Well done. The cool thing about reviewing and talking about budget bike parts is it further lowers prices and improves quality.

Those brakes are a steal and look amazing! Love to see another budget build

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

Sadly, they cost more than they used to

There he is again! We love to see hardtails

Love when you do bike reviews & upgrades

Liked the color scheme. Looks like a fun bike. Keep us updated on how these forks holdup.

Nice build, indeed very approachable.

I think my list for upgrades is broadly similar however tyres are one thing I generally try to upgrade fairly quickly as a good set suited to how/what you ride make a huge difference to confidence knowing that you are not so likely to slip out/crash. Next would be brakes for the same reason and then forks, pedals and grips but transmission other than going 1 by I find I can usually get away with 8 speeds so both my bikes are still standard shimano Deore set ups. Thanks for the video 😀👍🏼

Glad project Cheap seems to have worked out. Others with more knowledge of the components have chimed in with better specifics. I'm just glad there's someone on youtube giving an honest review of the low end from the standpoint of 'well, this is what someone has. Telling them to just buy something better is counterproductive if you're wanting them out riding and they don't have that money.' any update on the RV front? Also. Roll Tide. :) Family's always been a 'bama fan even before they became basically this drenched in money juggernaught they are now. States be damned.

Looks good!!!

Snafu saddle looks similar to the seat on my diamondback syncr. The best budget hardtail in 2017 when I upgraded from a huffy

Very nice build.

looks awesome

I think it looks nice with the upgrades, only other thing I would change is the seat for colour matching 👍

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

I had an orange dr bike saddle I intended to use, but decided it was an unnecessary addition to the budget

Pretty good I think the Schwinn taff comp is my favorite.

more cheap bikes! I have done these builds and they are fun for light trails

This type of video from you is why I’m a patron. Good explanation of why you chose to upgrade what you did. Great find on the brakes and on the grips. At Amazon, the Falcon wide-range freewheels are available as a 9-speed (14-42) or an 8-speed (13-40). QUESTION: Would the 8-speed freewheel be a worthwhile upgrade to a Mongoose steel-frame fat bike (e.g., your Malus)? With a new 8-speed shifter, would the stock Mongoose derailleur work.

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks. Imo, any extra range helps fat tire bikes

Looks good

Nice build. I found a set of quick release axles on Amazon for $10 that was a really nice upgrade for the price.

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

I have some of those too. Initially planned for this build, but I couldn’t find the skewer that went with the front wheel 🙃

Hey Kev been a huge fan of your channel I have a granite peak that I bought sometime last year and since I don’t know much about bikes and was using it as my starter I was wondering what cool upgrades I can make to a super budget bike!! Thought it would be cool to see if upgrades to it would make it better

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

If I remember correctly the Granite Peak has a quill stem and steel frame. If it were me, I would focus on comfort items and not spend anything on fork/drivetrain.

Thanks Kev, now I’m even MORE confused on which bike I want!!! 😂 I’m kinda torn between the Schwinn Axum, Boundary, and this one. I’m leaning towards the Axum, because of the bigger tires, and both Schwinn’s have the tapered headset. The bigger tires would be nice in moderate snow on the Axum. I love the color of this one though, and you just proved that you can do some nice upgrades on the cheap.

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

Between the three my opinion would be the Axum for out of the box performance.

@chesterswingjr9796

2 жыл бұрын

@@KevCentral - I’m leaning towards the Axum, maybe a DP if there’re available!!!

Very nice build,I wish we had bikes like this over here in the UK. keep up the good work Kev,love to see what can be done with a budget hard tail :-)

@fortunateson2

2 жыл бұрын

You don't have Walmart in the UK or big box stores?

@fujiuser1968

2 жыл бұрын

@@fortunateson2 sadly not,we do have a company called Argos but their bikes are overpriced and crap :-)

@fortunateson2

2 жыл бұрын

@@fujiuser1968 really? Wow can't order to online either I bet? That sux

@fujiuser1968

2 жыл бұрын

@@fortunateson2 Sadly not,If I did order from the states I would get screwed for import duty as soon as it touched our soil too :-(

@fortunateson2

2 жыл бұрын

@@fujiuser1968 please forgive my ignorant American brain but how do you live like this?? why are there so many restrictions on things?

