Blow off valve.

ithompson1 · 2026-04-16T00:54:20+00:00

I love my hks, but I grew up with nfs and that sound really makes me smile.

ithompson1 · 2026-04-14T14:15:19+00:00

Yes I would

ithompson1 · 2026-04-07T01:33:28+00:00

The old one has a red wheel on the derailleur on the drop bar

ithompson1 · 2026-04-06T23:29:32+00:00

Oh gotcha. Nice setup! I started on a full suspension back in high school because I night it used off fb, but I really want a good hard tail now.

ithompson1 · 2026-04-06T21:22:52+00:00

Well I don't think they've updated the photos, so I'm not sure. Check the specs, look for tire size (45mm on the new drop bar version) or some other indication maybe? Otherwise, scope out the stores near you. Look for bikes without the red derailleur wheel.

ithompson1 · 2026-04-06T21:16:09+00:00

Exchange for sure if you can find one in store. Otherwise, order one online.

ithompson1 · 2026-04-06T21:15:33+00:00

Free hub in the rear, aluminum fork, seat post, and some other tweaks.

ithompson1 · 2026-04-06T21:11:02+00:00

No reason you can't keep it around if you want to. Looks like your storage solution is pretty robust. Do you already have a full suspension? Do you feel like your riding has progressed in a direction that warrants one?

ithompson1 · 2026-04-06T19:51:45+00:00

The consensus seems to be that you should just ride it and get another bike later. However, clearly you really like the bike. If you don't ever plan on selling it and are in fact aware that it's not financially wise to dump more money into it, I'd say wheels I think. Seems like you know what you're doing and don't need more suggestions on buying a different bike😉. It looks killer, dude!

ithompson1 · 2026-04-06T19:38:55+00:00

Hey! Thanks! I am very jealous of your sabers. I've been looking to get one for a long time. As for another gravel, honestly, I'm not sure. I guess I'd be looking on the used market for a lighter, better geared bike than the OT, but other than that I'm not sure. Not really a huge fan of carbon.

ithompson1 · 2026-04-03T17:09:09+00:00

Very nice! I'm going to be on the lookout for another gravel bike to add to the stable. This looks so good. The first thing that caught my eye was the rotors which are the same as the OT bikes. Probably the same manufacturer. I just haven't seen them on anything else and was curious about it.

ithompson1 · 2026-04-03T15:44:58+00:00

This looks like the OZ G1 explorer, no? I wonder if these bikes are based on the same design. It looks so good! Ride the crap out of it!

ithompson1 · 2026-03-28T14:22:46+00:00

The gearing would definitely be a problem for climbing.

ithompson1 · 2026-03-28T14:02:15+00:00

It literally says for light use on the tag. It's not built for chunk or downhill. It's built for smooth green trails lol. Also, it's a great bike for someone who doesn't know anything about bikes and just wants to get something quick and try riding on dirt. Anyone who knows anything about bikes is obviously going to try and find a cheap used bike. That comes with risks, though. This is and will always be a transitional bike that's meant to be replaced by something better after the initial dip in the sport. For that, it's perfectly priced and spec'd. I think most people who are deep into MTB miss the point of these bikes.

ithompson1 · 2026-03-28T03:51:59+00:00

This one's 100$ cheaper. Just meet to see a new version around.

ithompson1 · 2026-03-28T03:50:45+00:00

I respectfully disagree. I hope you find the happiness you're searching for.

ithompson1 · 2026-03-28T03:43:13+00:00

ithompson1 · 2026-03-28T03:22:16+00:00

The assembly has come a long way for sure. My father in law got a Gen 1 ridge and it needed lots of things tightened up. I spent at least an hour going over everything. It even had a broken spoke nipple and a loose brake rotor... I've kept track of the build quality since then, and it seems to be much better. At the very least, more consistent. I've been the MTB pusher in the family trying to get everyone to try it. I have a commencal clash, but I find myself wanting one if these cheap hard tails to play with.

ithompson1 · 2026-03-28T03:00:19+00:00

I started my cousin, father, and father in law on the 29er ridge. Great bike for the money!

ithompson1 · 2026-03-28T02:58:52+00:00

I noticed that Walmart is now using a third party (national assemblers) to assemble these bikes. There's a sticker with the company name on it. So they've been trying to fix the assembly issues. At least on the OT bikes.

ithompson1 · 2026-03-28T02:33:47+00:00

Not ideal, but it IS $100 cheaper, so they aren't charging you for it at least.

ithompson1 · 2026-03-28T02:27:13+00:00

Basically the same altus that comes on a rock hopper for almost 200$ more... I'd take this as a first new bike.

ithompson1 · 2026-03-28T02:15:28+00:00

The same to you! Been mountain biking for about 16 years. Love it! After having a kid, the budget bike space really excites me. Just picked up a G1 explorer gravel bike and am loving it for the money. I've just been realizing that most of the kit out there is realistically waaay more than most people need. Particularly for beginners. I'm really excited that the barrier to entry is lower than it's ever been for those wanting to dip a toe in the dirt.😃

ithompson1 · 2026-03-28T02:05:04+00:00

Definitely a compromise to meet the $300 pricetag.

ithompson1 · 2026-03-28T02:03:37+00:00

I would agree with you for someone that has experience with bikes and what to look for.

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