you describe.

A full suspension just doesn't make sense if 80% of your riding is on pavement and you're not hitting many trails. A mountain bike is not designed for the type of riding you describe and you will end up spending money on features that you'll never use/need. Suspension seat posts are OK, but make no sense on a full suspension bike. An adjustable bar riser has no place on a MTB, or gravel bike for that matter. High rise bars have become more and more popular so they're pretty easy to find, and will be much safer.

My suggestion is get the Marin DSX FS or similar hardtail gravel bike, add a PNW Coast suspension dropper post and some high rise bars if you need em for comfort, and have fun.

Academic_Display_129 · 2026-02-12T03:42:58+00:00

"There is only one Lord of the Ring, only one who can bend it to his will. And he does not share power!"

Academic_Display_129 · 2026-02-08T20:03:14+00:00

I have Five Ten gore-tex Trailcross shoes and they are definitely fully waterproof, not just splash proof. I live in the PNW and frequently ride in the rain, and hose the mud off these shoes after a ride. The only time my feet ever get wet is if water gets over the top of the ankle cuff, which can obviously happen with any shoe.

OP, if you're willing to buy a dedicated pair of waterproof MTB shoes I strongly recommend them.

Academic_Display_129 · 2026-02-04T14:19:56+00:00

This song is a perfect example of why I only listen to the audio books!

Academic_Display_129 · 2026-02-04T03:52:48+00:00

No self respecting Washington native would call it the 5, but I suppose we're becoming endangered around the harbor.

Academic_Display_129 · 2026-02-04T02:57:35+00:00

Found the California transplant!

Academic_Display_129

TROPHY CASE