I think a bike/ build like this is perfect for people who want to dabble into mountain biking and avoid breaking the bank right away.

I got one of these in spring 2020. it is still my only mountain bike and although the frame is the only part that is original it has held up fine to my 240lbs.

Hi! You probably already know this, but on the very slight chance you don't, Amazon has Cysky quick release conversion kits for around $10. I used the rear one on my AL Comp, and a second kit on a pair of double wall alloy 700c wheels I used on my Hyper Urban. Best wishes, Jim

10:05 the "freewheel wobble' is often a problem with inaccurately machined threads on the hub. The more gears you have on a freewheel, the more finicky it tends to be. My Taff Comp 8 speed prorush freewheel wobbled so bad it was jumping between gears, even with the derailleur dialed. When i do ebike conversions on bikes with threaded freewheels, I usually put a 6 or 7 speed 11-34T freewheel on instead. They have slightly more spacing between cogs, more forgiving when it comes to indexing and tuning the derailleur, less likely to have the freewheel wobble cause problems.

@Not_Sure_

2 жыл бұрын

Don't you mean 14 - 34T ?

@EBikeBuilder_

2 жыл бұрын

@@Not_Sure_ there are 7/8 speed 11-34T freewheels for 25-30$ on amazon. Kinda weird but I'll take it. The 11T ends up being a few extra mph on the high end. But yes 14-34T is more standard, like you'd see in a Shimano Megarange etc

@EBikeBuilder_

2 жыл бұрын

@@bruceciers2247 thats just what its called, is a freewheel, as opposed to a cassette & freehub. I didn't mean its jumping gears while freewheeling, this was while i was pedaling. Freewheels thread onto the hub, so if those threads arent machined on the hub accurately,. the entire freewheel will wobble all over the place

@muthatrucker6485

2 жыл бұрын

@@EBikeBuilder_ $25? You're dreaming. I see DM and DNP For $40-60 usd

I'm not a Broncos fan but I really like the blue and orange theam. I think orange pedals and seat post clamp would make it look even hotter. Lets go Mets!😀

Hey Kevcentral; you can use a SunRace 10 speed 11-36t Freewheel as a upgrade for under 90 bucks. They work great man 👍👍

the grips are a exact copy of the BW Ergo Lock 1.0 grips which are about $2.00 more. I just switched my RaceFace Half Nelsons with those BW grips and I like them. Also you should convert the bolt on wheels to QR, it's really easy and would only cost about $20 for the two adaptors.

I just took a 14 to 28 freewheel off my hybrid and put on a 13 to 32. Both 7 speed. All works awesome even tho it has a grip shift

The grips are a copy of ergon if you were wondering.

I got cogster grips on my taff comp too. They're nice.

Love all your content. When are we going to see the upgraded 29” Hyper Mountain Eride? And … go Broncos!

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

More (it’s taking a different turn that anyone would expect) very soon.

@shearobinson4177

2 жыл бұрын

Can’t wait to see it. Keep up your inspiring work!

Pretty Good

Hey Kev, have a look into a -2 headset on one of the other bikes (with a fatter head tube), see if you like the difference. Maybe with a 10/20mm longer fork to create a more aggressive cheap hardtail

@SekritKomrade

2 жыл бұрын

Are you talking about a angle-set headset?

Are those rotors 2 pieces riveted together (the brake surface part riveted to the inner part with the screw holes)? It hooks like they have some kind of hollow rivet system connecting a 2 part rotor. Presumably this is why they are called "floating" rotors?

I have the same bike, whent a little high on the budget, changed the rear hub for a Shimano deore hub with an 11/52 cassette, kept the falcon saker because it just Work on my bike, I also went for a bolany air fork, aluminum bar, aluminum seat post an a New seat, changed the tires for an innova pro crossfit, the factory tires where so heavy, put a shorter steam and a Shimano mt200 hydraulic brakes.

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing. Are you saying you were able to scale the Falcon Saker up to a 52t?

@tranquilityandpeace4623

2 жыл бұрын

@@KevCentral I use an extender you can buy it on e bay

I noticed that your zoom brakes were set up the American way (left lever front brake and right lever rear brake) did you have to switch them? I got my zoom brakes the reverse way and tried switching them over and the olive wouldn’t pull out of the lever? Any insight on this?

I’ve been quit happy so far with the zoom brakes after a year and a lot ton of miles and a monsoon lol

Hey Kev. That's a great looking bike. What's the size of that cassette ? I see 21T, 24T, 28T, *32T, 36T, and a *42T ? can't seem to identify the last cog size.

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks. 42t

Always love your videos. Love to win a sticker for my bike wall

We need to see Schwinn come out with a updated full suspension already, or maybe you know something we don't? :)

Do you happen to know where I can buy a replacement front wheel mine came bent and I can’t find them online

What size is the fork..I have a same bike and not sure what size I should get.

My project bike is basically finished I do have to replace the shifter and the rear derailleur which I have already just need to get to the shop to do that stuff

Those are the JAK super brakes rebranded like the zoom stuff.

Kevin that alloy stem is the Neco remember?

KEV. I need a suggestion. What are your recommendations for budget, alloy, flat pedals, for xc on my 11 and 13 year old daughters new Specialized Rockhopper 27.5s?? I'd be interested in your take on it.

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

I don’t make recommendations. I only share my thoughts and opinions. I’ve only had experience with once set of full alloy pedals. Is there a reason you’re wanting to go with alloy over polymer?

@derekneumann

2 жыл бұрын

@@KevCentral Actually just bought 2 sets of black Fookers... those look legit, $25, and I know that you says they rock.... so we shall see what my girls think of them!

What derailleur can I put on this to upgrade?

Blippi approves

Kev looks to be a Florida Gators fan.

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

Ha!

That headtube has a 34 mm inner diameter. Can u actually find a tapered adapter for that? I know you can do it with a 44mm inner diameter

If you install dropper seatpost, it's perfect

Hi Kev since you "upgraded" the Ledge x2 with the ztz fork I want to know the best option for a 29 fork for that bike.

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

“Best” opens up lots of options if money isn’t a factor

I haven't tried box yet so far all 8 speed rear mechs I've tried all swim in middle

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

Budget 8-speeds are for sure a little iffy when it comes to consistency. At least that’s been my experience.

First thing I WOULD change is the crankset. 32t non narrowide. And a plastic chain guide. I hated both of those things

@deviantgaming9726

2 жыл бұрын

For the record. I had the full suspension model. I stripped it for parts and vastly improved a much lighter mongoose hard tail

The Hyper Explorer I had had a Altus shifter with a Saker derailleur. Might be worth a try to see if it fixes your shifting problems.

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

They all have Altus (or at least did before the parts shortages.)

@christophernagle1815

2 жыл бұрын

@@KevCentral I also had the red hyper, and that had the matching shifter to the Saker derailleur. Altus is much better. I couldn't see your shifter well, so I just took that it had the matching shifter to the Saker derailleur.

It looks like that chain-ring is starting to mark up the frame - looks like very thin clearance there. It will interesting if that gets worse as the bike is ridden.

@muthatrucker6485

2 жыл бұрын

Wait till you drop a chain.... It will get wedged in there

Do all air forks need a specific pump. Or can a home air compressor do the job. Train, wood pecker. Busy day. Thanks for sharing this with us. Looks good

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

Yes. They need a high pressure pump

@mwilliamshs

2 жыл бұрын

Using a compressor without destroying a fork is like jedi-level. The fork has such a tiny volume that it's VERY easy to overinflate them.

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah. Don’t use an air compressor. Insta-kablooey!

I know I’m late to Exploring a cheap mountain bike build, I just got my explorer (168$ right now) in the mail yesterday, I’ve got forks, stem, pedals, and brakes picked out. Here’s my question what size headset do I need I’ve heard this headset isn’t sealed. Any info is much appreciated

Zoom hydraulic brakes are alright. They're a bit heavy compared to entry level Shimano MT200 hydro brakes. What I didn't like about Zoom brakes are the brake levers. They're a bit loose on the hinges.

@MrOscillot

2 жыл бұрын

But do they make Shimano in blue? 😂

can you do few upgrades to your GT aggressor pro if you still have it

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

Relative has that now

@bagera3005

2 жыл бұрын

@@KevCentral at list its being used

What is your overall diamond in the rruff bike that you've gotten right out of the box with hardly no upgrades

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

Axum DP is probably the closest to trail ready out of the box

Consider making a project bike a homage to an old school mtb. Rigid fork. See how it turns out. I love mine

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

Project Shoulder Tortue

Hyper Carbon x 26 or 29 with an EC44/1.5 lower Headset and an external fork. It’s what that bike really needed. With about 130-140mm of travel up front. I’d send you mine but I think you have one right?

@cjcox1480

2 жыл бұрын

This is not an adapter. You run the integrated bearing on top that was OEM and run an external cup headset on bottom instead of the integrated bearing. It’s heaps stronger with the 1.5 and External cup on bottom. You will have to remove the lower bearing cup, easily done with a slide hammer extractor. I wouldn’t steer you this way if hadn’t done the research already myself. A newer style “downcountry” fork is the answer. You can also get a 12x135 bolt on thru axle for the back to add some strength. Also worth it.

Same price as the Ardor but no tapered headset and steep head angle :\ At least it's in stock?

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah, it’s a bit pricey for what it is right now.

Interesting, the HT derailleur hanger is removable, while the FS is steel and a part of the triangle...

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

Yep. That’s one of the downsides to the steel rear of the FS

Hi, I am a idiot I rip of the stickers of the 5 digit model number 😞. Without that number I can’t order the part that I need fro the bike. Can someone help me?

That Goat🥸

That original fork looked rough tho 😆 things where spewing on the stantions alot of thick grime. That had to go. Is this cheap upgrades, or can we match colors 😉. I'm jk.

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

Ha!

From what I can tell the headtube is too narrow to accept a EC44 (External cup 44mm) bottom cup, which is the minimum size cup you need to allow a tapered fork. The previous Hyper Hydroform and Hyper Carbon X used a ZS44 (Zero Stack 44mm) bottom cup so you can use a EC44 to make it tapered. It adds about 10mm to the axle-to-crown measurement. This works pretty well with the Hydroform since the existing bottom bracket is already so low and the head angle so steep. I'm not sure why Hyper went backwards on this with such a narrow headtube.

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah. The narrow headtubes was a bizzare choice. I’m sure on some budget sheet they determined they could save a nickel over X number of bikes

Decent, my only gripe is with that seatpost. The clamp for the saddle rails is one of the worst type, and IMO would warrant replacing immediately. Came down hard on one of those single-bolt-walmart-box-bike style ones, seat just pitched up and tried to explore my butthole. Honestly, if you want something nifty on this bike, check out PNW. They make externally routed dropper posts for all different diameters!

@WalkerBikes

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah its a total shame if any bike is still made with that rail attachment method :/

@matrixracing8268

2 жыл бұрын

I've bent 3 of those same seatpost lol

Why would you buy cheap bikes then upgrade it to feel like premium? Is’nt this a cheap idea?

I would like you to check out the "Genisis" Wirlwind" I only bought it buse

@marymobley-cockrell720

2 жыл бұрын

Please examine thr "Genisis Whirl wind

@marymobley-cockrell720

2 жыл бұрын

Do you like the "GenisisWhirlwind"

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the suggestion

Man I absolutely love the look of this frame except for that headtube it just looks so flimsy

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah. Major oversight/wrong place to save a nickel part of a bike that replaces what was a great budget bike, IMO.

The screws on the bike stem look loose. As can see them going into the other part.

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

Nope, torqued using torque wrench and to the stated specs for the components

@THEGARNERCOLLECTIVE

2 жыл бұрын

@@KevCentral I have never seen a bike in a store having those gaps in stem but ok.

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

$9 stem 😁

On the factory fork I think you are lucky if its 60mm lol

Those grips look like ergon to me

is this your overall cheapest build for the money?

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

Good question. I would have to go back and look to see if it was the cheapest

@NovaPrime_00

2 жыл бұрын

@@KevCentral Once again, thanks and keep up the good work

The hydroforms in my city came with 1x9 for some reason

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

You must be in Canada

@InterAliaa

2 жыл бұрын

@@KevCentral Yes, we also had a 27.5 version with the same reddish colour scheme as the full suspension explorer but with the hydroform's rear triangle.

I would have went with orange pedals and orange and black saddle. Just my opinion.

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing. Color pedals added dollars

@tomward8057

2 жыл бұрын

@@KevCentral I thought about that after I posted! Lol good job though. I love how you take these bikes and make them better.

Has this always been $255?

C'mon Kev, you gotta shitcan the dork disc and the reflectors. Good videos though

7:55 Do not loose it Maximum trust!

Kindof looks like the stem screws are exposed and doesn't look like it's put together properly.

🚲

Be careful.... That's all I got to comment. Stay on the horizontal trails

looks good but that stem has to go, or get painted, thanks KevCentral

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

The stem is definitely NOT how I thought it was going to look 😂

Sage advice for new guys down here in the comments. Buy nice or buy twice.

No green Cogster grips for my Boundary.......

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

Interesting omission to their color options. Thanks for sharing

Let's go Mets

I had recons with wtb wheel and tires computer snafu grips mud gaurds new Shimano cassette

The one I owned got stolen I had a stack in parts

I got one of these for my 13 yo, and he has had it about a year. we are on the second bottom bracket and needs replacing again. the chain stay by the front gear continually snaps off regardless of material it is made from. the chain slaps the frame and has removed the coating from both the top and bottom of the lower arm. I wouldnt buy this bike again for anyone. the wheels are still running mostly true, and tires replaced. he is hard on it riding the mile to and from his school, but i have never worn a bike out like this one has been done.

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your experience

I don't know why people really try to stay away from single walls. I ride a single wall rim on my dirtjumper on bigger dirtjumps and that rim is still straight.

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

Double wall are stronger given the same quality wheel. On big box bikes single wall vs double wall is significant.

OK. I'm just putting this one out there. Anyone else ever have problems swapping deraileurs out? I'm talking like... 'oh hey I got the flat face thing off, put a tourney on and.... it's like I lost two inches on the cable and the pinch bolt mangled things' levels of wrong. it's like. Everything that could go wrong did go wrong on getting the shfiter in and right now it's either disassemble the shifter (which, to be fair is the higher end on twist shifters) or buy a replacement. I'm just at low confidence here since 'oh hey thevideos made this look super simple. Why the frik can't I do this simple thing?' Before thigns went all kinds of bad I will say the shifting was smoother though so that was nice. Though I got it purely to put a megarange on because 'I'm ReALLY not liking that one hill.'

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

Cable length requirements can vary between derailleurs. As far as the “everything that could go wrong did”….I think we’ve all been there when working on [insert anything] a time or two. Don’t be hard on yourself. Derailleur adjustments/setting cables can be one of the most frustrating parts of a bike to work on.

@singletona082

2 жыл бұрын

@@KevCentral Just enough went right to be encouraging. Nothing non replaceable is broke. It's just one of those frustrating setbacks that hti RIGHT when weather took a nice upturn.

I’m picking one up for 40 bucks guess I’ll make It a project

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

Congrats!

Dang those pedals are even crank brothers stamp knock offs…

I feel bad my a friend of mine from got into an e-bike head on accident his helmet saves his life yesterday

@KevCentral

2 жыл бұрын

Wow. Glad he was wearing a helmet.

Those pins on the pedals are worth $11. So even when the pedals fail you can keep the pins. LOL

The grips look like a pretty obvious Ergon knock off.